واﻟ واﻟ  ﻟﻠ  اﻟ  اﻟﻬ   
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org (SASO)  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
SASO/FDS 31699:2019 
  
 
  ﻣﺘﻄﻠﺒﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﺼﻤﻴﻢ   –ﺍﻟﺤﺎﻓﻼﺕ 
Buses - Requirements of Construction 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
ICS:  43.080.020 
 
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT S ASO STANDARD CIRCULATED FOR 
COMMENT. IT IS, THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY 
NOT BE REFERRED TO AS A SAS O STANDARD UNTIL APPROVED 
BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 ICS : 43.080.020 Content: 
 
1-  Scope and field of application  ................................ ............................................................... .............. 6 
2-Definitions ................................................... ............................................................... .......................... 6 
3-  tions Buses classifica  .............................................. ............................................................... ........... 10 
3.1   For buses with a capacity exceedi ng 22 passengers in addition t o the driver, there are three 
classes of vehicles ........................................... ............................................................... ................... 10 
3.2   For buses with a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers in additi on to the driver, there are two 
classes of vehicles ........................................... ............................................................... ................... 11 
4-  Requirements  .................................................. ............................................................... .................. 11 
Annex 1 ....................................................... ............................................................... ........................... 13 
Requirements to be met by all vehicles ........................ ............................................................... .......... 13 
A.1 Requirements .............................................. ............................................................... ................. 13 
ion of accidents A.1.3    Prevent  .............................................. ....................................................... 14 
A.1.4 Stability test ................................................ ............................................................... .... 14 
A.1.5 Protection against fire risks ........................... ............................................................... ....... 15 
A.1.6 Exits (doors) ................................................. ............................................................... .. 19 
A.1.7 Interior arrangements ......................................... ........................................................... 33 
A.1.8 Artificial interior lighting .................................. ............................................................ 43 
A.1.9 Articulated section of articulated vehicles.................... ................................................. 44 
holding of articulated vehicles- A.1.10    Direction  ........................................... ............................ 44 
A.1.11    Handrails and handholds ............................. ............................................................... .... 44 
A.1.12    Guarding of step wells and exposed seats ............ .......................................................... 46 
A.1.13   Baggage racks and occupant protection  ......................... .............................................. 46 
A.1.14    Trap doors, if fitted ............................... ............................................................... ........... 46 
A.1.15   Visual entertainment ................................. ............................................................... ........ 47 
A.1.16    Trolleybuses ........................................ ............................................................... ............ 47 
A.1.17    Passenger protection in vehicles without a roof ..... ........................................................ 47 
A.1.18   Vision and communication aid ......................... ...............................................................  47 
Annex 2 -  ............................................................. ............................................................... ................... 48 
Verification of static tilting limit by means of calculation .. ............................................................... ... 48 
Annex  3 ...................................................... ............................................................... ........................... 78 
operated doors- the closing forces of power Guidelines for measuring  ...................................... ........... 78 
operated ramps- And the reactive forces of power  .............................. ................................................... 78 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.3.1 General ....................................................... ............................................................... ........ 78 
A.3.2 Definitions ................................................... ............................................................... ....... 78 
ts A.3.3 Measuremen  .............................................. ............................................................... ............. 79 
A.3.4 Measuring device ........................................ ............................................................... .............. 80 
Annex 4 ....................................................... ............................................................... ........................... 81 
Alternative requirements for vehicles of Classes A and B ...... .............................................................. 81 
Annex 5 ....................................................... ............................................................... ........................... 84 
y for passengers with reduced mobility Accommodation and accessibilit  ................................ ............. 84 
A.5.1 General ................................................. ............................................................... .................... 84 
A.5.2 Scope ................................................... ............................................................... ..................... 84 
A.5.3 Requirements ............................................ ............................................................... ................ 84 
A.5.3.1 Steps ................................................. ............................................................... ................. 84 
A.5.3.2 Priority seats and space for passengers with reduced mo bility ........................................ 84 
A.5.3.3 Communication devices ................................. ............................................................... ... 85 
3.4 Handrails to priority seatingA.5.  .......................................................... ................................... 85 
A.5.3.5 Floor slope ........................................... ............................................................... .............. 85 
A.5.3.6 Wheelchair accommodation provisions ................... ......................................................... 85 
A.5.3.9 Door controls ......................................... ............................................................... ............ 92 
visions for the accommodation of unfolded prams and pushchairs A.5.3.10 Pro  .......................... 92 
A.5.3.11 Provisions for boarding devices ...................... ...............................................................  93 
Annex 6 ....................................................... ............................................................... ........................... 96 
dimensions Masses and  ................................................... ............................................................... ....... 96 
A.6.2  Definitions ................................................... ............................................................... ....... 96 
A.6.3 Requirements ............................................ ............................................................... ................ 97 
A.6.3.4 Manœuvrability ........................................ ............................................................... ........... 101 
Annex 7 ....................................................... ............................................................... ......................... 104 
iptions for trolleybuses Additional safety prescr  ...................................... ............................................ 104 
A.7.1 Definitions and operating parameters .................... ............................................................... . 104 
A.7.2 Current collection ...................................... ............................................................... ............. 105 
A.7.3 Traction and auxiliary equipment ........................ ............................................................... ... 105 
A.7.4 Electrical safety of passengers and crew ................ ...............................................................  107 
s compartment’ A.7.5 The driver  .............................................. ....................................................... 108 
Part 1 - Annex 8  ...................................................... ............................................................... ............. 109 
approved as a component Fire suppression system  ...................................... ....................................... 109 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 1   . Specifications  ................................................ ............................................................... .............. 109 
1.3   . load fire- High  .......................................................... ............................................................... . 109 
1.4   . ad firelo-Low  ........................................................... ............................................................... . 109 
1.5   . load fire with fan- High  .......................................................... .................................................. 109 
1.6   . ignition test-Re  ............................................................ ............................................................ 109 
Part 2 – Annex 8  ...................................................... ............................................................... ............. 109 
Fire suppression system installed in a specific engine compartm ent .................................................. 109 
1  .Specifications  ................................................ ............................................................... .............. 109 
1.4   . d fireloa- High  .......................................................... ............................................................... . 110 
1.5   . load fire-Low  ........................................................... ............................................................... . 110 
1.7   . ignition test-Re  ............................................................ ............................................................ 110 
Appendix 1 - Annex 8  ...................................................... ............................................................... .... 110 
Test apparatus, test fires and general test specifications .... ............................................................... .. 110 
1   . Test apparatus  ................................................ ............................................................... .............. 110 
1.2  . Object locations  .............................................. ............................................................... ...... 112 
1.3  . Framework ...................................................... ............................................................... ...... 113 
1.4  . Apertures  ..................................................... ............................................................... ......... 113 
1.5  .Fan  ........................................................... ............................................................... ............. 114 
1.6  . up components- Mock  .......................................................... ................................................ 114 
1.7  . Thermocouples  ................................................. ............................................................... .... 114 
1.8  . Propane burner  ................................................ ............................................................... ..... 115 
1.9  . Obstructions  .................................................. ............................................................... ....... 116 
2   . Test fires  .................................................... ............................................................... .................. 118 
3   . Installation of the fire suppression system  ................... .............................................................. 119 
3.4  . Test method  ................................................... ............................................................... ....... 120 
4   . Tolerances  .................................................... ............................................................... ............... 121 
Appendix 2 - Annex 8  ...................................................... ............................................................... .... 121 
re load fi- High  .......................................................... ............................................................... ............. 121 
Appendix 3 - Annex 8  ...................................................... ............................................................... .... 122 
load fire-Low  ........................................................... ............................................................... ............. 122 
Appendix 4 - Annex 8  ...................................................... ............................................................... .... 123 
load fire with fan- High  .......................................................... .............................................................. 123 
MAIN REFRENCES:  ............................................................. ............................................................ 126 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Buses - Requirements of Construction  
 
1- Scope and field of application 
This standard specifies the general requirements for large and small buses (M 2 and M 3 buses) 
include single-deck, double-deck, rigid or articulated. 
 
This standard applies to buses with a capacity more/less than 2 2 passengers. 
 
This standard do not apply to the vehicles designed for the car riage of school children (school 
buses), the secure transport of p ersons (prisoners) and the car riage of injured or sick persons 
(ambulances). 
2-Definitions 
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and defi nitions apply.  
2.1 Articulated vehicle  
A vehicle which consists of two or more rigid sections which ar ticulate relative to one another; 
the passenger compartments of each section intercommunicate so that passengers can move 
freely between them; the rigid sections are permanently connect ed so that they can only be 
separated by an operation involving facilities which are normal ly only found in a workshop. 
2.1.1  Double-decker articulated vehicle 
A vehicle which consists of two or more rigid sections which ar ticulate relative to one another; 
the passenger compartments of each section intercommunicate on at least one deck so that 
passengers can move freely between them; the rigid sections are  permanently connected so that 
they can only be separated by an operation involving facilities  which are normally only found 
in a workshop. 2.1.4  Low floor vehicle  
Is a vehicle of Class I, II or A in which at least 35 per cent of the area available for standing 
passengers (or in its forward section in the case of articulate d vehicles, or in its lower deck in 
the case of double-decker vehicles) forms an area without steps  and includes access to at least 
one service door. 2.1.5  Bodywork  
A separate technical unit comprising all the special internal a nd external equipment of the 
vehicle. 
2.1.6  Double-deck vehicle  
A vehicle where the provided spaces for passengers are arranged , at least in one part, in two 
superimposed levels and spaces for standing passengers are not provided in the upper deck. 
2.1.7  Separate technical unit  
A device intended to be part of a vehicle, which may be type-ap proved separately but only in 
relation to one or more specified types of vehicle. 
2.1.8 Trolleybus  
A vehicle, electrically driven by energy from external, overhea d contact wires. For the purposes 
of this standard, it also includes such vehicles having an addi tional internal means of propulsion 
(dual mode vehicles) or having a means of temporary external gu idance (guided trolleybuses). 
 
 
2.1.9  Vehicle without roof
1  
                                                            
 1  The use of these vehicles may be subject to rules established  by National Administrations.  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A vehicle without roof over all or part of its deck. In the cas e of a double-decked vehicle this 
shall be the upper deck. Space for standing passengers shall no t be provided on any deck 
without roof, independently of the class of vehicle. 
2.2  Definition of type(s) 
2.2.1  Vehicle type  
Vehicles, which do not differ in the following essential aspect s: 
(a) Bodywork manufacturer; 
(b) Chassis manufacturer; 
(c) Vehicle concept (> 22 pa ssengers or ≤ 22 passengers); 
(d) Bodywork concept (single / double-deck, articulated, low-fl oor); 
(e) Bodywork type if the bodywork has been approved as a separa te technical unit. 
2.2.2  Bodywork type  
For the purposes of type-approval as a separate technical unit means a category of bodywork 
which does not essentially differ in the following aspects: 
(a) Bodywork manufacturer; 
(b) Vehicle concept (> 22 pa ssengers or ≤ 22 passengers); 
(c) Bodywork concept (single/ double-deck, articulated, low-flo or); 
(d) Mass of the completely equipped vehicle bodywork, differing  by 10 per cent; 
(e) Specified types of vehicle on which the type of the bodywor k can be installed. 
2.2.3  Fire suppression system type 
For the purpose of type approval as a component means a categor y of systems which does not 
essentially differ in the following aspects:  
(a) Fire suppression system manufacturer;  
(b) Extinguishing agent;  
(c) Type of discharge point(s) used (e.g. type of nozzle, extin guishing agent generator or 
extinguishing agent discharge tube);  
(d) Type of propellant gas, if applicable." 
2.3  " Approval of a vehicle, a separate technical unit or a component" means the approval of a 
type of vehicle, bodywork or component as defined in paragraph 2.2 with regard to the 
constructional features specified in this standard. 
2.4  Superstructure  
The part of the bodywork which contributes to the strength of t he vehicle in the event of a roll-
over accident. 
2.5  Service door  
A door intended for use by passengers in normal circumstances w ith the driver seated. 
2.6  Double door  
A door affording two, or the equivalent of two, access passages . 
2.7  Sliding door  
A door which can be opened or closed only by sliding it along o ne or more rectilinear or 
approximately rectilinear rails. 
2.8  Emergency door  
A door intended for use by passengers as an exit only exception ally and in particular in an 
emergency. 
2.9  Emergency window  
A window, not necessarily glazed, intended for use as an exit b y passengers in an emergency 
only. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 2.10  Double or multiple window  
An emergency window which, when divided into two or more parts by imaginary vertical 
line(s) (or plane(s)), exhibits two or more parts respectively,  each of which complies as to 
dimensions and access with the requirements applicable to a nor mal emergency window. 
2.11  Escape hatch  
An opening in the roof or the floor intended for use as an emer gency exit by passengers in an 
emergency only. 
2.12  Emergency exit  
An emergency door, emergency window or escape hatch. 
2.13  Exit  
A service door, intercommunication staircase, half-staircase or  emergency exit. 
2.14  Floor or deck  2.14.1  Floor   
That part of the bodywork whose upper surface supports standing  passengers, the feet of seated 
passengers and the driver and any crew member, and may support the seat mountings; 
2.14.2  Deck  
That part of the floor provided only for the passengers. 
2.15  Gangway  
Means the space providing access by passengers from any seat or  row of seats or each special 
area for wheelchair users to any other seat or row of seats or each special area for wheelchair 
users or to any access passage from or to any service door or i ntercommunication staircase and 
any area for standing passengers; it does not include: 
2.15.1   The space extending 300 mm in front of any seat, except where  a sideways-facing seat 
is situated above a wheel arch, in which case this dimension ma y be reduced to 225 mm (see 
Annex 2, Figure 24); 
2.15.2   The space above the surface of any step or staircase (except where the surface of the 
step is contiguous with that of a gangway or access passageway) ; or 
2.15.3   Any space which affords access solely to one seat or row of s eats or a facing pair of 
transverse seats or row of seats. 
2.16  Access passage  
The space extending inwards into the vehicle from the service d oor up to the outermost edge of 
the upper step (edge of the gangway), intercommunication stairc ase or half-staircase. Where 
there is no step at the door, the space to be considered as acc ess passage shall be that which is 
measured according to Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.1 up to a distan ce of 300 mm from the starting 
position of the inner face of the test gauge. 
2.17 Driver’s compartment  
The space intended for driver’s exclusive use except in the cas e of an emergency and containing 
the driver’s seat, the steering wheel, controls, instruments an d other devices necessary for 
driving or operating the vehicle. 
2.18  Mass of the vehicle in running order  
The mass of the unladen vehicle with bodywork, and with couplin g device in the case of a 
towing vehicle, in running order, or the mass of the chassis wi th cab if the manufacturer does 
not fit the bodywork and/or coupling device (including coolant,  oils, 90 per cent fuel, 100 per 
cent other liquids except used waters, tools, spare wheel and d river (75 kg), and, for buses and 
coaches, the mass of the crew member (75 kg) if there is a crew  seat in the vehicle. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 2.19  Technically permissible maximum laden mass (M) 
The maximum mass of the vehicle based on its construction and p erformance, stated by the 
manufacturer. The technically permissible maximum laden mass is  used to determine the 
vehicle category. 
2.20  Passenger 
A person, other than the driver or a member of the crew. 
2.21  Passenger with reduced mobility  
All passengers who have a difficulty when using public transpor t, such as disabled people 
(including people with sensory and intellectual impairments, an d wheelchair users, people with 
limb impairments, people of small stature, people with heavy lu ggage, elderly people, pregnant 
women, people with shopping trolleys, and people with children (including children seated in 
pushchairs). 
2.22  Wheelchair user  
A person who due to infirmity or disability uses a wheelchair f or mobility. 
2.23  Member of the crew  
A person assigned to operate as a co-driver or the possible ass istant. 
2.24  Passenger compartment  
A space intended for passengers’ use excluding any space occupi ed by fixed appliances such 
as bars, kitchenettes, toilets or baggage/goods compartments. 
2.25  Power-operated service door  
A service door which is operated exclusively by energy other th an muscular energy and the 
opening and closing of which, if not automatically operated, is  remotely controlled by the driver 
or a member of the crew. 
2.26  Automatically-operated service-door 
A power-operated service door which can be opened (other than b y means of emergency 
controls) only after a control is  operated by a passenger and a fter activation of the controls by 
the driver, and which closes again automatically. 
2.27  Starting prevention device  
A device which prevents the vehicle being driven away from rest  when a door is not fully 
closed. 
2.28  Driver operated service door 
A service door which normally is opened and closed by the drive r. 
2.29  Priority seat  
A seat with additional space for a passenger with reduced mobil ity and marked accordingly. 
2.30  Boarding device 
A device to facilitate wheelchair access to vehicles, such as l ifts, ramps, etc. 
2.31  Kneeling system  
A system which lowers and lifts totally or partially the body o f a vehicle relative to the normal 
position of travel. 
2.32 Lift  
A device or system with a platform that can be raised and lower ed to provide passenger access 
between the floor of a passenger compartment and the ground or kerb. 
2.33  Ramp  
A device to bridge the gap between the floor of a passenger com partment and the ground or 
kerb. In its position for use, it includes any surface that may  move as part of the ramp SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 deployment or be available for use only when the ramp is in its  deployed position and over 
which a wheelchair is intended to travel. 
2.34  Portable ramp  
A ramp that may be detached from the vehicle structure and capa ble of being deployed by a 
driver or crew member. 
2.35  Demountable seat  
A seat that can be easily detached from the vehicle. 
2.36  "Front" and "rear"  
The front or rear of the vehicle according to the normal direct ion of travel and the terms; 
"forward", "foremost", "rearward " and "rearmost" etc. shall be construed accordingly. 
2.37  Intercommunication staircase  
A staircase which allows communication between the upper and lo wer decks. 
2.38  Separate compartment 
A space in the vehicle which may be occupied by passengers or c rew when the vehicle is in use 
and which is separated from any other passenger or crew space, except where any partition 
allows passengers to see into the next passenger space, and is connected by a gangway without 
doors. 
2.39  Half staircase 
Is a staircase from the upper deck which terminates in an emerg ency door. 
2.40  Service-door lighting  
A lighting device(s) of the vehicle designed to illuminate the exterior vicinity of service doors 
and wheels. 
2.41 Overnight locking system 
A system designed to provide the possibility to secure the serv ice and emergency doors of the 
vehicle against opening. Systems that are intended to be operat ed by passengers from inside the 
vehicle shall not be regarded as overnight locking systems. 
2.42 Emergency lighting system 
A system that provides a minimum level of lighting necessary to  enable occupants to safely 
egress from the vehicle, including the emergency exits. 
2.43  Safety sign  
Aconfiguration of visual elements intended to convey a safety-r elated message. 
3- Buses classifications  
3.1 For buses with a capacity exceeding 22 passengers in additi on to the driver, there are 
three classes of vehicles: 
3.1.1 Class I 
Buses constructed with areas for standing passengers, to allow frequent passenger movement. 
3.1.1 Class II 
Buses constructed principally for the carriage of seated passen gers, and designed to allow the 
carriage of standing passengers in the gangway and/or in an are a which does not exceed the 
space provided for two double seats.  
3.1.1 Class III 
Buses constructed exclusively for the carriage of seated passen gers;  
Note: A vehicle may be regarded as belonging in more than one Class. In such a case it may be approved for each 
Class to which it corresponds. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 3.2 For buses with a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers in ad dition to the driver, there 
are two classes of vehicles: 
3.2.1 Class A 
Buses designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of this class has seats and shall have 
provision for standing passengers. 3.2.2 Class B  
Buses not designed to carry standing passengers; a vehicle of t his class has no provision for 
standing passengers. 
 
