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SAFETY MESSAGE TO OPERATORS OF
FEDERAL SIGNAL ELECTRONIC SIRENS
AND LIGHT/SOUND SYSTEMS
WARNING
The lives of people depend on your safe operation 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 precautions you
should follow:
Qualifications
•
To properly use an electronic siren and speaker(s): 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 (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 others 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 speakers
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 reduce
maximum sound output.
Signaling Limitations
•
Be aware that the use of your visual and audible 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 continue
driving cautiously.
•
Situations may occur which obstruct your warning signal
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 equipment
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 CONTROLS ONLY
WHILE YOUR VEHICLE IS STOPPED.
•
If driving conditions require your full attention, you should
avoid operating the 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, or death to you, to passengers, or to others.
