1-1
SECTION I
OPERATION
SAFETY MESSAGE TO OPERATORS OF
FEDERAL SIGNAL LIGHT/SOUND SYSTEMS
WARNING
The lives of people depend on your safe opera-
tion of Federal products. It is important to
read and follow all instructions shipped with
the products. In addition, listed below are some
other important safety instructions and precau-
tions you should follow:
Qualifications
•
To properly use a light system: you must have
a good understanding of general vehicle opera-
tion, a high proficiency in the use of safety
warning equipment, and thorough knowledge
of state and federal UNIFORM TRAFFIC
CODES.
Sound Hazards
•
Your hearing and the hearing of others, in or
close to your emergency vehicle, could be dam-
aged 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 Exposure.”
•
All effective sirens and horns produce loud
sounds which may, in certain situations, cause
permanent hearing loss. You should minimize
your exposure times and wear suitable hearing
protection.
Sound Limitations
•
Maximum sound output will be severely re-
duced 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 reduce maximum sound
output.
Signaling Limitations
•
Be aware that the use of your visual and au-
dible signaling 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 con-
tinue driving cautiously.
•
Situations may occur which obstruct your
warning signal when natural or man-made
objects are between your vehicle and others,
such as when you raise your hood or trunk lid.
If these situations occur, be especially careful.
•
The control head’s LED display simulates the
light pattern(s) being executed by the warn-
ing system. The display is intended ONLY as
a guide and NOT as an indication of proper
warning system operation. Before using the
warning system, its operation should be ob-
served from outside the vehicle.
Driving Limitations
•
At the start of your shift, you should ensure
that the warning system is securely attached
to the vehicle and operating properly.
•
If the unique combination of emergency vehicle
equipment installed in your vehicle has re-
sulted in the light/siren controls being installed
in a position that does not allow you to operate
them by touch only, OPERATE CONTROLS
ONLY WHILE YOUR VEHICLE IS STOPPED.
•
If driving conditions require your full atten-
tion, you should avoid operating the light/siren
controls while the vehicle is in motion.
Continuing Education
•
File these instructions in a safe place and refer
to them periodically. Give a copy of these in-
structions to new recruits and trainees.
Failure to follow these safety precautions may
result in property damage, serious injury, or death to
you, to passengers, or to others.
