3
WARNING
The lives of people depend on your operation of
UNITROL 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
precautions you should follow:
Qualifications
•
To properly use a light system you must have a good
understanding of general vehicle operation, 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 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
Standard 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 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 reduce maximum sound output.
Signaling Limitations
•
Be aware that the use of your visual and audible
signaling devices do 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
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.
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 resulted 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 attention, 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 instructions to new
recruits and trainees.
Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in
property damage, serious injury, death to you, your
passengers or to others
.
SECTION VI
SAFETY MESSAGE TO OPERATORS
OF UNITROL ELECTRONIC SIRENS
AND LIGHT/SOUND SYSTEMS
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