SECTION IV
OPERATION
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 instruc-
tions shipped with the products. In
addition, listed below are some other
important safety instructions and pre-
cautions 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 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 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 installa-
tion is less effective at warning others.
•
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 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 espe-
cially 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 atten-
tion, 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.
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