Proper Use of Child Safety Restraint Systems (CSRS) Flashcards

At what minimum weight does a child in California typically transition from a forward-facing child safety seat to a seat belt on a school bus with CSRS?

Answer: 40 lbs

Children weighing approximately 40 lbs or more who have outgrown a forward-facing seat typically use a lap/shoulder belt or booster seat as specified by the CSRS manufacturer limits.

What is the correct harness strap position for a forward-facing child safety seat on a school bus?

Answer: Straps at or above the child's shoulders

For a forward-facing seat, harness straps must be at or above the shoulder level to provide proper crash protection.

How should the chest clip of a child safety harness be positioned on the child?

Answer: At armpit/mid-chest level

The chest clip positions the harness straps correctly over the child's shoulders and must be placed at armpit/mid-chest level.

A driver notices a child safety seat on the bus has expired. What action must be taken?

Answer: Remove it from service and replace it with a current seat

Expired child safety seats must be removed from service; the plastic degrades over time and crash protection cannot be guaranteed.

What is the maximum amount of slack allowed in a child safety harness after it is properly tightened?

Answer: Enough to pinch a small fold at the shoulder — the 'pinch test'

The 'pinch test' determines proper tightness — if you can pinch the webbing at the shoulder, it is too loose; no slack means it passes.

Why should bulky winter coats NOT be worn under a child safety harness?

Answer: Coats compress in a crash, creating dangerous slack in the harness

In a crash, bulky coats compress, creating hidden slack in the harness and allowing the child to move too far forward before the harness engages.