4- Requirements 
4.1 All vehicles shall comply with the provisions set out in An nex1 to this standard. The 
approval of a vehicle incorpora ting bodywork approved shall be completed in accordance 
with Annex 1. Fire suppression systems approved separately shal l comply with Annex 8, Part 
1. In the case of an approval of  a vehicle with a fire suppress ion system installed in a specific 
engine compartment, it shall comply with the requirements of An nex 8, Part 2." 
4.2  Vehicles of Class I shall b e accessible for people with re duced mobility, including at least 
one wheelchair user and one pram or unfolded pushchair accordin g to the technical provisions 
laid down in Annex 8. In rigid vehicles of Class I the area for  the accommodation of a 
wheelchair may be combined with the area for the accommodation of an unfolded pushchair 
or pram. In such a case, the ar ea shall have signs fixed on or adjacent to the area with the 
following text, equivalent text or pictogram: 
"Please give up this space for a wheelchair user". 
4.3 Contracting Parties shall be free to choose the most approp riate solution to achieve 
improved accessibility in vehic les other than those of Class I.  However, if vehicles other than 
those of Class I are equipped wi th features or devices for peop le with reduced mobility and/or 
wheelchair users, those features or devices shall comply with t he relevant requirements of 
Annex 5. 
4.4 Nothing in this standard shall prevent the national authori ties of a Contracting Party from 
specifying that certain types of operation are reserved for veh icles which are equipped for the 
transport of passengers with reduced mobility in accordance wit h Annex 5. 
4.5 Unless otherwise stated, all measurements shall be made whe n the vehicle is at its mass in 
running order and it is standing on a smooth and horizontal gro und surface and in the normal 
condition for travel. If a kneeling system is fitted, it shall be set so the vehicle is at its normal 
ride height for travel. In the case of approval of bodywork as a separate technical unit the 
position of the body relative to  the flat horizontal surface sh all be specified by the 
manufacturer. 
4.6 Wherever there is a requirement in this standard for a surf ace in the vehicle to be 
horizontal or at a specific angle when the vehicle is at its ma ss in running order, in the case of 
a vehicle with mechanical suspension, the surface may exceed th is slope or possess a slope 
when the vehicle is at its mass in running order, provided that  this requirement is met when 
the vehicle is in the loading condition declared by the manufac turer. If a kneeling system is 
fitted to the vehicle, it shall not be in operation. 
4.7 Air Conditioning system is required and has to be : SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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  System capable to pull down from 55°C to 26°C within 30 minutes  . 
 Be able to achieve constant passenger and driver compartment te mperatures of 
26°C under frequent door opening . 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Annex 1 
Requirements to be met by all vehicles  
A.1 Requirements 
A.1.1 General 
A.1.1.1 If the driver’s compartment is without a roof, the driv er should have some special 
protection against strong wind, sudden dust, heavy rain, etc. 
A.1.2 Masses and dimensions A.1.2.1 The vehicles shall compl y with the requi rements of Anne x 6. 
A.1.2.2 Area available for passengers. 
A.1.2.2.1 The total surface area S
0 available for passengers is calculated by deducting from 
the total area of the floor of the vehicle: 
A.1.2.2.1.1 The area of the driver’s compartment. 
A.1.2.2.1.2  The area of steps at doors and the area of any oth er step with a depth of less than 
300 mm and the area swept by the door and its mechanism when it  is operated. 
A.1.2.2.1.3 The area of any part over which the vertical cleara nce is less than 1,350 mm 
measured from the floor disregarding permitted intrusion specif ied in paragraphs A.1.7.8.6.3 
and A.1.7.8.6.4 of this annex. In the case of vehicles of Class  A or B, this dimension may be 
reduced to 1,200 mm. 
A.1.2.2.1.4 The area of any part of the vehicle to which access  by passengers is prevented as 
defined in paragraph A.1.9.4  of this annex; 
A.1.2.2.1.5 The area of any space reserved solely for the carri age of goods or baggage and 
from which passenge rs are excluded. 
A.1.2.2.1.6 The area required to provide a clear working area a t serveries. 
A.1.2.2.1.7 The floor area occupied by any staircase, half stai rcase, intercommunication 
staircase or the surface of any step. 
A.1.2.2.2 The surface area S 1 available for standing passenge rs (only in the case of vehicle s of 
Class A, II, and I in which the carriage of standing passengers  is allowed) is calculated by 
deducting from S 0: 
A.1.2.2.2.1 The area of all parts of the floor in which the slo pe exceeds the maximum 
permissible values as determined in paragraph A.1.7.6. of this annex. 
A.1.2.2.2.2 The area of all parts which are not accessible to a  standing passenger when all the 
seats are occupied, with the exception of folding seats. 
A.1.2.2.2.3 The area of all parts where the clear height above the floor is less than the 
gangway height specified in paragraph A.1.7.5.1  of this annex (handholds shall not be taken 
into account in this connection). 
A.1.2.2.2.4 The area forward of a transverse vertical plane pas sing through the centre of the 
seating surface of the driver’s seat (in its rearmost position) . SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.1.2.2.2.5 The area 300 mm in front of all seats other than fo lding seats, except in the case of 
a sideways-facing seat, in which case this dimension may be red uced to 225 mm. In the case 
of variable seating arrangements, of any seat when considered t o be in use, see 
paragraph A.1.2.2.4. 
A.1.2.2.2.6 Any surface not being excluded by the provisions in  paragraphs A.1.2.2.2.1 
to A.1.2.2.2.5, on which it is not possible to place a rectangl e of 400 mm x 300 mm. 
A.1.2.2.2.7 In vehicles of Class II, the area in which standing  is not allowed. 
A.1.2.2.2.8 In double-deck vehicles, any area of the upper deck . 
A.1.2.2.2.9 The surface of the wheelchair space(s) when conside red occupied by a wheelchair 
user(s), see paragraph A.1.2.2.4 . 
A.1.2.2.2.10 The surface of any wheelchair space(s) dedicated s olely for the use of wheelchair 
user(s). 
A.1.2.2.3 There shall be on the vehicle a number (P) of seating  places, other than folding 
seats, which conform to the requirements of paragraph A.1.7.8  . If the vehicle is of Class I, II 
or A the number of seating places on each deck shall be at leas t equal to the number of square 
metres of floor on that deck available for passengers and crew (if any) rounded down to the 
nearest whole number; this number may, in vehicles of Class I, excluding the upper deck, be 
reduced by 10 per cent. 
A.1.2.2.4 In the case of a vehicle equipped with a variable sea ting capacity the area available 
for standing passengers (S 1) and the provisions of paragraph A.6.3.3.1  shall be determined for 
each of the following conditions as applicable: 
A.1.2.2.4.1 With all possible seats occupied followed by the re maining area for standing 
passengers and, if space remains, any wheelchair spaces occupie d. 
A.1.2.2.4.2 With all possible standing areas occupied followed by the remaining seats 
available for seated passengers and, if space remains, any whee lchair spaces occupied. 
A.1.2.2.4.3 With all possible wheelchair spaces occupied follow ed by the remaining area for 
standing passengers and then the remaining seats available for use occupied. 
A.1.2.3   Marking of vehicles 
A.1.2.3.1 Space shall be provided in the driver’s area, in a po sition clearly visible to the driver 
in his seating position, for the markings provided for in parag raph A.6.3.3. 
A.1.2.3.1.1 The maximum number of seating places the vehicle is  designed to carry. 
A.1.2.3.1.2 The maximum number of standing places, if any, the vehicle is designed to carry. 
A.1.2.3.1.3 The maximum number of wheelchairs, which the vehicl e is, designed to carry, if 
any. 
A.1.3    Prevention of accidents 
A.1.3.1    If the engine compartment of a vehicle is located to the rea r of the driver's 
Compartment, it shall not be possible to start the engine from the driver's position when the 
main engine access panel located in the rear face of the vehicl e is open and which provide 
direct access to parts that represent a hazard when the engine is running (e.g. pulley of belt 
drives)." 
A.1.4 Stability test 
A.1.4.1    The stability of a vehicle shall be such that the point at w hich overturning occurs 
would not be passed if the surface on which the vehicle stands were tilted to both sides in turn 
to an angle of 28 degrees from the horizontal. 
A.1.4.2  For the purposes of the above test, the vehicle shall be at it s mass in running order as 
described in paragraph 2.18. of this standard, with the additio n of: SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
15 
 A.1.4.2.1 Loads equal to Q (as defined in paragraph A.6.3.2.3.2 .1) shall be placed on each 
passenger seat (of the upper d eck only in the case of double-de ck vehicles). 
If a single deck vehicle is intended for standees or with a cre w member who is not seated, the 
centre of gravity of the loads Q or 75 kg representing them, sh all be uniformly distributed 
over the standee or crew area respectively, at a height of 875 mm. If a double-deck vehicle is 
intended to be used with a crew member who is not seated, the c entre of gravity of the mass 
of 75 kg representing the crew member shall be placed in the up per deck gangway at a height 
of 875 mm. 
Where a vehicle is equipped to carry luggage on the roof, a uni formly distributed mass (BX) 
of not less than that declared by the manufacturer in accordanc e with paragraph A.6.3.2.3.2.1, 
representing such baggage shall be secured to the roof. The oth er baggage compartments shall 
not contain any baggage. 
A.1.4.2.2 If the vehicle has a variable seating capacity, stand ing capacity or is designed to 
carry one or more wheelchairs, in respect of any area of the pa ssenger compartment in which 
such variations occur, the loads in paragraph A.1.4.2.1 shall b e the greater of: 
(a) The mass represented by the number of seated passengers tha t may occupy the area 
including the mass of any demountable seats; or 
(b) The mass represented by the number of standing passengers t hat may occupy the area; or 
(c) The mass of wheelchairs and users that may occupy the area at a total mass of 250 kg each 
placed at a height of 500 mm above the floor in the centre of e ach wheelchair space; or 
(d) The mass of seated passengers, standing passengers and whee lchairs users and any 
combination of these that may occupy the area. 
A.1.4.3  The height of any step used to prevent a wheel of the vehicle from slipping sideways 
on a tilt test rig shall not be greater than two-thirds of the distance between the surface upon 
which the vehicle stands before it is tilted and that part of t he rim of that wheel which is 
nearest to the surface when the vehicle is loaded in accordance  with paragraph A.1.4.2. 
A.1.4.4  During the test, no parts of vehicle which are not intended to  come into contact in 
normal use shall not do so, nor shall any part become damaged o r deranged. 
A.1.4.5  Alternatively, a calculation m ethod can be used to show that t he vehicle will not 
overturn under the conditions described in paragraphs A.1.4.1  and A.1.4.2. Such a calculation 
shall take into account the following parameters: A.1.4.5.1 Masses and dimensions; 
A.1.4.5.2 Height of centre of gravity; 
A.1.4.5.3 Spring rates; A.1.4.5.4 Vertical and horizontal tyre rates; 
A.1.4.5.5 Characteristics of the  control of air pressure in the  air springs; 
A.1.4.5.6 Position of the centre of moments; 
A.1.4.5.7 Torsion resistance of the body. 
The method of calculation is described in the appendix to this annex. 
A.1.5 Protection against fire risks 
A.1.5.1 Engine compartment 
A.1.5.1.1 No flammable sound-proofing material or material liab le to become impregnated 
with fuel, lubricant or other co mbustible material shall be use d in the engine compartment 
unless the material is covered by an impermeable sheet. A.1.5.1.2 Precautions shall be tak en, either by a suitable layo ut of the engine compartment or 
by the provision of drainage orifices, to avoid, so far as poss ible, the accumulation of fuel, 
lubricating oil or any other combustible material in any part o f the engine compartment. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
16 
 A.1.5.1.3   A partition of heat-resisting material shall be fit ted between the engine 
compartment or any other source of heat (such as a device desig ned to absorb the energy 
liberated when a vehicle is descending a long gradient, e.g. a retarder, or a device for heating 
the interior of the body other, however, than a device function ing by warm water circulation) 
and the rest of the vehicle. All fixings, clips, gaskets, etc.,  used in conjunction with the 
partition shall be fire resistant. A.1.5.1.4  A heating device operating other than by hot water m ay be provided in the 
passenger compartment if it is encased in material designed to resist the temperatures 
generated by the device, emits no toxic fumes and is positioned  such that no passenger is 
likely to come into contact with any hot surface. 
A.1.5.1.5 In the case of vehicles having an internal combustion  engine or a combustion heater 
located to the rear of the driver's compartment, the compartmen t shall be equipped with an 
alarm system providing the driver with both an acoustic and a v isual signal, and activating the 
hazard warning signal, in the event of excess temperature in th e engine compartment and in 
each compartment where a combustion heater is located.  
In addition to the alarm system , vehicles of Classes I, II and III shall be equipped with a fire 
suppression system in the engine compartment and each compartme nt where a combustion 
heater is located. Vehicles of C lasses A and B, may be equipped  with a fire suppression 
system in the engine compartment and in each compartment where a combustion heater is 
located...  
A.1.5.1.5.1 The alarm system and the fire suppression system, i f fitted, shall be automatically 
activated through a fire detection system. The detection system  shall be designed so as to 
detect a temperature in the engine compartment, and in each com partment where a 
combustion heater is located in e xcess of the temperature occur ring during normal operation. 
A.1.5.1.5.2 Paragraph A.1.5.1.5.1  is considered to be satisfied if the following areas of the 
engine compartment, and each compartment where a combustion hea ter is located, are 
monitored regarding excess temperature: 
A.1.5.1.5.2.1  Areas in which, in case of leakage, flammable fl uids (liquid or gas) may come 
into contact with exposed components, e.g. the supercharger or the exhaust-system, including 
engine mounted components, whose working temperature is equal t o or greater than the 
ignition temperature of the flamm able fluids (liquid or gas);  
A.1.5.1.5.2.2 Areas in which, in case of leakage, flammable flu ids (liquid or gas) may come 
into contact with shielded components, e.g. an independent heat ing device, whose working 
temperature is equal to or greater than the ignition temperatur e of the flammable fluids (liquid 
or gas); and  
A.1.5.1.5.2.3 Areas in which, in case of leakage, flammable flu ids (liquid or gas) may come 
into contact with components, e.g. the alternator, whose temper ature, in case of failure, may 
be equal to or greater than the ignition temperature of the fla mmable fluids (liquid or gas). 
A.1.5.1.5.3 The alarm system and the fire suppression system sh all be operational whenever 
the engine start device is operated, until such time as the eng ine stop device is operated, 
regardless of the vehicle's atti tude. They may remain operation al after the ignition is switched 
off or the vehicle master control switch is deactivated, wherev er applicable. 
A.1.5.1.5.4 The installation of the fire suppression system sha ll comply with the following 
requirements ;  A.1.5.1.5.4.1 The fire suppression system shall be installed ac cording to the system 
manufacturer's installation manual.  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
17 
 A.1.5.1.5.4.2 An analysis shall be conducted prior to the insta llation in order to determine the 
location and direction of the suppression agent discharge point (s) (e.g. nozzles, extinguishing 
agent generators or extinguishing agent discharge tube or other  distribution points). Potential 
fire hazards within the engine compartment and each compartment  where a combustion heater 
is located, shall be identified and the discharge point(s) loca ted such that the suppression 
agent will be distributed to cover the fire hazard when the sys tem activates. The spray pattern 
and direction of discharge points, as well as the discharge dis tance, shall be ensured to cover 
identified fire hazards. The system shall also be ensured to wo rk properly regardless of the 
vehicle's attitude. 
The fire hazard analysis shall, as a minimum, take into account  the following components:  
(a) Those whose surface may reach temperatures above the auto-i gnition temperature for 
fluids, gases or substances that are present within the compart ment;  
(b) Electrical components and cables with a current or voltage high enough for an ignition to 
occur;  
(c) Hoses and containers with flammable liquid or gas (in parti cular if those are pressurized).  
The analysis shall be fully documented.  A.1.5.1.5.4.3 The suppression system shall be scaled from the t ested system, based on the 
total gross volume of the engine and combustion heater compartm ents where the system is to 
be installed. When measuring the engine compartment and the com bustion heater 
compartments, the gross volume of these compartments shall be m easured, i.e. the volume of 
the engine and its components shall not be subtracted.  The scaling of the system includes the mass of the suppression agent, all discharge points and 
the mass of the propellant gas container, if applicable. The sy stem pressure shall remain the 
same as in the tested system. If the system includes a discharg e tube for the extinguishing 
agent, the length of the tube shall be scaled without nozzles. It is acceptable if the suppression 
system has more extinguishing agent and/or more discharge point s and/or a longer discharge 
tube for the extinguishing agent and/or more propellant gas tha n required according to the 
scaling models found below.  
If the gross volume of the engine and combustion heater compart ments exceed 4 m
3, the 
suppression system shall be scaled up using the following scali ng factor calculated in (1) 
below. If the gross volume is less than 4 m3, it is allowed to scale down the suppression 
system using the scaling factor (2) below. Sx 𝐒𝐱denotes the scaling factor and x denotes the 
total gross volume including the engine and combustion heater c ompartments [m3].  
Sx = 0.1 ∙ x + 0.6 (1)  Sx = 0.15 ∙ x + 0.4 (2)  
The scaled number of nozzles or other discharge points, if the suppression system has more 
than one discharge point may be rounded to the closest whole nu mber. 
A.1.5.2   Electrical equipment and wiring 
A.1.5.2.1 All cables shall be well insulated and all cables and  electrical equipment shall be 
able to withstand the temperature and humidity conditions to wh ich they are exposed. In the 
engine compartment, particular attention shall be paid to their  suitability to withstand the 
environmental temperature and the effects of all likely contami nants. 
A.1.5.2.2 No cable used in an el ectrical circuit shall carry a current in excess of that 
acceptable for such a cable in the light of its mode of install ation and the maximum ambient 
temperature. 
A.1.5.2.3 Every electrical circuit feeding an item of equipment  other than the starter, the 
ignition circuit (positive ignition), the glow-plugs, the engin e-stopping device, the charging SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 circuit and the battery earth connection shall include a fuse o r a circuit breaker. Circuits 
feeding other equipments may, however, be protected by a common  fuse or a common circuit-
breaker, provided that their sum rated capacity does not exceed  the capacity of a fuse or of a 
circuit-breaker. In the case of multiplexing, the manufacturer shall give all the relevant 
technical information at the request of the technical service r esponsible for conducting the 
tests. A.1.5.2.4 All cables shall be well protected and shall be held securely in position in such a 
way that they cannot be damaged by cutting, abrasion or chafing . 
A.1.5.2.5  Where the  voltage exceeds 100 V RMS (Root Mean Squar e) in one or more 
electrical circuits in a vehicle,  a manually-operated isolating  switch which is capable of 
disconnecting all such circuits from the main electrical supply  shall be connected in each pole 
of that supply which is not electrically connected to earth, an d shall be located inside the 
vehicle in a position readily acc essible to the driver, provide d that no such isolating switch 
shall be capable of disconnecting any electrical circuit supply ing the mandatory external 
vehicle lights. This paragraph does not apply to high tension i gnition circuits nor to self-
contained circuits within a unit of equipment in the vehicle. A.1.5.2.6  All electrical cables shall be so located that no pa rt can make contact with any fuel 
line or any part of the exhaust system, or be subjected to exce ssive heat, unless suitable 
special insulation and protection is provided, as for example t o a solenoid-operated exhaust 
valve. A.1.5.3   Batteries 
A.1.5.3.1 All batteries shall be well secured and easily access ible. 
A.1.5.3.2 The battery compartment shall be separated from the p assenger compartment and 
driver’s compartment and ventilated to outside air. 
A.1.5.3.3 The battery terminals shall be protected against the risk of short circuit. 
A.1.5.4   Fire extinguishers and first-aid equipment 
A.1.5.4.1 Space shall be provided for the fitting of one or mor e fire extinguishers, one being 
near the driver’s seat. In vehicles of Class A or B the space f or each required extinguisher 
shall be not less than 8 dm3 and for in Class I, II or III not less than 15 dm3. In the case of a 
double-deck vehicle, an additional extinguisher space shall be provided on the upper deck. 
A.1.5.4.2 Space shall be provided for the fitting of one or mor e first-aid kits. The space 
provided shall be not less than 7 dm3, the minimum dimension sh all not be less than 80 mm. 
A.1.5.4.3 Fire extinguishers and first aid kits may be secured against theft or vandalism (e.g. 
in an internal locker or behind breakable glass), provided that  the locations of these items are 
clearly marked and means are provided for persons to extract th em easily in an emergency. 
A.1.5.5 Materials 
No flammable material shall be permitted within 100 mm of the e xhaust system component, 
any high voltage electrical equipment or any other significant source of heat unless the 
material is effectively shielded. Where necessary, shielding sh all be provided to prevent 
grease or other flammable materials coming into contact with ex haust system or other 
significant heat sources. For the purposes of this paragraph, a  flammable material is 
considered to be one which is not designed to withstand the tem peratures likely to be 
encountered in that location. A.1.5.6   Fire detection 
A.1.5.6.1 Vehicles shall be equipped with an alarm system detec ting either an excess 
temperature or smoke in toilet compartments, driver's sleeping compartments and other 
separate compartments. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
19 
 A.1.5.6.2 Upon detection, the system given in paragraph A.1.5.6 .1 shall provide the driver 
with both an acoustic and a visual signal in the driver's compa rtment and shall activate the 
hazard warning signal. 
A.1.5.6.3 The alarm system shall be at least operational whenev er the engine start device is 
operated, until such time as the engine stop device is operated , regardless of the vehicle's 
attitude. 
A.1.6 Exits (doors) 
A.1.6.1   Number of exits 
A.1.6.1.1 The minimum number of doors in a vehicle shall be two , either two service doors or 
one service door and one emergency door. Every double-deck vehi cle shall have two doors on 
the lower deck (see also paragraph A.1.6.2.3). The minimum numb er of service doors 
required is as follows: 
 
Number 
of 
passenger
s Minimum number of service doors 
 Classes I & A Class II Classes III & B 
9 - 45 1 1 1 
46 - 70 2 1 1 
71 - 100 3 
(2 in the case of a 
double-deck 
vehicle) 2 1 
> 100 4 3 1 
 
A.1.6.1.2 The minimum number of service doors in each rigid sec tion of an articulated 
vehicle shall be one except that this minimum number shall be t wo in the case of front section 
of an articulated vehicle of Class I. A.1.6.1.3 For the purpose of this requirement, service doors eq uipped with a power-operated 
control system shall not be deemed to be emergency doors unless  they can be readily opened 
by hand, once the control prescribed in paragraph A.1.6.5.1 has  been actuated, if necessary. 
A.1.6.1.4 The minimum number of emergency exits shall be such t hat the total number of 
exits in a separate compartment is as follows: 
Number of passengers and crew to be 
accommodated in each compartment 
or deck Minimum total number 
of exits 
1 - 8 2 
9 - 16 3 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
20 
 Number of passengers and crew to be 
accommodated in each compartment 
or deck Minimum total number 
of exits 
17 - 30 4 
31 - 45 5 
46 - 60 6 
61 - 75 7 
76 - 90 8 
91 - 110 9 
111 - 130 10 
>130 11 
The number of exits for each separate deck (in the case of a do uble-deck vehicle) and each 
separate compartment shall be de termined separately. Toilet com partments or galleys are not 
considered to be separate compartments for the purposes of defi ning the number of 
emergency exits. Escape hatches can only count as one of the ab ove-mentioned number of 
emergency exits. 
A.1.6.1.5 Each rigid section of an articulated vehicle shall be  treated as a separate vehicle for 
the purpose of determining the mi nimum number and the position of exits, except for 
paragraph A.1.6.2.4 The connecting passage between them shall n ot be considered as an exit. 
Toilet compartments or galleys are not considered to be separat e compartments for the 
purposes of defining the number of emergency exits. The number of passengers shall be 
determined for each rigid section. The plane, which contains th e horizontal axis of the hinge 
between conjoined rigid sections of the vehicle, and perpendicu lar to the longitudinal axis of a 
vehicle, when it moves straight, shall be considered as the bor der between sections. 
A.1.6.1.6 A double service door shall count as two doors and a double or multiple windows as 
two emergency windows.  A.1.6.1.7 If the driver's compartment does not provide access t o a passenger compartment by 
means of a passageway that permits:  
(a) The front edge of the cylindrical gauge referred to in Annex 2,  Figure 6 to reach at 
least the transverse vertical plane tangential to the foremost point of the driver's seat 
back in its rearmost longitudinal position, and 
(b) From this plane, to move the panel shown in Annex 2, Figure 7  forwards from the 
contact position, with the cylindrical gauge until it reaches a t least the vertical plane 
tangential to the foremost point of the driver's seat cushion, 
then the requirements of the following paragraphs  A.1.6.1.7.1  to A.1.6.1.7.5 shall be met: 
A.1.6.1.7.1 The driver's compartment shall have two exits, whic h shall not both be in the 
same lateral wall. When one of the exits is a window, this wind ow it shall have a minimum 
area of 400,000 mm2, it shall be possible to inscribe in this a rea a rectangle measuring 500 
mm x 700 mm and it shall comply with the requirements set out i n paragraph A.1.6.8 for 
emergency windows. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.1.6.1.7.2 One or two seats are permitted alongside the driver  for additional people, in which 
case both of the exits referred to in paragraph A.1.6.1.7.1  shall be doors. 
The driver's door shall be accepted as the emergency door for t he occupants of those seats, 
provided that it is possible to move a test gauge from the occu pants' seats to the exterior of the 
vehicle through the driver's door (see Annex 2, Figure 25). 
Verification of the access to the driver's door shall be subjec t to the requirements of paragraph 
A.1.7.3.2 , by using the test gauge having a dimension of 600 x  400 mm, as described in 
paragraph A.1.7.3.3 . 
The service door shall be in the side of the vehicle opposite t o that containing the driver's door 
and shall be accepted as the emergency door for the driver. 
A.1.6.1.7.3 Paragraphs A.1.6.3 to A.1.6.7, A.1.7.1 , A.1.7.2 an d A.1.7.7 of this annex shall 
not apply to the exits provided for the driver's compartment as  referred to in paragraphs 
A.1.6.1.7.1  and A.1.6.1.7.2  . 
A.1.6.1.7.4 In the circumstances described in paragraphs A.1.6. 1.7.1 and A.1.6.1.7.2, the exits 
provided in the driver's compartment, and for the occupants of any seats alongside the driver 
shall not count as one of the doors required by paragraphs A.1. 6.1.1 to A.1.6.1.2 nor as one of 
the emergency exits required by paragraph A.1.6.1.4 of this ann ex for any other passenger 
compartment. 
A.1.6.1.7.5 Up to five additional seats may be fitted in a comp artment incorporating the 
driver's compartment and any s eats alongside the driver, provid ed that the additional seats and 
the space for these seats comply with all requirements of this standard and at least one of the 
emergency exits required by paragraph A.1.6.1.4 is a door givin g access to the passenger 
compartment complying with the requirements of paragraph A.1.6. 3.1.2 of this annex for 
emergency doors. 
A.1.6.1.8 If the driver's compartment is accessible from a pass enger compartment by means 
of a passageway complying with the requirements of subparagraph s (a) and (b) of paragraph 
A.1.6.1.7. above, and any seats adjacent to this driver's compa rtment, are accessible from that 
same passenger compartment by means of a passageway complying w ith one of the 
conditions described in paragraph A.1.7.5.1.1 of this annex, no  external exit is required from 
the driver's compartment. 
A.1.6.1.9 If, under the circumstances described in paragraph A. 1.6.1.8 , a driver's door is 
provided in vehicles of Classes A or B it may count as an emerg ency door for passengers 
provided:  
A.1.6.1.9.1 The driver's door satisfies the requirements relati ng to the dimensions of 
emergency door indicated in paragraph A.1.6.3.1.2 of this annex ; 
A.1.6.1.9.2 The driver's door ful fils the requirements of parag raph A.1.6.1.7.2 ; 
A.1.6.1.9.3  The space reserved for the driver's seat shall com municate with the main 
passengers' compartment through an appropriate passage; such re quirement shall be deemed 
to be fulfilled if the test gauge described in paragraph A.1.7. 5.1 is able to be moved 
unobstructed from the gangway, until the front end of the gauge  reaches the vertical plane 
tangential to the foremost point of the driver's seat back (thi s seat being situated in its 
rearmost longitudinal position) and, from this plane, the test gauge described in paragraph 
A.1.7.3.3 is able to be moved to the emergency door in the dire ction established by such 
paragraph (see Annex 2, Figure 26) with seat and steering wheel  adjustment in their mid-
position. 
A.1.6.1.10  Paragraphs A.1.6.1.8 and A.1.6.1.9 , do not preclud e there being a door or other 
barrier between the driver’s seat and the passenger compartment  provided that this barrier can SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
22 
 be released quickly by the driver in an emergency. A driver’s d oor in a compartment 
protected by such a barrier sha ll not be counted as an exit for  passengers. 
A.1.6.1.11 Vehicles of Classes II, III and B shall be fitted wi th escape hatches, additional to 
the emergency doors and windows. In the case of double-deck veh icles, these hatches shall be 
fitted in the upper deck roof only. The minimum number of hatch es shall be:  
 
Number of passengers (in the upper deck 
in the case of double-deck vehicles) Minimum number of 
hatches 
Not exceeding 30 l 
Exceeding 30 2 
 
