MOTORHOME BUS EMERGENCY EXIT COMPLIANCE ?

Submitted: Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 08:07
ThreadID: 98339 Views:5067 Replies:6 FollowUps:4
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Doing a motorhome bus conversion [ 40 footer ,] redoing the rear end where the rear window is also the Emergency Exit. I have notice that some of the conversions on buses of the rear has been covered or panelled over. Question is,; is there a requirement [ law ] for emergency exit in bus motorhomes ?Any suggestions please , thanks.
ROBJANIE
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Reply By: Shaker - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 09:01

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 09:01
I can't see why it would be any different to any other motor home such as Winnebago etc. If you have seen others with the rear window reclad, then they have obviously passed any test required for registration requirements.
Maybe for peace of mind, you should contact the relevant authority for a definitive answer, rather than rely on unqualified forum advice.
AnswerID: 495979

Follow Up By: ROBJANIE - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 09:38

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 09:38
Thanks Shaker,I will be doing that, it happens to be a public holiday today, but yesterday when I peeled part of the inside corner off, [ roof hole =rust hole=leak=damn!!! ],I just had this vision of can these motorhomes cover up Emergency Exits ????
Just a overlooked thought but will definitly find out from a Mr. ADR !
[ aka the thought Police ! ]
Just wondered how others have got around this ?? or not.
ROBJANIE
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FollowupID: 771601

Reply By: disco driver - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 11:54

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 11:54
Hi Guys,
Have you considered leaving the emergency window in place and just cover it up with a curtain/ blind. Most conversions I've seen have the main bed space at the rear.

Of course this won't work if that is where you wish to build the shower /toilet area.

Check with your State licencing authority and it may well be worth your while to check out the CMCA website, you may have to join CMCA but there may be benefits from being a member (Insurance etc).

Disco.
AnswerID: 495991

Follow Up By: Greg Newell - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 13:25

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 13:25
G day just for your info I worked as a Rta inspector for 24 years so I Speak as the retired government employe who would look at it ,and the answer is simple the vehicle is no longer a bus as its shape and usage is now a moterhome once you do this the ADR will not apply re the emergency exit . Good luck safe travels hope you did not loose to much sleep over this many issues are resolved with easy you just need to know we're to ask
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FollowupID: 771608

Reply By: pop2jocem - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 13:45

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 13:45
Maybe also ask yourself why the original legislation called for a fire/emergency exit at the rear, assuming the main door is 40' away at the front.
AnswerID: 495996

Follow Up By: Greg Newell - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 16:54

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 16:54
That's why there are 2 roof hatches and side exit windows in the ADR requirement .also exits for use when the passenger numbers increase so do the amount of exits again this dose not apply when it's used as a motor home
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FollowupID: 771613

Follow Up By: pop2jocem - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 21:42

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 21:42
Maybe the ADR rules don't apply but what about the rules of common sense and self preservation.
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FollowupID: 771631

Reply By: Rockape - Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 22:00

Monday, Oct 01, 2012 at 22:00
Mate,
you have just received the best answer of all from Greg Newell. You won't get better advice than from an ex RTA inspector.

So go sheet up the exit as you wanted to do, unless you are planning on carrying 30 odd paying punters.

RA.
AnswerID: 496021

Reply By: lancie49 - Tuesday, Oct 02, 2012 at 23:43

Tuesday, Oct 02, 2012 at 23:43
These emergency exits allow for the window to be pushed out don't they ?
If that's the case, why not paint or vinyl clad the glass to screen it.

If you want something a little more permanent and secure, perhaps fix a sheet of colourbond directly to the window so the whole lot can be pushed out/removed if necessary ?

As someone said, it would be nice to have a way out if the need arose, regulations or not.
AnswerID: 496078

Reply By: ROBJANIE - Wednesday, Oct 03, 2012 at 15:45

Wednesday, Oct 03, 2012 at 15:45
Thanks all for replying , I actually prefer to have another "exit", but by crikey, trying to pull the bloody window off with the two 'supplied ' handles didn't actually work, it was so hard [ I am a reasonably fit fella ] Had to take the infill strip out first on the out side[ How do you do that from the inside ? ] you see , the rubber had hardened and been painted over,
Ah well, start over again and make a new one. I really want to have an exit on a long bus [ what if the left hand door area got "bumped"or really got pushed out of functional shape ??
Thanks all,
ROBJANIE
AnswerID: 496099

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