5
Rev. (5-20)
PUB 23 - MAINTENANCE MANUAL Chapter 19: Radios
2.
Do not interrupt when someone else is transmitting.
3.
Do not interrupt when a series of transmissions are in progress.
A. Use your radio only for necessary communication directly concerned with your work.
B. Do not use the radio for planning or scheduling activities that involve lengthy discussion.
C. Do not use your radio to reprimand a subordinate, (many units are monitoring your
transmission).
D. Do not use the radio system in the same manner as a CB, it is to conduct only department
business.
E. Do not use obscene, abusive or profane language in a transmission. An operator using obscene or
profane language when transmitting is in violation of FCC regulations and is subject to fines and
other penalties.
F. Mobile units should not be used for traffic control, use low power portables instead.
G. Emergency communications have priority over all other transmissions. Discontinue transmission
immediately when you are requested to do so by another operator under emergency situations.
Abiding at all times by these rules of courtesy will mitigate confusion and unnecessary delay in transmitting
and receiving communications.
PRECAUTIONS
When a radio transmitter is in operation, it creates a field of electrical energy surrounding the antenna. In
order to obtain optimum results and safe operations, the following precautions must be taken:
1.
The antenna must be vertical when the radio is being operated. If bent over for low clearance reasons,
never leave the antenna strapped and grounded to the gutter mount while transmitting.
2.
While transmitting, care must be exercised to prevent anyone from coming in contact with the
antenna. Such contact could result in severe burns.
3.
While transmitting when the car is standing still, the operator should run the engine just above an
idle to prevent an excessive electrical drain on battery this is especially important during winter
operations.
4.
It has been found that under exceptional circumstances, electric blasting caps may pick up enough
electrical energy from the antenna to cause them to explode. For this reason, operators of mobile units
must shut off their transmitters when they are within 50 feet of electrical blasting operations.
5.
When washing out vehicle cabs, do not spray the control head with water as they are not water proof
and contain circuit boards which are easily damaged; protect them by wrapping plastic around the
unit.
RADIO PROCEDURES
Requirements
When communicating by radio, speak slowly, clearly and use a natural tone.
The general radio procedure to be followed during a snow emergency is discussed in Chapter 4 of this
Maintenance Manual. Efficient operation of a radio is based on brevity and courtesy.