Except as provided in paragraph A.1.6.1.12, hatches may also be  fitted in the case of Classes I 
and A vehicles. There shall not be any escape hatches fitted in  the roof of a trolleybus. 
A.1.6.1.12 Hatches shall not be fitted in positions where techn ical components are installed 
which present possible danger to passengers using the escape ha tches (e.g. high voltage 
systems, systems containing dangerous liquids and/or gas, etc.) . 
A.1.6.1.13 Each intercommunication staircase shall be considere d to be an exit from the upper 
deck of a double-deck vehicle. 
A.1.6.1.14 All persons accommodated in the lower deck of a doub le-deck vehicle shall, in an 
emergency situation, have access to the exterior of the vehicle  without having to enter the 
upper deck. 
A.1.6.1.15 The upper deck gangway of a double-deck vehicle shal l be connected by one or 
more intercommunication staircases to the access passageway of a service door or to the 
lower deck gangway within 3 m of a service door: 
A.1.6.1.15.1 At least one and one-half staircases shall be prov ided in the case of vehicles of 
Class I if more than 50 passenge rs are carried on the upper dec k; 
A.1.6.1.15.2 At least one and one-half staircases shall be prov ided in the case of vehicles of 
Class II and Class III if more th an 30 passengers are carried o n the upper deck. 
A.1.6.1.16 In the case of a vehicle without a roof, the exits o n the deck without a roof shall be 
such as to fulfil those prescriptions that are not incompatible  with the absence of the roof. 
A.1.6.1.17 In the case of vehicles of Class A or B, if there is  a door opposite the driver's door 
it may count as one of the required exits for passengers provid ed: 
A.1.6.1.17.1 There is not more than one passenger's seat beside  the driver's compartment, and 
A.1.6.1.17.2 It complies with the provisions of paragraph A.1.6 .1.9. 
A.1.6.2   Positioning of exits 
A.1.6.2.1 Vehicles of Classes I , II and III shall meet the requ irements shown below. 
A.1.6.2.1.1 The service door(s) shall be situated on the side o f the vehicle that is nearer to the 
side of the road corresponding to the direction of traffic for which the vehicle is designed and 
as declared by the manufacturer . 
 At least one of them shall be in the forward half of the vehic le. This shall not preclude: 
A.1.6.2.1.1.1   The provision of a specially designed door in t he rear or side faces of a vehicle 
for use in place of a service door  by wheelchair passengers, or  
A.1.6.2.1.1.2   The provision of an additional door in the rear  face of a vehicle principally for 
loading/unloading of goods or luggage, but which may be used by  passengers where 
circumstances so require, or SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
23 
 A.1.6.2.1.1.3   The provision of one or more additional service  door(s) on the opposite side of 
the vehicle in the case of vehicles designed for use in circums tances which require boarding / 
alighting of passengers on both sides of the vehicle. Vehicles so equipped shall be provided 
with control(s) that allow the driver to inhibit normal operati on of the doors that are not 
currently in use. 
A.1.6.2.2 Vehicles of Classes A and B shall meet the following requirements: 
A.1.6.2.2.1 The service door(s) shall be situated on the side o f the vehicle that is nearer to the 
side of the road corresponding to the direction of the traffic for which the vehicle is designed 
and as declared by the manufacturer . 
A.1.6.2.2.2 The exits shall be placed in such a way that there is at least one exit on each side 
of the vehicle. A.1.6.2.2.3 The forward half and the rearward half of the passe nger compartment shall each 
contain at least one exit. 
A.1.6.2.3 If the passenger’s compartment has an area S
0 equal or greater than 10 m2, two of 
the doors referred to in paragraph A.1.6.1.1. shall be separate d such that the distance between 
transverse vertical planes through their centres of area is not  less than: 
A.1.6.2.3.1 In the case of a single deck vehicle, 40 per cent o f the overall length of the 
passenger compartment measured p arallel to the longitudinal axi s of the vehicle. 
In the case of an articulated vehicle, this requirement shall b e fulfilled if two doors of the 
different sections are separated such that the distance between  the doors is not less than 40 per 
cent of the overall length of the combined passenger compartmen t (all sections). 
If one of these two doors forms part of a double door this dist ance shall be measured between 
the two doors which are furthest apart. 
A.1.6.2.3.2 In the case of a double-deck vehicle, two of the do ors referred to in 
paragraph A.1.6.1.1. shall be separated such that the distance between transverse vertical 
planes through their centres of area is not less than either 25  per cent of the overall length of 
the vehicle or 40 per cent of the overall length of the passeng er compartment on the lower 
deck; this shall not apply if the two doors are on different si des of the vehicle. If one of these 
two doors forms part of a double door, this distance shall be m easured between the two doors 
which are furthest apart. 
A.1.6.2.4 The exits (on each de ck in the case of a double-deck vehicle) shall be placed in such 
a way that their number on each of the two sides of the vehicle  is substantially the same. (This 
shall not imply the need to provide additional exits over and a bove the number specified in 
paragraph A.1.6.1. above). Any exists in excess of the required  minimum number need not be 
substantially on each of the two sides. 
A.1.6.2.5 At least one exit shall be situated either in the rea r face or in the front face of the 
vehicle: 
A.1.6.2.5.1 In the case of Class I and A vehicles, the requirem ents of paragraph A.1.6.2.5. are 
fulfilled if an escape hatch is fitted; or, if paragraph A.1.6. 1.12. applies, an additional exit to 
those specified in paragraph A.1.6.1 , is fitted on each side o f the vehicle. 
A.1.6.2.5.2 In the case of double-deck vehicles, the requiremen ts of paragraph A.1.6.2.5. shall 
apply only to the upper deck. 
A.1.6.2.6 The exits on the same side of the vehicle shall be su itably separated along the length 
of the passenger compartment. A.1.6.2.7 A door shall, provided that it is not a service door,  be permitted in the rear face of 
the vehicle. 
A.1.6.2.8 Required escape hatches shall be positioned as follow s:  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 (a) If there is only one hatch, it shall be situated in the mid dle third of the passenger 
compartment; or 
(b) If there are two hatches, they shall be separated by a dist ance of at least 2 m measured 
between the nearest edges of the apertures in a line parallel t o the longitudinal axis of the 
vehicle. A.1.6.3 Minimum dimensions of exits 
A.1.6.3.1 Vehicles of Class I, II or III shall meet the followi ng requirements: 
A.1.6.3.1.1 Service doors shall have an aperture creating an ac cess in accordance with the 
requirements shown in paragraph A.1.7.1. of this annex. 
A.1.6.3.1.2 Emergency doors shall have an aperture with a minim um height of 1,450 mm and 
a minimum width of 600 mm. A.1.6.3.1.3 Emergency windows shall have a minimum area of 400, 000 mm2. It shall be 
possible to inscribe in this area a rectangle measuring 500 mm x 700 mm. 
A.1.6.3.1.4 In the case of an emergency window situated in the rear face of the vehicle, either 
it shall meet the requirements shown in paragraph A.1.6.3.1.3. above, or it shall be possible to 
inscribe in the aperture of this emergency window a rectangle 3 50 mm high and 1,550 mm 
wide, the corners of which may be rounded to a radius of curvat ure not exceeding 250 mm. 
A.1.6.3.1.5 Escape hatches shall have an aperture with a minimu m area of 450,000 mm². It 
shall be possible to inscribe in  this area a rectangle measurin g 600 mm x 700 mm. 
A.1.6.3.2 Vehicles of Class A or B may meet either the requirem ents shown in 
paragraph A.1.6.3.1. (Class A meeting Class I requirements and Class B meeting Class II 
and III requirements) or thos e contained in A.4.1.1 .  
A.1.6.4   Technical requirem ents for all service doors 
A.1.6.4.1 Every service door shall be capable of being easily o pened from inside and from 
outside the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary (but not nec essarily when the vehicle is 
moving). However, this requirement shall not be construed as pr ecluding the possibility of 
locking the door from the outside, provided that the door can a lways be opened from the 
inside. 
A.1.6.4.2 Every control or device for opening a door from the o utside shall be between 
1,000 mm and 1,500 mm from the ground and not more than 500 mm from the door. In 
vehicles of Classes I, II and III every control or device for o pening a door from the inside 
shall be between 1,000 mm and 1,500 mm from the upper surface o f the floor or step nearest 
the control and be not more than 500 mm from the door. This sha ll not apply to controls 
located within the driver’s area. A.1.6.4.3 Every one-piece manually-operated service door which is hinged or pivoted shall be 
so hinged or pivoted that if the open door comes into contact w ith a stationary object while 
the vehicle is moving forwards it tends to close. 
A.1.6.4.4 If a manually-operated service door is fitted with a slam lock it shall be of the two-
stage type. A.1.6.4.5 On the inside of a service door there shall not be an y device intended to cover the 
inside steps when the door is closed. This does not exclude the  presence in the step well, 
when the door is closed, of the door operating mechanism and ot her equipment attached to the 
inside of the door which does not form an extension of the floo r on which passengers may 
stand. This mechanism and equipment should not be dangerous for  the passengers. 
A.1.6.4.6 If the direct view is not adequate, optical or other devices shall be installed to 
enable the driver to detect from his seat the presence of a pas senger in the immediate interior SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
25 
 and exterior vicinity of every side service door which is not a n automatically-operated service 
door. 
 In the case of double-deck vehicles of Class I, this requireme nt also applies to the 
interior of all service doors and to the immediate vicinity of each intercommunication 
staircase on the upper deck. 
 In the case of a service door in the rear face of the vehicle not 
exceeding 22 passengers, this requirement is satisfied if the d river is able to detect the 
presence of a person 1.3 m tall standing 1 m behind the vehicle . 
 Driving mirrors may be used to meet the requirements of this p aragraph provided that 
the field of view required for driving is still met. 
 In the case of doors situated behind the articulated section o f an articulated vehicle, 
mirrors shall not be deemed to be a sufficient optical device. 
A.1.6.4.7 Every door which opens towards the interior of the ve hicle and its mechanism shall 
be so constructed that its movement is not likely to cause inju ry to passengers in normal 
conditions of use. Where necessa ry, appropriate protection devi ces shall be fitted. 
A.1.6.4.8 If a service door is located adjacent to a door to a toilet or other internal 
compartment the service door shall be proofed against unintenti onal operation. However, this 
requirement shall not apply if the door is locked automatically  when the vehicle is moving at 
a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 
A.1.6.4.9  In the case of vehicles having a capacity not exceed ing 22 passengers, the service 
doors of which are in the rear fa ce of the vehicle, the leaves shall not be capable of being 
opened more than 115° nor less than 85° and, when open, shall b e capable of being held 
automatically in that position. This does not preclude the abil ity to override that stop and open 
the door beyond that angle when it is safe to do so; for exampl e, to enable reversing against a 
high platform for loading or to open the doors through 270° to allow a clear loading area 
behind the vehicle. A.1.6.4.10 The service door in any open position shall not obst ruct the use of, or required 
access to, any mandatory exit. 
A.1.6.4.11 If an overnight locking system is provided, the foll owing shall apply: 
A.1.6.4.11.1 The locking system shall have been automatically d eactivated when the ignition 
is in the "ON" position, or A.1.6.4.11.2 A warning shall be provided to the driver indicati ng that the overnight locking 
system remains in operation at one or more door(s) when the ign ition is in the "ON" position. 
One signal may be used for more than one door. 
A.1.6.5   Additional technical requirements for power-operated service doors 
A.1.6.5.1  In the event of an emergency, every power-operated s ervice door shall be capable, 
when the vehicle is stationary or driving at a speed less than or equal to 3 km/h, of being 
opened from inside and, when not locked, from outside by contro ls which, whether or not the 
power supply is operating: A.1.6.5.1.1 Override all other door controls; 
A.1.6.5.1.2 In the case of interior controls, are placed on, or  within 300 mm of, the door, at a 
height (except in the case of interior controls for the door re ferred to in 
A.5.3.9.1 ) of not less 
than 1,000 mm above the first step; 
A.1.6.5.1.3 Can be easily seen and clearly identified when appr oaching the door and when 
standing in front of the door and, if additional to the normal opening controls, be clearly 
marked for emergency use; 
A.1.6.5.1.4 Can be operated by one person when standing immedia tely in front of the door; SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.1.6.5.1.5 May activate a starting prevention device; 
A.1.6.5.1.6 Cause the door to open to a width that the gauge as  defined in 
paragraph A.1.7.1.1. can pass through within 8 seconds after th e operation of the control, or 
enable the door to be easily opened by hand to a width that the  gauge as defined in 
paragraph A.1.7.1.1. can pass through within 8 seconds after th e operation of the control; 
A.1.6.5.1.7  May be protected by a device which can be easily r emoved or broken to gain 
access to the emergency control; the operation of the emergency  control, or the removal of a 
protective cover over the control, shall be indicated to the dr iver both audibly and visually, 
and 
A.1.6.5.1.8 In the case of a driver-operated door which does no t comply with the 
requirements of paragraph A.1.6.5.6.2 , shall be such that afte r they have been operated to 
open the door and returned to their normal position, the door w ill not close again until the 
driver subsequently operates a closing control. 
A.1.6.5.1.9 In the case of interior controls, shall be deactiva ted if the vehicle moves at a speed 
higher than 3 km/h. This requirement may be applied to exterior  controls. 
A.1.6.5.2 A device may be provided which is operated by the dri ver from the driving seat to 
deactivate the outside emergency controls in order to lock the service doors from outside. In 
this case, the outside emergency controls shall be reactivated automatically either by the 
starting of the engine or before the vehicle reaches a speed of  20 km/h. Subsequently, 
deactivation of the outside emergency controls shall not occur automatically, but shall require 
a further action by the driver. A.1.6.5.3 Every driver-operated service door shall be capable o f operation by the driver when 
in the driving seat using controls which, except in the case of  a foot control, are clearly and 
distinctively marked. 
A.1.6.5.4 Every power-operated service door shall activate a vi sual tell-tale, which shall be 
plainly visible to the driver when seated in the normal driving  position in any normal ambient 
lighting condition, to warn that a door is not fully closed. Th is tell-tale shall signal whenever 
the rigid structure of the door is between the fully open posit ion and a point 30 mm from the 
fully closed position. One tell-ta le may serve for one or more doors. However, no such tell-
tale shall be fitted in respect of a front service door which d oes not comply with the 
requirements of paragraphs A.1.6.5.6.1.1. and A.1.6.5.6.1.2.  A.1.6.5.5 Where controls are provided for the driver to open an d close a power-operated 
service door, they shall be such that the driver is able to rev erse the movement of the door at 
any time during the closing or opening process. A.1.6.5.6 The construction and control system of every power-op erated service door shall be 
such that a passenger is unlikely to be injured by the door or trapped in the door as it closes. 
A.1.6.5.6.1 This requirement shall be considered satisfied if t he following two requirements 
are met: 
A.1.6.5.6.1.1 The first requirement is that when the closing of  the door at any measuring 
point described in Annex 6 is resisted by a clamping force not exceeding 150 N, the door shall 
reopen automatically to its fullest extent and, except in the c ase of an automatically-operated 
service door, remain open until a closing control is operated. The clamping force may be 
measured by any method to the satisfaction of the Type Approval  Authority. Guidelines are 
given in Annex 6 to this standard. The peak force may be higher  than 150 N for a short time 
provided that it does not exceed 300 N. The reopening system ma y be checked by means of a 
test bar having a section of height 60 mm, width 30 mm with cor ners radiused to 5 mm. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
27 
 A.1.6.5.6.1.2 The second requirement is that whenever the doors  are closed onto the wrist or 
fingers of a passenger: 
A.1.6.5.6.1.2.1   The door reope ns automatically to its fullest  extent and, except in the case of 
an automatically-operated service door, remains open until a cl osing control is operated, or 
A.1.6.5.6.1.2.2   The wrist or fingers can be readily extracted  from the doors without risk of 
injury to the passenger. This requirement may be checked by han d, or by means of the test bar 
mentioned in paragraph A.1.6.5.6.1.1 , tapered at one end over a length of 300 mm from a 
thickness of 30 mm to a thickness of 5 mm. It shall not be trea ted with polish nor lubricated. 
If the door traps the bar it shall be capable of being easily r emoved, or 
A.1.6.5.6.1.2.3 The door is maintained at a position allowing t he free passage of a test bar 
having a section of height 60 mm, width 20 mm, with corners rad iused to 5 mm. This position 
shall not be more than 30 mm distant from the fully closed posi tion. 
A.1.6.5.6.2   In the case of a front service door the requireme nt of paragraph A.1.6.5.6. shall 
be considered satisfied if the door: 
A.1.6.5.6.2.1 Fulfils the requirements of paragraphs A.1.6.5.6. 1.1 and A.1.6.5.6.1.2  , or 
A.1.6.5.6.2.2 Is fitted with soft edges; these shall not, howev er be so soft that if the doors are 
closed on the test bar mentioned in paragraph A.1.6.5.6.1.1 the  rigid structure of the doors 
will reach the fully closed position. 
A.1.6.5.7 Where a power-operated service door is held closed on ly by the continued 
application of the power supply there shall be provided a visua l warning device to inform the 
driver of any failure in the power supply to the doors. A.1.6.8    A starting prevention device, if fitted, shall be effective only at speeds of less than 
5 km/h and shall be incapable of operation above that speed. 
A.1.6.9    If the vehicle is not fitted w ith a starting prevention devi ce, an audible warning to 
the driver shall be activated if the vehicle is driven away fro m rest when any power-operated 
service door is not fully closed. This audible warning shall be  activated at a speed exceeding 
5 km/h for doors complying with the requirements of paragraph A .1.6.5.6.1.2.3 . 
A.1.6.6    Additional technical requiremen ts for automatically-operated  service doors 
A.1.6.6.1   Activation of the opening controls. 
A.1.6.6.1.1 Except as provided in paragraph  A.1.6.5.1 , the op ening controls of every 
automatically-operated service door shall be capable of being a ctivated and deactivated only 
by the driver from his seat. 
A.1.6.6.1.2 Activation and deactivation may be either direct, b y means of a switch, or 
indirect, for example by opening and closing the front service door. 
A.1.6.6.1.3 Activation of the opening controls by the driver sh all be indicated inside and, 
where a door is to be opened from outside, also on the outside of the vehicle; the indicator 
(e.g. illuminated push-button, illuminated sign) shall be on or  adjacent to the door to which it 
relates. 
A.1.6.6.1.4 In the case of direct actuation by means of a switc h the functional state of the 
system shall be clearly indicated to the driver, by, for exampl e, the position of the switch or 
an indicator lamp or an illuminated switch. The switch shall be  specially marked and arranged 
in such a way that it cannot be confused with other controls. 
A.1.6.6.2 Opening of automatically-operated service doors. 
A.1.6.6.2.1 After activation of the opening controls by the dri ver it shall be possible for 
passengers to open the door as follows: 
A.1.6.6.2.1.1 From inside, for example by pressing a push-butto n or passing a light barrier, 
and SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
28 
 A.1.6.6.2.1.2   From outside, except in the case of a door inte nded only as an exit and marked 
as such, by, for example, pressing an illuminated push-button, a push-button beneath an 
illuminated sign, or a similar device marked with a suitable in struction. 
A.1.6.6.2.2  The pressing of the push-buttons mentioned in para graph A.1.6.6.2.1.1 , and the 
use of the means of communication with the driver mentioned in paragraph A.1.7.9.1 , may 
send a signal which is stored and which, after the activation o f the opening controls by the 
driver, effects the opening of the door. 
A.1.6.6.3 Closing of automatically-operated service doors. 
A.1.6.6.3.1 When an automatically-operated service door has ope ned it shall close again 
automatically after a time interval has elapsed. If a passenger  enters or leaves the vehicle 
during this time interval, a safety device (e.g. a footboard co ntact, light barrier, one-way gate) 
shall ensure that the time until the door closes is sufficientl y extended. 
A.1.6.6.3.2 If the passenger enters or leaves the vehicle while  the door is closing, the closing 
process shall be interrupted automatically and the door shall r eturn to the open position. The 
reversal may be actuated by one of the safety devices referred to in paragraph A.1..6.6.3.1 or 
by any other device. A.1.6.6.3.3 A door that has closed automatically in accordance with paragraph A.1.6.6.3.1 
shall be capable of being opened again by a passenger in accord ance with paragraph 
A.1.6.6.2 ; this shall not apply if the driver has deactivated the opening controls. 
A.1.6.6.3.4 After deactivation of the opening controls of the a utomatically-operated service 
doors by the driver, open doors shall close in accordance with paragraphs A.1.6.6.3.1 
and A.1.6.6.3.2  . 
A.1.6.6.4 Inhibition of the automatic closing process on doors marked for special service, e.g. 
for passengers with prams, passengers with reduced mobility, et c. 
A.1.6.6.4.1 The driver shall be able to inhibit the automatic c losing process by actuation of a 
special control. A passenger shall also be able to inhibit the automatic closing process directly 
by pressing a special push-button. 
A.1.6.6.4.2 The inhibition of the automatic closing process sha ll be indicated to the driver, 
e.g. by a visual tell-tale. 
A.1.6.6.4.3 Re-establishment of the automatic closing process s hall in any case be capable of 
being done by the driver. A.1.6.6.4.4 Paragraph A.1.6.6.3  shall apply to the subsequent closing of the door. 
A.1.6.7   Technical requirements for emergency doors 
A.1.6.7.1 Emergency doors shall be capable of being easily open ed from inside and from 
outside when the vehicle is stationary. However, this requireme nt shall not be construed as 
precluding the possibility of locking the door from the outside , provided that the door can 
always be opened from the inside by the use of the normal openi ng mechanism. 
A.1.6.7.2 Emergency doors, during their use as such, shall not be of the power-operated type 
unless, once either a service door control prescribed in paragr aph A.1.6.5.1 , or a control for a 
dedicated emergency door complying with the provisions of parag raph A.1.6.5.1 has been 
actuated and returned to its normal position, the doors do not close again until the driver 
subsequently operates a closing control. Activation of one of t he controls prescribed in 
paragraph A.1.6.5.1 shall cause the door to open to a width tha t the gauge as defined in 
paragraph A.1.7.2.1 can pass through within a maximum of 8 seco nds after the operation of 
the control, or enable the door to be easily opened by hand to a width that the gauge can pass 
through within a maximum of 8 seconds after the operation of th e control. In addition 
emergency doors shall not be of the sliding type except in  the  case of vehicles having a SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
29 
 capacity not exceeding 22 passeng ers. For these vehicles a slid ing door, which has been 
shown to be capable of being opened without the use of tools af ter a frontal barrier collision 
test in accordance with standard No. 33, can be accepted as an emergency door. 
A.1.6.7.3 Every control or device for opening an emergency door  (on the lower deck in the 
case of a double-deck vehicle) from the outside shall be betwee n 1,000 mm and 1,500 mm 
from the ground and not more than 500 mm from the door. In vehi cles of Classes I, II and III 
every control or device for opening an emergency door from the inside shall be 
between 1,000 mm and 1,500 mm from the upper surface of the flo or or step nearest to the 
control and be not more than 500 mm from the door. This shall n ot apply to controls located 
within the driver's area. 
 Alternatively, the control referred to in paragraph A.1.6.7.2  for opening a power-
operated door may be placed according to paragraph A.1.6.5.1.2  . 
A.1.6.7.4 Hinged emergency doors fitted to the side of the vehi cle shall be hinged at their 
forward edge and shall open outwards. Check straps, chains or o ther restraining devices shall 
be permitted, provided that they do not prevent the door from o pening to, and remaining open 
at, an angle of at least 100 degrees. If a means is provided su fficient to give free passage to 
the emergency door access gauge, the 100 degrees minimum angle requirement shall not 
apply. 
A.1.6.7.5 Emergency doors shall be proofed against unintentiona l operation. However, this 
requirement shall not apply if the emergency door is locked aut omatically when the vehicle is 
moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h. A.1.6.7.6 All emergency doors shall be provided with an audible  device to warn the driver 
when they are not securely closed. The warning device shall be operated by movement of the 
door catch or handle and not by movement of the door itself. 
A.1.6.7.7 If an overnight locking system is provided, the follo wing shall apply: 
A.1.6.7.7.1 The locking system shall have been automatically de activated when the ignition is 
in the "ON" position, or 
A.1.6.7.7.2 A warning shall be provided to the driver indicatin g that the overnight locking 
system remains in operation at one or more door(s) when the ign ition is in the "ON" position. 
One signal may be used for more than one door. A.1.6.8   Technical requirements for emergency windows 
A.1.6.8.1 Every hinged or ejectab le emergency window shall open  outwards. Ejectable types 
shall not become totally detached from the vehicle when operate d. The operation of ejectable 
windows shall be such that inadvertent ejection is effectively prevented. 
A.1.6.8.2 Every emergency window shall either: 
A.1.6.8.2.1 Be capable of being easily and instantaneously oper ated from inside and from 
outside the vehicle by means of a device recognised as satisfac tory. This provision includes 
the possibility of using e.g. panes of laminated glass or plast ic material, or"  
A.1.6.8.2.2 Be made of readily-breakable safety glass. This lat ter provision precludes the 
possibility of using panes of laminated glass or of plastic mat erial. A device shall be provided 
adjacent to each emergency window, readily available to persons  inside the vehicle, to ensure 
that each window can be broken. The device for breaking the gla ss for the emergency 
windows at the rear of the vehicle shall be positioned either c entrally above or below the 
emergency window or, alternatively, a device shall be positione d adjacent to each end of the 
window. 
A.1.6.8.3 Every emergency window which can be locked from the o utside shall be so 
constructed as to be capable of being opened at all times from inside the vehicle. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.1.6.8.4 If the emergency window is of a type horizontally hin ged at the top edge, an 
appropriate device shall be provi ded to hold it fully open. Eve ry hinged emergency window 
shall operate so as not to obstruct clear passage from inside o r outside the vehicle. 
A.1.6.8.5 The height of the lower edge of an emergency window f itted in the side of the 
vehicle from the general level of the floor immediately below i t (excluding any local 
variations such as the presence of a wheel or transmission hous ing) shall be not more than 
1,200 mm nor less than 650 mm in the case of a hinged emergency  window, or 500 mm in the 
case of a window made of breakable glass. 
 However, in the case of a hinged emergency window, the height of the lower edge 
may be reduced to a minimum of 500 mm provided that the window aperture is equipped with 
a guard up to a height of 650 mm to prevent the possibility of passengers falling out of the 
vehicle. Where the window apertur e is equipped with a guard, th e size of the window aperture 
above the guard shall not be less than the minimum size prescri bed for an emergency window. 
A.1.6.8.6 Every hinged emergency window which is not clearly vi sible from the driver’s seat 
shall be fitted with an audible warning device to warn the driv er when it is not completely 
closed. The window lock, and not the movement of the window its elf, shall actuate this 
device. 
A.1.6.9 Technical requirements for escape hatches 
A.1.6.9.1 Every escape hatch shall operate so as not to obstruc t the clear passage from inside 
or outside the vehicle. 
A.1.6.9.2 Roof escape hatches shall be ejectable, hinged or mad e of readily-breakable safety 
glass. Floor hatches shall be either hinged or ejectable and sh all be fitted with an audible 
warning device to warn the driver when it is not securely close d. The floor escape hatch lock, 
and not the movement of the hatch itself, shall actuate this de vice. Floor escape hatches shall 
be proofed against unintentional operation. However this requir ement shall not apply if the 
floor hatch is locked automatic ally when the vehicle is moving at a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 
A.1.6.9.3 Ejectable types shall not become totally detached fro m the vehicle when operated 
such that the hatch is not a danger to other road users. The op eration of ejectable escape 
hatches shall be such that inadvertent operation is effectively  prevented. Floor ejectable 
hatches shall eject only into the passenger compartment. 
A.1.6.9.4 Hinged escape hatches shall hinge along the edge towa rds the front or rear of the 
vehicle and shall hinge through an angle of at least 100 degree s. Hinged floor escape hatches 
shall hinge into the passenger compartment. 
A.1.6.9.5 Escape hatches shall be capable of being easily opene d or removed from the inside 
and from the outside. However, this requirement shall not be co nstrued as precluding the 
possibility of locking the escape hatch for the purpose of secu ring the vehicle when 
unattended, provided that the escape hatch can always be opened  or removed from the inside 
by the use of the normal opening or removal mechanism. In the c ase of a readily-breakable 
hatch, a device shall be provided adjacent to the hatch, readil y available to persons inside the 
vehicle, to ensure that the hatch can be broken. 
A.1.6.10   Technical requirements for retractable steps 
Retractable steps if fitted shall comply with the following req uirements: 
A.1.6.10.1 The operation of retractable steps may be synchronis ed with that of the 
corresponding service or emergency door ; A.1.6.10.2 When the door is closed no part of the retractable s tep shall project more 
than 10 mm beyond the adjacent line of the body work; SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
31 
 A.1.6.10.3 When the door is open and the retractable step is in  the extended position, the 
surface area shall conform to the requirements of paragraph A.1 .7.7 of this annex; 
A.1.6.10.4 In the case of a power-operated step, it shall not b e possible for the vehicle to 
move from rest, under its own power, when the step is in the ex tended position. In the case of 
a manually operated step, an audible indication shall alert the  driver when the step is not fully 
retracted. 
A.1.6.10.5 A power-operated step shall not be capable of being extended when the vehicle is 
in motion. If the device to operate the step fails, the step sh all retract and remain in the 
retracted position. However, the operation of the corresponding  door shall not be hindered in 
the event of such a failure or by the step being damaged or obs tructed. 
A.1.6.10.6 when a passenger is standing on a power-operated ret ractable step, the 
corresponding door shall be incapable of being closed. Complian ce with this requirement 
shall be checked by placing a mass of 15 kg, representing a sma ll child, at the centre of the 
step. This requirement shall not apply to any door within the d river’s direct field of view. 
A.1.6.10.7 (Reserved) A.1.6.10.8  The corners of retractable steps facing forwards or  rearwards shall be rounded to a 
radius of not less than 5 mm; the edges shall be rounded to a r adius of not less than 2.5 mm; 
A.1.6.10.9 When the passenger door is open, the retractable ste p shall be securely held in the 
extended position. When a mass of 136 kg is placed in the centr e of a single step or a mass 
of 272 kg is placed in the centre of a double step the deflecti on at any point on the step, 
measured relative to the body of vehicle, shall not exceed 10 m m. 
A.1.6.11 Safety signs 
A.1.6.11.1 All safety signs shall comply with requirements cont ained in paragraph 6.5. of 
GSO  ISO 3864-1:2017. 
A.1.6.11.2 Each safety sign required by this standard shall be used to communicate only one 
safety message. The information provided shall be in the form o f pictograms, however, 
words, letters and numbers may supplement the pictogram in comb ination on the same sign. It 
shall be located and orientated so as to be easily understood. 
A.1.6.11.2.1 Safety signs shall follow the principles shown in the example layouts below, i.e. 
a header section depicting the safety message, a second section  containing instructional 
information and a third, optional, footer section for non-criti cal text.  
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
32 
  
 
 
 
    
 
 
A.1.6.11.2.2 Pictograms indicating required actions by the user  shall show a person, or the 
relevant part of a person, operating the equipment or device. 
A.1.6.11.2.3 Pictograms indicating a required movement shall, w here appropriate, show an 
arrow pointing in the direction of motion. Where a rotational m ovement is required, a curved 
arrow shall be used. 
A.1.6.11.2.4   Where devices are to be operated, panels removed  or doors opened, the 
pictogram shall indicate the action in progress. 
A.1.6.11.2.5   The lower case letter(s) of supplementary words,  single letters and numbers 
shall have a minimum height of 8 mm. Words shall not be in uppe r case letters only. 
A.1.6.11.3   All safety signs that are visible from the inside of the vehicle shall be of photo-
luminescent material having luminance decay characteristics con forming, as a minimum, to 
sub-classification C in Table 2 of GSO ISO 17398:2017, when mea sured in accordance with 
paragraph 7.11. of that standard. 
A.1.6.11.4   Safety signs shall not be located in positions whe re they may be obscured during 
operation of the vehicle. However, a curtain or blind may be po sitioned over an emergency 
window provided an additional safety sign indicates that the em ergency window is located 
behind the curtain or blind. A.1.6.11.5   Each emergency exit, and any other exit that meets  the prescriptions for an 
emergency exit, shall be marked by one of the relevant pictogra ms described in Table 3 of 
GSO ISO 7010:2016; pictograms shall be legible from both the in side and the outside of the 
vehicle. 
A.1.6.11.6   Safety signs shall be positioned adjacent to, or s urround, or be on, all internal and 
external emergency controls and device(s) for breaking emergenc y window(s). 
A.1.6.11.7   No part of a safety sign shall obscure any misuse protection that may be present, 
e.g. a cover. A.1.6.11.8   The language in which any textual safety sign inte nded to comply with 
paragraphs A.1.6.11.1 to A.1.6.11.7. A.1.6.12   Service-door lighting 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
33 
 A.1.6.12.1 Service-door lighting may be provided to illuminate the flat, horizontal portion of 
the ground defined in paragraph A.1.6.12.2.2 so as to aid passe ngers boarding and alighting 
the vehicle and to enable the presence of a passenger within th is portion of the ground to be 
detected by the driver from his seat. 
A.1.6.12.2 Service-door lighting, if fitted, shall: 
A.1.6.12.2.1 Be of white colour; A.1.6.12.2.2   Illuminate a flat, horizontal portion of the gro und having a width of 2 m 
measured from a plane parallel to the median longitudinal verti cal plane of the vehicle which 
passes through the outermost point of the closed service door a nd over a length extending 
from a transverse plane which passes through the foremost edge of the closed service door to 
a transverse plane passing through the centre line of the forem ost wheels situated to the rear 
of the service door, or, in the case where there are no such wh eels, to a transverse plane 
passing through the rear of the vehicle; 
A.1.6.12.2.3   Have limited dazzle outside a zone on the ground  having a maximum width 
of 5 m measured from the side of the vehicle and a maximum leng th limited by a transverse 
plane passing through the front of the vehicle and a transverse  plane passing through the rear 
of the vehicle; 
A.1.6.12.2.4  If the lower edge of the lighting device is less than 2 m from the ground, not 
project more than 50 mm beyond the overall width of the vehicle  measured without this 
device and have radii of curvature of not less than 2.5 mm; 
A.1.6.12.2.5 Be activated and deactivated manually by a separat e switch; and 
A.1.6.12.2.6 Be installed so that the device can only be switch ed on when a service door is 
operated and the vehicle speed does not exceed 5 km/h and is sw itched off automatically 
before the vehicle reaches a speed exceeding 5 km/h. 
A.1.7 Interior arrangements 
A.1.7.1   Access to service doors ( see Annex 2, Figure l ) 
A.1.7.1.1  The free space extending inwards into the vehicle fr om the side wall in which the 
door is mounted shall permit the free passage of one test gauge  having the dimensions of 
either test gauge 1 or test gauge 2 specified in Annex 2, Figur e 1. 
 The test gauge shall be maintained parallel with the door aper ture as it is moved from 
the starting position, where the plane of the face nearest to t he interior of the vehicle is 
tangential to the outermost edge of the aperture, to the positi on where it touches the first step, 
after which it shall be kept at right angles to the probable di rection of motion of a person 
using the entrance. 
A.1.7.1.2 (Reserved). 
A.1.7.1.3  When the centre line of this test gauge has traverse d a distance of 300 mm from its 
starting position and the test gauge is touching the surface of  the step or floor, it shall be 
retained in that position. 
A.1.7.1.4 The cylindrical figure (see Annex 2, Figure 6) used f or testing the gangway 
clearance shall then be moved starting from the gangway, in the  probable direction of motion 
of a person leaving the vehicle, until its centre line has reac hed the vertical plane which 
contains the top edge of the uppermost step, or until a plane t angential to the upper cylinder 
touches the dual panel, whichever occurs first, and retained in  that position (see Annex 2, 
Figure 2). A.1.7.1.5 Between the cylindrical figure, at the position set o ut in paragraph A.1.7.1.4 , and 
the dual panel, at the position set out in paragraph A.1.7.1.3 , there shall be a free space whose 
upper and lower limits are shown in Annex 4, Figure 2. This fre e space shall permit the free SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
34 
 passage of a vertical panel whose form and dimensions are the s ame as the cylindrical form 
(paragraph A.1.7.5.1), central section and a thickness of no mo re than 20 mm. This panel 
shall be moved, from the cylindrical form tangential position, until its external side is in 
contact with the dual panel interior side, touching the plane o r planes defined by the step 
upper edges, in the probable direction of motion of a person us ing the entrance (see Annex 4, 
Figure 2). A.1.7.1.6 The free passage clearance for this figure shall not include any space extending 
to 300 mm in front of any uncompr essed seat cushion of a forwar d or rearward facing seat, 
or 225 mm in the case of sideways-facing seats and to the heigh t of the top of the seat cushion 
(see Annex 4, Figure 25). 
A.1.7.1.7 In the case of folding seats, this space shall be det ermined with the seat in the 
position of use. 
A.1.7.1.8 However, one or more folding seat(s) for use by the c rew may obstruct the 
 access passage to a service door when in the position of use p rovided that: 
A.1.7.1.8.1 It is clearly indicate d, both in the vehicle itself  and on the communication 
 form (see Annex 1), that the seat is for the use of crew only;  
A.1.7.1.8.2  When the seat is not in use it folds automatically  as necessary to enable the 
requirements of paragraphs A.1.7.1.1 or A.1.7.1.2 and A.1.7.1.3  , A.1.7.1.4 and A.1.7.1.5 of 
this annex to be met; 
A.1.7.1.8.3 The door is not considered to be a mandatory exit f or the purpose of 
paragraph A.1.6.1.4 of this annex; A.1.7.1.8.4 When the seat is in the position of use, and when i t is in the folded position, no 
part of it shall be:  
(a) Forward of a vertical plane passing through the centre of t he seating surface of the driver's 
seat in its rearmost and lowest position and through the centre  of the exterior rear-view mirror 
mounted on the opposite side of the vehicle or through the cent re of any monitor used as 
device for indirect vision, whatever applicable,  
and  
(b) Above a horizontal plane which is located 300 mm above the centre of the seating surface 
of the driver's seat in its rearmost and lowest position. 
A.1.7.1.9  In the case of vehicles having a capacity not exceed ing 22 passengers a doorway 
and the route by which passengers gain access to it shall be co nsidered unobstructed if they 
have: 
A.1.7.1.9.1 Measured parallel with the longitudinal axis of the  vehicle, there is a clearance of 
not less than 220 mm at any point and 550 mm at any point being  more than 500 mm above 
the floor or steps (Annex 2, Figure 3). 
A.1.7.1.9.2  Measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of  the vehicle, there is a 
clearance of not less than 300 mm at any point and 550 mm at an y point being more than 
1,200 mm above the floor or steps or less than 300 mm below the  ceiling (Annex 2, Figure 4). 
A.1.7.1.10 The service door and emergency door dimensions in pa ragraph A.1.6.3.1 and the 
requirements of paragraphs A.1.7.1.1 to A.1.7.1.7, A.1.7.2.1 to  A.1.7.2.3, A.1.7.5.1 and 
A.1.7.8.5. of this annex shall not apply to a vehicle of class B with a technically permissible 
maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 passenger se ats in which each seat has 
unobstructed access to at least two doors. A.1.7.1.11 The maximum slope of t he floor in the access passage  shall not exceed 5 per cent. 
A.1.7.1.12 The surface of access passages shall be slip-resista nt. 
A.1.7.2   Access to emergency doors ( see Annex 2, Figure 5 ) SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
35 
  The following requirements shall not apply to driver’s doors u sed as emergency exits 
in vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passengers. 
A.1.7.2.1  Except as provided for in paragraph A.1.7.2.4  , the  free space between the 
gangway and the emergency door aperture shall permit the free p assage of a vert ical cylinder 
300 mm in diameter and 700 mm high from the floor and supportin g a second vertical 
cylinder 550 mm in diameter, the aggregate height of the assemb ly being 1,400 mm. 
 The diameter of the upper cylinder may be reduced at the top t o 400 mm when a 
chamfer not exceeding 30 degrees from the horizontal is include d. 
A.1.7.2.2 The base of the first cylinder shall be within the pr ojection of the second cylinder. 
A.1.7.2.3 Where folding seats are installed alongside this pass age, the free space for the 
cylinder shall be required to be determined when the seat is in  the position for use. 
A.1.7.2.4 As an alternative to the dual cylinder, the gauging d evice described in 
paragraph A.1.7.5.1 may be used (see Annex 2, Figure 6). A.1.7.3   Access to emergency windows 
A.1.7.3.1 It shall be possible to move a test gauge from the ga ngway to the exterior of the 
vehicle through every emergency window. A.1.7.3.2 The direction of motion of the test gauge shall be in  the direction in which a 
passenger evacuating the vehicle would be expected to move. The  test gauge shall be kept 
perpendicular to that direction of motion and shall not meet an y obstacle. 
A.1.7.3.3 The test gauge shall be in the form of a thin plate h aving a size of 
600 mm x 400 mm with corners radiused by 200 mm. However, in th e case of an emergency 
window in the rear face of the vehicle, the test gauge may alte rnatively have a size of 
1400 mm x 350 mm with corners radiused by 175 mm. 
 
