Radio 101

Everyday and Emergency

Radio Use

Background

Past difficulties with radio use

What problems have you had with radios?

Following some “Rules of the Radio” ensures everyone can use the radio effectively

Especially important for emergencies

Types of Radio Traffic

Routine traffic

Emergency traffic

Mayday traffic

How To Use The Radio Everyday

Push and hold the button before starting to talk.

Wait a few seconds before you start talking.

Hold radio 3–4 inches from your mouth.

Do not yell into the radio.

Speak slowly and clearly.

How To Use The Radio Everyday

Remember: only one person can talk at a time.

Be brief and efficient.

Reduce the use of air time as much as possible.

Use a standard protocol for speaking.

What to Say

Communicate where you are located and your message.

Use location identifiers (e.g., Crosscut #).

Repeat back what you heard to ensure you got the message right.

How to Say It

Sender: “Hey Fred, it’s me George.”

Receiver: “Go ahead George.”

Sender: “State your message.”

Receiver: Repeat information back.

Sender: Correct or confirm.

Receiver: Says how they will respond.

Example

Mike (section mechanic): “Joe, this is Mike.”

Joe (maintenance foreman): “Go ahead Mike.”

Mike: “When you come on the section, bring 5 shuttle car cable splice kits.”

Joe: “You want 5 shuttle car cable splice kits?”

Mike: “Yes, bring 5.”

Joe: “Will do.”

Tips for Everyday Use

Efficiency is more important than politeness.

Avoid jargon and codes.

Use established protocols.

Be brief, listen, speak clearly, acknowledge receipt of information.

Only transmit pertinent information.

Keep radio with you at all times.

Be aware that people who are not your intended audience may overhear you.

Tips for Everyday Use, continued

Limit to essential communication.

Do not have personal chats.

Do not talk too much.

Do not swear or shout.

Many wireless systems are line-of-sight.

If possible, move to a location which allows you to transmit in a line-of-sight to the next radio.

Antennas can be easily damaged; protect them as much as possible.

Emergency Radio Use

Past difficulties with radio use in emergencies

What problems have you had with radios?

Following some “Rules of the Radio” ensures everyone can use the radio effectively.

Especially important for emergencies

Tips for Emergency Use 

Ask for radio waves by saying “emergency traffic” or “mayday, mayday, mayday.”

Identify yourself.

Identify your location.

Briefly describe the emergency.

Tips for Emergency Use, continued

Provide details:

about the miners who are involved (WHO)

about the location of the event (WHERE)

about the event—injuries, damage, fire (WHAT)

about the response that is going on.

If you are bringing someone out, ask dispatch or responsible person to clear vehicle traffic.

Example of Standard Protocolin an Emergency

Crew A: “Emergency traffic, this is Crew A.”

Dispatch: “Go ahead Crew A.”

Crew A: “We’ve got a fire on the belt inby of Crosscut 87.”

Dispatch: “Belt fire inby crosscut 87.”

Crew A: “Confirm that.”

Dispatch: “Evacuate the mine. We are calling the responsible person.”

Points About Messages

Most messages consist of:

Orders and instructions for controlling the situation

Reports about the conditions and progress

Requests for additional resources

Points About Messages, continued

Every message must be clear, concise, and timely.

Provide regular status reports or updates

First update about 10 minutes after initial report

Subsequent updates every 10–15 minutes OR whenever a significant escalation occurs.

Wireless Communications Systems

What type of communications systems do you have at your mine?

Leaky Feeder

All communication runs through the “head end,” which is on the surface.

If there is a break in the line, anyone inby the break will not be able to use the system.

If there is an alternate line, miners can use it to communicate despite the break in the main line.

If two mics are keyed together, there is a warning tone.

Medium Frequency

Uses any available metal as a transmitter

Pager phone wire

Water pipes

Power lines

Has a delay of 1–2 seconds or more.

Must wait extra time for the message to come back.

If both mics are keyed at same time, neither message goes through.

Through-The-Earth (TTE)

Antenna is a long, looped wire.

The bigger you make the circle enclosed by the antenna, the better the reception you will get.