Physical Assessment Standards for Utah
School Bus Drivers and Bus Attendants
Table of Contents
Physical Assessment Standard for School Bus Drivers .............................................................. 2
Physical Assessment Standard for School Bus Attendants........................................................4
Annual Physical Performance Assessment Evaluation Form..................................................... 6
Annual Physical Performance Assessment Evaluator Instructions............................................ 7
Return to Duty Physician’s Release Form.................................................................................. 9
Proper Lifting Techniques and Safety Precautions for Physical Assessment Evaluations.........10
ADA Compliant 2-02-2021
Physical Assessment Standards for Utah School Bus Drivers
Applicability:
This standard applies to all school bus drivers in the State of Utah.
Rationale:
School bus drivers must be physically capable to drive a school bus and evacuate students in an emergency. An
annual performance assessment test is required to evaluate the physical ability of each driver to perform the
essential functions of his/her job and safely evacuate students in an emergency.
Purpose:
The purpose of the annual performance assessment test is to help ensure the safety of students by requiring all
drivers to meet or exceed the State’s physical ability standard when operating a school bus.
Procedures to be followed:
Local Education Agencies (LEA) must develop and implement an annual performance assessment test to
evaluate the physical ability of a school bus driver to adequately perform the essential functions of his/her job
and to safely evacuate students in an emergency. Individuals who fail to pass the annual performance
assessment test shall not drive a school bus. The annual performance assessment test must meet or exceed the
state testing standards listed below:
1. Screen testing must be administered by a Bus Driver Instructor, Behind the Wheel Instructor or
Department Supervisor, utilizing a full-size, 40-foot school bus, or simulated by a third-party health care
provider in a controlled environment.
2. Confirmation testing must be administered by a Department Supervisor or a third-party health
care provider in a controlled environment.
3. Safe movement and lifting techniques must be utilized. Each driver should receive and read a copy of
“Proper Lifting Techniques and Safety Precautions for Physical Assessment Evaluations” or equivalent
training material prior to being given the physical assessment test.
4. New hires must safely pass the test prior to performing their duties as school bus drivers.
5. Bus drivers must safely pass the physical assessment a minimum of once every. The physical assessment
expires one year after the test date.
6. Components of the test must measure the physical ability of the individual to perform the following
minimum functions consecutively, without a rest break:
a.
Climb and descend bus stairs three times within 30 seconds. Use handrail and turn around at
the top of the stairs before coming down the stairs.
b. While sitting and looking forward, move right foot back and forth between throttle and brake 5
times within 10 seconds.
c. While sitting and looking forward, sequentially open and close the bus door, activate the four-way
hazard lights, and activate the right/left turn signals within 15 seconds.
d. Kneel down for 10 seconds; turn head to look under a school bus; and then return to a standing
position within 5 seconds (perform two times within 60 seconds).
e.
From seat height (16 inches), pick up and carry a 50-pound object a distance of 35 feet within 20
seconds.
f. Drag a 125-pound object on the ground a distance of 50 feet within 30 seconds. Test must be
performed walking backwards in an upright position. Object must be dragged on a “non-slick”
2
ground surface such as dry asphalt, concrete, or carpet. Wagons, sleds or any other weight-
bearing device that reduces ground friction may not be utilized.
3
Physical Assessment Standards for School Bus Attendants
Applicability:
This standard applies to all school bus attendants in the State of Utah.
Rationale:
School bus attendants must be physically capable to assist students who ride a school bus and evacuate students
in an emergency. An annual performance assessment test is required to evaluate the physical ability of each bus
attendant to perform the essential functions of his/her job and to safely evacuate students in an emergency.
Purpose:
The purpose of the annual performance assessment test is to help ensure the safety of students by requiring all
bus attendants to meet or exceed the State’s physical ability standard when assisting students who ride a
school bus.
Procedures to be followed:
Public and private entities must develop and implement an annual performance assessment test to evaluate the
physical ability of a school bus attendant’s ability to adequately perform the essential functions of his/her job
and to safely evacuate students in an emergency. Individuals who fail to pass the annual performance assessment
test shall not work as an attendant on a school bus. The annual performance assessment test must meet or
exceed the state testing standards listed below:
1. Screen testing must be administered by a Bus Driver Instructor, Behind the Wheel Instructor or
Department Supervisor, utilizing a full-size, 40-foot school bus, or simulated by a third-party health care
provider in a controlled environment.