A.1.7.4   Access to escape hatches 
A.1.7.4.1 Escape hatches in the roof A.1.7.4.1.1 Except in the case of Class I and A vehicles, at le ast one escape hatch shall be 
located such that a four-sided truncated pyramid having a side angle of 20 degrees and a 
height of 1,600 mm touches part of a seat or equivalent support . The axis of the pyramid shall 
be vertical and its smaller section shall contact the aperture area of the escape hatch. Supports 
may be foldable or movable provided they can be locked in their  position of use. This position 
shall be taken for verification. 
A.1.7.4.1.2 When the structural thickness of the roof is more t han 150 mm, the smaller 
section of the pyramid shall contact the aperture area of the e scape hatch at the level of the 
outside surface of the roof. 
A.1.7.4.2 Escape hatches in the floor. 
 In the case of an escape hatch fitted in the floor, the hatch shall give direct and free 
access to the exterior of the vehicle and be fitted where there  is a clear space above the hatch 
equivalent to the height of the gangway. Any heat source or mov ing components shall be at 
least 500 mm from any part of the hatch aperture. 
 It shall be possible to move a test gauge in the form of a thi n plate having dimensions 
600 mm x 400 mm with corners radiused by 200 mm in a horizontal  position from a height 
above the floor of the vehicle of 1 m to the ground. 
A.1.7.5 Gangways ( see Annex 2, Figure 6 ) 
A.1.7.5.1 The gangway(s) of a vehicle shall be so designed and constructed as to permit the 
free passage of a gauging device consisting of two co-axial cyl inders with an inverted SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
36 
 truncated cone interposed between them, the gauging device havi ng the dimensions shown in 
Annex 2, Figure 6. 
 The gauging device may come int o contact with strap hangers, i f fitted, or other 
flexible objects such as seat belt components and move them eas ily away. 
 In vehicles of Classes I and A, the gauging device according t o Annex 2, Figure 6 
shall not come into contact with any monitor or display device mounted from the ceiling 
above the gangway. 
 In vehicles of Classes II, III and B, the gauging device accor ding to Annex 4, Figure 6 
may come into contact with any monitor or display device mounte d from the ceiling above 
the gangway. The maximum force necessary to move any such monit or or display device out 
of the way, in both directions, shall not exceed 35 Newton. Thi s maximum force shall be 
applied normal to the middle of t he lower edge of the monitor o r display device in both 
directions in turn until the monitor or display device has reac hed a position which allows clear 
passage of the gauging device. After being moved out of the way , the monitor or display 
device shall maintain its position and not automatically redepl oy.  
If a vehicle of Class I, II or A  is fitted with a barrier, the gauging device according to Annex 
4, Figure 6, may come into contact with the barrier provided th at the maximum force 
necessary to move such barrier out of the way does not exceed 5 0 Newton measured at the 
point of contact between the gauging device according to Annex 4, Figure 6 and the barrier 
and applied perpendicular to the barrier.  
The maximum force shall apply to both directions of movement of  the gauging device.  
If the vehicle is equipped with a lift adjacent to the barrier,  the barrier may be temporarily 
blocked during the operation of the lift.  
A.1.7.5.1.1 If there is no exit forward of a seat or row of sea ts 
A.1.7.5.1.1.1  In the case of forward-facing seats, the front e dge of the cylindrical gauge 
defined in paragraph A.1.7.5.1 shall reach at least until the t ransverse vertical plane tangential 
to the foremost point of the foremost front row seat back and b e retained in that position. 
From this plane, it shall be possible to move the panel shown i n Annex 2, Figure 7, in such a 
way that starting from the contact position with the cylindrica l gauge, the panel side facing 
the exterior of the vehicle is displaced forwards a distance of  660 mm. 
A.1.7.5.1.1.2 In the case of sideways facing seats, the forward  part of the cylindrical gauge 
shall reach at least the transversal plane which coincides with  a vertical plane passing through 
the centre of the forward s eat. (Annex 2, Figure 7). 
A.1.7.5.1.1.3 In the case of rear ward facing seats, the forward  part of the cylindrical gauge 
shall reach at least the transverse vertical plane tangential t o the face of the seat cushions of 
the forward row or seat (Annex 2, Figure 7). 
A.1.7.5.2 (Reserved) 
A.1.7.5.3  On vehicles of Class III the seats on one side or on  both sides of the gangway may 
be movable laterally, it being then possible to reduce the widt h of the gangway to a figure 
corresponding to a lower cylinder diameter of 220 mm, on condit ion that the operation of a 
control on each seat, readily accessible to a person standing i n the gangway, shall be 
sufficient to cause the seat to  return easily and, if possible,  automatically, even when it is 
loaded, to the position corresponding to a minimum width of 300  mm.  
A.1.7.5.4 On articulated vehicles, the gauging device defined i n paragraph A.1.7.5.1 shall be 
able to pass unobstructed through the articulated section on an y deck where the two sections 
permit through passage by passengers. No part of the soft cover ing of that section, including 
parts of bellows, shall project into the gangway. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
37 
 A.1.7.5.5 Steps may be fitted in the gangways. The width of suc h steps shall not be less  than 
the width of the gangway at the top of the steps. 
A.1.7.5.6 Folding seats allowing passengers to sit in the gangw ay shall not be permitted. 
Folding seats shall, however, be permitted in other areas of th e vehicle so long as they do not 
obstruct the passage down the gangway of the gangway test gauge  when in the open (seating) 
position. A.1.7.5.7 Laterally-sliding seats which in one position encroac h on the gangway shall not be 
permitted except on vehicles of Class III and subject to the co nditions prescribed in paragraph 
A.1.7.5.3. 
A.1.7.5.8 In the case of vehicles to which paragraph A.1.7.1.9.  of this annex applies, a 
gangway shall not be necessary provided the access dimensions s pecified in that paragraph 
are respected. 
A.1.7.5.9 The surface of gangways shall be slip-resistant. A.1.7.6   Slope of gangway 
The slope of the gangway shall not exceed: A.1.7.6.1 In the longitudinal direction: A.1.7.6.1.1 Eight per cent in the case of a vehicle of Class I,  II or A, or 
A.1.7.6.1.2  12.5 per cent in the case of a vehicle of Classes III and B, and 
A.1.7.6.2 In the transversal direction, 5 per cent for all clas ses. 
A.1.7.7   Steps ( see Annex 2, Figure 8 ) 
A.1.7.7.1 The maximum and minimum height, and the minimum depth , of steps for 
passengers at service and emer gency doors, and within the vehic le, are specified in Annex 2, 
Figure 8. 
A.1.7.7.1.1 Any transition from a sunken gangway to a seating a rea shall not be considered to 
be a step. However, the vertical distance between the gangway s urface and the floor of the 
seating area shall not exceed 350 mm. A.1.7.7.2  The height of a step shall be measured at the centre  of its width at the outer edge, 
the tyre equipment and pressure being as specified by the manuf acturer for the technically 
permissible maximum laden mass (M). 
A.1.7.7.3 The height of the first step in relation to the groun d shall be measured with the 
vehicle on level ground, at its mass in running order as define d in paragraph 2.18. of this 
standard, and the tyre equipment and pressure being as specifie d by the manufacturer for the 
technically permissible maximum laden mass (M) declared in acco rdance with paragraph 
2.19. of this standard. A.1.7.7.4 Where there is more than one step, each step may exte nd into the area of the vertical 
projection of the next step by up to 100 mm and the projection over the tread below shall 
leave a free surface of at least 200 mm (see Annex 2, Figure 8)  with all step nosings being 
designed such as to minimize the risk of tripping. All step nos ings shall contrast visually with 
their immediate surroundings. A.1.7.7.5 The width and shape of every step shall be such that a rectangle as indicated in the 
table below can be placed on that step with not more than 5 per  cent of the area of the 
appropriate rectangle overhanging the step. At a double doorway  each half of the doorway 
shall fulfil this requirement. 
Number of passengers > 22 ≤ 22 
Area First step (mm) 400 x 300 400 x 200 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
38 
 Number of passengers > 22 ≤ 22 
 Other steps (mm) 400 x 200 400 x 200 
A.1.7.7.6 All steps shall have a slip-resistant surface. 
A.1.7.7.7 The maximum slope of the step in any direction shall not exceed 5 per cent.  
A.1.7.8    Passenger seats (including folding seats) and space for seated passengers  
A.1.7.8.1 Minimum seat width (see Annex 2, Figure 9) A.1.7.8.1.1 The minimum width of the seat cushion, dimension "F " (Annex 2, Figure 9), 
measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of th at seating position, shall be: 
A.1.7.8.1.1.1  200 mm in the case of Class I, II, A or B; or 
A.1.7.8.1.1.2 225 mm in the case of Class III. A.1.7.8.1.2  The minimum width of the available space for each seating position, 
dimension "G" (Annex 2, Figure 9), measured from a vertical pla ne passing through the 
centre of that seating position at height between 270 mm and 65 0 mm above the 
uncompressed seat cushion, shall be not less than: 
A.1.7.8.1.2.1 250 mm in the case of individual seats; or A.1.7.8.1.2.2 225 mm in the case of continuous rows of seats fo r two or more passengers. 
A.1.7.8.1.3 For vehicles not exceeding a width of 2.35 m: 
A.1.7.8.1.3.1  The width of the available space for each seatin g position, measured from a 
vertical plane passing through th e centre of that seating posit ion at heights between 270 mm 
and 650 mm above the uncompressed seat cushion, shall be 200 mm  (see Annex 2, Figure 
9A). In case of compliance with this paragraph the requirements  of paragraph A.1.7.8.1.2. 
above shall not apply; and 
A.1.7.8.1.3.2 In the case of vehicles of Class III, the minimum  width of the seat cushion, 
dimension "F" (Annex 4, Figure 9A), measured from a vertical pl ane passing through the 
centre of that seating position, shall be a minimum of 200 mm. In case of compliance with 
this paragraph the requirements of paragraph A.1.7.8.1.1.2 shal l not apply. 
A.1.7.8.1.4  For vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 pa ssengers, in the case of seats 
adjacent to the wall of the vehicle, the available space does n ot include, in its upper part, a 
triangular area 20 mm wide by 100 mm high (see Annex 2, Figure 10). In addition, the space 
needed for safety belts and thei r anchorages and for the sun vi sor should be considered as 
exempted. 
A.1.7.8.1.5 In measuring the gangway width, no account shall be  taken of whether or not the 
available space defined above protrudes into the gangway. A.1.7.8.2 Minimum depth of seat cushion (dimension K, see Annex  2, Figure 11) 
The minimum depth of a seat cushion shall be: 
A.1.7.8.2.1 350 mm in vehicles of Class I, A or B, and 
A.1.7.8.2.2 400 mm in vehicles of Class II or Class III. 
A.1.7.8.3 Height of seat cushion (dimension H, see Annex 2, Fig ure 11a) 
The height of the uncompressed seat cushion relative to the flo or shall be such that the 
distance from the floor to a horizontal plane tangential to the  front upper surface of the seat 
cushion is between 400 mm and 500 mm: this height may however b e reduced to not less than 
350 mm at the wheel arches (taking into account the allowances permitted in paragraph 
A.1.7.8.5.2. below) and at the engine/transmission compartment.  
A.1.7.8.4 Seat spacing (see Annex 4, Figures 12A and 12B) 
A.1.7.8.4.1 In the case of seats facing in the same direction, the distance between the front of 
a seat squab and the back of the squab of the seat preceding it  (dimension H), shall, when SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
39 
 measured horizontally, parallel to the longitudinal plane of th e vehicle and at all heights 
above the floor between the level of the top surface of the sea t cushion and a point 620 mm 
above the floor, not be less than: 
H 
Classes I, A and B 650 mm 
Classes II and III 680 mm 
A.1.7.8.4.2 All measurements shall be taken, with the seat cush ion and squab uncompressed 
using the testing gauge shown in Annex 4, Figure 12B . A.1.7.8.4.3 Where transverse sea ts face one another the minimum  distance between the front 
faces of the seat squabs of facing seats, as measured across th e highest points of the seat 
cushions, shall be not less than 1,300 mm. 
A.1.7.8.4.4 Measurements shall be taken with reclining passenge r seats and adjustable driving 
seats with their seat backs and other seat adjustments in the n ormal position of use specified 
by the manufacturer. 
A.1.7.8.4.5 Measurements shall be taken with any folding table fitted to a seat back in the 
folded (stowed) position. 
A.1.7.8.4.6 Seats which are mounted on a track or other system which permits the operator or 
the user to easily vary the interior configuration of the vehic le shall be measured in the normal 
position of use specified by the manufacturer in the applicatio n for approval. 
A.1.7.8.5 Space for seated passengers (see Annex 2, Figure 13) 
A.1.7.8.5.1  For a seat behind a partition or other rigid struc ture other than a seat, a minimum 
clear space in front of each required passenger seating space ( as defined in 
paragraph A.1.7.8.6) shall be provided as shown in Annex 2, Fig ure 13. A partition whose 
contour corresponds approximately to that of the inclined seat back may intrude into this 
space. In the case of seats alongside the driver’s seat in vehi cles of Class A or B, intrusion of 
the dashboard, instrument panel, gear change control, windscree n, sun visor, seat belts and 
seat belt anchorages shall be allowed. 
A.1.7.8.5.2 For a seat behind a seat and/or a seat facing the g angway, a minimum clear foot 
space of at least 300 mm depth and a width according to paragra ph A.1.7.8.1.1 of this annex, 
shall be provided as shown in Annex 2, Figure 11b. The local pr esence in this space of seat 
legs, passenger footrests and of intrusions as provided by para graph A.1.7.8.6  shall be 
permitted provided that adequate space remains for the passenge rs’ feet. This foot space may 
partly be situated in and/or above the gangway but shall not cr eate any obstruction when 
measuring the minimum gangway-width in accordance with paragrap h A.1.7.5 In the case of 
seats alongside the driver’s seat in vehicles of Class A or B, intrusion of the seat belts and seat 
belt anchorages shall be allowed. A.1.7.8.5.3 The minimum number of priority seats complying with  the requirements of Annex 
5, paragraph A.5.3.2 shall be four in Class I, two in Class II and one in Class A. In the case of 
vehicles of Class III or Class B subject to  the requirements of  Annex 5, the minimum number 
of priority seats shall be two  in Class III and one in Class B.   
A seat that folds out of the way when not in use shall not be d esignated as a priority seat.. 
A.1.7.8.6 Free height over seating positions 
A.1.7.8.6.1 In the case of single deck vehicles, over each seat ing position and, except in the 
case of the seat(s) alongside the driver in a vehicle of Class A or B, its associated foot space, 
there shall be measured a free space with a height of not less than 900 mm measured from the SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
40 
 highest point of the uncompressed seat cushion and at least 1,3 50 mm from the mean level of 
the floor in the foot space. In the case of vehicles to which p aragraph A.1.7.1.10  of this annex 
applies, and also for the seat(s) alongside the driver in a veh icle of Class A or B, these 
dimensions may be reduced to 1,200 mm measured from the floor a nd 800 mm measured 
from the highest point of the uncompressed seat cushion. 
In the case of double-deck vehicles, each seating position shal l have a free height of not less 
than 900 mm measured from the highest point of the uncompressed  seat cushion. In the case 
of the upper deck, this free height may be reduced to 850 mm. 
A.1.7.8.6.2 This free space shall be extended over the zone def ined: 
A.1.7.8.6.2.1 By longitudinal vertical planes 200 mm either sid e of the median vertical plane 
of the seating position, and A.1.7.8.6.2.2 By a transverse vertical plane through the rearmo st upper point of the seat back 
and by a transverse vertical plane 280 mm in front of the forem ost point of the uncompressed 
seat cushion, measured in each case at the median vertical plan e of the seating position. 
A.1.7.8.6.3 From the edges of the free space defined by paragra phs A.1.7.8.6.1 . 
and A.1.7.8.6.2 , the following zones may be excluded: A.1.7.8.6.3.1 In the case of the upper part of the outboard sea ts, adjacent to the inner wall of 
the vehicle, a zone with a rectangular cross-section 150 mm in height and 100 mm in width 
(see Annex 4, Figure 14). 
A.1.7.8.6.3.2 In the case of the upper part of the outboard sea ting position, a zone with 
triangular cross-section whose apex is situated 700 mm from the  top and whose base 
is 100 mm in width (see Annex 2, Figure 15). The space needed f or safety belts and their 
anchorages and for the sun visor is also excluded; 
A.1.7.8.6.3.3 In the case of the foot well of an outboard seati ng position, a zone of a cross-
sectional area not exceeding, 0.02 m
2 (0.03 m2 for low floor vehicles) and having a maximum 
width not exceeding 100 mm (150 mm for low floor vehicles) (see  Annex 2, Figure 16). 
A.1.7.8.6.3.4 In the case of a vehicle for up to 22 passengers,  in the case of the seating 
places nearest to the rear corners of the body, the outer rear edge of the free space, viewed in 
plan, may be rounded to a radius not exceeding 150 mm (see Anne x 2, Figure 17). 
A.1.7.8.6.4 In the free space defined by paragraphs A.1.7.8.6.1  , A.1.7.8.6.2  and A.1.7.8.6.3 , 
the following additional intrusions shall be permitted: A.1.7.8.6.4.1 Intrusion of the back of another seat, its suppor ts and its attachments (e.g. 
folding table); 
A.1.7.8.6.4.2 In the case of a vehicle for up to 22 passengers,  intrusion of a wheel arch 
provided that one of the following two conditions is fulfilled:  
A.1.7.8.6.4.2.1   The intrusion does not extend beyond the medi an vertical plane of the seating 
position (see Annex 2, Figure 18), or 
A.1.7.8.6.4.2.2   The nearest edge of the area 300 mm in depth available for the feet of the 
seated passenger is advanced no more than 200 mm from the edge of the uncompressed seat 
cushion and to not more than 600 mm in front of the squab of th e seat, these measurements 
being made in the median vertical plane of the seating position  (see Annex 2, Figure 19). In 
the case of two seats facing each other this provision shall ap ply to only one of the seats and 
the remaining space for the feet of seated passengers shall be at least 400 mm. 
A.1.7.8.6.4.3  In the case of seats alongside the driver’s seat  in vehicles with up 
to 22 passengers, intrusion of t he dashboard / instrument panel , windscreen, sun visors, seat 
belts, seat belt anchorages and front dome. 
A.1.7.8.6.4.4 Intrusion of hopper type windows when open and th eir fittings. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
41 
 A.1.7.9   Communication with the driver 
A.1.7.9.1 On vehicles of Classes I, II and A, a means shall be provided to enable passengers 
to signal that the driver should stop the vehicle. The controls  for all such communication 
devices shall be capable of being operated with the palm of the  hand. There shall be 
appropriate communication devices distributed adequately and ev enly throughout the vehicle 
and no more than 1,500 mm from the floor; this does not exclude  the possibility of installing 
higher additional communication devices. Controls shall contras t visually with their 
immediate surroundings. Activation of the control shall also be  indicated to the passengers by 
means of one or more illuminated  signs. The sign shall display the words "bus stopping" or 
equivalent, and/or a suitable pictogram and shall remain illumi nated until the service door(s) 
open. Articulated vehicles shall have such signs in each rigid section of the vehicle. Double-
deck vehicles shall have them on each deck. The provisions of p aragraph A.1.6.11.8 of this 
annex apply to any textual markings used. 
The provisions of paragraph A.1.6.11.4 apply to any textual mar kings used. 
A.1.7.9.2 Communication with the crew compartment 
If a crew compartment is fitted without access to the driver or  passenger compartments, a 
means of communication between the driver and this crew compart ment shall be provided. 
A.1.7.9.3 Communication with the toilet compartment 
Toilet compartments shall be fitted with a means of summoning a ssistance in an emergency. 
A.1.7.10 Hot drink machines and cooking equipment 
A.1.7.10.1 Hot drink machines and cooking equipment shall be so  installed or guarded that no 
hot food or drink is likely to be spilled on any passenger due to emergency braking or 
cornering forces. 
A.1.7.10.2 On vehicles fitted with hot-drink machines or cookin g equipment, all passenger 
seats shall have adequate provision for setting down hot food o r drink whilst the vehicle is in 
motion. 
A.1.7.11 Doors to interior compartments 
Every door to a toilet or other interior compartment: A.1.7.11.1 Shall be self-closing, and shall not be fitted with any device to hold it open if, 
when open, it could obstruct passengers in an emergency; 
A.1.7.11.2  Shall, when open, not conceal any handle, control d evice for opening or 
obligatory marking associated with any service door, emergency door, emergency exit, fire 
extinguisher or first aid kit; 
A.1.7.11.3 Shall be provided with a means to enable the door to  be opened from outside the 
compartment in an emergency; 
A.1.7.11.4 Shall not be capable of being locked from the outsid e unless it can always be 
opened from the inside. 
A.1.7.12 Intercommunication staircase of a double-deck vehicle (see Annex 2, Figure 1 ) 
A.1.7.12.1 The minimum width of any intercommunication staircas e shall be so designed as 
to permit the free passage of the single door access template a s defined in Figure 1 of 
Annex 2. The panel shall be moved starting from the gangway of the lower deck up to the last 
step, in the probable direction of motion of a person using the  staircase. 
A.1.7.12.2 Intercommunication staircases shall be so designed, that, during heavy braking of 
the vehicle moving in the forward direction, there is no danger  of a passenger being projected 
downwards. 
This requirement is considered to be fulfilled if at least one of the following conditions is met: 
A.1.7.12.2.1 No part of the sta ircase is forward descending; SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
42 
 A.1.7.12.2.2 The staircase is equipped with guards or a similar  provision; 
A.1.7.12.2.3 There is an automatic device in the upper part of the staircase which prevents 
the use of the staircase when the vehicle is in motion; this de vice shall be easily operable in an 
emergency. 
A.1.7.12.3 It shall be verified, by use of the cylinder of para graph A.1.7.5.1 of this annex, that 
access conditions from the gangways (upper and lower) to the st aircase are adequate. 
A.1.7.13 Driver's compartment 
A.1.7.13.1 The driver shall be protected from standing passenge rs and from passengers seated 
immediately behind the driver's compartment who may be projecte d into the driver's 
compartment in the event of braking or cornering.  This require ment shall be deemed to be 
satisfied if: A.1.7.13.1.1 The rear of the driver’s compartment is enclosed b y a partition; or 
A.1.7.13.1.2 In the case of passenger seats located immediately  behind the driver's 
compartment either a guard or, in the case of a vehicle of Clas s A or B, a safety-belt is fitted.  
For vehicles having an area available for standing passengers i mmediately behind the driver's 
compartment, the option of fitting a safety-belt shall not appl y.  Where fitted, a guard shall 
comply with the requirements specified in paragraphs A.1.7.13.1 .2.1 to A.1.7.13.1.2.3 . 
(see Annex 2, figure 28). 
A.1.7.13.1.2.1   The minimum height of the guard measured from the floor on which the 
passenger's feet rest shall be 800 mm. 
A.1.7.13.1.2.2   The width of the guard shall extend inwards fr om the wall of the vehicle at 
least as far as 100 mm beyond th e longitudinal centre line of t he innermost relevant passenger 
seat, but in any case shall extend at least as far as the inner most point of the driver's seat. 
A.1.7.13.1.2.3   The distance between the uppermost edge of an area destined to hold any 
object (e.g. a table) and the uppermost edge of a guard shall b e at least 90 mm. 
A.1.7.13.2 The driver's compartment shall be protected from obj ects liable to roll into it from 
the passenger area immediately b ehind the compartment in the ca se of heavy braking.  This 
requirement shall be deemed to be satisfied when a ball of 50 m m diameter cannot roll into 
the driver's compartment from the passenger area immediately be hind the compartment. 
A.1.7.13.3 The driver shall be protected from the sun and from the effects of glare and 
reflections caused by artificial interior lighting.  Any lighti ng likely to affect adversely and 
significantly the driver's vision shall be capable of being ope rated only while the vehicle is at 
rest. 
A.1.7.13.4 The vehicle shall be provided with devices allowing defrosting and demisting of 
the windscreen. 
A.1.7.14 Driver's seat 
A.1.7.14.1 The driver's seat shall be independent of other seat s. 
A.1.7.14.2  The seat back shall either be curved or the driver' s area shall be provided with 
armrests positioned in such a way that the driver is neither co nstrained during vehicle 
manoeuvring operations, nor becomes unbalanced by transverse ac celerations which can 
occur in service. 
A.1.7.14.3 The minimum width of the seat cushion, (dimension F,  see Annex 2, Figure 9) 
measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of th e seat, shall be: 
A.1.7.14.3.1 200 mm in the case of Class A or B; A.1.7.14.3.2 225 mm in the case of Class I, II or III. 
A.1.7.14.4 The minimum depth of the seat cushion, (dimension K,  see Annex 2, Figure 11a) 
measured from a vertical plane passing through the centre of th e seat, shall be: SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
43 
 A.1.7.14.4.1 350 mm in the case of Class A or B; 
A.1.7.14.4.2 400 mm in the case of Class I, II or III. 
A.1.7.14.5  The minimum overall width of the seat back measured  up to a height of 250 mm 
above the horizontal plane tangential to the uppermost surface of the uncompressed seat 
cushion shall be 450 mm. 
A.1.7.14.6 The distance between armrests shall ensure a free sp ace for the driver, as defined 
in paragraph A.1.7.14.2 , of not less than 450 mm. 
A.1.7.14.7 The seat shall be adjustable in its longitudinal and  vertical positions and in its seat 
back inclination. It shall lock automatically in the selected p osition and, if fitted with a 
swivelling mechanism, it shall lock automatically when in the d riving position. The seat shall 
be equipped with a suspension system. A.1.7.14.7.1 The suspension system and the vertical position ad justment are not mandatory 
for vehicles of Class A or B.  
A.1.8 Artificial interior lighting 
A.1.8.1     Internal electrical lighting shall be provided for the illu mination of: 
A.1.8.1.1 All passenger compartments, crew compartments, toilet  compartments and the 
articulated section of an articulated vehicle; 
A.1.8.1.2 Any step or steps; 
A.1.8.1.3 The access to any exits and the area immediately arou nd the service door(s) 
including, when in use, any boarding device fitted; 
A.1.8.1.4 The internal markings a nd internal controls of all ex its; 
A.1.8.1.5 All places where there are obstacles; 
A.1.8.1.6 In the case of a double-decked vehicle without a roof , at least one lighting device 
shall be provided as near as practicable to the top of every st aircase leading to the upper deck. 
A.1.8.2    There shall be at least two internal lighting circuits such that failure of one will not 
affect the other. A circuit serving only permanent entry and ex it lighting can be considered as 
one of these circuits. 
A.1.8.3    Vehicles of Classes II, III and B shall be equipped with an emergency lighting 
system: 
A.1.8.3.1 It shall be possible for the driver to activate the e mergency lighting system from the 
driver's seating position. A.1.8.3.2 The operation of the emergency control of any service  or emergency door shall 
activate the emergency lighting system.  
 A.1.8.3.3 The emergency lighting system, once activated, shall  remain active for at least 30 
minutes unless de-activated by the driver. 
A.1.8.3.4 The power supply for the emergency lighting shall be suitably located within the 
vehicle to minimise the risk of its continued operation being p rejudiced as the result of an 
accident. 
A.1.8.3.5 All units providing the emergency lighting shall prod uce a white light. 
A.1.8.3.6 The uniformity of illuminance of the lighting shall b e assessed in accordance with 
the following measures: 
recorded level lighting Averagerecorded level lighting Maximumanceminilluof uniformity Maximum 
 
