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01-12-2023, 02:02 PM
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#1
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Almost There
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 75
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Safety concerns?
What are some safety things to be aware of from living in a school bus, trailer, box truck, van, truck camper, etc?
What are long term adverse health effects that can develop?
Ways to prevent/reduce hazardous things?
Such as:
Offgassing- how dangerous? How big of a problem is it? From what materials? Avoidable with spray foam? Measurable tests?
Carbon monoxide-real problem with interior heating sources? Doesn't seem that big a concern
Mold-probably #1 thing we all may encounter. How to avoid? Spray foam, ventilation, insulated/double pane RV windows, and dry interior heat source? Use water outdoors as much as possible?
Dust inhalation---ways to control this? Besides go to wet areas? Should I be running a high quality air filter (Dyson?) 24/7 in my bedroom? Can't hurt, right? Especially if all those micro particles of dust, hair, skin, dirt gets kicked around and in the air, then sleeping in it, inside a sealed container. Keep constant air flow? Maxxair fan in front and back to keep air moving? Run 24/7? Fans inside to push air out of open windows in back. Something to consider: I'd wager most particles end up towards the back of the bus, from driving and what not, and those particles end up where most people put their beds, the back.
Air quality---basically all the above. Y'all run air filters?
Poor water quality--where do you fill up? What kind of hosing, tanks, filters, methods, extra pour in filter (Berkey/PUR)?
Food storage cleanliness---how do you keep dishes sterilized? Hard to do without dishwasher. I'd say wash and dry as you go with dishes to avoid standing water that may evaporate, although I guess it evaporates off towel instead. Keeping eating spaces clean? What do y'all use? I like simple green. Keeping food at safe temperatures? What issues have y'all run into?
Trash disposal---grey water tanks smell? Food crud inevitably gets down drain, how to clear/clean it? Composting? Trash on exterior of bus? Vs trash inside stinking up the place.
Odors---How to manage odors in the bus? Smells from cooking, body odor, dirt/grime? Sheets cleaned weekly? Wash couch cushions every few months? Dry any water immediately? Cooking smells lingering is biggest problem we all face I'd reckon.
Other ideas?
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01-12-2023, 02:44 PM
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#2
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 781
Year: 2006
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: MVP-EF
Engine: Cat C7 + Allison 3000PTS
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I think you're overthinking things a bit much. If you want a sterile environment you should probably live in a hospital, not a skoolie. I mean you're not even considering the particulate matter generated by the diesel engine, noxious gases from exhaust fumes, etc.
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01-12-2023, 04:28 PM
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#3
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 1,607
Year: 1996
Coachwork: AmTran (Now Navistar)
Engine: DT444E (7.3L) International
Rated Cap: 31,800 pounds
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dbsoundman
i think you're overthinking things a bit much. If you want a sterile environment you should probably live in a hospital, not a skoolie. I mean you're not even considering the particulate matter generated by the diesel engine, noxious gases from exhaust fumes, etc.
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^^^^^^^ ditto
__________________
YouTube: HAMSkoolie WEB: HAMSkoolie.com
We've done so much, for so long, with so little, we now do the impossible, overnight, with nothing. US Marines -- 6531, 3521. . . .Ret ASE brakes & elect. Ret (auto and aviation mech). Extra Class HAM, NAUI/PADI OpenWater diver
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01-12-2023, 06:34 PM
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#4
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 1,607
Year: 1996
Coachwork: AmTran (Now Navistar)
Engine: DT444E (7.3L) International
Rated Cap: 31,800 pounds
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Offgassing- how dangerous? How big of a problem is it? From what materials? Avoidable with spray foam? Measurable tests?
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You're building the rig so avoid furniture foams that have offgassing issues or use foam that's been "aged" so that the offgassing has already, or mostly already happened.
Spray foam, when properly applied (I suggest using a professional service) will have minimal offgassing after the recommended wait time. Less than two weeks and there shouldn't be anything to be concerned about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Carbon monoxide-real problem with interior heating sources? Doesn't seem that big a concern
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Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a concern but proper installation, use, and use of monitors/alarms makes it almost nothing to be concerned with.
ANY combustion within the bus will produce CO. Fireplaces, wood stoves, propane cook tops, and space heaters, etc.
