WMB Incident Comms

Question 1

The incident commander should only consider using channel 2 when:

Answer 1

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The level of radio traffic on channel 1 is such that fire-ground communications require a separate command channel. The communications operator will advise the incident commander of this. Initiation of channel 2 is likely to require additional resources to provide sector commander radio operators (see appendix 1-diagram 4). When changing from channel 1 to channel 2 there will be a period during which communications efficiency will be reduced.
•
It is anticipated that the incident may escalate to a point where a separate command channel may be required.

Question 2

Before introducing channel 2, the CU communications operator will

Answer 2

1. Notify each designated person individually to change from channel 1 to channel 2 and where necessary provide an appropriate radio
2. seek individual confirmation of this change, by means of a radio signal check on channel 2.
3. When individual channel changes are confirmed this information should also be entered against each officer on the command planning system.

Question 3

When channel 2 is to be used; sector commander will

Answer 3

sector commander radio operators will be nominated (normally firefighter role), and provided with a radio where necessary. This will enable sector commanders to remain on channel 2, with the sector commander radio operator monitoring channel 1 or channel 3

Question 4

Channel three

Answer 4

Channel 3 may be used for communication between Firefighters when carrying out specific tasks in groups (see appendix 1 diagram 5). Consideration should be given to using channel 3 at incidents where additional radio communications between crews could be operationally advantageous or radio traffic becomes heavy on other channels. Firefighters may only utilise channel 3 when directed to do so by the Incident / Sector / Operations Commander.
5.2
Before detailing crews to utilise channel 3, the Incident / Sector / Operations Commander:
5.3
Make sure that a designated member of the crew remains on channel 1 on order that important incident ground information can be passed to the other crew members.
5.4
Alternatively designate a communications officer who will relay all important information to those personnel on channel 3.
5.5
Ensure that crews are aware that they must return to channel 1 following completion of the task.

Question 5

Channel 10 is

Answer 5

Channel 10 is available as a dedicated radio channel for the command support officers. The mapping officer will use channel 10 to communicate with the command planning system booking-in officer on the CU. The channel may also be used by command support staff to communicate between CUs or for general command support duties.

Question 6

Channel 11 is used for

Answer 6

monitoring hand held radio traffic from BAA fire crews at Heathrow Airport.

Question 7

Hand–held radios should not usually be used within

Answer 7

medical establishment for routine communications.

Question 8

Premises fitted with a base station operating on fire ground channel 5

Answer 8

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All sub-surface (LUL) stations and running tunnels.
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Running tunnels on the East London Line.
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Crossrail stations and running tunnels
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Channel tunnel rail link
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All stations on the Heathrow Express, and all running tunnels.
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Sub surface DLR stations and running tunnels

Question 9

Distance appliances parked away from CU

Answer 9

10m