recorded level lighting Averagerecorded level lighting Minimumanceminilluof uniformity Minimum 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
44 
 A.1.8.3.7 The emergency lighting system shall provide a minimum  illuminance of 10 lux 
directly under each light unit in the passenger compartment at a height of 750 mm above the 
centreline of all access passages and gangways. 
A.1.8.3.8 The uniformity of the illuminance over the length of the passenger compartment at a 
height of 750 mm above all access passages and gangways shall b e between 0.15 and 2. 
A.1.8.3.9 The emergency lighting system shall provide a minimum  illuminance of 1 lux at 
floor level in the centreline of all access passages and gangwa ys and at the centre of any step, 
at step level. 
A.1.8.3.10 Conformity with the uniformity requirements shall be  demonstrated over a period 
of at least 30 minutes from initiation of the emergency lightin g by measurements taken at 
distances not exceeding 2 metres. A.1.8.4   Individual lights for each of the items in paragraph A.1.8.1 are not required 
providing adequate illumination can be maintained during normal  use. 
A.1.8.5 Control of the mandatory interior lighting shall be by manual switches under the 
control of the driver or automatically controlled. 
A.1.9 Articulated section of articulated vehicles 
A.1.9.1    The articulated section that interconnects rigid portions of  the vehicle shall be so 
designed and constructed as to allow at least one rotary moveme nt about at least one 
horizontal axis, and at least one vertical axis. 
A.1.9.2  When the articulated vehicle at its mass in running order is s tationary on a horizontal 
level surface, there shall not be between the floor of either o f the rigid sections and the floor 
of the rotating base or of the e lement replacing that base an u ncovered gap of a width 
exceeding: 
A.1.9.2.1 10 mm when all the wheels of the vehicle are on the s ame plane, or 
A.1.9.2.2 20 mm when the wheels of the axle adjacent to the art iculated section are resting on 
a surface which is 150 mm higher than the surface on which the wheels of the other axles are 
resting. 
A.1.9.3    The difference in level between the floor of the rigid porti ons and the floor of the 
rotating base, measured at the joint, shall not exceed: 
A.1.9.3.1   20 mm in the conditions described in paragraph A.1. 9.2.1, or 
A.1.9.3.2   30 mm in the conditions described in paragraph A.1. 9.2.2.  
A.1.9.4    On articulated vehicles means shall be provided to physicall y prevent access by 
passengers to any part of the articulated section where: 
A.1.9.4.1 The floor has an uncovered gap not complying with the  requirements of 
paragraph A.1.9.2.; 
A.1.9.4.2 The floor cannot carry  the mass of the passengers; 
A.1.9.4.3 The movements of the walls constitute a danger to pas sengers. 
A.1.10    Direction-holding of articulated vehicles 
When an articulated vehicle is moving in a straight line, the l ongitudinal median planes of its 
rigid portion shall coincide and form a continuous plane withou t any deflection. 
A.1.11    Handrails and handholds 
A.1.11     General requirements  
A.1.11.1  Handrails and handholds shall be of adequate strength. 
A.1.11.1.2 They shall be so designed and installed as to presen t no risk of injury to 
passengers. 
A.1.11.1.3 Handrails and handholds shall be of a section enabli ng passengers to grasp them 
easily and firmly. Every handrail shall provide a length of at least 100 mm to accommodate a SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
45 
 hand. No dimension of the section shall be smaller than 20 mm o r greater than 45 mm except 
in the case of handrails on doors and seats and, in the case of  a vehicle of Class II, III or B, in 
access passages. In these cases handrails having a minimum dime nsion of 15 mm shall be 
permitted provided that one other dimension is of at least 25 m m. Handrails shall not have 
sharp bends. 
A.1.11.1.4 The clearance between a hand-rail or hand-hold, alon g the majority of its length, 
and the adjacent part of the vehicle body or walls shall be at least 40 mm. However, in the 
case of a handrail on a door or a seat, or in the access passag e of a vehicle of Class II, III or B, 
a minimum clearance of 35 mm shall be permitted. 
A.1.11.1.5 The surface of every handrail, handhold or stanchion  shall contrast visually with 
their immediate surroundings and be slip-resistant. A.1.11.2  Additional requirements for handrails and handholds for vehicl es designed to carry 
standing passengers 
A.1.11.2.1 Handrails and/or handholds shall be provided in suff icient number for each point 
of the floor area intended, in conformity with paragraph A.1.2. 2. of this annex for standing 
passengers. For this purpose, strap hangers, if fitted, may be counted as handholds, provided 
that they are held in their position by suitable means. This re quirement shall be deemed to be 
fulfilled if, for all possible sites of the testing device show n in Annex 2, Figure 20 hereto, at 
least two handrails or handholds can be reached by the device’s  moveable arm. The testing 
device may be freely turned about its vertical axis. 
A.1.11.2.2 When applying the procedure described in paragraph A .1.11.2.1 , only such hand-
rails and handholds shall be considered which are not less than  800 mm and not more 
than 1,950 mm above the floor. 
A.1.11.2.3   For every position that can be occupied by a stand ing passenger, at least one of 
the two required handrails or handholds shall be not more than 1,500 mm above the level of 
the floor at that position. This does not apply to an area adja cent to a door where the door or 
its mechanism in open position would prevent the use of this ha ndhold. Also, exception may 
be given in the middle of large platforms, but the sum of these  exceptions shall not 
exceed 20 per cent of the total standing area. 
A.1.11.2.4 Areas which can be occupied by standing passengers a nd are not separated by 
seats from the side walls or rear wall of the vehicle shall be provided with horizontal handrails 
parallel to the walls and installed at a height of between 800 mm and 1,500 mm above the 
floor. 
A.1.11.3  Handrails and handholds for service doors 
A.1.11.3.1 Door apertures shall be fitted with handrails and/or  handholds on each side. In the 
case of double doors this requirement can be fulfilled by fitti ng one central stanchion or one 
central handrail. 
A.1.11.3.2 Handrails and/or handholds to be provided for servic e doors shall be such that they 
include a grasping point available to a person standing on the ground adjacent to the service 
door or on any of the successive s teps. Such points shall be si tuated, vertically, between 
800 mm and 1,100 mm above the ground or above the surface of ea ch step, and horizontally: 
A.1.11.3.2.1 For the position appropriate to a person standing on the ground, not more than 
400 mm inwards from the outer edge of the first step; and 
A.1.11.3.2.2 For the position appropriate to a particular step,  not outwards from the outer 
edge of the step considered, and not more than 600 mm inwards f rom that same edge. 
A.1.11.4 Handrails and handholds for intercommunication stairca ses in double-deck vehicles. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
46 
 A.1.11.4.1 Suitable handrails or handholds shall be provided at  each side of all 
intercommunication staircases. T hese shall be positioned betwee n 800 mm and 1,100 mm 
above the tread edge of each step. 
A.1.11.4.2 The handrails and/or handholds to be provided shall be such that they include a 
grasping point available to a person standing on the lower or u pper deck adjacent to the 
intercommunication staircase, and at any of the successive step s. Such points shall be situated 
vertically between 800 mm and 1,100 mm above the lower deck or each above the surface of 
each step, and, 
A.1.11.4.2.1 For the position appropriate to a person standing on the lower deck, not more 
than 400 mm inwards from the outer edge of the first step, and 
A.1.11.4.2.2 For the position appropriate to a particular step,  not outwards from the outer 
edge of the step considered, and not more than 600 mm inwards f rom the same edge. 
A.1.12    Guarding of step wells and exposed seats 
A.1.12.1    Where any seated passenger is likely to be thrown forward in to a step well, 
designated wheelchair space, pram space or open area for standi ng passengers as a result of 
heavy braking, either a guard or, in the case of a vehicle of C lass A or B, a safety-belt shall be 
fitted. Where fitted, the guard shall have a minimum height fro m the floor on which the 
passenger’s feet rest of 800 mm and shall extend inwards from t he wall of the vehicle at least 
as far as 100 mm beyond the longitudinal centre line of any sea ting position where the 
passenger is at risk or, in the case of a step well, to the ris er of the innermost step; whichever 
is the lesser.". A.1.12.2  Paragraph A.1.12.1. shall not apply to any sideways facing sea t, a seat which has its 
centreline within the longitudinal projection of a gangway, a s eat in front of which is existing 
vehicle structure (e.g. fixed table or luggage pen) offering co mparable levels of protection as 
a guard meeting the requirements of paragraph A.1.12.1. or tran sverse facing seats where the 
maximum distance between the front faces of the seat squabs of facing seats does not exceed 
1,800 mm when measured in accordance with paragraph A.1.7.8.4.3  
A.1.12.3    On the upper deck of a double-deck vehicle, the intercommuni cation staircase well 
shall be protected by an enclosed guard having a minimum height  of 800 mm measured from 
the floor. The lower edge of the guard shall not be more than 1 00 mm from the floor. 
A.1.12.4  The front windscreen ahead of passengers occupying upper deck front seats of a 
double-deck vehicle shall be provided with a padded guard. The higher edge of that protection 
shall be situated vertically between 800 mm and 900 mm above th e floor where the 
passenger’s feet rest. 
A.1.12.5  The riser of each step in an intercommunication staircase of a  double-deck vehicle 
shall be closed. 
A.1.13  Baggage racks and occupant protection 
 The occupants of the vehicle shall be protected from objects l iable to fall from 
baggage racks under braking or cornering forces. If baggage com partments are fitted, they 
shall be designed in such a way that baggage is prevented from falling in the event of sudden 
braking. 
A.1.14    Trap doors, if fitted 
A.1.14.1  Every trap door, that is not an escape hatch, on the floor of a vehicle shall be so 
fitted and secured that it cannot be dislodged or opened withou t the use of tools or keys and 
no lifting or securing device shall project by more than eight mm above floor level. Edges of 
projections shall be rounded. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
47 
 A.1.15   Visual entertainment 
A.1.15.1  Forms of visual entertainment f or passengers, for example tele vision monitors or 
videos shall be located out of the driver’s view when the drive r is seated in his normal driving 
position. This shall not preclude  any television monitor or sim ilar device used as part of the 
driver’s control or guidance of the vehicle, for example to mon itor service doors. 
A.1.16    Trolleybuses 
A.1.16.1  Trolleybuses shall meet the provisions of Annex 7. 
A.1.17    Passenger protection in vehicles without a roof 
Every vehicle without a roof shall have: 
A.1.17.1    A continuous front panel over the full width of that part of  the vehicle that does not 
have a roof, with a height of not less than 1,400 mm from the g eneral level of the floor 
adjacent to the front panel; 
A.1.17.2  A continuous protection around the side and rear of that part of the vehicle that does 
not have a roof, with a height of not less than 1,100 mm at the  sides and 1,200 mm at the rear 
of the vehicle, measured from the general level of the floor ad jacent to the panels. The 
protection shall consist of continuous side and rear panels wit h a height of not less 
than 700 mm from the general level of the floor adjacent to the  panels, combined with one or 
more continuous guard rail(s) that fulfils the following charac teristics: 
(a) No dimension of its section shall be less than 20 mm, or mo re than 45 mm; 
(b) The size of any aperture between a guard rail and any adjac ent guard rail or panel shall 
not exceed 200 mm; (c) It shall be firmly attached to the structure of the vehicle ; 
(d) Doors at exits shall be considered to form part of this pro tection. 
A.1.18   Vision and communication aid 
 In the case of a vehicle without a roof, the driver shall be p rovided with a visual 
means, such as a mirror, perisc ope or video camera/monitor, to enable the behaviour of 
passengers in the area without a roof to be observed. In additi on, an intercommunication 
system shall be provided to enable the driver to communicate wi th these passengers.SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
48 
 Annex 2 - 
Verification of static tilting limit by means of calculation 
A.2.1  A vehicle may be shown to meet the requirement specified in pa ragraph A.1.4. of Annex 1 
by a calculation method approved by the Technical Service for c onducting the tests. 
A.2.2  The Technical Service responsibl e for conducting the tests may  require tests to be carried 
out on parts of the vehicle to verify the assumptions made in t he calculation. 
A.2.3  Preparations for calculation 
A.2.3.1 The vehicle shall be represented by a spatial system. 
A.2.3.2 Due to the location of the centre of gravity of the bod y of the vehicle and the different 
spring rates of the vehicle suspension and tyres, axles do not generally lift simultaneously on one 
side of the vehicle as a result of lateral acceleration. Theref ore, lateral tilting of the body over each 
axle has to be ascertained on the supposition that the wheels o f the other axle(s) remain on the 
ground. 
A.2.3.3 To simplify matters, it shall be assumed that the centr e of gravity of the unsprung masses 
lies in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle on the line passi ng through the centre of the wheel 
rotation axle. The small shifting of the roll centre due to def lection of the axle can be neglected. The 
air suspension control should not be taken into account. A.2.3.4 The following parameters, at least, shall be taken into  account: 
 Vehicle data such as wheel base tread width and sprung/unsprun g masses, location of the 
centre of gravity of the vehicle, deflection and rebound and th e spring rate of the vehicle 
suspension, considering also non-linearity, horizontal and vert ical spring rate of the tyres, torsion of 
the superstructure and location of the roll centre of the axles . 
A.2.4  Validity of the calculation method 
A.2.4.1 The validity of the calculation method shall be establi shed to the satisfaction of the 
Technical Service, e.g. on the basis of a comparative test with  a similar vehicle. 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Annex 2 
Explanatory diagrams 
Figure 1 
Access to service doors 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.1) 
 Test gauge 1 Test gauge 2 
 
 
Vehicle class Height of the upper panel (mm) 
(Dimension "A" Figure 1) 
Test gauge 1 Test gauge 2 
Class A 950 950 
Class B 700 950 
Class I 1,100 1,100 
Class II 950 1,100 
Class III 850 1,100 
 For vehicles of Class A or B, the lower panel may be displaced  
horizontally relative to the upp er  panel provided that it is i n the same 
direction. 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 2 
Access to service doors 
(See Annex  1, paragraph.A.1.7.1.4) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 3 
Determination of unobstructed a ccess to door (dimensions in mm)  
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.1.9.1) 
 
 
Figure 4 
Determination of unobstructed a ccess to door (dimensions in mm)  
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.1.9.2) 
 
 
   
 
    
 
 
 
    
1,200 
max
550 
min
300 
min
300 
min
Roof line SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
52 
 Figure 5 
Access to emergency doors 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.2) 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
53 
 Figure 6 
Gangway mannequin 
 
  
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Single deck 
Class B (mm) C (mm) D (mm) E (mm) F (mm) 
A 550 350 5001 1,9001 900 
B 450 300 300 1,500 900 
I 550 4502 5001 1,9001 900 
II 550 350 5001 1,9001 900 
III 450 3003 5001 1,9001,4 9004 
Double-deck 
I LD 550 4502 500 1,8005 1,0205 
UD 550 4502 500 1,680 900 
II LD 550 350 500 1,8005 1,0201 
UD 550 350 500 1,680 900 
III LD 450 3003 500 1,8005 1,0205 
UD 450 3003 500 1,680 900 
The height of the upper cylinder and herewith the overall heigh t may be 
reduced by 100 mm  in any part of the gangway to the rear of: 
 (a) A transverse plane situated 1.5 m forward of the centre li ne of 
the rear axle (foremost rear axle in the case of vehicles with more than one 
rear axle), and 
 (b) A transverse vertical plane  situated at the rear edge of t he 
service door or of the rearmost service door if there are more than one service 
door. 
2 The diameter of the lower cylinder may be reduced from 450 mm 
to 400 mm in any part of the gangway to the rear of the most fo rward of the 
following two planes: 
 (a) A transverse vertical plane  situated 1.5 m forward of the centre 
line of the rear axle (foremost rear axle in the case of vehicl es with more than 
one rear axle); and 
 (b) A transverse vertical plane  situated at the rear edge of t he 
rearmost service door in between the axles. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
55 
  
 
  
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
  For the purpose of the above, each rigid section of an articul ated 
vehicle shall be considered separately. 
3 220 mm in the case of laterally movable seats (see 
paragraph .A.1.7.5.3 of Annex  1). 
4 In the case of a vehicle with part of its deck directly over t he driver’s 
compartment, the overall height of the gauging device may be re duced (by 
reducing the height of the lower cylinder) from 1,900 mm to 1,6 80 mm in any 
part of the gangway forward to a transverse vertical plane  whic h coincides 
with the centre line of the front axle. 
5 The overall height of the gauging device may be reduced (by re ducing 
the height of the lower cylinder): 
 (a) From 1,800 mm to 1,680 mm in any part of the gangway of th e 
lower deck to the rear of a transverse vertical plane situated 1,500 mm 
forward to the centre of the rear  axle (foremost r ear axle in t he case of 
vehicles with more than one rear axle); 
 (b) From 1,800 mm to 1,770 mm in the case of a service door 
which is situated forward the  front axle in any part of the ga ngway situated 
between two transverse vertical planes situated 800 mm forwards  and behind 
the centre line of the front axle. 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 7 
Forward limitation of the gangway (dimensions in mm)  
(See Annex1, paragraph A.1.7.5.1.1.1) 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 8 
Steps for passengers (dimensions in mm) 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1. 7.7) 
 
Height above ground level, vehicle unladen 
Classes I and A II, III and B 
First step from 
Ground "D" Max. height (mm) 3401 3801, 2, 3 
Min. depth (mm) 300 
Other steps "E" Max. height (mm) 2504 3505 
Min. height (mm) 120 
Min. depth (mm) 200 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Classes I and A II, III and B 
 230 mm for vehicles having a capacity not exceeding 22 passeng ers. 
1 700 mm in the case of an emergency door. 
 1,500 mm in the case of an emergency door in the upper deck of  a 
double-deck vehicle. 
 850 mm maximum in the case of an emergency door in the lower 
deck of a double-deck  vehicle. 
2 430 mm in the case of a vehicle with solely mechanical suspens ion. 
3 For at least one service door; 400 mm for other service doors.  
4 300 mm in the case of steps at a door behind the rearmost axle . 
5 250 mm in gangways for vehicles having a capacity not 
exceeding 22 passengers. 
Notes: 
1. At a double doorway the steps in each half of the access pas sage 
shall be treated separately. 
2. "E" need not be the same for each step. 
 
Figure 9 
Width of passenger seats (dimensions in mm) 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.1) 
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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  G (mm) minimum 
F (mm) min Continuous seats Individual seats 
200* 225 250 
* 225 for Class III. 
 
Figure 9A 
Width of passenger seats (dimensions in mm) 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.1.3) 
 
 G (mm) min 
F (mm) min Continuous seats Individual seats 
200 200 200 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 10 
Permitted intrusion at shoulder height (dimensions in mm)v 
Transversal section of the minimum available space at shoulder height for a seat adjacent to the wall 
of the vehicle (See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.1.4) 
 
G = 225 mm if continuous seat 
G = 250 mm if individual seat 
G = 200 mm for vehicles less than 2.35 m wide 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 11a 
Seat-cushion depth and height 
(See Annex 1, paragraphs A.1.7.8.2 and A.1.7.8.3) 
 
 
H = 400/500 mm (*) 
K = 350 mm min. (**) 
(*) 350 mm at wheel arches and engine compartment. 
(**) 400 mm in vehicles of Classes II and III. 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 11b 
Space for feet of seated passengers behind a seat or at a seat facing the gangway 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.5.2) 
 
 
 
   
 
    
Figure 12A 
Seat spacing (See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.4) 
 
 
 
 H 
Classes I, A and B 650 mm 
Classes II and III 680 mm 
600 mm max 
 300 mm min
 30 ° max 
– 8 ° min 
700 mm min 150 mm minSASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
63 
 Figure 12B  
Testing gauge for H dimension (see Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.4 .2)  
Thickness of the gauge: 5 mm maximum 
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 13 
Space for seated passengers behi nd a partition or other rigid s tructure 
Other than a seat (See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.5) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
    
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 14 
Permitted intrusion into space above seat (dimensions in mm) 
Transversal section of the minimum free space above a seating p lace adjacent to the wall of the 
vehicle (See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.6.3.1) 
 
  
1,350 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
66 
 Figure 15 
Permitted intrusion above a seating position 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.6.3.2) 
 
 
 
I (mm) 
400 to 500 
(for Classes A, B, I and II min 350 mm at wheel arches and engi ne 
compartment(s)) 
 
  
 
 
  
 100 mm
Highest point of an 
uncompressed seat cushion Outboard seating position 900 mm 
700 mm 
200 mm
  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
67 
 Figure 16 
Permitted intrusion in lower part of passenger space (dimension s in mm) 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.6.3.3) 
 
(*) 150 mm in the case of low-floor vehicles. 
(**) 0.03 m2 in the case of low floor vehicles. 
  
 
 
  
 
    
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 17 
Permitted intrusion at rear corner seats 
View of the prescribed area of the seat (two side seats at the rear) 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.6.3.4) 
 
 
Figure 18 
Permitted intrusion of a wheel arch not extending beyond the ve rtical centre line of the side 
seat 
(See Annex  1, paragraph A.1.7.8.6.4.2.1) 
 
 
 
  
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 19 
Permitted intrusion of a wheel arch extending beyond the vertic al centre line of the side seat 
(dimensions in mm) 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.8.6.4.2.2) 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 20 
Testing device for positioning of handholds 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.11.2.1) 
 
Thickness: 20 mm 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
71 
 Figure 21 
Reference wheelchair 
(See Annex 5, paragraph A.5.3.6.4) 
 
 
 
Overall length, l: 1,200 mm 
Overall width, b:  700 mm Overall height, h: 1,090 mm 
Note : A wheelchair user seated in the wheelchair adds 50 mm to the overall length and makes a 
height of 1,350 mm above the ground. 
Figure 22 
Minimum clear space for the wheel chair user at the wheelchair s pace  
(dimensions in mm) 
(See Annex 5, paragraph A.5.3.6.1) 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 23 
Accessibility symbols 
(See Annex 5, paragraphs A.5.3.2.8 , A.5.3.6.6 and A.5.3.10.4) Figure 23 A 
Pictogram for wheelchair users 
 
    
 
   
Colour: Blue basis with white symbol 
Size: At least 130 mm diameter 
Reference for the design principles of safety symbols: ISO 3864 -1:2002 
Figure 23 B 
Pictogram for passengers with re duced mobility other than wheel chair users 
 
      
 
 
 
Colour: Blue basis with white symbol 
Size: At least 130 mm diameter 
Reference for the design principles of safety symbols: ISO 3864 -1:2002 
 
 
  
 or SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 23 C  
Pictogram for pram and pushchair area 
 
Colour: blue basis with white symbol 
Size: at least diameter 130 mm 
Reference for the design princi ples of safety symbols: ISO 3864 -1:2011 
 Figure 24 
Passenger foot space 
(See Annex 1, paragraph A.1.7.1.6) 
 
 
  
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
74 
 Figure 25 
Access to driver’s door 
(See Annex  1, paragraph A.1.6.1.7.2) 
 
 
Test gauge of 600 mm x 400 mm 
as in A.1.7.3.3  . 
Gangway test gaugeSASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
75 
 Figure 26 
Access to driver’s door 
(See Annex  1, paragraph A.1.6.1.9.3) 
 
 
Test gauge of 60 cm x 40 cm 
asdescribedin paragraph
Test gauge of 600 mm x 400 mm as in 
A.1.7.3.3  . SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
76 
 Figure 27 
Example of a backrest for a rearward-facing wheelchair 
(See Annex 5, paragraph A.5.3.8.6) 
 
 
 
  
830 mm max270 mm  
270 mm  
1,300 mm min870 mm120 mm  
4 degrees min 
8 degrees max Padded surface 
must pass 
through this 
area Backrest350 mm
830 mm
480 mm300 mm  
420 mm  
750 mm min  100 mm  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
77 
 Figure 28  
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
78 
 Annex  3 
Guidelines for measuring the clo sing forces of power-operated d oors 
(See Annex  1, paragraph A.1.6.5.6.1.1) 
And the reactive forces o f power-operated ramps 
(See Annex 5, paragraph A.5.3.11.4.3.3) 
A.3.1 General 
 The closing of a power-operated door and the operation of a po wer-operated ramp are 
dynamic processes. When a moving  door or ramp hits an obstacle,  the result is a dynamic reaction 
force, the history of which (in time) depends on several factor s (for example, mass of the door or 
ramp, acceleration, dimensions). 
A.3.2 Definitions 
A.3.2.1 Closing or reactive force F(t) is a time function, meas ured at the outer edge of the door or 
ramp (see A.3.3.2  below). 
A.3.2.2   Peak force F S is the maximum value of the closing or reactive force. 
A.3.2.3 Effective force F E is the average value of the closing or reactive force related to the pulse 
duration: 
(t)dtFT1F2
1t
tE
 
A.3.2.4 Pulse duration T is the time between the t 1 and t 2: 
T = t 2  ̶  t1 
 W h e r e ,  
 t 1 = threshold of sensitivity, wher e the closing or reactive forc e  exceeds 50 N; 
 t 2 = fade-away threshold, where the closing or reactive force bec omes less 
  than 50 N. A.3.2.5 The relation between the above parameters is shown in F igure 1 below (as an example): SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
79 
 Figure 1 
 
 
 
A.3.2.6 Clamping or mean reactive force F C is the arithmetical mean value of the effective forces, 
measured at the same measuring point subsequently more times: 
n)i(F
Fni
1iE
C

 
A.3.3 Measurements 
A.3.3.1 Conditions of measurement: 
A.3.3.1.1 Temperature range: 10 °C to 30 °C A.3.3.1.2 The vehicle shall be  standing on a hor izontal surface . In the case of ramp measurements, 
this surface shall be fitted with a rigidly mounted block or ot her similar device having a face against 
which the ramp can react. 
A.3.3.2 Measurement points shall be: A.3.3.2.1 In the case of doors: 
A.3.3.2.1.1 At the main closing edges of the door: 
One in the middle of the door; 
One 150 mm above the lower edge of the door. 
A.3.3.2.1.2 If equipped with clamp ing prevention devices for th e opening process: 
  At the secondary closing edges of the door at that point which is considered to be the most 
dangerous place of clamping. 
A.3.3.2.2 In the case of ramps: 
A.3.3.2.2.1 At the outer edge of the ramp situated perpendicula rly to its direction of movement: 
One in the middle of the ramp; One 100 mm inboard from each of the edges parallel to the direc tion of travel of the ramp. 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.3.3.3 At least three measurements shall be taken at each of t he measuring points to determine the 
clamping or mean reactive force according to paragraph 2.6. abo ve. 
A.3.3.4 The signal of the closing or reactive force shall be re corded by means of a low-pass filter 
with a limiting frequency of 100 Hz. Both the threshold of sens itivity and the fade-away threshold 
to limit the pulse duration shall be set at 50 N. A.3.3.5 The deviation of the reading from the rated value shall  not be more than ±3 per cent. 
A.3.4 Measuring device 
A.3.4.1 The measuring device shall consist of two parts: one ha ndle and one measuring part which 
is a load cell (see Figure 2). A.3.4.2 The load cell shall have the following characteristics:  
A.3.4.2.1 It shall consist of two sliding housings with the out er dimension of 100 mm in diameter 
and 115 mm in width. Inside the load cell a compression spring shall be fitted between the two 
housings such that the load cell can be pressed together if an appropriate force is applied. 
A.3.4.2.2 The stiffness of the load cell shall be 10 ± 0.2 N/mm . The maximum spring deflection 
shall be limited to 30 mm so that a maximum peak force of 300 N  is achieved. 
 
Figure 2 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Annex 4 
Alternative requirements for vehicles of Classes A and B  
A.4.1  Vehicles of Classes A and B shall comply with the requirements  of Annex 1 with the 
exception that: 
(a) In place of paragraph A.1.7.6.3.1 of Annex 1, a vehicle may  comply with
 paragraph A.4.1.1 of this annex; 
(b) In place of paragraph A.1.7.6.2 of Annex 1, a vehicle may c omply with paragraph A.4.1.2 of 
this annex. 
A.4.1.1 Minimum dimensions for exits 
The several kinds of exits shall have the following minimum dim ensions: 
Aperture Minimum 
dimensions Remarks 
Service 
Door Entry height: 
Class 
A  1,650 mm 
B  1,500 mm The service door entry height shall be 
measured as the vertical distance measured on 
a vertical plane of the horizontal projections 
of the mid-point of the door aperture and the 
top surface of the lowest step. 
 Aperture Height The vertical height of the service door 
aperture shall be such as to permit the free 
passage of the dual panel referred to in 
paragraph 7.7.1.1. of Annex 3. The upper 
corners may be reduced with round-offs, with 
a radius of not more than 150 mm. 
 Width: 
Single door: 
650 mm 
Double door: 
1,200 mm For Class B vehicles where the service door 
aperture height lies between 1,400 mm and 
1,500 mm a minimum single door aperture 
width of 750 mm shall apply. For all the 
vehicles the width of any service door may be 
reduced by 100 mm when the measurement is 
made at the level of the handholds and by 250 
mm in cases where intruding wheel arches or 
the actuating mechanism for automatic or 
remote-control doors or the rake of the 
windscreen so require. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
82 
 Aperture Minimum 
dimensions Remarks 
Emergency 
door Height : 1,250 
mm 
Width : 550 mm The width may be reduced to 300 mm in cases 
where intruding wheel arches so require, 
providing that the width of 550 mm is 
respected at the minimum height of 400 mm 
above the lowest part of the door aperture.  
The upper corners may be reduced with 
round-offs, with a radius of not more than 150 
mm. 
Emergency Window Aperture area : 
 400,000 mm2 It shall be possible to inscribe in this area a 
rectangle of 500 mm x 700 mm. 
Escape hatch Aperture area:  
450,000 mm² It shall be possible to inscribe in this area a 
rectangle of  600 mm x 700 mm. 
A.4.1.1.1 A vehicle to which paragraph A.1.7.1.10 of Annex 1 ap plies shall meet the requirements 
of paragraph A.1.6.3.1 of Annex 1 or paragraph A.4.1.1 of this annex as regards emergency 
windows and escape hatches, and the following minimum requireme nts as regards service doors and 
emergency doors: 
Aperture Dimensions Remarks 
Service Door Aperture height:
1,100 mm This dimension may be reduced by a radius 
at the corners of the aperture not exceeding 
150 mm. 
 Width: 
Single door: 
650 mm 
Double door: 
1,200 mm 
 This dimension may be reduced by a radius 
at the corners of the aperture not exceeding 
150 mm. The width may be reduced by 
100 mm when the measurement is made at 
the level of the handholds and by 250 mm 
in cases where intruding wheel arches or the 
actuating mechanism for automatic or 
remote-control doors or the rake of the 
windscreen so require. 
Emergency 
door Height: 
1,100 mm 
Width:     
550 mm The width may be reduced to 300 mm in 
cases where intruding wheel arches so 
require, providing that the width of 550 mm 
is respected at the minimum height of 
400 mm above the lowest part of the door 
aperture. The upper corners may be reduced SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
83 
 Aperture Dimensions Remarks 
with round-offs with a radius of not more 
than 150 mm. 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
    
 
  