Fireplaces and wood stoves properly installed and with proper chimney's direct CO up the chimney and away.
Space heaters that are built in should draw combustion air from outside and expel exhaust to the outside..... and away from openings into the bus. This keeps the CO OUTSIDE.
Propane cook tops and portable indoor propane heaters produce CO and should be closely monitored along with the air quality with a CO detector/alarm.
While CO can kill, it does so by inhibiting the bloods ability to absorb and carry oxygen to the cells of the body. High exposure levels can have lasting effects but I don't believe (I'm not a doc) they are permanent unless lack of oxygen created an issue. Low exposures are not a concern.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Mold-probably #1 thing we all may encounter. How to avoid? Spray foam, ventilation, insulated/double pane RV windows, and dry interior heat source? Use water outdoors as much as possible?
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Keep inside humidity/condensation to a minimum
INSULATION
VENTILATION, yes even in the cold or hot climates.
Be sure the shower area is vented and use a vent fan.
Dehumidifier....which if you have high humidity and the right dehumidifier, you might be able to reclaim the water pulled out of the air by the dehumidifier. There are commercial units designed to provide drinking water from humidity in the air though their cost and power requirements are most likely prohibitive for a skoolie.
In hot humid areas, air conditioning will pull a lot of water out of the air.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Dust inhalation---ways to control this? Besides go to wet areas? Should I be running a high quality air filter (Dyson?) 24/7 in my bedroom? Can't hurt, right? Especially if all those micro particles of dust, hair, skin, dirt gets kicked around and in the air, then sleeping in it, inside a sealed container. Keep constant air flow? Maxxair fan in front and back to keep air moving? Run 24/7? Fans inside to push air out of open windows in back. Something to consider: I'd wager most particles end up towards the back of the bus, from driving and what not, and those particles end up where most people put their beds, the back.
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The human body is designed to deal with dust. the nose and sinuses are filled with cillia to trap and remove dust particles. Likewise the lungs will expel dust in a continuing operation.
In areas of high dust such as the desert, avoid dust storms or wear a face mask or bandanna.
Running a filter will require power and power is often a commodity which skoolies run low on.
Running fans to draw air through the rig is going to ensure that there is a constant supply of new dust as well as stirring up what you already have and keeping it airborne in the drafts created by the fan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Air quality---basically all the above. Y'all run air filters?
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No intention to have any air filters other than those built in to our air conditioners.
If air quality is an issue internally, ventilate the bus. If it's an external issue, hopefully you built a fairly well sealed rig.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Poor water quality--where do you fill up? What kind of hosing, tanks, filters, methods, extra pour in filter (Berkey/PUR)?
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We fill up at dump stations (at the POTABLE spigot) if they have potable water. We also carry a 5 gallon water can so that in a worst case scenario we can fill it at any potable source and then pour it into our tank.
Always use a drinking water certified hose and you'll have no strange tastes from the hose.
Water supplies on the other hand can be problematic. I remember a camp ground in NM where the potable water tasted like mud. We drained the tank flushed it, and refilled it. What a PITA. So get that certified drinking water hose and an inline filter for it. I'd also highly suggest taste testing any water source, even if out of a labeled potable spigot, to ensure it meets YOUR taste standards.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Food storage cleanliness---how do you keep dishes sterilized? Hard to do without dishwasher. I'd say wash and dry as you go with dishes to avoid standing water that may evaporate, although I guess it evaporates off towel instead. Keeping eating spaces clean? What do y'all use? I like simple green. Keeping food at safe temperatures? What issues have y'all run into?
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We keep our food in original packages, in sealed plastic containers, and then there's the fridge/freezer.
Dishes? We make extensive use of paper plates. However, you don't need a dishwasher, hand washing is absolutely acceptable and sufficient.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Trash disposal---grey water tanks smell? Food crud inevitably gets down drain, how to clear/clean it? Composting? Trash on exterior of bus? Vs trash inside stinking up the place.
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Trash disposal depends on your traveling circumstances. We try to use paper plates to minimize water usage but it's a balancing act between water usage and trash accumulation if you're in burn restriction areas.
If you install proper plumbing and tank ventilation to the roof, there should be no grey tank odors noticed. Hepvo or P traps should be on all drains (Hepvo's are considered best for RV's). These are intended to prevent gases coming up the drain.
