Two Way Radios on Site

Two-way radios are the primary communication tool on many construction sites for safety-critical messages.
They enable instant communication between supervisors, banksmen, plant operators, and the site office.
Radios must be used according to the site communication protocol, including correct channel allocation.
Battery life must be checked at the start of every shift — a dead radio in an emergency is useless.
Radio discipline means keeping messages short, clear, and using the agreed call signs and procedures.
Emergency messages take priority over all other traffic — all users must stop and listen immediately.
Radios are especially important for lone workers, banksmen, and confined space entry teams.
Interference from other sites or services can occur — report persistent problems to your supervisor.
Two-way radios must be intrinsically safe (ATEX rated) when used in classified explosive atmosphere zones.
A broken or missing radio should be reported and replaced before work begins in the affected area.

Emergency communication	Radios provide instant contact with emergency services coordination, first aiders, and the site control point.
Banksman coordination	Clear radio communication between banksmen and plant operators prevents struck-by and crush injuries.
Lone worker safety	Lone workers rely on radios as their primary means of raising an alarm if injured or incapacitated.

Do

Don't

Check your radio battery level and test transmission at the start of every shift.
Use the correct channel allocated to your work area or team at all times.
Keep messages brief, clear, and professional — state your call sign first.
Carry the radio on your person at all times, not left in the cabin or vehicle.
Stop all radio traffic immediately when an emergency message is broadcast.
Report a faulty or lost radio to your supervisor and obtain a replacement promptly.
Use ATEX-rated radios only when working within classified explosive atmosphere zones.
Charge radios fully overnight so they are ready for the full shift duration.
Learn the site emergency radio procedure and distress call protocol during induction.
Confirm received messages by repeating key information back to the sender.

DON'T use personal mobile phones as a substitute for the site two-way radio system.
DON'T use radios for casual conversation — keep the channel clear for work messages.
DON'T shout over other transmissions — wait for the channel to clear before speaking.
DON'T ignore radio calls directed to your call sign — respond promptly every time.
DON'T start work as a banksman without confirming radio contact with the operator.
DON'T take a radio into an ATEX zone unless it is confirmed as intrinsically safe.
DON'T leave your radio in the welfare cabin during your shift — it must be on you.
DON'T assume someone else will hear an emergency call — respond if you are nearest.
DON'T use aggressive or abusive language on the radio — all traffic may be recorded.
DON'T continue working without a radio if one is required by the safe system of work.

See also: Lone Working Awareness | Site Emergency Plan Awareness

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