5
Safety Messages
Description, Specifications, and Installation Manual
Federal Signal
www.fedsig.com
Safety Messages
It is important to follow all instructions shipped with this product. This device is to be
installed by trained personnel who are thoroughly familiar with the country electric codes
and will follow these guidelines as well as local codes and ordinances, including any state
or local noise control ordinances.
Listed below are important safety instructions and precautions you should follow:
Important Notice
Federal Signal reserves the right to make changes to devices and specifications
detailed in the manual at any time in order to improve reliability, function or design. The
information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate;
however, no responsibility is assumed for any inaccuracies.
Publications
Federal Signal recommends the following publications from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency for assistance with planning an outdoor warning system:
• The “Outdoor Warning Guide” (CPG 1-17)
• “Civil Preparedness, Principles of Warning” (CPG 1-14)
• FEMA-REP-1, Appendix 3 (Nuclear Plant Guideline)
• FEMA-REP-10 (Nuclear Plant Guideline).
Planning
• If suitable warning equipment is not selected, the installation site for the siren is
not selected properly or the siren is not installed properly, it may not produce the
intended optimum audible warning. Follow Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) recommendations.
• If sirens are not activated in a timely manner when an emergency condition
exists, they cannot provide the intended audible warning. It is imperative that
knowledgeable people, who are provided with the necessary information, be
available at all times to authorize the activation of the sirens.
• When sirens are used out of doors, people indoors may not be able to hear the
warning signals. Separate warning devices or procedures may be needed to
effectively warn people indoors.
• The sound output of sirens is capable of causing permanent hearing damage. To
prevent excessive exposure, carefully plan siren placement, post warnings, and
restrict access to areas near sirens. Review and comply with any local or state noise
control ordinances as well as OSHA noise exposure regulations and guidelines.
• Activating the sirens may not result in people taking the desired actions if those to
be warned are not properly trained about the meaning of siren sounds. Siren users
should follow FEMA recommendations and instruct those to be warned of correct
actions to be taken.