Composting is only realistic if you are stationary long term....as in LONG term, not just a few weeks or months. And probably only if you own or lease property where you intend to stay put.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kwest364
Odors---How to manage odors in the bus? Smells from cooking, body odor, dirt/grime? Sheets cleaned weekly? Wash couch cushions every few months? Dry any water immediately? Cooking smells lingering is biggest problem we all face I'd reckon.
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VENTILATION and personal hygiene will take care of most of your concerns.
WHO washes couch cushions? Covers perhaps but only if soiled.
Cooking smells can be minimized by simply following best practices and having a vent with fan located at the cooking location. Just like in most houses.
I'm hoping that you're just trying to do due diligence and gather information. It's not all that difficult to maintain personal hygiene and general cleanliness in an RV or skoolie of proper construction and that has been maintained.
That said, persons adverse to getting their hands dirty, germophobes, and the like, probably aren't a good match with the RV or skoolie lifestyle. Not that you have to constantly get your hands dirty, but there are gonna be times.
__________________
YouTube: HAMSkoolie WEB: HAMSkoolie.com
We've done so much, for so long, with so little, we now do the impossible, overnight, with nothing. US Marines -- 6531, 3521. . . .Ret ASE brakes & elect. Ret (auto and aviation mech). Extra Class HAM, NAUI/PADI OpenWater diver
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01-13-2023, 09:13 AM
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#5
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 18,830
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HamSkoolie
You're building the rig so avoid furniture foams that have offgassing issues or use foam that's been "aged" so that the offgassing has already, or mostly already happened.
Spray foam, when properly applied (I suggest using a professional service) will have minimal offgassing after the recommended wait time. Less than two weeks and there shouldn't be anything to be concerned about.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a concern but proper installation, use, and use of monitors/alarms makes it almost nothing to be concerned with.
ANY combustion within the bus will produce CO. Fireplaces, wood stoves, propane cook tops, and space heaters, etc.
Fireplaces and wood stoves properly installed and with proper chimney's direct CO up the chimney and away.
Space heaters that are built in should draw combustion air from outside and expel exhaust to the outside..... and away from openings into the bus. This keeps the CO OUTSIDE.
Propane cook tops and portable indoor propane heaters produce CO and should be closely monitored along with the air quality with a CO detector/alarm.
While CO can kill, it does so by inhibiting the bloods ability to absorb and carry oxygen to the cells of the body. High exposure levels can have lasting effects but I don't believe (I'm not a doc) they are permanent unless lack of oxygen created an issue. Low exposures are not a concern.
Keep inside humidity/condensation to a minimum
INSULATION
VENTILATION, yes even in the cold or hot climates.
Be sure the shower area is vented and use a vent fan.
Dehumidifier....which if you have high humidity and the right dehumidifier, you might be able to reclaim the water pulled out of the air by the dehumidifier. There are commercial units designed to provide drinking water from humidity in the air though their cost and power requirements are most likely prohibitive for a skoolie.
In hot humid areas, air conditioning will pull a lot of water out of the air.
The human body is designed to deal with dust. the nose and sinuses are filled with cillia to trap and remove dust particles. Likewise the lungs will expel dust in a continuing operation.
In areas of high dust such as the desert, avoid dust storms or wear a face mask or bandanna.
Running a filter will require power and power is often a commodity which skoolies run low on.
Running fans to draw air through the rig is going to ensure that there is a constant supply of new dust as well as stirring up what you already have and keeping it airborne in the drafts created by the fan.
No intention to have any air filters other than those built in to our air conditioners.
If air quality is an issue internally, ventilate the bus. If it's an external issue, hopefully you built a fairly well sealed rig.
We fill up at dump stations (at the POTABLE spigot) if they have potable water. We also carry a 5 gallon water can so that in a worst case scenario we can fill it at any potable source and then pour it into our tank.
Always use a drinking water certified hose and you'll have no strange tastes from the hose.
Water supplies on the other hand can be problematic. I remember a camp ground in NM where the potable water tasted like mud. We drained the tank flushed it, and refilled it. What a PITA. So get that certified drinking water hose and an inline filter for it. I'd also highly suggest taste testing any water source, even if out of a labeled potable spigot, to ensure it meets YOUR taste standards.
