D. OPERATION.
SAFETY MESSAGE TO OPERATORS OF
FEDERAL SIGNAL ELECTRONIC SIRENS AND
LIGHT/SOUND SYSTEMS
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, re-
fer 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 situa-
tions.
Sound Limitations
•
Before using the vehicle, check to see if the siren
speakers are concealed from view. If the siren speak-
er is not in clear view on the front of the vehicle,
use extra caution when operating the vehicle. A con-
cealed 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 instal-
lation 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.
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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, si-
ren, 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 be-
tween your vehicle and others. This can also occur
when you raise your hood or trunk lid. If these situa-
tions 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 ve-
hicle 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. Refer to the instructions packed
with the electronic siren for operation.