 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
84 
 Annex 5 
Accommodation and accessibility fo r passengers with reduced mob ility  
A.5.1 General 
 This annex contains the provisions which apply to a vehicle de signed for easy access for 
passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. 
A.5.2 Scope 
 These requirements shall apply to vehicles permitting easier a ccess for persons with reduced 
mobility. 
A.5.3 Requirements 
A.5.3.1 Steps 
 The height of steps in an access passage at the above-mentione d door(s), and throughout the 
entire gangway, shall be not more 250 mm for vehicles of Class I and A and 320 mm for vehicles of 
Classes II, III and B. In the case where only one service door meets this requirement there shall be 
no barrier or sign which prevents that door from being used as both an entrance and an exit. 
As an alternative for vehicles o f Classes I and A, the first st ep from the ground shall not exceed 270 
mm in two door openings, one entrance and one exit. 
In low floor vehicles only a kneeling system, but not a retract able step, may be engaged.  
In other vehicles either a kneeling system and/or a retractable  step may be engaged. 
The height of steps in an access passage at the above-mentioned  door(s), and in the gangway, shall 
be not more than 200 mm for vehicles of Classes I and A and 250  mm for vehicles of Classes II, III 
and B. 
 The transition from a sunken gangway to a seating area shall n ot be considered to be a step. 
A.5.3.2 Priority seats and space for passengers with reduced mo bility 
A.5.3.2.1 Seats shall be either forward or rearward facing and shall be situated in a position near to 
a service door(s) suitable for boarding and alighting and compl iant with paragraph A.5.3.1 . 
A.5.3.2.2 There shall be adequate space for a guide dog under, or adjacent to, at least one of the 
priority seats. This space shall  not form a part of the gangway . 
A.5.3.2.3 Armrests shall be fitted on seats between the seating  position and the gangway and shall 
be capable of being moved easily out of the way to permit clear  access to the seat. In the case of 
seats facing each other one of the gangway seats may alternativ ely be fitted with a vertical 
stanchion. This stanchion shall be positioned so that the seat occupant is kept securely on the seat 
and easy access to the seat is possible. 
A.5.3.2.4 The minimum width of a priority seat cushion, measure d from a vertical plane passing 
through the centre of that seating position, shall be 220 mm on  each side. 
A.5.3.2.5 The height of the uncompressed seat cushion relative to the floor shall be such that the 
distance from the floor to a horizontal plane tangent to the fr ont upper surface of the seat cushion is 
between 400 mm and 500 mm. 
A.5.3.2.6 The foot space at priority seating positions shall ex tend forward of the seat from a vertical 
plane through the forward edge of the seat cushion. The foot sp ace shall not have a slope in any 
direction of more than 8 per cen t. For vehicles of Classes I an d A, the vertical distance between the 
floor of the seating area and the adjacent gangway shall be not  more than 250 mm. 
A.5.3.2.7  Each priority seating position shall have a free hei ght of not less than 1,300 mm for 
vehicles of Classes I and A and 900 mm for vehicles of Class II , measured from the highest point of 
the uncompressed seat cushion. This free height shall extend ov er the vertical projection of the 
minimum required seat width of 440 mm and the associated foot s pace. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
85 
  Intrusion of a seat back or other object into this space shall  be permitted provided that a 
minimum clear vertical space extending 230 mm in front of the s eat cushion is maintained. Where 
the priority seat is positioned facing a bulkhead more than 1,2 00 mm in height this space shall be 
300 mm. From the edges of the free space defined above, intrusi ons are permitted in accordance 
with paragraphs A.1.7.8.6.3.1 to A.1.7.8.6.3.4 of Annex 1 as if  reference to the clear space in 
paragraphs.A.1.7.8.6.1 and A.1.7.8.6.2 of Annex 1 is a referenc e to the clear space defined above. 
The provisions of paragraph A.1.7.8.1.4 of Annex 1 may apply. I ntrusions of handholds or 
handrails as mentioned in paragraph A.5.3.4.2 may protrude by a  maximum of 100 mm from the 
sidewall into the clear space over the vertical projection of t he foot space. 
A.5.3.2.8 Vehicles fitted with a priority seat shall have picto gram(s) in accordance with Annex 2, 
Figure 23B visible from the outside, both on the front nearside  of the vehicle and adjacent to the 
relevant service door(s). A pict ogram shall be placed internall y adjacent to the priority seat. 
A.5.3.3 Communication devices  
A.5.3.3.1 Communication devices shall be placed adjacent to any  priority seat and within any 
wheelchair area and shall be at a height between 700 mm and 1,2 00 mm above the floor. 
A.5.3.3.2 Communication devices s ituated in the low floor area shall be at a height 
between 800 mm and 1,500 mm where there are no seats. 
A.5.3.3.4 If a vehicle is fitted with a ramp or lift, a means o f communication with the driver shall be 
fitted outside, adjacent to the door, and at a height between 8 50 mm and 1,300 mm from the ground. 
This requirement shall not apply to a door situated in the dire ct field of vision of the driver. 
A.5.3.4 Handrails to priority seating 
A.5.3.4.1 A handrail at a height of between 800 mm and 900 mm a bove the floor level shall be 
provided between the priority seats as described in paragraph A .1.7.8.5.3 of Annex 1 and at least 
one service door suitable for boarding and alighting. A break i s permitted where it is necessary to 
gain access to a wheelchair space, a seat located at a wheel ar ch, a staircase, an access passage or a 
gangway. Any break in the handrail shall not exceed 1,050 mm an d a vertical handrail shall be 
provided on at least one side of the break. 
A.5.3.4.2 Handrails or handholds shall be placed adjacent to pr iority seating positions to facilitate 
entry and exit of the seat, and shall be designed in such a way  as to allow the passenger to grasp 
them easily. 
A.5.3.5 Floor slope  
 The slope of any gangway, access passage or floor area between  any priority seat or 
wheelchair space and at least one entrance and one exit or a co mbined entrance and exit shall not 
exceed 8 per cent. Such sloping areas shall be provided with a slip-resistant surface. 
A.5.3.6 Wheelchair accommodation provisions 
A.5.3.6.1 For each wheelchair user provided for in the passenge r compartment there shall be a 
special area at least 750 mm wide and 1,300 mm long. The longit udinal plane of the special area 
shall be parallel to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle and the floor surface of the special area shall 
be slip resistant and the maximum slope in any direction shall not exceed 5 per cent. In the case of a 
rearward facing wheelchair complying with the requirements spec ified in paragraph A.5.3.8.4 of 
this annex, the slope in the longitudinal direction shall not e xceed 8 per cent provided that this slope 
inclines upwards from the front end to the rear end of the spec ial area. 
 In the case of a wheelchair space designed for a forward facin g wheelchair, the top of 
preceding seat-backs may intrude into the wheelchair space if a  clear space is provided as shown in 
Annex 2, Figure 22. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.6.2 There shall be at least one doorway through which whe elchair users can pass. In the case 
of vehicles of Class I, at leas t one wheelchair access door sha ll be a service door. The wheelchair 
access door shall bear a boarding device complying with the pro visions of paragraph A.5.3.11.3  (a 
lift) or A.5.3.11.4  (a ramp) of this annex. 
A.5.3.6.3 A door for wheelchair access, that is not a service d oor, shall have a minimum height 
of 1,400 mm. The minimum width of all doors providing wheelchai r access to the vehicle shall 
be 900 mm which may be reduced by 100 mm when the measurement i s made at the level of 
handholds. A.5.3.6.4   It shall be possible for a wheelchair user to move freely and easily from the outside of 
the vehicle through at least one of the doors for wheelchair ac cess into the special area(s) with the 
reference wheelchair, the dimensions of which are shown in Anne x  2, Figure 21. 
A.5.3.6.4.1 By "
moving freely and easily ", it is meant that there exists: 
(a) Sufficient space available for the wheelchair user to manoe uvre without the assistance of a 
person;  
(b) There are no steps, gaps or stanchions which could be an ob stacle to the free movement of 
the wheelchair user. A.5.3.6.4.2 For the application of the above provisions, the te st shall be performed, in the case of 
vehicles of Classes I and A fitted with more than one wheelchai r space, for each wh eelchair space 
with all other wheelchair spaces occupied by the reference whee lchair. 
A.5.3.6.5 In vehicles of Classes I and A fitted with a ramp for  wheelchair access, it shall be possible 
for a reference wheelchair havi ng the dimensions shown in Annex  2, Figure 21 to enter and exit a 
vehicle with the wheelchair moving in a forward direction. 
A.5.3.6.6 Vehicles fitted with a wheelchair space shall have pi ctogram(s) in accordance with 
Annex 2, Figure 23A visible from the outside, both on the front  nearside of the vehicle and adjacent 
to the relevant service door(s). 
 One of these pictograms shall be placed internally adjacent to  each wheelchair space 
indicating whether the wheelchair is to be positioned facing th e front or the rear of the vehicle. 
A.5.3.7 Seats and standing pass engers in the wheelchair space 
A.5.3.7.1 Folding seats may be fitted in a wheelchair space. Ho wever, such seats when folded and 
out of use shall not intrude into the wheelchair space. 
A.5.3.7.2   A vehicle may be equipped with demountable seats fi tted in the wheelchair space 
provided that such seats may be easily removed by the driver or  a crew member. 
A.5.3.7.3   For vehicles of Class es I, II and A, where the foot  space of any seat, o r part of a folding 
seat when in use, intrudes into a  wheelchair space, those seats  shall have signs fixed on or adjacent 
to them with the following text, equivalent text or pictogram: 
 "Please give up this space for a wheelchair user".  The provisions of paragraph A.1.6.11.8 of Annex 1 apply to any  textual markings used. 
A.5.3.7.4 In vehicles where any wheelchair space is designated for use exclusively by a wheelchair 
user as provided for in paragraph  A.1.2.2.2.10 of Annex 1, those spaces shall be clearly marked 
with the following text, equivalent text or pictogram: 
 "Area designated for use exclusively by a wheelchair user" 
 The provisions of paragraph A.1.6.11.8 of Annex 1 apply to any  textual markings used. 
A.5.3.8 Stability of wheelchairs  
A.5.3.8.1 In vehicles required to have occupant restraint syste ms fitted, the wheelchair space shall 
be designed for the wheelchair user to travel facing forwards a nd shall be fitted with restraint SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
87 
 systems complying with either the requirements specified in par agraph A.5.3.8.2  or those specified 
in paragraph A.5.3.8.3 .  
 In vehicles not required to have occupant restraint systems fi tted, the wheelchair space shall 
be fitted with restraint systems complying with the requirement s specified in paragraph A.5.3.8.2  
or A.5.3.8.3 , or shall comply with the requirements specified in paragraph A.5.3.8.4 .  
A.5.3.8.2 Forward-facing wheelchair - static test requirements 
A.5.3.8.2.1 Each wheelchair spac e shall be provided with a rest raint system capable of restraining 
the wheelchair and the wheelchair user. A.5.3.8.2.2 This restraint system and its anchorages shall be d esigned to withstand forces equivalent 
to the ones required fo r the passenger seats and occupant restr aint systems. 
A.5.3.8.2.3 A static test shall be carried out in accordance wi th the following requirements: 
A.5.3.8.2.3.1 The forces referred hereto shall be applied in fo rward and rearward directions, 
separately and on the restraint system itself; 
A.5.3.8.2.3.2 The force shall be maintained for a period of not  less than 0.2 seconds; 
A.5.3.8.2.3.3 The restraint system shall be capable of withstan ding the test. Permanent deformation, 
including partial rupture or breakage of the restraint system s hall not constitute failure if the 
required force is sustained for t he specified time. Where appli cable, the locking device enabling the 
wheelchair to leave the vehicle shall be operable by hand after  removal of the traction force. 
A.5.3.8.2.4 In forward direction in the case of a separate whee lchair and wheelchair user restraint 
system  
A.5.3.8.2.4.1 For category M
2: 
A.5.3.8.2.4.1.1    1,110 ± 20 daN in the case of a lap belt. Th e force shall be applied on the 
wheelchair user restraint system in the horizontal plane of the  vehicle and towards the front of the 
vehicle if the restraint system is not attached to the floor of  the vehicle. If the restraint system is 
attached to the floor, the force shall be applied in an angle o f 45 ± 10 degrees to the horizontal plane 
of the vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle; A.5.3.8.2.4.1.2   675 ± 20 daN in the horizontal plane of the v ehicle and towards the front of the 
vehicle on the lap portion of the belt and 675 ± 20 daN in the horizontal plane of the vehicle and 
towards the front of the vehicle on the torso portion of the be lt in the case of 3-point belt; 
A.5.3.8.2.4.1.3   1,715 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degrees  to the horizontal plane of the 
vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle on the wheelchair restraint system; 
A.5.3.8.2.4.1.4 The forces sha ll be applied simultaneously; 
A.5.3.8.2.4.2 For category M
3: 
A.5.3.8.2.4.2.1    740 ± 20 daN in the case of a lap belt. The force shall be applied on the wheelchair 
user restraint system in the hor izontal plane of the vehicle an d towards the front of the vehicle if the 
restraint system is not attached to the floor of the vehicle. I f the restraint system is attached to the 
floor, the force shall be applied in an angle 45 ± 10 degrees t o the horizontal plane of the vehicle 
and towards the front  of the vehicle; 
A.5.3.8.2.4.2.2    450 ± 20 daN in the horizontal plane of the vehicle and towards the front of the 
vehicle on the lap portion of the belt and 450 ± 20 daN in the horizontal plane of the vehicle and 
towards the front of the vehicle on the torso portion of the be lt in the case of 3-point belt; 
A.5.3.8.2.4.2.3    1,130 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degree s to the horizontal plane of the 
vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle on the wheelchair restraint system; 
A.5.3.8.2.4.2.4   The forces sh all be applied simultaneously. 
A.5.3.8.2.5 In forward direction in the case of a combined whee lchair and wheelchair user restraint 
system. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.8.2.5.1 For category M 2; 
A.5.3.8.2.5.1.1    1,110 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degree s to the horizontal plane of the 
vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle on the wheelchair user restraint system in the case of a 
lap belt; 
A.5.3.8.2.5.1.2    675 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degrees to the horizontal plane of the vehicle 
and towards the front of the vehicle on the lap portion of the belt and 675 ± 20 daN in the horizontal 
plane of the vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle on th e torso portion of the belt in the case 
of 3-point belt; A.5.3.8.2.5.1.3    1,715 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degree s to the horizontal plane of the 
vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle on the wheelchair restraint system; 
A.5.3.8.2.5.1.4 The forces sha ll be applied simultaneously. 
A.5.3.8.2.5.2 For category M
3: 
A.5.3.8.2.5.2.1    740 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degrees to the horizontal plane of the vehicle 
and towards the front of the vehicle on the wheelchair user res traint system in the case of a lap belt; 
A.5.3.8.2.5.2.2    450 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degrees to the horizontal plane of the vehicle 
and towards the front of the vehicle on the lap portion of the belt and 450 ± 20 daN in the horizontal 
plane of the vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle on th e torso portion of the belt in the case 
of 3-point belt; 
A.5.3.8.2.5.2.3    1,130 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degree s to the horizontal plane of the 
vehicle and towards the front of the vehicle on the wheelchair restraint system; 
A.5.3.8.2.5.2.4 The forces sha ll be applied simultaneously. 
A.5.3.8.2.6 In rearward direction: 
A.5.3.8.2.6.1 810 ± 20 daN in an angle of 45 ± 10 degrees to th e horizontal plane of the vehicle and 
towards the rear of the vehicle on the wheelchair restraint sys tem. 
A.5.3.8.2.7 In every case the forces shall be applied to the wh eelchair user restraint system by 
means of a traction device appropr iate to the belt type as spec ified in standard ECE 14. 
A.5.3.8.3   Forward-facing wheelchair - hybrid test requirement s 
A.5.3.8.3.1 A wheelchair space shall be fitted with a wheelchai r restraint system s uitable for general 
wheelchair application and shall allow the carriage of a wheelc hair and a wheelchair user facing the 
front of the vehicle; 
A.5.3.8.3.2  A wheelchair space shall be fitted with a wheelcha ir user restraint system which shall 
comprise of a minimum of two anchorage points and a pelvic rest raint (lap belt) designed and 
constructed of components intend ed to perform in a similar mann er to those of a seat belt 
conforming to ECE 16; 
A.5.3.8.3.3 Any restraint system fitted to a wheelchair space s hall be capable of being easily 
released in the case of an emergency; A.5.3.8.3.4 Any wheelchair restraint system shall either: 
A.5.3.8.3.4.1 Meet the dynamic test requirements described in p aragraph A.5.3.8.3.8 and be 
securely attached to vehicle anchorages meeting the static test  requirements in 
paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6 ; or  
A.5.3.8.3.4.2 Be securely attached to vehicle anchorages such t hat the combination of restraint and 
anchorages meets the requirement s of paragraph A.5.3.8.3.8 . 
A.5.3.8.3.5 Any wheelchair user restraint shall either: 
A.5.3.8.3.5.1 Meet the dynamic test requirements described in p aragraph A.5.3.8.3.9  and be 
securely attached to vehicle anchorages meeting the static test  requirements in 
paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6 ; or SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.8.3.5.2 Be securely attached to vehicle anchorages such t hat the combination of restraint and 
anchorages meets the dynamic test requirements described in par agraph A.5.3.8.3.9  when attached 
to anchorages set up as described in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6.7 . A.5.3.8.3.6 A static test shall be carried out on the anchorage  points for both the wheelchair 
restraint system and the wheelchair user restraint in accordanc e with the following requirements: 
A.5.3.8.3.6.1   The forces specified in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.7 s hall be applied by means of a device 
reproducing the geometry of the wheelchair restraint system ; 
A.5.3.8.3.6.2 The forces specified in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.7.3 s hall be applied by means of a device 
reproducing the geometry of the wheelchair user restraint and b y means of a traction device 
specified in ECE 14. 
A.5.3.8.3.6.3 The forces in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6.1 above and p aragraph A.5.3.8.3.6.2  shall be 
applied simultaneously in the fo rward direction and at an angle  of 10 ± 5 degrees above the 
horizontal plane; 
A.5.3.8.3.6.4 The forces in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6.1 shall be ap plied in the rearward direction and at 
an angle of 10 ± 5 degrees above the horizontal plane; 
A.5.3.8.3.6.5 The forces shall be applied as rapidly as possibl e through the central vertical axis of 
the wheelchair space; and  
A.5.3.8.3.6.6 The force shall be maintained for a period of not  less than 0.2 seconds. 
A.5.3.8.3.6.7 The test shall be carried out on a representative  section of the vehicle structure 
together with any fitting provided in the vehicle which is like ly to contribute to the strength or 
rigidity of the structure. A.5.3.8.3.7 The forces specified in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6 are: 
A.5.3.8.3.7.1 In the case of anchorages provided for a wheelcha ir restraint system fitted to a 
category M
2 vehicle: 
A.5.3.8.3.7.1.1    1,110 ± 20 daN applied in the longitudinal p lane of the vehicle and towards the 
front of the vehicle at a height of not less than 200 mm and no t more than 300 mm measured 
vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space, and 
A.5.3.8.3.7.1.2    550 ± 20 daN applied in the longitudinal pla ne of the vehicle and towards the rear 
of the vehicle at a height of not less than 200 mm and not more  than 300 mm measured vertically 
from the floor of the wheelchair space; 
A.5.3.8.3.7.2   In the case of anchorages provided for a wheelc hair restraint system fitted to a 
category M 3 vehicle  
A.5.3.8.3.7.2.1    740 ± 20 daN applied in the longitudinal pla ne of the vehicle and towards the front 
of the vehicle at a height of not less than 200 mm and not more  than 300 mm measured vertically 
from the floor of the wheelchair space, and 
A.5.3.8.3.7.2.2    370 ± 20 daN applied in the longitudinal pla ne of the vehicle and towards the rear 
of the vehicle at a height of not less than 200 mm and not more  than 300 mm measured vertically 
from the floor of the wheelchair space; 
A.5.3.8.3.7.3   In the case of anchorages provided for a wheelc hair user restraint system the forces 
shall be in accordance with the requirements of ECE 14. The for ces shall be applied by means of a 
traction device as appropriate to the belt type as specified in  ECE 14. 
A.5.3.8.3.8   A wheelchair restraint system shall be subject to  a dynamic test carried out in 
accordance with the following requirements: 
A.5.3.8.3.8.1 A representative wheelchair test trolley of mass 85 kg shall, from a speed of 
between 48 km/h to 50 km/h to rest, be subject to a deceleratio n-time pulse: SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.8.3.8.1.1 Exceeding 20 g in the forward direction for a c umulative period of at 
least 0.015 seconds; 
A.5.3.8.3.8.1.2 Exceeding 15 g in the forward direction for a c umulative period of at 
least 0.04 seconds; 
A.5.3.8.3.8.1.3 Exceeding a duration of 0.075 seconds; 
A.5.3.8.3.8.1.4 Not exceeding 28 g and for not more than 0.08 s econds; 
A.5.3.8.3.8.1.5 Not exceeding a duration of more than 0.12 seco nds, and  
A.5.3.8.3.8.2 A representative wheelchair test trolley of mass 85 kg shall, from a speed of 
between 48 km/h to 50 km/h to rest, be subject to a deceleratio n-time pulse: 
A.5.3.8.3.8.2.1 Exceeding 5 g in the rearward direction for a c umulative period of at 
least 0.015 seconds; A.5.3.8.3.8.2.2 Not exceeding 8 g in the rearward direction and  for not more than 0.02 seconds; 
A.5.3.8.3.8.3 The test in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.8.2 shall not app ly if the same restraints are used for 
the forward and rearward direction or if an equivalent test has  been conducted; 
A.5.3.8.3.8.4 For the above test, the wheelchair restraint syst em shall be attached to either: 
A.5.3.8.3.8.4.1 Anchorages fixed to the test rig which represen ts the geometry of the anchorages in 
a vehicle for which the restraint system is intended, or 
A.5.3.8.3.8.4.2 Anchorages forming part of a representative sec tion of the vehicle for which the 
restraint system is intended, set up as described in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6.7 .  
A.5.3.8.3.9 A wheelchair user res traint shall comply with the t est requirements specified in ECE 16 
or an equivalent test to the deceleration-time pulse in paragra ph A.5.3.8.3.8.1  A seat belt approved 
to ECE 16 and so marked shall be deemed to comply. 
A.5.3.8.3.10 A test in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.6 , A.5.3.8.3.8  or A.5.3.8.3.9  shall be deemed to have 
failed unless the following requirements are met: 
A.5.3.8.3.10.1   No part of the system shall have failed, or sh all have become detached from its 
anchorage or from the vehicle during the test; A.5.3.8.3.10.2 Mechanisms to rel ease the wheelchair and user sh all be capable of release after 
completion of the test; 
A.5.3.8.3.10.3   In the test in paragraph A.5.3.8.3.8  the whee lchair shall not move more 
than 200 mm in the longitudinal plane of the vehicle during the  test; 
A.5.3.8.3.10.4 No part of the system shall be deformed to such an extent after completion of the test 
that, because of sharp edges or other protrusions, the part is capable of causing injury. 
A.5.3.8.3.11 Its operating instructions shall be clearly displa yed adjacent to it. 
A.5.3.8.4 Rearward facing wheelchair - static test requirements  
A.5.3.8.4.1 Vehicles not require d to have occupant restraint sy stems fitted may, as an alternative to 
the provisions of paragraph A.5.3.8.2  or A.5.3.8.3  be provide d with a wheelchair space designed 
for the wheelchair user to trave l unrestrained w ith the wheelch air facing rearwards against a support 
or backrest, in accordance with the following provisions: 
A.5.3.8.4.1.1 One of the longitudinal sides of the space for a wheelchair shall rest against a side or 
wall of the vehicle or a partition; 
A.5.3.8.4.1.2 A support or backrest perpendicular to the longit udinal axis of the vehicle shall be 
provided in the forward end of the wheelchair space; 
A.5.3.8.4.1.3 The support or backrest shall be designed for the  wheels or the back of the wheelchair 
to rest against the support or backrest in order to avoid the w heelchair from tipping over and shall 
comply with the provisions of paragraph A.5.3.8.5 ; SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.8.4.1.4 A handrail or handhold shall be fitted to the sid e or wall of the vehicle or a partition in 
such a way to allow the wheelcha ir user to grasp it easily. Thi s handrail shall not extend over the 
vertical projection of the wheelchair space, except by not more  than 90 mm and only at a height not 
less than 850 mm above the floor of the wheelchair space; 
A.5.3.8.4.1.5  A retractable handrail or any equivalent rigid d evice shall be fitted on the opposite 
side of the wheelchair space in order to restrict any lateral s hift of the wheelchair and to allow the 
wheelchair user to grasp it easily; 
A.5.3.8.4.1.6 A sign shall be fixed adjacent to the wheelchair area with the following text: 
 "This space is reserved for a wh eelchair. The wheelchair shall  be placed facing rearwards 
resting against the support or backrest with the brakes on". 
 The provisions of A.1.6.11.8 of Annex 1 apply to any textual m arkings used. 
A.5.3.8.5 Backrest and support requirements 
A.5.3.8.5.1 A backrest fitted to a wheelchair space in accordan ce with paragraph A.5.3.8.4  shall be 
fitted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle an d shall be capable of bearing a load 
of 250 ± 20 daN applied to the centre of the padded surface of the backrest, at a height of not less 
than 600 mm and of not more than  800 mm measured vertically fro m the floor of the wheelchair 
space, for a minimum of 1.5 seco nds by means of a block 200 mm x 200 mm in the horizontal plane 
of the vehicle towards the front  of the vehicle. The backrest s hall not deflect more than 100 mm or 
suffer permanent deformation or damage. 
A.5.3.8.5.2 A support fitted to a wheelchair space in accordanc e with paragraph A.5.3.8.4  shall be 
fitted perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle an d shall be capable of withstanding a 
force of 250 ± 20 daN applied to the centre of the support, for  a minimum of 1.5 seconds in the 
horizontal plane of the vehicle towards the front of the vehicl e in the middle of the support. The 
support shall not deflect more than 100 mm or suffer permanent deformation or damage. 
A.5.3.8.6 Example of a backrest meeting the requirements of par agraph A.5.3.8.4.1.3  (see Annex 2, 
Figure 27). A.5.3.8.6.1 The bottom edge of a backrest shall be at a height of not less than 350 mm and of not 
more than 480 mm measured vertically from the floor of the whee lchair space. 
A.5.3.8.6.2 The top edge of a backrest shall be at a height of not less than 1,300 mm measured 
vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space. 
A.5.3.8.6.3 A backrest shall have a width of: A.5.3.8.6.3.1  Not less than 270 mm and of not more than 420 mm  up to a height of 830 mm 
measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space, and  
A.5.3.8.6.3.2 Not less than 270 mm and of not more than 300 mm at heights exceeding 830 mm 
measured vertically from the floor of the wheelchair space. 
A.5.3.8.6.4 A backrest shall be fitted at an angle of not less than four degrees and of not more than 
eight degrees to the vertical with the bottom edge of the backr est positioned closer  to the rear of the 
vehicle than the top edge. 
A.5.3.8.6.5 The padded surface of a backrest shall form a singl e and continuous plane. 
A.5.3.8.6.6 The padded surface of a backrest shall pass through  any point on an imaginary vertical 
plane situated to the rear of the front end of the wheelchair s pace and situated not less than 100 mm 
and not more than 120 mm from the front end of the wheelchair s pace measured horizontally and 
not less than 830 mm and not more than 870 mm from the floor of  the wheelchair space measured 
vertically. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.9 Door controls 
A.5.3.9.1 If a door referred to in paragraph A.5.3.6  is fitted  with opening controls for use under 
normal circumstances, these controls shall: A.5.3.9.1.1  In the case of exterior controls, be on or adjacen t to that door at a height between 850 
mm and 1,300 mm from the ground and be not more than 900 mm fro m the door, and 
A.5.3.9.1.2 In the case of interior controls in vehicles of Cla sses I, II and III, be on or adjacent to 
that door at a height of between 850 mm and 1,300 mm from the u pper surface of the floor nearest 
the control and be not more than 900 mm in any direction from t he door aperture. 
A.5.3.10 Provisions for the accommodation of unfolded prams and  pushchairs 
A.5.3.10.1   (Reserved) 
A.5.3.10.2 The dimensions of the unfolded pram or pushchair are a shall not be less than 750 mm 
wide and 1,300 mm long. Its longitu dinal plane shall be paralle l to the longitudinal plane of the 
vehicle and the floor surface shall be slip resistant. 
A.5.3.10.3 Accessibility to prams and pushchairs areas shall be  provided in accordance with the 
following provisions: 
A.5.3.10.3.1 It shall be possible for an unfolded pram or pushc hair to be moved freely and easily 
from the outside of the vehicle through at least one of the ser vice doors into the special area(s) 
A.5.3.10.3.1.1 By " moving freely and easily" , it is meant that: 
(a) There is sufficient space available for the pram or pushcha ir to be manoeuvred; 
(b) There are no steps, gaps or stanchions which could be an ob stacle to the free movement of 
the pram or pushchair. A.5.3.10.4 The area shall be fitted with the pictogram shown in  Annex 2, Figure 23 C. 
A.5.3.10.4.1 The same pictogram shall be placed both on the fro nt nearside of the vehicle and 
adjacent to the service door tha t gives access to the pram or p ushchair area. 
A.5.3.10.5 The following requirements shall apply to the stabil ity of the unfolded pram or 
pushchair: A.5.3.10.5.1 One of the longitudinal sides of the space for a p ram or pushchair shall rest against a 
side or wall of the vehicle or a partition; 
A.5.3.10.5.2 A support or backrest perpendicular to the longitu dinal axis of the vehicle shall be 
provided in the forward end of t he pram or pushchair space; 
A.5.3.10.5.3 The support or backrest shall be designed to avoid  the pram or pushchair from tipping 
over and shall comply with the provisions of paragraph A.5.3.8. 5 ; 
A.5.3.10.5.4 A handrail or handhold shall be fitted to the side  or wall of the vehicle or a partition in 
such a way to allow the accompanying person to grasp it easily.  This handrail shall not extend over 
the vertical projection of the pram or pushchair space, except by not more than 90 mm and only at a 
height not less than 850 mm above the floor of the pram or push chair space; 
A.5.3.10.5.5 A retractable handrail or any equivalent rigid dev ice shall be fitted on the opposite side 
of the pram or pushchair space i n order to restrict any lateral  shift of the pram or pushchair. 
A.5.3.10.6 The area shall be provided with a specific control, e.g. a push-button, to enable the 
passenger with an unfolded pram or pushchair to request that th e vehicle be stopped at the next bus 
stop. The general requirements of paragraph A.1.7.9.1  of Annex  1 shall apply. 
A.5.3.10.7 The control shall be fitted with the pictogram descr ibed in Figure 23 C of Annex 2. The 
dimensions of the pictogram may be reduced as needed. 
A.5.3.10.8 The area to accommodate the unfolded pram or pushcha ir may adjoin the area for the 
wheelchair and be in its extension. Intrusions of stanchions to  provide handholds for standing SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
93 
 passengers may be permitted provided the requirement of paragra ph A.5.3.10.3  of this annex is 
met. 
A.5.3.10.9 Additional wheelchair areas may be combined with the  area for the accommodation of 
an unfolded pram or pushchair provided the relevant requirement s are met. In such a case, the area 
shall have signs fixed on or adjacent to them with the followin g text, equivalent text or pictogram: 
"Please give up this space for a wheelchair user".  
A.5.3.11 Provisions for boarding devices  
A.5.3.11.1  General requirements: 
A.5.3.11.1.1 The controls actuating the boarding devices shall be clearly marked as such. The 
extended or lowered position of the boarding device shall be in dicated by a tell-tale to the driver. 
A.5.3.11.1.2 In the event of the failure of a safety device, li fts, ramps and kneeling systems shall be 
incapable of operation, unless they can be safely operated by m anual effort. The type and location 
of the emergency operating mechanism shall be clearly marked. I n the event of power failure, lifts 
and ramps shall be capable of manual operation. 
A.5.3.11.1.3 Access to one of the service or emergency doors on  the vehicle may be obstructed by a 
boarding device providing the following two conditions are sati sfied from both inside and outside 
the vehicle. 
A.5.3.11.1.3.1 The boarding device does not obstruct the handle  or other device for opening the 
door. 
A.5.3.11.1.3.2 The boarding device can be readily moved to leav e the doorway clear for use in an 
emergency. 
A.5.3.11.2  Kneeling system 
A.5.3.11.2.1 A switch shall be required to enable operation of the kneeling system. 
A.5.3.11.2.2  Any control which initiates the lowering or raisi ng of any part or the whole of the 
bodywork relative to the road surface shall be clearly identifi ed and be under the direct control of 
the driver. A.5.3.11.2.3 The lowering process shall be capable of being sto pped and immediately reversed by a 
control both within the reach of the driver, whilst seated in t he cab, and also adjacent to any other 
operating controls provided for the operation of the kneeling s ystem. 
A.5.3.11.2.4 Any kneeling system that is fitted to a vehicle sh all not allow the vehicle to be driven 
at a speed of more than 5 km/h when the vehicle is lower than t he normal height of travel. 
A.5.3.11.3  Lift  
A.5.3.11.3.1 General provisions  
A.5.3.11.3.1.1 Lifts shall only be capable of operation when th e vehicle is at standstill. Any 
movement of the platform shall be prevented unless a device pre venting the wheelchair from rolling 
off has been activated or has automatically come into operation . 
A.5.3.11.3.1.2  The lift platform shall not be less than 800 mm  wide, and not less than 1,200 mm 
long and shall be capable of operating when carrying a mass of at least 300 kg. 
A.5.3.11.3.2  Additional technical requirements for power-opera ted lifts  
A.5.3.11.3.2.1 The operating control shall be designed in such a way that, if released, it 
automatically returns to the off position. As it does so the mo vement of the lift shall immediately be 
stopped and it shall be possible to initiate a movement in eith er direction. 
A.5.3.11.3.2.2 A safety device (e.g. reversing mechanism) shall  protect areas not visible to the 
operator, where the movement of the lift might trap or crush ob jects. 
A.5.3.11.3.2.3 In the event of one of these safety devices comi ng into operation, the movement of 
the lift shall immediately be stopped and movement in the oppos ite direction initiated. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.11.3.3 Operation of power operated lifts  
A.5.3.11.3.3.1   Where the lift is at a service door situated w ithin the direct field of vision of the 
driver of the vehicle, the lift may be operated by the driver w hen in the driver’s seat. 
A.5.3.11.3.3.2   In all others cases, the controls shall be adj acent to the lift. They shall be capable of 
being activated and deactivated only by the driver from his sea t. 
A.5.3.11.3.4 Manually operated lift  
A.5.3.11.3.4.1 The lift shall be designed for operation by cont rols adjacent to the lift. 
A.5.3.11.3.4.2 The lift shall be so designed that excessive for ces are not required to operate it. 
A.5.3.11.4  Ramp 
A.5.3.11.4.1 General provisions 
A.5.3.11.4.1.1 The ramp shall only be capable of operation when  the vehicle is at standstill. 
A.5.3.11.4.1.2   Edges on the outside shall be rounded to a rad ius of no less than 2.5 mm. Corners 
on the outside shall be rounded to a radius of not less than 5 mm. 
A.5.3.11.4.1.3 The useable surface of a ramp shall be at least 800 mm wide. The slope of the ramp, 
when extended or folded out on to a kerb of 150 mm in height, s hould not exceed 12 per cent. The 
slope of the ramp, when extended or folded out to the ground, s hould not exceed 36 per cent. A 
kneeling system may be used to achieve this test. 
A.5.3.11.4.1.4 Any ramp which when ready for use exceeds 1,200 mm in length shall be fitted with 
a device to prevent the wheelchair rolling off the sides. 
A.5.3.11.4.1.5 Any ramp shall be capable of operating safely wi th a load of 300 kg. 
A.5.3.11.4.1.6 The outer edge of ramp surfaces available for us e by a wheelchair shall be clearly 
marked with a band of colour 45 mm to 55 mm in width which cont rasts visually with the 
remainder of the ramp surface. The band of colour shall extend along the outermost edge and along 
both edges parallel to the direction of travel of the wheelchai r. 
 Marking of any trip hazard or where part of the ramp surface a lso forms part of the step is 
permissible. A.5.3.11.4.1.7 A portable ramp shall be secure when in its posi tion for use. A portable ramp shall be 
provided with a suitable position where it can be safely stowed  and where it is readily available for 
use. 
A.5.3.11.4.2 Modes of operation  
A.5.3.11.4.2.1 Deployment and stowage of the ramp may be either  manual or power-operated. 
A.5.3.11.4.3 Additional technical requirements for power-operat ed ramps 
A.5.3.11.4.3.1 Deployment and stowage of the ramp shall be indi cated by flashing yellow lights and 
an audible signal. 
A.5.3.11.4.3.2 Deployment and stowage of the ramp that may crea te a risk of injury shall be 
protected by a safety device(s). A.5.3.11.4.3.3 These safety devices shall stop the movement of the ramp when the ramp is subject 
to a mean reactive force not exceeding 150 N. The peak force ma y be higher than 1 50 N for a short 
time provided that it does not exceed 300 N. The reactive force  may be measured by any method to 
the satisfaction of the Type Appr oval Authority. Guidelines for  measuring the reactive forces are 
given in Annex 6 to this standard. 
A.5.3.11.4.3.4 The horizontal movement of a ramp shall be inter rupted when a mass of 15 kg is 
placed upon it. 
A.5.3.11.4.4 Operation of power-operated ramps  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.5.3.11.4.4.1   Where the driver has adequate view of the ramp  sufficient to monitor its 
deployment and use, to ensure the safety of passengers, the ram p may be operated by the driver 
when in the driver’s seat. This requirement may be met by a sui table indirect vision device(s). 
A.5.3.11.4.4.2   In all others cases, the controls shall be adj acent to the ramp. They shall be capable 
of being activated and deactivat ed only by the driver from his seat. 
A.5.3.11.4.5 Operation of manually-operated ramp 
A.5.3.11.4.5.1   The ramp shall be so designed that excessive f orces are not required to operate the 
ramp. 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Annex  6 
Masses and dimensions  
A.6.1  This annex applies to the masses and dimensions of motor vehic les of 
categories M 2 and M 3 in so far as they are necessary  for the approval of a vehicle in 
respect of its gene ral construction. 
A.6.2  Definitions 
 For the purposes of this annex: 
A.6.2.1 " Group of axles " means axles being part of a bogie. A two-axle group is 
called a tandem and a tri-axle group a tri-axle bogie. By conve ntion, a solo axle is 
considered as a group of one axle. A.6.2.2 "
Vehicles dimensions " means the dimensions of the vehicle based on its 
construction, as stated by manufacturer. 
A.6.2.2.1 " Vehicle length " is a dimension which is measured according to GSO ISO 
612:2007, term No. 6.1. 
 In addition to the provisions of that standard, when measuring  the vehicle 
length the following devices sh all not be taken into account: 
(a) Wiper and washer devices; 
(b) Front or rear marking-plates; 
(c) Customs sealing devices and their protection; 
(d) Devices for securing the tarpaulin and their protection; (e) Lighting equipment; 
(f) Mirrors and other devic es for indirect vision; 
(g) Watching aids; 
(h) Air-intake pipes; 
(i) Length stops for demountable bodies; (j) Access steps and hand-holds; 
(k) Ram rubbers and similar equipment; 
(l) Lifting platforms, access ramps and similar equipment in ru nning order, not 
exceeding 300 mm, provided that the loading capacity of the veh icle is not increased; 
(m) Coupling devices for motor vehicles; 
(n) Trolley booms of electrically-propelled vehicles; 
(o) External sun visors. 
A.6.2.2.2 "
Vehicle width " is a dimension which is measured according to GSO ISO 
612:2007, term No. 6.2. 
 In addition to the provisions of that standard, when measuring  the vehicle 
width the following devices shall not be taken into account: 
(a) Customs sealing devices and their protection; 
(b) Devices for securing the tarpaulin and their protection; (c) Tyre failure tell-tale devices; 
(d) Protruding flexible parts of a spray-suppression; 
(e) Lighting equipment; 
(f) Access ramps in running order, lifting platforms and simila r equipment in 
running order provided that they do not exceed 10 mm from the s ide of the vehicle 
and the corners of the ramps facing forwards or rearwards are r ounded to a radius of 
not less than 5 mm; the edges shall be rounded to a radius of n ot less than 2.5 mm; 
(g) Mirrors and other devic es for indirect vision; 
(h) Tyre-pressure indicators; 
(i) Retractable steps; (j) The deflected part of the tyre walls immediately above the point of contact 
with the ground; SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 (k) Watching aids; 
(l) Retractable lateral guidance devices on buses and coaches i ntended for use on 
guided bus systems, if not retracted; 
(m) Service-door lighting devices. 
A.6.2.2.3 " Vehicle height " is a dimension which is measured according to GSO ISO 
612:2007, term No. 6.3.  In addition to the provisions of that standard, when measuring  the vehicle 
height the following devices sh all not be taken into account: 
(a) Aerials; 
(b) Pantographs or trolley boom s in their elevated position. 
 For vehicles with an axle-lift device, the effect of this devi ce shall be taken 
into account. 
A.6.2.3  "
Technically permissible maximum mass on the axle (m) " means the mass 
corresponding to the maximum permissible static vertical load e xerted by the axle on 
the road surface, based on the construction of the vehicle and of the axle and as stated 
by the vehicle manufacturer. A.6.2.4  "
Technically permissible maximum mass on a group of axles (µ) " means the 
mass corresponding to the maximum permissible static vertical l oad exerted by the 
group of axles on the road surf ace, based on both the construct ion of the vehicle and 
of the group of axles and as stated by the vehicle manufacturer . 
A.6.2.5 " Towable mass " means the total load exerted on the road surface by the 
axle(s) of the towed vehicle(s). 
A.6.2.6 " Technically permissible maximum towable mass (TM) " means the maximum 
towable mass stated by the manufacturer. A.6.2.7 "
Technically permissible maximum mass on the coupling point of a vehicle " 
means the mass corresponding to the maximum permissible static vertical load on the 
coupling point based on the construction of the vehicle and/or coupling device and as 
stated by the manufacturer. By definition, this mass does not i nclude the mass of the 
coupling device of the vehicle. A.6.2.8 "
Technically permissible maximum laden mass of the combination (MC) " 
means the total mass of a combination of vehicle and trailer(s)  as stated by the 
manufacturer. 
A.6.2.9 " Axle-lift device " means a device permanently fitted to a vehicle for the 
purpose of reducing or increasing the load on the axle(s), acco rding to the loading 
conditions of the vehicle: 
(a) Either by raising the wheels clear off the ground/lowering them to the ground;  
(b) Or without raising the wheels off the ground, (e.g. in the case of air suspension 
systems, or other systems);  
 In order to reduce the wear on the tyres when the vehicle is n ot fully laden, 
and/or make starting (moving off) on slippery ground easier for  motor vehicles or 
vehicle combinations, by increasing the load on the driving axl e. 
A.6.3 Requirements 
A.6.3.1 Measurement of the mass of the vehicle in running order  and of its 
distribution among the axles  The mass of the vehicle in running order and its distribution on the axles are 
measured on the vehicle(s) submitted in accordance with paragra ph 4.4. of this 
standard placed in a stationary position with their wheels set straight ahead. If the 
measured masses differ by no more  than 3 per cent from the mass es stated by the 
manufacturer for the correspondi ng technical configurations wit hin the type, or by no 
more than 5 per cent if the vehicle is of category M
2 not exceeding 3,500 kg, the SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
98 
 masses in running order and their distribution among the axles as stated by the 
manufacturer are used for the pur pose of the requirements below . Otherwise the 
measured masses shall be used and the technical service may the n, if necessary, carry 
out additional measurements on vehicle(s) other than those subm itted in accordance 
with paragraph 4.4. of this standard. 
A.6.3.2 Mass distribution calculations A.6.3.2.1 Calculation procedure 
A.6.3.2.1.1  For the purpose of the mass distribution calculati ons hereafter laid down, 
the manufacturer shall provide t he technical service in charge of the tests, with the 
information (in tabular or any other appropriate form) necessar y to identify for each 
technical configuration within the vehicle type the correspondi ng technically 
permissible maximum laden mass of the vehicle, the technically permissible 
maximum masses on the axles and groups of axles, the technicall y permissible 
maximum towable mass, and the technically permissible maximum l aden mass of the 
combination. 
A.6.3.2.1.2 Suitable calculations shall be carried out in order  to make sure that the 
following requirements are fulfilled for each technical configu ration within the type. 
For this purpose, the calculations may be limited to the worst cases. 
A.6.3.2.1.3  In the following requirements, the notations M, m
i, µj TM, and MC 
respectively designate the following parameters, for which the requirements of 
paragraph A.5.3.2. above shall be fulfilled: 
 M = the technically permissible  maximum laden mass of the vehi cle; 
 m i = the technically permissible maximum mass on the axle designa ted  
 "i", where "i" varies from 1 to t he total number of axles of t he vehicle; 
 µ j = the technically permissible maximum mass on the solo axle or  group 
  of axles designated "j", where  "j" varies from 1 to the total  number of 
  solo axles and groups of axles; 
 TM = the technically permissible maximum towable mass, and 
 MC = the technically permissible maximum laden mass of the com bination. 
A.6.3.2.1.4 In the case of a solo axle, designated "i" as an ax le and "j" as a group of 
axles, m i = µ j by definition. 
A.6.3.2.1.5 In the case of vehicles fitted with loadable axles,  the calculations required 
by paragraph A.6.3.2.1.2. above shall be carried out with the s uspension of the axles 
loaded in the normal running conf iguration. In the case of vehi cles fitted with 
retractable axles, the calculati ons required by paragraph A.6.3 .2.1.2. above shall be 
carried out with the axles lowered. 
A.6.3.2.1.6 For groups of axles, the manufacturer shall indicat e the laws of 
distribution among the axles of the total mass applied on to th e group (for instance by 
stating the distribution formulae or producing distribution gra phs). 
A.6.3.2.2 Loading limitations 
A.6.3.2.2.1 The sum of the masses m i shall not be less than the mass M. 
A.6.3.2.2.2 For each group of axles designated "j", the sum of the masses m i on its 
axles shall not be less than the mass µ j. In addition, each of the masses m i shall not be 
less than the part of µ j applying on the axle "i" as determined by the mass distributio n 
laws for that group of axles. 
A.6.3.2.2.3 The sum of the masses µ j shall not be less than the mass M. 
A.6.3.2.2.4 MC shall not exceed M + TM. A.6.3.2.3 Loading conditions 
A.6.3.2.3.1  The vehicle in running order is loaded with: a mas s corresponding to the 
number P of seated passengers, of mass Q; a mass corresponding to the number SP of SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
99 
 standing passengers, of mass Q uniformly distributed over the s urface available for 
standing passengers S 1; where appropriate, a mass WP uniformly distributed over 
each wheelchair space; a mass equal to B (kg) uniformly distrib uted in the baggage 
compartments; a mass equal to BX (kg) uniformly distributed ove r the surface area of 
the roof equipped for the carriage of baggage, where: P is the number of seating 
places. S 1 is the area for standing passengers. In the case of vehicles o f classes III or 
B, S 1 = 0. SP, declared by the manufac turer, shall not exceed the va lue S 1/SSp, where 
SSp is the conventional space provided for one standing passeng er specified in the 
table below. WP (kg), is the number of wheelchair spaces multip lied by 250 kg 
representing the mass of a whee lchair and user. B (kg), declare d by the manufacturer, 
shall have a numeric value not less than 100 x V. V is the tota l volume of baggage 
compartments in m3 including exterior racks, ski-boxes and bagg age compartments, 
that are attached to the outside of the vehicle. BX, declared b y the manufacturer, shall 
have a numeric value  not less than 75 kg/m2 . Double deck vehic les shall not be 
equipped for the carriage of baggage on the roof and therefore BX for double-deck 
vehicles shall be zero. A.6.3.2.3.2 When the vehicle in running order is laden as descr ibed in 
paragraph A.6.3.2.3.2.1 , the ma ss corresponding to the load on  each axle shall not 
exceed the mass m
i on each axle, and the mass corresponding to the load on each s olo 
axle or group of axles shall not exceed the mass µ j on that group of axles. Moreover, 
the mass corresponding to the load on the driving axle or the s um of masses, 
corresponding to the loads on the driving axles shall be at lea st 25 per cent of M. 
A.6.3.2.3.2.1  The vehicle in running order is loaded with: a m ass corresponding to 
the number P of seated passengers, of mass Q; a mass correspond ing to the number 
SP of standing passengers, of mass Q uniformly distributed over  the surface available 
for standing passengers S 1; where appropriate, a mass WP uniformly distributed over 
each wheelchair space; a mass equal to B (kg) uniformly distrib uted in the baggage 
compartments; a mass equal to BX (kg) uniformly distributed ove r the surface area of 
the roof equipped for the carriage of baggage, where:  P is the number of seating places. 
 S
1 is the area for standing passengers. In the case of vehicles o f Classes III 
or B, S 1 = 0. 
 SP, declared by the manufacturer, shall not exceed the value S 1/SSp, where S sp 
is the conventional space provided for one standing passenger s pecified in the table 
below. 
 WP (kg), is the number of wheelchair spaces multiplied by 250 kg 
representing the mass of a wheelchair and user. 
 B (kg), declared by the manufact urer, shall have a numeric val ue not less than 
100 x V. This shall include baggage compartments or racks that may be attached to 
the outside of the vehicle. 
 V is the total volume of baggage compartments in m3. When approving a 
vehicle of Class I or A, the volume of baggage compartments acc essible only from the 
outside of the vehicle shall be disregarded. 
 BX, declared by the manufacturer, shall have a numeric value n ot less 
than 75 kg/m2. 
 Double-deck vehicles shall not be equipped for the carriage of  baggage on the 
roof and therefore BX for double- deck vehicles shall be zero. 
 Q and S Sp have values laid down in the following table: SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Vehicle class Q (kg) mass of one 
passenger Ssp (m2/passenger) 
conventional space for 
one standing passenger 
Classes I and A 68 0.125 
Class II 71* 0.15 
Classes III and B 71* None 
 Including 3 kg for hand baggage. 
A.6.3.2.3.2.2 In the case of a vehicle equipped with a variable  seating capacity, area 
available for standing passengers (S 1) and/or equipped for the carriage of wheelchairs, 
the requirements of paragraphs A.6.3.2.3.1  and A.6.3.2.3.2  sh all be determined for 
each of the following conditions as applicable: 
A.6.3.2.3.2.2.1 With all possible seats occupied followed by th e remaining area for 
standing passengers (up to the standing capacity limit declared  by the manufacturer, if 
reached, excluding areas designated for use exclusively by whee lchair users) and, if 
space remains, any wheelchair spaces occupied; A.6.3.2.3.2.2.2  With all possi ble standing areas occupied (up to the standing capacity 
limit declared by the manufacturer, excluding areas designated for use exclusively by 
wheelchair users), followed by the remaining seats available fo r seated passengers 
and, if space remains, any wheelchair spaces occupied; 
A.6.3.2.3.2.2.3 With all possibl e wheelchair spaces occupied fo llowed by the 
remaining area for standing pass engers (up to the standing capa city limit declared by 
the manufacturer, if reached) and then the remaining seats avai lable for use occupied. 
A.6.3.2.3.3 When the vehicle is in running order or laden as sp ecified in 
paragraph A.6.3.2.3.2.1 , the ma ss corresponding to the load on  the front axle or 
group of axles shall not be less than the percentage of the mas s of the vehicle in 
running order or of the technical ly permissible maximum laden m ass "M" laid down 
in the following table:  
Classes I and A Class II Classes III and B 
Rigid Articulated Rigid Articulated Rigid Articulated 
20 20 251 20 251 20 
1 This figure is reduced to 20 per cent for 3 axle vehicles of C lasses II 
and III having two steered axles. 
A.6.3.2.3.4 Where a vehicle is to be approved to more than one class, paragraphs 
A.6.3.2.3.1. and A.6.3.2.3.2. shall apply to each class. 
A.6.3.3 Marking of vehicles A.6.3.3.1 The vehicle shall be clearly marked on the inside in a position visible to the 
driver in his seating position: 
A.6.3.3.1.1 In letters or pictograms not less than 10 mm high a nd numbers not less 
than 12 mm high, with: 
A.6.3.3.1.1.1 The maximum number of seating places the vehicle is designed to carry; 
A.6.3.3.1.1.2 The maximum number of standing places, if any, th e vehicle is designed 
to carry; SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 A.6.3.3.1.1.3 The maximum number of wheelchairs which the vehic le is designed to 
carry, if any. 
A.6.3.3.1.2 In letters or pictograms not less than 10 mm high a nd numbers not less 
than 12 mm high, with: 
A.6.3.3.1.2.1 The mass of baggage which may be carried when the  vehicle is fully 
loaded according to paragraph A.6.3.2.3. of this annex. A.6.3.3.1.2.2 As appropriate this shall include the mass of bag gage: 
A.6.3.3.1.2.2.1 In baggage compartments (mass B, paragraph A.6. 3.2.3.2.1); 
A.6.3.3.1.2.2.2 On the roof if equipped for the carriage of bag gage (mass BX, 
paragraph A.6.3.2.3.2.1). 
A.6.3.3.2  Space shall be provided adjacent to the above markin gs allowing the 
vehicle to be marked, in letters or pictograms not less than 10  mm high and numbers 
not less than 12 mm high, with the mass of baggage B and BX whi ch may be carried 
when the vehicle is loaded with the maximum number of passenger s and crew and the 
vehicle is not exceeding the maximum laden mass, or the maximum  mass of any axle 
or group of axles at which the vehicle can be put into service in the Contracting Party 
where it is to be registered. Contracting Parties that require the marking of this mass 
shall, in agreement with the ma nufacturer, determine the mass o f baggage to be 
marked and take the necessary measures to ensure that vehicles are so marked prior to 
their registration.  
A.6.3.4 Manœuvrability 
A.6.3.4.1 Any vehicle shall be able to manoeuvre on either side  for a complete 
circular trajectory of 360° inside an area defined by two conce ntric circles, the outer 
circle having a radius of 12.50 m and the inner circle having a  radius of 5.30 m, 
without any of the vehicle's outer most points (with the excepti on of the protruding 
parts excluded from the measurement of the vehicle width) proje cting outside the 
circumferences of the circles. F or vehicles with axle-lift devi ces, this requirement also 
applies with the retractable axle(s) in the lifted position or loadable axle(s) in the 
unladen condition.  A.6.3.4.1.1 The requirements of paragraph A.6.3.4.1  shall be v erified with the 
outermost front point of the vehicle guided along the contour o f the outer circle 
(see Figure A). 
A.6.3.4.2 With the vehicle stationary, a vertical plane tangent ial to the side of the 
vehicle and facing outwards from the circle shall be establishe d by marking a line on 
the ground. In the case of an arti culated vehicle, the two rigi d portions shall be 
aligned with the plane. When the  vehicle moves from a straight line approach into the 
circular area described in paragraph A.6.3.4.1 , no part of it shall move outside of that 
vertical plane by more than 0. 60 m (see Figures B and C). 
 
       SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
102 
 Figure A 
 
 
   
Figure B 
R  =  12.5 m r  =  5.3 m U  =  maximum 0.6 m 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
103 
 Figure C 
 R  =  12.5 m 
r  =  5.3 m U  =  maximum 0.6 m 
A.6.3.4.3 The requirements of paragraphs A.6.3.4.1  to A.6.3.4. 2  may also be 
verified, at the request of the manufacturer, with an appropria te equivalent calculation 
or geometric demonstration. A.6.3.4.4 In the case of incomplete vehicles, the manufacturer shall declare the 
maximum permissible dimensions for which the vehicle is to be c hecked against the 
requirements of A.6.3.4.1  and A.6.3.4.2 .  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Annex 7 
  Additional safety pres criptions for trolleybuses  
A.7.1 Definitions and operating parameters 
For the purpose of this annex: 
A.7.1.1 "Line voltage" means the voltage provided to the trolle ybus from the external 
power supply. 
Trolleybuses shall be designed to operate at a rated line volta ge of either: 
(a) 600 V (a working range of 400 to 720 V, and 800 V DC for 5 minutes); or (b) 750 V (a working range of 500 to 900 V, and 1,000 V DC for 5 
minutes); and 
(c) Withstand over-voltages of 1,270 V for 20 ms." 
A.7.1.2 The electrical circuits of a trolleybus are classified according to their rated 
voltage in the following classes: 
A.7.1.2.1 "Voltage Class A" means a:  
Rated voltage 
 30 V AC; and  
Rated voltage  60 V DC." 
A.7.1.2.2 "Voltage Class B" means a:  
30 V AC < rated voltage  1,000 V AC; and  
60 V DC < rated voltage  1,500 V DC. 
A.7.1.2.3 " Three phase circuits " means circuits supplied with a three-phase voltage 
not exceeding 400 V AC. 
A.7.1.3.1 Rated climatic conditions 
A.7.1.3.1 Trolleybuses shall be designed to operate reliably un der the following 
environmental conditions: 
A.7.1.3.1.1 A temperature range of minus 25 °C to plus 40 °C; 
A.7.1.3.1.2 A relative humidity of 98 per cent at temperatures up to 25 °C; 
A.7.1.3.1.3   An atmospheric pressure range from 86.6 kPa to 10 6.6 kPa; 
A.7.1.3.1.4   An altitude range from sea level to a maximum of 1,400 m above the sea 
level. 
 A.7.1.4 " Self-extinguishing material " means a material that does not continue to burn 
when the ignition source is removed. 
A.7.1.5 "Insulation": there are different types of insulation: 
A.7.1.5.1 Functional insulation: ensures the functionality of t he equipment; 
A.7.1.5.2 Basic insulation: protects persons from electrical ha zards in systems with 
protective bonding; 
A.7.1.5.3 Supplementary insulation: protects persons from elect rical hazards in 
systems 
without protective bonding; 
A.7.1.5.4 Double insulation: combination of basic and supplemen tary, each 
individually testable by a metallized intermediate layer. 
A.7.1.6 "Rated insulation voltage" A.7.1.6.1 For circuits connected to the line voltage, the rated  insulation voltage (U
Nm) 
for each part of the double insulation is the maximum line volt age according to 
paragraph A.7.1.1 ; and 
A.7.1.6.2 For circuits insulated from the line voltage, the rat ed insulation voltage 
(UNm) 
is the maximum permanent voltage that occurs in the circuit. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
105 
 A.7.2 Current collection 
A.7.2.1 Current shall be obtained from the contact wires by mea ns of one or more 
connecting devices, normally comprising two current collectors.  (A single current 
collector or a pantograph may be used in guided applications.) A current collector 
shall consist of a roof mounting (trolley base), a trolley pole , a current collector head 
and a replaceable contact surface  insert. Current collectors sh all be mounted so that 
they can turn in both horizontal and vertical directions. 
A current collector shall achie ve, as a minimum, a ±55° rotatio n about the vertical 
axis of its attachment to the trolleybus and a ±20° rotation ab out the horizontal axis of 
its attachment to the trolleybus. 
A.7.2.2  Trolley poles shall be m ade either of a material provi ding insulation or of 
metal covered with insulating material representing functional insulation to avoid 
short circuiting between the ove rhead lines in case of their de tachment (de-wiring) 
and shall be resistant to mechanical shocks. 
A.7.2.3 Current collectors shall be designed to maintain adequa te positive contact 
with the contact wires when the wires are located at least betw een 4 and 6 metres 
above the ground and to allow the longitudinal axis of the trol leybus to deviate at least 
4.0 metres to either side of the mean axis of the contact wires . 
A.7.2.4 Each trolley pole shall be equipped with a device that automatically retracts 
the pole in the event of the current collector becoming acciden tally detached from the 
contact wire (de-wired). 
A.7.2.5 In the event of de-wiring, contact between the retracte d poles and any part of 
the roof shall be prevented. 
A.7.2.6 The current collector head, if disconnected from its no rmal position on the 
trolley pole, shall remain attached to the trolley pole." A.7.2.7 The insulation resistance between the electric power co llector and the roof 
mounting/trolley base shall be at least 10 М
: 
A.7.2.7 Current collectors may be equipped with remote control from the driver's 
compartment, at least for retraction." 
A.7.2.8 Provision shall be made to enable the driver to replace , if necessary, contact 
surface inserts while the vehicle is in operation on the road. 
A.7.3 Traction and auxiliary equipment 
A.7.3.1 Electrical components installed on the trolleybus shall  be protected against 
over-voltage and short-circuit current. The protection shall pr eferably be assured by 
circuit breakers that are reset automatically, remotely or manu ally.  
A.7.3.2 Electrical components shall be protected against commut ation or atmospheric 
over-voltage. 
A.7.3.3 Circuit breakers shall pr ovide interruption of particul ar damaged circuits. 
A.7.3.4 If any circuit includes a single-pole circuit breaker, it shall be installed in the 
positive wire of the circuit. 
A.7.3.5 All electrical circuits  and circuit branches of voltage  Class B shall be of dual 
wiring. The trolleybus body may be used as a conductor for prot ective bonding of 
circuits, double insulated from the line voltage, of voltage Cl ass B. It also may be 
used as the return connection for voltage Class A circuits." A.7.3.6 Battery cases, covers and trays shall be made of non-fl ammable or self-
extinguishing materials. 
A.7.3.7 Electrical components connected to the line voltage sha ll have, in addition to 
their basic insulation, a supplementary insulation from the tro lleybus body, the 
onboard power supply and signal interfaces.  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
106 
 For protection of current conduct ing parts and metallized inter mediate layers inside 
the passenger compartment or luggage compartment, the protectio n degree IPXXD 
shall be provided (according to GSO ISO 20653:2015).  
For protection of current conduct ing parts and metallized inter mediate layers in areas 
other than the passenger compartment or luggage compartment and  not on the roof, 
the protection degree IPXXB shall be satisfied (according to GS O ISO 20653:2015).  
For protection of current conduct ing parts and metallized inter mediate layers on the 
roof with protection by distance, no protection degree is requi red." 
A.7.3.7.1 External insulations, e.g. on the roof and at the tra ction motor with 
occasional conductivity and regular cleaning, shall have a mini mum clearance of 10 
mm. They shall be mounted with shelter from weather or be desig ned as umbrella 
insulators or insulators with drip edge or another method havin g equivalent effects. 
Silicon as material or covering is recommended. In this case, t he minimum creep age 
distance shall be 20 mm. With other materials or designs or mou ntings or extreme 
operation conditions, a greater creep age distance shall be cho sen. Documentation of 
the layout is part of the approval . 
A.7.3.7.2 Voltage class B equipment shall be marked with the li ghtning symbol. The 
symbol background shall be yellow, the bordering and the arrow shall be black. 
 