2. Confirmation testing must be administered by a Department Supervisor or a third-party health care
provider in a controlled environment.
3. Safe movement and lifting techniques must be utilized. Each attendant must receive and read a copy of
“Proper Lifting Techniques and Safety Precautions for Physical Assessment Evaluations” or equivalent
training material prior to being given the physical assessment test;
4. New hires must safely pass the physical assessment test prior to performing their duties as school bus
a
tte
ndants; (be consistent by ending each statement with a period or semi-colon)
5. Bus attendants must safely pass the physical assessment a minimum of once every. The physical
assessment expires one year after the test date.
6. Components of the test must measure the physical ability of the individual to perform the following
minimum functions consecutively, without a rest break:
a. Climb and descend bus stairs three times within 30 seconds. Use handrail and turn around at the
top of the stairs before coming down the stairs.
b. Kneel down for 10 seconds; turn head to look under a school bus; and then return to a standing
position within 5 seconds (perform two times within 60 seconds).
c.
From seat height (16 inches), pick up and carry a 50-pound object a distance of 35 feet within 20
seconds.
d. Drag a 125-pound object on the ground a distance of 50 feet within 30 seconds. Test must be
performed walking backwards in an upright position. Object must be dragged on a “non-slick”
ground surface such as dry asphalt, concrete, or carpet. Wagons, sleds or any other weight-
bearing device that reduces ground friction may not be utilized.
7. An Attendant who is assigned to or substitutes on a school bus must be physically capable and trained to:
4
a. Stop the school bus safely.
b. Open the door using emergency controls.
c. Operate emergency equipment, fire extinguisher, seatbelt cutter etc.
d. Communicate with District dispatch, parents, and emergency personal.
e. Attach and Release wheelchair securements and/or Child Safety Restraint Systems (CSRS).
f. Assist the driver with students should the driver of a school bus become incapacitated during an
emergency. Attendant should be capable of taking over the evacuation process.
5
Utah State Board of Education Annual Physical Performance Assessment Evaluation Form
School bus drivers are required to perform all tasks. School bus attendants are required to perform tasks 1, 4, 5 and 6.
Driver’s Name ____________________________________________________ Date _______________
Attendant’s Name _________________________________________________
Date _______________
Evaluator’s
Name ___________________________________________________ Date _______________
Task #1 – Bus Stairs
Climb and descend bus stairs three times within 30 seconds.
Satisfactory Performance ________
Comments ________________________________________ Unsatisfactory Performance ______
Task #2 – Throttle and Brake Coordination
While sitting and looking forward, move right foot back and forth between throttle and brake 5 times
within 10 seconds.
Satisfactory Performance ________
Comments ________________________________________ Unsatisfactory Performance ______
Task #3 – Hand and Eye Coordination
While sitting and looking forward, sequentially open and close the bus door, activate the four-way hazard
lights, and activate the right/left turn signals within 15 seconds.
Satisfactory Performance ________
Comments ________________________________________ Unsatisfactory Performance ______
Task #4 – Kneeling and Standing Ability
Kneel down for 10 seconds; turn head to look under a school bus/secure a wheelchair; and then return to
a standing position within 5 seconds (perform two times within 60 seconds).
Satisfactory Performance ________
Comments ________________________________________ Unsatisfactory Performance ______
Task #5 – Pick Up and Carry
From seat height (16 inches), pick up and carry a 50-pound object a distance of 35 feet within 20 seconds.
Satisfactory Performance ________
Comments ________________________________________ Unsatisfactory Performance ______
Task #6 – Drag
Drag a 125-pound object on the ground a distance of 50 feet within 30 seconds. Test must be performed
walking backwards in an upright position.
Satisfactory Performance ________
Comments ________________________________________ Unsatisfactory Performance ______
6
Evaluator Instructions for Annual Physical Performance Assessment
Assessment Overview
Beginning with the implementation of the 2010 Standards for Utah School Buses and Operations, this physical
assessment is for use by Local Education Agencies (LEA) to evaluate a school bus driver or school bus attendant,
to determine how well they perform functions directly related to transportation-specific requirements. The
primary reason for this assessment is to enhance safety for pupil riders. An annual performance assessment test
is required to evaluate the physical ability of each attendant or driver to perform the essential functions of their
job and to safely evacuate students in an emergency (this is not a medical examination). When this assessment
tool is used, you should notify the person being evaluated of the scope of the performance demonstration. When
you use this assessment, please note that you must use the same assessment with all persons in the job category
of bus attendant or school bus driver.
LEAs may exceed these standards, these are a minimum for the standards assessment. These standards should
be included in a driver’s and attendant’s job description
Who can administer the test and what vehicle should be used?
Bus Driver Instructors, Behind the Wheel Instructors or Department Supervisors can administer the assessment.
The vehicle for the assessment should be a 40-foot school bus or a pre measured area to meet the evaluation
tasks. Confirmation testing must be administered by a Department Supervisor or a third-party health care
provider in a controlled environment.
Using the Performance Assessment form
These tasks have been developed as a tool for LEAs and human resource personnel. The assessment can be
used as a guide in determining whether a person can perform job related tasks required of a bus attendant or
school bus driver.
Evaluators must either read or provide the employee a copy of “Proper Lifting Techniques and Safety Precautions
for Physical Assessment Evaluations” ahead of administering the assessment tasks.
Drag task restrictions and acceptable modifications
The apparatus used to support the weight must not lessen the resistance of the weight. The weight should be
contained in a manner so as to stay intact for the entire distance. Wagons, sleds or any other weight-bearing
device that reduces ground friction may not be used. Object must be dragged on a ‘non-slick’ ground surface
such as dry asphalt, concrete or carpet.
A recommended device would be a large bag with handles or straps filled with sandbags to the appropriate
weight. The device should be made of a material to create enough friction to mimic dragging a student. Using a
manikin weighing 125 pounds is also acceptable for the drag task.
Each public or private entity should evaluate drivers and attendants using a consistent manner of evaluation for
each task.
7
Screen testing, confirmation testing, job action
Screen testing shall be done by certified instructors or department supervisors. Before job action, a third-party
tester shall be used for confirmation or failure to meet these standards.
Individuals who fail to pass the physical performance assessment screen test shall not drive or attend a school
bus until they are able to perform the physical performance assessment and the essential functions of the job.
Because of different contracts, school districts, charter schools and private entities need to work with their
Human Resource Departments to determine what the outcome will be for the driver or attendant who does not
pass this physical assessment. Departments may request the driver or attendant work with health care
professionals on a plan to increase their ability to pass the physical assessment.
Fit for Duty
A fitness for duty physical assessment may be required of an employee whose conduct on the job gives the
employer reason to believe that the employee cannot perform the job safely; or the employer has a reasonable
belief that the employee’s condition may prevent the employee from performing the job’s essential functions;
or the employee poses a direct threat to his or her own safety or the safety of others.
Return to Duty
School bus drivers and attendants are required to have a Return to Duty Physician’s Release Form for those
employees that have a medical condition that has removed them from driving. FMCSA regulations prohibit a
driver from beginning or continuing to drive if their ability and/or alertness is impaired by: fatigue, illness, or any
cause that makes it unsafe to begin (continue) to drive or be an attendant of a school bus.
Even if a driver currently has a valid physical assessment, the driver is prohibited from driving a school bus with
any medical condition that would disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a school bus. Once a
disqualifying medical condition is resolved, but before resuming operation of a school bus, a driver or attendant
is responsible for obtaining a Return to Duty Physicians Release Form.
8
Return to Duty Physician’s Release Form
Employee’s name ________________________________________Date ________________________________
Physician’s name_________________________________________Phone Number ________________________
School bus drivers and attendants must be physically capable to drive a school bus or attend a school bus and
evacuate students in an emergency. School bus drivers and attendants are required to annually validate a
performance assessment test to help ensure the safety of students. A return to duty release is required for drivers
and attendants to verify they are able to return to work and perform the essential duties of his/her job.
