5
D. OPERATION
SAFETY MESSAGE TO OPERATORS OF
CODE 3®, INC. ELECTRONIC SIRENS
AND LIGHT/SOUND SYSTEMS
The lives of people depend on your safe opera-
tion of
Code 3®, Inc
products. It is important to
read and follow all instructions shipped with the
products. In addition, listed below are some oth-
er important safety instructions and precautions
you should follow:
Qualifications
• To properly use an electronic siren and speaker(s): you
must have a good understanding of general vehicle op-
eration, a high proficiency in the use of safety warning
equipment, and thorough knowledge of state and fed-
eral UNIFORM TRAFFIC CODES.
Sound Hazards
• Your hearing and the hearing of others, in or close to
your emergency vehicle, could be damaged by loud
sounds. This can occur from short exposures to very
loud sounds, or from longer exposures to moderately
loud sounds. For hearing conservation guidance, refer
to federal, state, or local recommendations. OSHA Stan-
dard 1910.95 offers guidance on “Permissible Noise Ex-
posure.”
• All effective sirens and horns produce loud sounds (120
dB) that may cause permanent hearing loss. Always
minimize your exposure to siren sound, roll up your
windows and wear hearing protection. Do not sound the
siren indoors or in enclosed areas where you and oth-
ers will be exposed to the sound. Only use the siren for
emergency response situations.
Sound Limitations
• Before using the vehicle, check to see if the siren speak-
ers are concealed from view. If the siren speaker is not
in clear view on the front of the vehicle, use extra caution
when operating the vehicle. A concealed siren speaker
installation is less effective at warning others.
• Maximum sound output will be severely reduced if any
objects are in front of the speaker. If your installation
has obstructions in front of the speaker, drive even more
cautiously.
• Frequently inspect the speaker to ensure that it is clear
of any obstruction, such as mud or snow, which will re-
duce maximum sound output.
Signaling Limitations
• Be aware that the use of your visual and audible signal-
ing devices does not give you the right to force your
way through traffic. Your emergency lights, siren, and
actions are REQUESTING the right-of-way.
• Although your warning system is operating properly, it
may not alert everyone. People may not hear, see, or
heed your warning signal. You must recognize this fact
and continue driving cautiously.
• Situations may occur which obstruct your warning sig-
nal when natural or man-made objects are between
your vehicle and others. This can also occur when you
raise your hood or trunk lid. If these situations occur, be
especially careful.
Driving Limitations
• At the start of your shift, you should ensure that the
light/sound system is securely attached to the vehicle
and operating properly.
• If the unique combination of emergency vehicle equip-
ment installed in your vehicle has resulted in the siren
controls being installed in a position that does not allow
you to operate them by touch only, OPERATE CON-
TROLS ONLY WHILE YOUR VEHICLE IS STOPPED.
• If driving conditions require your full attention, you
should avoid operating the siren controls while the ve-
hicle is in motion.
Continuing Education
• File these instructions in a safe place and refer to them
periodically. Give a copy of these instructions to new
recruits and trainees.
Failure to follow these safety precautions may re-
sult in property damage, serious injury, or death to you, to
passengers, or to others.
Refer to the instructions packed with the electronic siren
for operation.
Summary of Contents for C3500
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