The 2-way radio industry has seen significant changes in the past ten years. In commercial and industrial organizations, DMR offerings like MotoTRBO of Radios Motorola and NexEdge of Kenwood have added value through the advancement of digital radio portfolios. They increase the capacity and provide a more transparent digital experience for voice and data.
Besides these benefits, 2-way radio vendors and accessory partners like Sen Sear have demonstrated an increased focus on safety compliance and awareness in the past months.
Following are 8 ways digital radios can increase safety for their users through harnessing their power:
Calls for Assistance
Two-way radios have had emergency buttons for years, but digital radio technology has advanced considerably recently, allowing for a much broader range of emergency options when it comes to workplace emergencies.
There are a number of features available on modern radios that can be used to make emergency calls, including:
- Audible alarms – bring to the attention of nearby people
- Visual notifications – used as a silent alert or combined with an alarm
- Mic opening – for others to evaluate the situation
You can either send them to individuals (like a dispatcher), or send them to groups of people, or send them to all employees on the radio system. All these options allow organizations to tailor these calls based on their preferences and protocols for handling emergencies.
With some digital radio technologies, additional talk paths are available, permitting role-based interruptions of transmissions. Supervisors who need to direct their staff away from dangerous situations or rescue chiefs who need to drive their crew to safety can use this tool.
The Option to Use Hands-Free & Tangle-Free
Wireless accessories like Bluetooth and other wireless adapters, which don’t require users to manage cables that can get caught and tangled in objects, facilitate the transmission of sensitive data more easily and more comfortably.
Several push-to-talk (PTT) protocols have been developed in the past few years in addition to the continued enhancements to Bluetooth technology. There are headsets and two-way radio Bluetooth PTT protocols that are compatible with headsets that differ by manufacturer, but there are other options for those who prefer (or are legally required) to use hands-free communication. They may find features like voice activation (VOX), foot switches and throat microphones useful to keep their hands on the steering wheel or equipment while talking with other radio users.
A promising safety improvement is the audible announcement of channels, messages, and other information, such as the status of the battery. In this way, the user can focus on what they are doing rather than looking down at the display to grab the radio.
The Compatibility of PPE Accessories
When personal protective equipment (PPE) was first introduced, it made it difficult to use radios. As radio accessories become increasingly compatible with different styles of personal protective equipment, they are sometimes even combined into one two-way radio accessory.
Hard hats and radio communication are required by all industries that use forestry equipment, firefighting equipment, mining, drilling, construction, and other heavy equipment. There are many audio accessories that can be attached to these hats.
Additionally, Hazmat suits and gloves with large fingers can be accommodated by different solutions. PTT buttons that are larger, respirator microphones, and earpieces that are weather-resistant and able to withstand harsh elements.
To comply with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations for hearing protection, industrial headsets in muff or plug form are available for those operating in high-noise workplaces and to communicate with their two-way radio or Bluetooth device at the same time. Especially noisy work environments may benefit from double protection (in-ear noise blocking and over-the-ear noise reduction).
Monitoring the Location
In tracking advancements, location information is sent throughout the system using GPS and other positioning systems. Geofencing is also made easier with this tool, which assists dispatchers in sending vehicles on routes.
As soon as the radio leaves or enters an outlined area on the map, geofences send out customized notifications to dispatchers or supervisors. After no longer being in their location, the radio user can be contacted to find out what situation they are in and why they are leaving.
Situational Awareness and Noise Control
In previous posts, we have addressed in-depth the issue of not using hearing protection when working in noisy environments. However, what happens when you need to speak with one of your production line members at your side? During that conversation, many people will simply remove their hearing protection.