School bus drivers are required to perform all tasks. School bus attendants are required to perform tasks 1, 4, 5,
and 6.
Requirements of the performance assessment.
1. Climb and descend bus stairs three times within 30 seconds. Use handrail and turn around at the top of the
stairs before coming down the stairs.
2. While sitting and looking forward, move right foot back and forth between throttle and brake 5 times
within 10 seconds.
3. While sitting and looking forward, sequentially open and close the bus door, activate the four-way hazard
lights, and activate the right/left turn signals within 15 seconds.
4. Kneel down for 10 seconds; turn head to look under a school bus; and then return to a standing position
within 5 seconds (perform two times within 60 seconds).
5. From seat height (16 inches), pick up and carry a 50-pound object a distance of 35 feet within 20 seconds.
6. Drag a 125-pound object on the ground a distance of 50 feet within 30 seconds. Test must be performed
walking backwards in an upright position. Object must be dragged on a “non-slick” ground surface such as
dry asphalt, concrete, or carpet. Wagons, sleds or any other weight-bearing device that reduces ground
friction may not be utilized.
The aforementioned employee has been released by the physician mentioned above to return to Full Duty without
any restrictions on the date indicated below.
Return to Duty Date ____________________________
Physicians Signature _________________________________________ Date ____________________________
9
Proper Lifting
Tech
n
i
q
u
e
s
and Safety
P
re
c
au
t
i
o
ns
for
P
hy
s
i
ca
l
Assessment
E
v
al
u
a
t
i
o
n
s
1)
POOR POSTURE
IS A
COMMON
PROBL
E
M
Three conditions cause the majority of back
injurie
s, poor
posture,
a
sagging stomach, and unsafe lifting. Of these
three
,
problems
wi
t
h
posture may
be
the most
widesprea
d
.
No matter what position you are
in, if you have
good
posture
your-back
will
maintain the
"S"
curve
shape.
This provides the
proper
balance to the
spine.
To maintain the best
balance:
1) Stand
tall.
2) Hold your- head high.
3) Tilt your- hips forward.
4) Tuck in your chin
.
4
)
USE PROPER
LIFTING
AND
C
ARRYING
TE
C
HNIQ
UES
To
lift
:
1) Slowly
straighten
your-
l
egs.
2) Keep the object close
to
your body.
3) Bring your-back to
a
full
,
upr
i
gh
t
positio
n
.
There are also rules for
carrying
objec
t
s:
1) Move
slowly
and
smoo
t
hl
y
.
2) Always turn your-feet,
never
twist your-
b
a
c
k.
3) Reverse the steps
you
used to lift the object
when
you put
it
down
.
2) REGULAR
EXER
C
I
SE
CAN
MAKE
A
MAJOR
DIFFERE
N
C
E
Exercise is also very important in maintaining
a
healthy
bac
k.
A
good exercise program can help build a strong back
and
keep it
flexible
.
5) SOME SITUATIONS REQUIRE
HELP
Some objects or situations may require that you get
help
.
You need to look for assistance if
an object is
unusually
heavy, or awkward to
han
d
l
e.
3) PREPARING FOR
A
LIFTIS
ESPEC
IALLY
IM
PORTANT
Always think before you
lift
:
1) Examine the
object.
2) Decide where to grasp
it.
3)
Determine
how to hold
it.
4) Have a clear path to your-
destination.
5) Take your-
time
.
Initial positioning is also
important:
1) Stand close to the
object.
2) Place your feet
comforta
b
l
y
apa
r
t.
3) Bend at the
knee.
4) Keep your back
straight.
5) Get a good
grip.
10
RE
M
EMBER
...
1) Back injuries are one of the most common problems
we
can have with our
body.
2) Back injuries can be painful and result in medical
b
ills,
lost
work time and even
permanent
disability
.
3) The back is a complex mechanism made up of
many
partseach
susceptible to
injury.
4) Back problems can be caused several different ways.
5) Posture is very important in any position.
6) You should exercise regularly to strengthen your- back and
keep it flexible.
7) Using proper lifting techniques is a big part of back
safety.
