Most states ban school bus drivers from smoking while they are on duty, meaning they are prohibited from lighting up in the vehicle or on campus. But the use of devices like electronic cigarettes is a bit hazy.
In an effort to clear the air, the federal government recently issued an advisory that cautions all commercial motor vehicle operators on possessing and using battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices, which the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration describes as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, personal vaporizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems. FMCSA did not mention school bus drivers by name, but did reference motorcoach operators.
FMCSA explained that the use of battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices has resulted in serious injuries from explosions and fires that have regularly involved the ejection of a burning battery case or other components from the device. According to the advisory, a common cause is charging the device battery.
FMCSA also cited U.S. Fire Administration estimates there have been 25 of these incidents between 2009 and 2014. FMCSA pointed out, however, media reports have indicated at least 1,502 incidents.
“The Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations do not specifically address the potential safety risks posed by battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices,” FMCSA said in its advisory. “However, motor carriers and drivers should be cognizant of the risks associated with these devices and exercise good judgment and appropriate discretion in their possession, storage, and charging or use on, around, or while operating a CMV, and adhere to the smoking prohibitions on, near, or when loading and unloading a motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials in accordance with 49 CFR 177.834(c) and 397.13.”
