Communication Systems
Two sets of communication systems should be established: internal communication among personnel on site, and external communication between onsite and offsite personnel.
Internal Communications
Internal communication is used to:
- Alert team members to emergencies.
- Pass along safety information, such as the amount of air time left before the next rest period, air change, heat stress check, etc.
- Communicate changes in the work to be accomplished.
- Maintain site control.
Verbal communication at a site can be impeded by onsite background noise and the use of personal protective equipment. For example, speech transmission through a respirator can be poor, and hearing can be impaired by protective hoods and respirator air flow.
For effective communication, commands must be pre-arranged. Also, audio or visual cues can help convey the message. The most important thing is that signals are agreed to in advance.
Effective internal communication also requires the identification of individual workers so commands can be addressed to the right worker.
- The worker's name should be marked on the suit and, for long-distance identification, color coding, numbers, or symbols can be added.
- Flags may be used to help locate personnel in areas where visibility is poor due to obstructions such as accumulated drums, equipment, and waste piles.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. Which category of site communications is used to alert team members to emergencies and communicate changes in work?
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