Hearing aid for 999 crews deafened by sirens

Published on Sunday 13 August 2006 00:42

THERE was a time when loud sirens on emergency vehicles were generally considered a good thing. But, in an age obsessed with risk assessment, it turns out they can be too noisy.

The vehicles used by Scots firefighters and police officers have been given extra soundproofing after tests showed siren noise could cause hearing damage to crews.

Grampian Fire and Rescue has spent 12,000 on sound-proofing its fire engines after health and safety experts found unacceptable levels of noise inside the cabs.

Firefighters, who presumably think nothing of entering blazing buildings to save lives, were also advised to keep the windows closed to further reduce noise levels.

And in Fife, the local police force has added soundproofing to its fleet of powerful BMW traffic cars and some riot vans in a bid to protect officers' hearing.

Sound experts for both organisations tested the volume of the sirens on crews, pedestrians, motorists and garage staff.

The public is not thought to be at risk of going deaf because they generally hear emergency vehicles only as they flash past. But garage staff have been told to wear ear protection on the occasions when sirens are tested.

A spokeswoman for Fife Police and a spokesman for Grampian Fire and Rescue said the study and soundproofing had been carried out in anticipation of new health and safety regulations.

Other Scottish fire brigades and police forces contacted by Scotland on Sunday said they had found no problems with sound levels. Many police forces put their sirens under the bonnet to insulate officers from the noise.

The growing rise of the "health and safety culture" has seen poles in fire stations removed for fear that fire- fighters might hurt themselves while sliding down.

Last month, Scotland on Sunday revealed that the army had issued new guidelines aimed at preventing servicemen suffering hearing problems caused by playing the bagpipes.

As well as considering ear protectors, experts insisted that pipers should play for a maximum of 24 minutes a day outside, and for only 15 minutes in practice rooms.

The military has also studied whether recruits' hearing was being damaged by sergeant-majors shouting at them too loudly.