We keep our food in original packages, in sealed plastic containers, and then there's the fridge/freezer.
Dishes? We make extensive use of paper plates. However, you don't need a dishwasher, hand washing is absolutely acceptable and sufficient.
Trash disposal depends on your traveling circumstances. We try to use paper plates to minimize water usage but it's a balancing act between water usage and trash accumulation if you're in burn restriction areas.
If you install proper plumbing and tank ventilation to the roof, there should be no grey tank odors noticed. Hepvo or P traps should be on all drains (Hepvo's are considered best for RV's). These are intended to prevent gases coming up the drain.
Composting is only realistic if you are stationary long term....as in LONG term, not just a few weeks or months. And probably only if you own or lease property where you intend to stay put.
VENTILATION and personal hygiene will take care of most of your concerns.
WHO washes couch cushions? Covers perhaps but only if soiled.
Cooking smells can be minimized by simply following best practices and having a vent with fan located at the cooking location. Just like in most houses.
I'm hoping that you're just trying to do due diligence and gather information. It's not all that difficult to maintain personal hygiene and general cleanliness in an RV or skoolie of proper construction and that has been maintained.
That said, persons adverse to getting their hands dirty, germophobes, and the like, probably aren't a good match with the RV or skoolie lifestyle. Not that you have to constantly get your hands dirty, but there are gonna be times.
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I would say people getting their hands dirty should be a pre-req.. or have a pretty *FAT* wallet if erverythign that breaks or goes wrong has to be fixed by a shop or professional plumber, RV center etc
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01-13-2023, 11:04 AM
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#6
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Almost There
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 75
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Thanks for the replies. I'm not overthinking it. I'm a full timer for about a year now. Just thinking long term health affects and mitigating. If living in a bus is gonna kill me sooner, then that gives me pause. At the very least, maximizing health. Long term skoolie life may not be great for long term health I foresee. If I die at 40 vs 80....I'll gladly move into a house haha.
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01-13-2023, 11:05 AM
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#7
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Almost There
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 75
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Air quality, water quality, food quality, venting moisture and keeping rig as dry as possible: I think those are the largest health concerns full timers face.
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01-14-2023, 06:52 AM
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#8
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Grayson County, VA
Posts: 1,428
Year: 1996
Coachwork: Amtran
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466
Rated Cap: 65
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God gave school buses all those windows for a reason! Throw them open and live in a place that has good air quality and you should be fine. Also, eat a healthy diet, drink quality water, and don't sit on your ass all day. Those little things should keep you alive and ticking til your 80.
Also, look both ways before you cross the street, don't take candy from strangers, and eat your beets! Be careful not to worry yourself to death too.
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01-14-2023, 09:01 AM
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#9
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 7,000
Year: 2003
Coachwork: International
Chassis: CE 300
Engine: DT466e
Rated Cap: 65C-43A
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drew Bru
God gave school buses all those windows for a reason! Throw them open and live in a place that has good air quality and you should be fine. Also, eat a healthy diet, drink quality water, and don't sit on your ass all day. Those little things should keep you alive and ticking til your 80.
Also, look both ways before you cross the street, don't take candy from strangers, and eat your beets! Be careful not to worry yourself to death too.
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Also, try to avoid bullets if possible. Those things are terrible for you.
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01-14-2023, 09:19 PM
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#10
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Southern Oregon
Posts: 1,607
Year: 1996
Coachwork: AmTran (Now Navistar)
Engine: DT444E (7.3L) International
Rated Cap: 31,800 pounds
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Quote:
Originally Posted by musigenesis
Also, try to avoid bullets if possible. Those things are terrible for you.
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Well, I'd say try to avoid getting hit by bullets...... but be darn sure to have a few under your control. My normal daily carry is 61 of them but they've got over 17,000 friends (I stopped counting) of various shapes and sizes.
Their value by the way has outperformed the stock market in recent years. LOL
__________________
YouTube: HAMSkoolie WEB: HAMSkoolie.com
We've done so much, for so long, with so little, we now do the impossible, overnight, with nothing. US Marines -- 6531, 3521. . . .Ret ASE brakes & elect. Ret (auto and aviation mech). Extra Class HAM, NAUI/PADI OpenWater diver
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