The symbol shall also be visible on enclosures and barriers, wh ich when removed, 
expose current conducting parts of voltage class B circuits. Ac cessibility and 
removability of barriers/enclosures should be considered when e valuating the 
requirement for the symbol." 
A.7.3.8 The current conducting parts of electrical components, with the exception of 
current collectors, surge arrest ors and traction resistors, sha ll be protected against 
moisture and dust. 
A.7.3.9 Means shall be provided for a periodic resistance test to be conducted on each 
basic and supplementary insulation of components with double in sulation. With a new 
and dry trolleybus, the insulatio n resistance of electrical cir cuits at a test voltage of 
1,000 V DC shall not be less than: 
A.7.3.9.1 For each basic insulation: 10 M ;  
A.7.3.9.2 For each supplementary insulation: 10 M ;  
A.7.3.9.3 For the overall double insulation: 10 M .  
A.7.3.10 Wiring and apparatus 
A.7.3.10.1 Flexible wires shall be used for all circuits. The r ated insulation voltage of 
wires to ground shall be at least the rated insulation voltage according to paragraph 
1.6." 
A.7.3.10.2 Mounted wiring should not be stressed mechanically. 
A.7.3.10.3 Wiring insulation shall not propagate burning. 
A.7.3.10.4 Wiring of different vol tages classes shall be mounte d separately. 
A.7.3.10.5 Wiring conduits shall be made of non-flammable or se lf-extinguishing 
material. Conduits inside the passenger compartment of voltage Class B shall be 
closed and be made of metal. Metallic conduits shall be connect ed to the vehicle 
chassis." 
A.7.3.10.6 [Reserved] 
A.7.3.10.7 Wiring located under the floor of the trolleybus sha ll be contained in 
conduit that protects it against the ingress and propagation of  water and dust. 
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 A.7.3.10.8 Fastening and arrangement of wiring and cables shall  be designed to 
prevent damage by abrasion (chafing) of insulation. Grommets of  elastomeric 
material shall be provided at points where wiring penetrates me tal structure. The bend 
radius of conduits containing wir ing shall be at least five tim es the external diameter 
of the conduit. 
A.7.3.10.9 The location of wiring in the vicinity of circuit br eakers shall be designed 
so as to prevent arcing onto the wiring. 
A.7.3.10.10 Precautions shall be taken to avoid damage of wirin g from heated 
resistors and other electrical components. In critical areas th ermo-resistant wires shall 
be used. 
A.7.3.10.11 Wiring holders, connectors and other mounting devic es shall be made of 
non-flammable or self-extinguishing materials. Electrical compo nents of the self-
extinguishing materials shall onl y be installed outside the pas senger compartment. 
A.7.3.10.12  Each of the insulations of voltage Class B equipme nt onboard the 
trolleybus shall be tested with a n AC power supply at test freq uency of 50 - 60 Hz for 
1 minute.  The test voltage (UTest) for wiring and components at the troll eybus shall be:  
Basic insulation: UTest = 2 x UNm + 1,500 V  
Supplementary Insulation: UTest = 1.6 x UNm + 500 V  For circuits double insulated from overhead line voltage, the t est voltage (UTest) shall 
be at least 1,500 V, or:  
Basic Insulation: UTest = 2 x UNm + 1,000 V 
The equivalent DC test voltage is √2 times the AC value.  
Circuits directly connected to ov erhead line shall be double in sulated.  
A.7.4 Electrical safety of passengers and crew 
A.7.4.1 In a trolleybus, each circuit energized by an overhead line voltage shall have 
double insulation of the vehicle chassis. 
A.7.4.2 The influence of dynamic charge currents, caused by cap acitive couplings 
between voltage Class B equipment and electric chassis, shall b e reduced by the 
protective impedance of insulating materials used in entrance a reas. Stanchions and 
handrails at doorways, door panels and handles, mobility aid ra mps and the first steps 
shall be made of insulating mate rial, or covered with mechanica l durable insulation or 
insulated from the trolleybus body. 
A.7.4.3 The trolleybus shall be equipped with an onboard device  for permanent 
monitoring of leakage current or voltage between the chassis an d the road surface. 
The device shall automatically disconnect the high voltage circ uits from the contact 
system (when trolleybus is stati onary) if the leakage current e xceeds 3 mA or if the 
leakage voltage exceeds 60 V DC (according to GSO IEC 62128-1:2 014)." 
A.7.4.4 The first steps shall be made of insulating material or  covered with 
mechanically durable insulation. The insulation resistance shal l at least be 1.0 M  
over a contact area of 30,000 ± 500 mm2. 
A.7.4.5 Door panels shall be made of insulating material or ins ulated from the 
trolleybus body. The insulation resistance shall be at least 1. 0 M over a contact area 
on the panel of 30,000 ± 500 mm2. 
A.7.4.6 The external body panels adjacent to the door apertures  shall be covered with 
insulating material. The insulated area shall extend in width a t least 500 mm each side 
of the door apertures and in height at least 2,000 mm from the roadway. The 
insulation resistance in respect to the trolleybus body shall n ot be less than 1.0 M  
over a contact area of 20,000 ± 500 mm2. SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
108 
 A.7.4.7 If the trolleybus is equipped with double-insulated con verters, paragraphs 4.3  
to 4.6   need not be applied. 
A.7.5 The driver’s compartment 
A.7.5.1 In the driver’s compartment, there should not be any hi gh voltage equipment 
accessible by the driver. 
A.7.5.2 As a minimum, the instrument panel shall include: A.7.5.2.1 Indicator of voltage in the contact system; 
A.7.5.2.2 Indicator of zero voltage in the contact system; 
A.7.5.2.3 Indicator of state of main automatic line voltage cir cuit breaker; 
A.7.5.2.4 Indicator of charge/discharge of the batteries; 
A.7.5.2.5 Indicator of body voltage or leakage current exceedin g the limits specified 
in paragraph A.7.4.2 .  
 
  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Annex 8 - Part 1  
Fire suppression system approved as a component  
1. Specifications  
1.1. Fire suppression systems shall be tested for high-load fir e, low-load fire, high-
load fire with fan and re-ignition. 1.2. The test apparatus, test fires and general test conditions  are described in 
Appendix 1 to this annex.  
1.3. High-load fire 
1.3.1. The test shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 2 to this annex.  
1.3.2. The test shall be conducted with the extinguishing agent  and the propellant gas 
vessel or the suppression agent generator cooled to the minimum  operating 
temperature for the fire suppression system, as declared by the  manufacturer.  
1.3.3. The fires shall be fully extinguished, at the latest in the minute after activation 
or before the extinguishing agent has been fully used, whicheve r happens first. 
1.3.4. The test is considered pas sed either after success at fi rst attempt or at two of 
three attempts in a case when fi rst of these attempts fails.  
1.4. Low-load fire 
1.4.1. The test shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 3 to this annex.  
1.4.2. The fires shall be fully extinguished, at the latest in the minute after activation 
or before the extinguishing agent has been fully used, whicheve r happens first. 
1.4.3. The test is considered pas sed if success was achieved at  the first attempt or at 
two of three attempts in a case when first of these attempts fa ils.  
1.5. High-load fire with fan 
1.5.1. The test shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 4 to this annex.  
1.5.2. The fires shall be fully extinguished either in the minu te after activation or upon 
end of the discharge of the suppression system.  
1.5.3. The test is considered pas sed if success was achieved at  the first attempt or at 
two of three attempts in a case when first of these attempts fa ils.  
1.6. Re-ignition test  
1.6.1. The test shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 5 to this annex.  
1.6.2. Re-ignition shall not occur within 45 seconds of the fir e being fully 
extinguished. 
1.6.3. The test is considered passed either if success was achi eved at the first attempt 
or at two of three attempts in a case when first of these attem pts fails. 
 
Annex 8 – Part 2  
Fire suppression system installed in a specific engine compartm ent  
1. Specifications  
1.1. A specific engine compartment means engine compartments wh ich do not differ 
in the following essential aspects:  
(a) The position of the engine compartment;  
(b) Maximum gross volume;  
(c) General layout of components in the compartment (i.e. posit ion of the determined 
fire hazards).  
For compartments where a combusti on heater is located items (b)  and (c) apply.  
1.2. The fire suppression systems shall be tested for high-load  fire, low-load fire, 
high-load fire with fan (to be applied if a fan is fitted in th e engine compartment 
and/or combustion heater compartment) and re-ignition."  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 1.3. The test apparatus, test fires and general test conditions  are described in 
Appendix 1 to this annex.  
In order to facilitate the positioning of the fire trays within  the engine and combustion 
heater compartment additional supports may be used and the heig ht of the prescribed 
test fire may be lowered to a minimum of 40 mm.  
The test conditions in Appendices 2 to 5 may be adapted for the  specific engine 
compartment and combustion heater compartment. The adaptation s hall be based on 
the provisions given in Annex 3, paragraphs 7.5.1.5.4.2. and 7.5.1.5.4.3 ., determining 
the fire hazards within the compartment and the scaling of the fire suppression 
system. The adaptation shall provide an equivalent level of saf ety. The principles for 
the adaptation shall be verified by the Technical Service respo nsible for the tests. The 
principle of adaption shall be documented and added to the test  report.  
1.4. High-load fire 
1.4.1. The test shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 2 to this annex.  
1.4.2. The test shall be conducted with the extinguishing agent  and the propellant gas 
vessel or the suppression agent generator cooled to the minimum  operating 
temperature for the fire suppression system, as declared by the  manufacturer.  
1.4.3. The fires shall be fully extinguished, either, in the mi nute after activation or 
upon end of the discharge of the suppression system.  1.4.4. The test is considered passed either after success at th e first attempt or after 
success at the second and third attempts in case of failure at the first attempt.  
1.5. Low-load fire 
1.5.1. The test shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 3 to this annex.  
1.5.2. The fires shall be fully extinguished either in the minu te after activation or upon 
end of the discharge of the suppression system. 1.5.3. The test is considered passed either after success at th e first attempt or after 
success at the second and third attempts in case of failure at the first attempt.  
1.6. High-load fire with fan (if a fan is fitted in the engine and/or combustion heater 
compartment) 1.6.1. The test shall be conducted in accordance with Appendix 4 to this annex.  
1.6.2. The fires shall be fully extinguished either in the minu te after activation or upon 
end of the discharge of the suppression system.  
1.6.3. The test is considered passed either after success at th e first attempt or after 
success at the second and third attempts in case of failure at the first attempt.  
1.7. Re-ignition test  
1.7.1. The re-ignition test shall be conducted in accordance wi th Appendix 5 to this 
annex.  
1.7.2. Re-ignition shall not occur within 45 seconds of the fir e being fully 
extinguished 1.7.3. The test is considered passed either after success at th e first attempt or after 
success at the second and third attempts in case of failure at the first attempt. 
 
Annex 8 - Appendix 1  
Test apparatus, test fires and general test specifications  
1. Test apparatus  
1.1. The test apparatus is to be  made of steel plate. The thick ness of the steel plate 
shall be in accordance with Table 1. Figure 1 shows the test ap paratus from the front 
side, Figure 2 from the rear side and Figure 3 from above. The front side of the test 
apparatus simulates the rear sid e of a real engine compartment.   
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Figure 1  
Coordinate system for the positi on of objects in test apparatus  (view from front 
side) 
  
Figure 2  
Test apparatus seen from the rear  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Figure 3  
Test apparatus seen from above  
 
Table 1  
Test apparatus objects  
Objects Plate thickness  
Fan cylinde r 1.5 – 2 mm 
Obstructions 1.5 – 2 mm 
Exhaust manifold mock-up 8 mm
Engine mock-up 2 – 3 mm
Silencer mock-up 2 – 3 mm 
Exhaust pipe 2 – 3 mm 
Connection pipe 2 – 3 mm 
Walls, ceiling and floor 1.5 – 3 mm 
 
1.2. Object locations  
1.2.1. All objects in the test apparatus are positioned accordi ng to coordinates (x, y, z) 
as shown in Table 2. Origin is the position marked (O) in Figur e 1. The value of the 
coordinates is the distance in metres from the origin (see Figu re 1), i.e. left-front-
bottom corner. 
 
 
 
 
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 Table 2  
Coordinates of objects 
Objects  Coordinates [x; y; z] 
Fan cylinder  [-0.60; 0.40; 0.10] 
Obstruction 1  [0.0; 0.26; 0.0] 
Obstruction 2  [0.26; 0.05; 0.02] 
Exhaust manifold mock-up  [0.76; 0.05; 0.47] 
Engine mock-up  [0.87; 0.05; 0.04] 
Obstruction 3  [1.44; 0.05; 0.02] 
Obstruction 4  [0.82; 1.2; 0.0] 
Silencer mock-up  [2.0; 0.28; 0.23] 
 
1.3. Framework  
1.3.1. The framework of the test apparatus shall be constructed  according to Figure 4. 
The dimensions of the beams are 50 mm × 50 mm and 100 mm × 50 m m respectively. 
The framework shall be 300 mm above the ground.  
Figure 4  
Framework for the test apparatus
 
1.4. Apertures  
1.4.1. In addition to the opening for the fan, the test apparat us includes six apertures. 
The dimensions and positions of the apertures are given accordi ng to the coordinates 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
114 
 in Table 3. The positions are given by referring to two diagona lly opposite corners (all 
apertures are rectangular in shape). The apertures are shown in  Figure 4.  
Table 3  
Coordinates of apertures in the test apparatus  
Aperture  Coordinates [x; y; z] – [x; 
y; z] Area of aperture  
A1  [0.03; 0.00; 1.08] – [1.18; 
0.00; 1.13] 0.06 m2  
A2  [1.22; 0.00; 1.08] – [2.37; 
0.00; 1.13]  0.06 m2  
B  [2.40; 0.50; 0.70] – [2.40; 
1.30; 0.90] 0.16 m2  
C  [0.85; 1.50; 0.03] – [1.24; 
1,50; 0.36] 0.13 m2  
D1  [2.00; 0.05; 0.00] – [2.35; 
0.73; 0.00]  0.27 m2  
D2  [2.00; 0.78; 0.00] – [2.35; 
1.20; 0.00] 0.26 m2  
A1  [0.03; 0.00; 1.08] – [1.18; 
0.00; 1.13] 0.06 m2  
 Total area of aperture: 0.94 m2 
 
1.5. Fan  
1.5.1. An axial fan with a diameter of 710 mm shall be mounted on the left side of the 
fan cylinder. The diameter of the cylinder shall be equal to th e diameter of the fan. 
The fan shall produce a certain rate of air flow through the cy linder according to the 
test scenarios in Appendices 2 to 5. A frequency converter may be used to adjust the 
fan speed.  
1.6. Mock-up components  
1.6.1. The dimensions of the engine mock-up are 1,000 mm × 650 mm × 500 mm. 
The dimensions of the silencer m ock-up are diameter 400 mm × 80 0 mm. The exhaust 
manifold mock-up shall have the inner dimensions of diameter 80  mm × 900 mm. The 
mock-up components shall be hollow. The exhaust manifold mock-u p shall be 
connected to the silencer mock-up through a pipe with a diamete r of 76 mm. A pipe 
from the silencer mock-up shall also be used to carry the exhau st gases from the pre-
warming system out from the test apparatus. 
1.7. Thermocouples  
1.7.1. Seven thermocouples (Tc) shall be mounted on the exhaust  manifold mock-up, 
drilled 2 mm into the tube from the outside. Thermocouples Tc1 to Tc4 shall be 
located on top of the mock-up at the distances from the mock-up  inlet according to 
Table 4. Thermocouples Tc5 to Tc7 shall be located around the m ock-up at the same 
distance from the inlet as Tc2. T he location of the thermocoupl es is illustrated in 
Figures 5 and 6. 
 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 Table 4  
Distance to thermocouple from inl et of exhaust manifold mock-up  
Thermocou ple Distance from inlet 
Tc1  250 mm 
Tc2  300 mm 
Tc3  350 mm 
Tc4  600 mm 
Tc5  300 mm  
Tc6  300 mm  
Tc7  300 mm  
 
Figure 5  
Thermocouples on the exhaust manifold mock-up  
 
Figure 6  
Thermocouples on the exhaust mani fold mock-up (the inlet of the  mock-up is on 
the left side)  
 
1.8. Propane burner  
1.8.1. The propane burner used to pre-warm the exhaust system s hall be chosen as to 
fulfil the requirements on achieved temperatures specified in p aragraph 3.4.6 of this 
Annex.  
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 1.9. Obstructions  
1.9.1. Obstruction 1 has the dimensions of 900 mm × 840 mm × 23 0 mm, as shown in 
Figure 7. Obstructions 2 and 3 consist of horizontal and vertic al obstruction tubes as 
shown in Figure 8. The horizonta l obstruction tubes are closed and hollow, with a 
diameter of 80 mm and a length of 480 mm. The vertical tubes ar e hollow and open in 
the bottom, with a diameter of 80 mm and a length of 230 mm. Th e open distance 
between every tube is 20 mm. Obstruction 4 is a box measuring 1 ,250 mm × 300 mm 
× 390 mm as shown in Figure 9.  
 
Figure 7  
Obstruction 1  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
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Figure 8  Obstruction 2 and 3
 
 
 
Figure 9  Obstruction 4 
 
 
1.10. Pool fire trays  
1.10.1. Detailed descriptions of these trays are given in Table  5. Three different types 
of pool fire trays are applied in Table 6: square, rectangular and circular. 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
118 
  
  
Table 5  Specification of pool fire trays   
Dimensions  Rim height  Nominal thickness  Used for test fire No.  
300 mm × 300 mm  70 mm  1.5 mm  1, 2  
200 mm × 300 mm  70 mm  2 mm  3  
Diameter 150 mm  100 mm  1.5 mm  4  
 
1.10.2 . The square pool fire trays with fibreboards and the rectangular  pool fire trays 
shall be positioned in its orientation according to the test sc enarios in Appendices 2 to 
4. Figure 10 shows the dimensions for test fire No. 2. The test  fire shall be positioned 
perpendicular to the long edge of the test apparatus.  
 Figure 10  
Distances for test fire No. 2 
 
2. Test fires  
2.1. The test fires in Table 5 are to be used in the different test scenarios described in 
Appendices 2 to 5. Diesel oil (commercial fuel oil or light die sel oil), heptane 
(C7H16) and engine oil 15W-40 with a flash point COC of 230 °C and viscosity at 40 
°C of 107 mm²/s shall be used as test fuels. 
Table 6  
Test fires  
Test fire No.  Description  Fuel  Approximate peak 
Heat Release Rate 60 sec after ignition  
1  Pool fire 300 mm × 
300 mm  Diesel oil and heptane  60 kW  
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 2  Pool fire 300 mm × 
300 mm and 2 
fibreboards  Diesel oil and heptane  110 kW  
3  Pool fire 200 mm × 
300 mm Diesel oil and heptane  40 kW  
4  Pool fire diameter 150 
mm  Diesel oil and heptane  7 kW  
5  Spray fire (450 kPa, 
0.73 kg/ min ±10%)  Diesel oil  520 kW  
6  Spray fire (450 kPa, 
0.19 kg/ min ±10%)  Diesel oil  140 kW  
7  Dripping oil fire (40 
droplets/ min ±10)  Engine oil  5 kW  
 
2.2. The amount of water, diesel and heptane used in the tests shall be in accordance 
with Table 7.  
 
Table 7 
Amount of fuel used in pool fire trays  
Dimensions  Water  Diesel  Heptane  Used for test 
fire No.  
300 mm × 300 
mm  1.0 l  0.5 l  0.2 l  #1,# 2,  
200 mm × 300 
mm  0.5 l  0.5 l  0.2 l  #3  
Diameter 150 
mm  0.2 l  0.2 l  0.1 l  #4  
 
2.3. Test fire No. 2 consists of  a heptane pool and two diesel soaked fibreboards with 
a dry density of 3.5 kg/m3. The dimensions of the fibreboards s hall be 12 mm × 295 
mm × 190 mm. The fibreboards shall consist of at least 90 per c ent raw material from 
wood. The moisture content in the boards before they are soaked  in diesel oil shall not 
exceed 7 per cent. The fibreboards shall be completely immersed  in diesel oil for at 
least 10 minutes prior to the test and mounted vertically in th e pool fire tray not more 
than10 minutes before the start of the test.  
2.4. Test fire Nos. 5 and 6 consis t of diesel oil spray fires w hile Test fire No. 7 
consists of a dripping oil fire (by hot surface ignition). 
The spray nozzle for test fire No. 5 shall be a Lechler 460.368 .30 or an equivalent. 
The spray nozzle for test fire No. 6 shall be a Lechler 212.245 .11 or an equivalent. 
The spray nozzle for test fire No. 7 shall be a Danfoss 0.60X80 H or an equivalent.  
3. Installation of the fire suppression system  
3.1. To obtain the minimum discharge rate condition, an extingu ishing system is to be 
assembled to its maximum dimensional capability with respect to  the number of 
fittings and size and length of pipe, if relevant. The cylinder  is to be used with its 
rated capacity and the cylinder or gas cartridge pressurized wi th propellant gas to the 
normal operating pressure, if relevant.  3.2. The fire suppression system  shall be installed by the syst em manufacturer or 
supplier. Figure 11 shows the area where extinguishing agent di scharge points such as 
of nozzles, extinguishing agent generators or extinguishing age nt discharge tubes may 
be located. The discharge points shall be positioned inside the  test apparatus, at two 
different areas:  SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 (a) In the ceiling and at the rea r wall. Discharge points posit ioned in the ceiling shall 
be positioned at a minimum of 750 mm above the floor level (z ≥  0.75) and outside of 
Obstruction 1. Nozzles positioned at the rear wall shall be pos itioned within 350 mm 
from the rear wall (y ≥ 1.15) and minimum 450 mm from the floor  level (z ≥ 0.45). 
Figures 17 and 18 show the area where the nozzles may be locate d.  
(b) Inside the small box (referred to as Obstruction 4) in the rear side of the test 
apparatus. Nozzles shall be locat ed in the ceiling of the box w ith a minimum of 290 
mm from the floor (z ≥ 0.29). 
Figure 11  
Nozzle positioning seen from the rear side of test apparatus  
 
 
3.3. The system set-up and configuration shall be observed and documented prior to 
the test (e.g. amount of suppression agent and propellant gas, system pressure, 
number, type and location of disch arge points, length of pipes and number of fittings).  
Temperature shall be measured during the re-ignition tests at l ocations specified in 
Appendix 1.  
3.4. Test method  
3.4.1. The pool fire trays are to be filled with diesel and hep tane on a base of water 
according to Table 7. Where fibreboards are required to be used  as the fire source, 
they shall be soaked in diesel oil, prior to the test, accordin g to instructions in 
paragraph 2.3. above.  
3.4.2. A pre-burn time based on the information in Appendices 2  to 5 is required. The 
pre-burn time is measured from the time the first fire is ignit ed. All pool fires in the 
test scenarios shall be ignited within the allowed ignition-tim e, according to 
Appendices 2 to 5, using a suitable ignition source. The low-lo ad fire tests in Table 1 
in Appendix 3 may be performed either individually or concurren tly. 
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 3.4.3. A fan is used in some of the test scenarios to obtain a specific air flow rate into 
the test apparatus. The fan shall be engaged 30 seconds before the suppression system 
is activated. The fan shall remain active until the test is det ermined.  
3.4.4. A diesel spray is used in  some of the tes t scenarios. Th e diesel spray shall be 
activated 10 seconds prior to acti vation of the suppression sys tem. The diesel spray 
shall remain active until the result of the test is determined.   
3.4.5. After the stipulated pre-burn time, the suppression syst em shall be manually or 
automatically activated.  
3.4.6. In the test for re-ignition, the exhaust manifold mock-u p tube is pre-heated with 
a burner prior to the test. Pressurized air may be added to the  flame for better 
combustion. … … After 30 seconds the engine oil shall start dri pping and the 
suppression system activated 15 seconds later. The engine oil s hall ignite before 
activation of the suppression system. The oil shall continue to  drip on to the tube until 
the result of the test is determined."  
4. Tolerances  
4.1. A tolerance of ±5 per cent of the stipulated values shall apply (for time values: ±5 
seconds). 
Annex 8 - Appendix 2  
High-load fire  
 
Table 1  
Test fires  
Test fire No.  
(see Table 6 in Appendix 1)  Description  Coordinates [x; y; z]  
(see Fi gure 1 in Appendix 1) 
6  Spray fire (0.45 MPa, 0.19 
kg/min)  [1.47; 0.73; 0.46]  
3  Pool fire 200 mm × 300 mm [0.97; 0.85; 0.70]  
4  Pool fire diameter 150 mm  [0.97; 1.28; 0.00]  
3  Pool fire 200 mm × 300 mm [1.54; 0.57; 0.36]  
2  Pool fire 300 mm × 300 mm 
and 2 Fibreboards  [1.54; 0.77; 0.36]  
3  Pool fire 200 mm × 300 mm [1.54; 0.13; 0.00]  
Note: The fan is not used 
Table 2  
Test procedure  
Time  Action 
00:00  Start measuring time 
01:20  Ignite pool fires (within 20 seconds)  
01:50  Start diesel spray 
02:00  Activate suppression system  
 
 
  
 
 SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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Figure 1  
Test fire positioning, view from the front side  
 
Figure 2  
Test fire positioning, view from the rear side  
 
 
 
 
 
Annex 8 - Appendix 3  
Low-load fire  
 
Table 1  Test fires  
Test fire No.  
(see Table 6 in Appendix 1)  Description  Coordinates [x; y; z]  
(see Figure 1 in Appendix 1) 
4  Pool fire diameter 150 mm  [0.02; 0.08; 0.00]  
3  Pool fire 200 mm × 300 mm [0.37; 0.57; 0.00]  
4  Pool fire diameter 150 mm  [0.45; 1.20; 0.00]  
4  Pool fire diameter 150 mm  [0.97; 1.28; 0.00]  
4  Pool fire diameter 150 mm [1.54; 0.57; 0.00]  
Note: The fan is producing an air flow of 1.5 m3/s. 
Table 2  
Test procedure  
Time  Action 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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 00:00  Start measuring time 
01:00  Ignite pool fires (within 30 seconds)  
01:30  Engage the fan 
02:00  Activate suppression system  
 
Figure 1  
Test fire positioning, view from the front side  
 
Figure 2  
Test fire positioning, view from the rear side  
 
Annex 8 - Appendix 4  
High-load fire with fan  
 
Table 1  
Test fires  
Test fire No.  
(see Table 6 in Appendix 1)  Description  Coordinates [x; y; z]  
(see Fi gure 1 in Appendix 1) 
5  Spray fire (0.45 MPa, 0.73 
kg/min)  [0.37; 0.70; 0.46]  
1  Pool fire 300 mm × 300 mm [0.37; 0.47; 0.36]  
2  Pool fire 300 mm × 300 mm 
and 2 fibreboards [0.37; 0.77; 0.36]  
1  Pool fire 300 mm × 300 mm [0.37; 0.13; 0.00]  
1  Pool fire 300 mm × 300 mm [1.54; 0.13; 0.00  
Note: The fan is producing an air flow of 1.5 m3/s.  
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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Table 2  
Test procedure  
Time  Action 
00:00  Start measuring time  
01:00  Ignite pool fires (within 20 seconds)  
01:30  Engage the fan 
01:50  Start diesel spray 
02:00  Activate suppression system  
 
Figure 1  
Test fire positioning, view from the front side  
 
Annex 8 - Appendix 5  
Re-ignition test  
Table 1  
Test fires  
Test fire No.  
(see Table 6 in Appendix 
1)  Description  Coordinates [x; y; z]  
(see Figure 1 in Appendix 
1) 
7  Dripping oil fire (0.2 
MPa,, 0.01 kg/min) [0.82; 0.28; 1.22]  
Note: The fan is not used. 
Table 2  
Test procedure  
Time  Action 
Prior to test  Pre-heat tube  
00:00  Pre-defined temperatures are reached  
00:30  Start oil dripping 
00:45  Activate suppression system (the oil 
shall ignite before activation)  
 
 
 
 
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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Figure 1  
Test fire positioning, view from the front side  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
SASO STANDARD                                                        SASO  31699/2019  
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MAIN REFRENCES: 
- UN Regulation No. 107 - Rev.6  - General construction of buses and coaches. 
- UN Regulation No. 107 - Rev.6 - Amend.7.