Emergency exits must be closed, and emergency roof hatches may be latched but never what?

Emergency exits on a school bus play a vital role in ensuring the safety of passengers, especially in emergency situations. While it is acceptable for emergency roof hatches to be latched to prevent them from accidentally opening during normal operation, they must never be locked.

Locking these hatches can create a hazardous situation. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or an accident that requires quick evacuation, a locked hatch would prevent swift access, potentially trapping passengers inside the bus. Therefore, it is crucial that emergency roof hatches remain easily operable and can be opened without the need for a key or combination, thus allowing for a rapid exit when every second counts.

Other options relate to safety but do not address the specific requirement regarding locking. Permanently sealing would entirely eliminate the ability to use the exit, while blocking or obstructing it could hinder evacuation or the entry of emergency services. However, locking is distinct as it ensures that, even when the hatch is accessible, it cannot be used in an urgent situation.