Forms & Resources

The following links provided are resources for transportation professionals, school administrators, and parents in Ohio.  This information ranges from various professional trade organizations, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, National Highway Safety Administration, CDL information, and district, school and parent resources for pupil transportation.

Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Oxygen on School Buses and Motor Vans

OAC 3301-83-20 provides that medically necessary oxygen for students may be transported provided it is properly secured. The oxygen should be housed in portable units less than fifteen pounds total weight each. This rule requires that guidelines for transporting oxygen will be developed and administered by the Department of Education and Workforce.

The following are guidelines for the safe transportation of oxygen on school buses and motor vans. The information provided in these guidelines does not, and is not intended to, constitute regulatory standards; instead, all content and resources available are for general informational purposes only and may not reflect current information for all specifications related to oxygen management in the school setting.

• Oxygen is to be transported on school buses only when it is medically necessary. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a child with disabilities should document the oxygen use requirement. The IEP should be consulted for changes in medical equipment or transportation.
• Prior to initial transportation, school administration and transportation personnel should be informed as to the type and size of the oxygen tank to be transported.
• Regarding a student using oxygen only on an “as needed” basis, the decision as to what is necessary is the responsibility of trained medical personnel only. This decision is not the responsibility of the bus or motor van operator or aide.
  • A determination should  be made as to who will load and unload the medical support equipment. Appropriate training should be provided for these procedures.
• The development of an emergency plan is strongly recommended in the event of a medical emergency or equipment failure.
• It is recommended that only one medical support device per student be transported.
• The transportation department should consult with legal counsel regarding not assuming responsibility for storing any medical equipment.
• A contingency procedure should be developed to avoid oxygen being transported without proper securement in the event the regular bus breaks down.

• Oxygen should be transported in a secure container maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The oxygen should be housed in a portable unit and should be less than 15 pounds total weight as specified in OAC  3301-83-20.
  • All oxygen units are to have valves and regulators that are protected against breakage. Manufacturer’s precautions are usually printed on a label attached to the cylinder and should be followed whenever possible.
• All oxygen tanks are to  be securely attached to prevent movement and leakage. This securement should be located on the sidewall of the school bus in the upright position at a rib or body support in a rack or mounting bracket capable of sustaining five (5) times the weight of the tank and contents.
  • Since they are under pressure and could accelerate a fire, all oxygen tanks (gas or liquid) should be secured away from intense heat or friction.
  • In cases where the oxygen is attached to a wheelchair or other support equipment, the tank shall be removed and secured prior to transport.
  • Oxygen tanks or other medical support equipment should never be stored or secured in the head impact zone.
• While it is not mandatory to place any placards or labels on the bus, a decal indicating medical support equipment is in use may be helpful to emergency personnel in the event of an accident.

The transportation of oxygen on a school bus creates added concern and responsibility to all involved. However, with prior planning and proper securement, oxygen can be safely transported.

Resources for transporting and handling oxygen at the school site and on pupil transportation vehicles may be accessed at:

• Ohio Department of Health:  https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/school-nursing-program/media/oxygen-use-in-schools
• National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures https://nasdpts.org/NSTSP-Documents

Links of Interest

• Child Safety Restraints and Seat Belts
  • NHSTA:   Child Safety Restraint Systems (CSRS) on School Buses National Training https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/child-safety-restraint-systems-csrs-school-buses-national-training
  • NHTSA:   Car Seats and Booster Seats https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats
  • Ohio Revised Codes (ORC) 4511.81, 4513.263 pertaining to child safety restraints
• FMCSA Clearinghouse Training 12/19/2023
  • Clearinghouse Power point
  • FMCSA Clearinghouse query waiver
• School Foundation Payment System (SFPS) Training - 1/18/2023
• FMVSS Rule on Harnesses  10/29/2024
• Federal CDL Guidelines: 2002  
• Federal Drug & Alcohol Regulations
• NHTSA: School Bus Safety Information
• NASDPTS:  Alternative Transportation Position Paper 2025 
• NHTSA: Vehicle Defect Reporting
• National Transportation Safety Board    

Professional Trade Organizations

• BASA - Buckeye Association of School Administrators  
• NASDPTS - National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services  
• NAPT - National Association for Pupil Transportation  
• NSTA - National School Transportation Association  
• OAPT - Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation  
• OASBO - Ohio Association of School Business Officials  
• OPTA - Ohio Parent Teacher Association  
• OSBA - Ohio School Boards Association  

Last Modified: 1/22/2025 3:59:18 PM

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