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718 Fire Prevention Plans
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Visual Alarms

Visual alarms use steady, flashing, or strobe lights to alert workers to an emergency situation in areas where noise levels are high, especially where ear protection must be worn and audible signals may not be heard or may be misunderstood.

Strobe light used for visual alert of emergency situation.
Visual alarms use steady, flashing, or strobe lights to alert workers to an emergency situation.

Visual signals also provide an effective way to alert workers with hearing loss about an emergency. Provide visible signals in restrooms, in other general and common use areas, and in hallways and lobbies.

Flashing Steady Lights

These lights are well suited for areas where ambient noise makes audible signals difficult to hear. These types of lights come with different colored covers for increased attention and can be ordered with rotating or flashing lights.

Strobe Lights

Strobe lights use high intensity flash tubes that are ideally suited for areas where high ambient light levels make traditional rotating or flashing lights difficult to distinguish or where ambient noise makes audible signals difficult to hear. Strobe lights are recognized as the most effective means.

Only strobe lights are now recognized by NFPA 72 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-4. Which lights are recognized by NFPA 72 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?