Top Regulations Every School Bus Fleet Manager Must Know About CNG
Understanding CNG Compliance for School Bus Fleets
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel alternative for school buses. However, fleet managers must adhere to strict industry regulations to ensure safety and reliability. Failure to meet these requirements can result in risks to fleet operations, finances, and the safety of your technicians, drivers, and students. Let’s explore the top regulations every school bus fleet manager must know about CNG.
Key Compliance Regulations for CNG School Bus Fleets
1. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 304
The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees vehicle safety and the transportation of hazardous materials. Fleet managers must verify that CNG fuel systems meet DOT specifications under FMVSS 304, which establishes safety requirements for all motor vehicles, including CNG-powered school buses. Fleet managers must comply with fuel system integrity guidelines.
2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 52
NFPA 52 outlines installation, maintenance, and operation requirements for CNG fuel systems. This code ensures that CNG cylinders, onboard components, and fueling stations are protected against fire risks and fuel-related incidents.
3. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) NGV 6.1
ANSI NGV 6.1 sets safety and performance standards for the installation, inspection, and end-of-life disposal of CNG cylinders used in school buses and other commercial vehicles. Technicians can meet its requirements by:
- Conducting periodic visual inspections of CNG fuel cylinders.
- Following established guidelines for pressure relief devices (PRDs) to prevent failures.
- Replacing or decommissioning CNG cylinders at the end of their service lives to avoid structural weaknesses.
Best Practices for Maintaining CNG Compliance
- Conduct regular fuel system inspections and preventive maintenance.
- Provide ongoing CNG safety training for drivers and technicians.
- Stay updated with changes in federal, state, and local CNG regulations.
- Partner with accredited training providers to meet compliance standards.
How AFVi Supports CNG Compliance
AFVi offers expert training programs and CNG resources, founded on the highest levels of CNG safety codes and standards, to help school bus fleet managers meet current industry requirements while maintaining fleet efficiency. Our content is also continuously updated to reflect changes in the market.
Contact us to learn more about our available courses.
