Sound Signal

Emergency signs for vehicles are equipped with light and sound signals. The audible warning is an integral part of the emergency signalling system and is used to alert vehicles and pedestrians to their presence. The siren allows the vehicle with the audible warning to be detected as soon as possible, thus helping traffic. Its purpose is to protect human life, limb and health, property and the environment and to fulfil obligations under national treaties, such as defence, damage control, public safety and the priority execution of tasks in the interests of the State.

Requirements for the emergency sound signal

Adequate volume and sound pressure shall be required for audible warnings to draw attention to the safety of persons on duty. The emergency signalling shall be provided by means of a sound signalling device with a variable pitch, measured at a distance of 7 m in front of the vehicle, giving a sound signal with a sound pressure level of between 103 dB(A) and 120 dB(A) per tone. Further detailed acoustic requirements, testing and qualification conditions are specified in MSZ 07-4009:1982.

Components of the audible warning

The essential components of the audible warning are the loudspeaker and the audible warning control, including the air horn in the case of fire engines. In vehicles using a emergency signal, the audible and visual signals can in most cases be controlled from a siren controller, allowing them to be controlled quickly and efficiently.

Who can use a siren sound signal?

The organisations that use a emergency signal, including the organisations that use a emergency audible warning, are regulated in detail in IRM Regulation 12/2007 (13.III). Some examples are given below:

• The National Ambulance Service, the Hungarian Defence Forces and law enforcement agencies use sirens to facilitate the rapid and unhindered movement of emergency vehicles in the event of a life-saving operation.
• The role of the siren is indispensable in alerting the municipal fire brigade and the main fire brigade of the establishment when it is required to respond as quickly as possible to fire-fighting and fire safety operations.
• The use of a siren is essential for the rapid response of professional disaster management bodies and the Interministerial Coordination Committee in the event of a disaster or emergency.
• Direct intervention on the spot within the law enforcement tasks of the National Tax and Customs Administration.
• The prison authorities and the National Police Headquarters are responsible for the safe and unhindered transport, escort and guidance of prisoners.
• The Counter-Terrorism Service is responsible for the siren for reconnaissance and object protection.
• It ensures the safe and unhindered execution of mine rescue services.
• It is required by the Directorate General for Public Procurement and Supply, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the performance of public interest tasks.
• The loudspeaker is an indispensable accessory for the Hungarian Defence Forces special fire brigade unit to ensure that the alarm is sounded as quickly as possible.
• To make the Expressway Operator's road safe for traffic.
• A siren is necessary for the execution of tasks requiring immediate police action in the field and for the direct intervention of the police forces of the public order, traffic police and border police services.