Construction sites pose many challenges to two-way radio communications, not least the harsh environment in terms of variable weather, dust and noise. Two-way radio equipment needs to be rugged and durable to withstand these environments. Often workers will be wearing gloves as part of their PPE so radios should have large easy to locate controls and buttons.
With multiple trades on site as well as security and management it is often helpful to have access to a number of radio channels. Different trades can then work independently without interfering with one another, however, allowing for cross communication if required. Management will have access to all channels so that they can coordinate operations.
Whilst it is possible to use licence-exempt equipment you would be wise to consider licensed equipment in all but the most remote locations. A Simple UK Site Licence issued by Ofcom will give you access to a number of channels and cost just £75.00 for a five-year period while offering a degree of protection from casual licence-exempt radio users. An Ofcom Technically Assigned Business Radio licence adds an additional level of security of communications. At Link, as part of a system sale, we will handle the Ofcom licence application on your behalf.
Personnel working in particularly noisy environments may need hearing protection. We can supply headband and helmet mounted ear-defender headsets to interface with most of our manufacturers’ handheld radios
Tower Crane Operations
Tower crane operations carry an inherent risk and require careful consideration when it comes to communications. Standard two-way radios operate in half-duplex mode meaning the user can be either transmitting or receiving but not both at the same time. Whilst transmitting you cannot receive any other communication or be interrupted paramount for safety reasons. Where you have a crane driver and a single banksman coordinating a lift this is not an insurmountable problem, but it can get more complicated as the site complexity grows. If using standard VHF/UHF two-way radio, we would recommend the use of a hands-free kit comprising a goose-neck microphone and foot operated PTT switch in the crane cab.
Please contact our expert team for further advice and information.
Our customers include:
R G Carter Ltd
Bovis Homes
Ovamill Limited
Our customers include:
