except when necessary and then only when it is safe to do so. .  Avoid  excessive  speeds  at  all  times.  The  fuel tank truck is top-heavy when loaded with fuel, and unstable  when  partially  filled  with  fuel.  The  operator must be alert when traveling over rough terrain, on gravel,   and   on   curves. Be  alert  for  passing  or approaching  traffic. . Drive downgrade in the same gear that would be used  to  drive  upgrade. . Move completely off the road if possible, when parking. Set the brakes and chock the wheels when parked  on  a  grade.    Set flags during the day and set reflectors at night. . Stop at all railroad crossings, and be especially watchful if there are multiple tracks. .  Keep  your  vehicle  moving  to  prevent  an accumulation of vapor if a small leak develops. Arrange to discharge the load at the nearest point. .  Ask  for  assistance  if  a  large  amount  of  fuel is escaping which may be the case if the vehicle is damaged.  Immediately  secure  the  engine,  cordon the  area,  and  obtain  fire-fighting  and  security support. . Avoid driving past a fire or near the site until it is safe to do so. . Never smoke on or about tank vehicles used for hauling flammable liquids. Carry no matches on such vehicles. . Examine tires occasionally on long hauls for air pressure and for damage that could cause an accident. .  Fuel-handling  vehicles  should  be  parked  in  the least congested area of a pool, properly marked with the type of fuel on board, and No Smoking Within 50 Feet signs  visible  from  any  direction.  Remember:  SAFETY FIRST. BUS DRIVER A bus driver must be mature and reliable and must ensure   a   bus   is   safe   before   driving   it.   Besides performing   the   normal   prestart   procedures,   the following are items the operator must ensure are in good working order: 1. Service brakes 2. Parking brake 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Steering  mechanism Lights  and  reflectors Tires and horn Windshield   wipers Rearview mirror or mirrors Wheels  and  rims Additionally,  check  the  interior  of  the  bus  to ensure rider safety. Aisles and stairwells must always be clear and the following must be in a safe working condition: 1. Each handhold and railing 2. Floor covering 3.  Signal  devices  (emergency  door  buzzer) 4.  Emergency  exit  handles 5.  Emergency  exit  sign  visible 6. Seats secured to the bus NOTE: The bus must have a fire extinguisher and emergency reflectors as outlined in the  Federal  Motor Carrier  Safety  Regulations  Pocketbook,   ORS-7A. Additionally, the bus must also have spare electrical fuses  unless  equipped  with  circuit  breakers. When  performing  the  normal  prestart  inspection procedures for a bus, you should use the Bus Inspection Memory  Aid  (fig.  6-22). The bus driver has the responsibility for the orderly behavior and safety of all passengers and cargo and should be neat in appearance and maintain a courteous attitude. The following are rules a bus driver must follow when operating  a bus: 1. Do not allow a rider to stand forward of the rear of the driver’s seat. Buses, designed to allow standing, should have a 2-inch line on the floor or some other means  showing  riders  where  they  cannot  stand.  This line is called the standee line, and all passengers must stay  behind  it. 2. Do not put a bus in motion with the doors open, and do not close the doors until all passengers are completely clear of the doors. 3. Pay attention to the road when driving and do not   carry   on   unnecessary   conversation passengers  while  the  vehicle  is  in  motion. with the 6-28