Van-Con Recalls 2008-2009 Handicap School Buses Due to Lift Defect

Plain-English summary

Van-Con, Incorporated has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a defect in certain model year 2008-2009 handicap school buses. These vehicles were built on Ford and Chevy chassis and fitted with Ricon Public Use Lifts. The defect involves the restraint belt on the lifts, which is designed to prevent the lift from moving unless the belt tongue is fully engaged and latched in the buckle.

Ricon discovered that it is possible for an operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this scenario, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, allowing the operator to run the lift. If the belt is not fully engaged and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform, creating a risk of injury if the lift moves unexpectedly.

The safety recall began on April 5, 2010. Van-Con is working with Ricon to handle the remedy. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a DVD-based training aid. Owners may contact Ricon Customer Service at 1-800-322-2884 or by email at [email protected]. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product

FORD, VAN-CON FORD, CHEVY

Brand

FORD

Manufacturer

VAN-CON, INCORPORATED

Category

Vehicle — School Bus

Hazard

• lift-malfunction
• injury

Affected units

3

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Distribution

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