Forest Operations > Operational Hazards > Communications Systems

Communication Systems

Your ability to communicate with others in an emergency is critical.

Reliable communication equipment should be in place on all forest operations.  This may include two-way radios Fig 37), mobile phones, or GPS communication equipment.

Be aware that in the forest, radio and telephone reception in some areas may be unavailable (Fig 36).

Fig 36 An Operator out of phone service in a remote area.

Make sure you have access to a list of names and contact details you can use in an emergency situation.

The emergency procedure should include the following details:

• Action to be taken in response to different types of incidents;
• Site evacuation procedures and emergency assembly points;
• Contacts for emergency services;
• Equipment required in case of emergency (to be within easy access and checked regularly)

A lot of the above information will be shown on the coupe/harvest plan and located on site.

Make sure you know where you are and the closest major towns and roads to assist in directing emergency services in the case of emergency.

Fig 37 UHF 2 way radio

If you are sharing a machine fitted with a 2 way radio, always remember to check that it is turned on, volume is turned up, and that it is on the correct channel.

Some of the following information may be useful to emergency services when reporting an accident / incident.

• Details of the incident e.g. car rollover, log/tree falling on a person.
• Numbers of people involved e.g. 2 persons trapped in a car rollover.
• Site situation that may have complications (e.g. 20m down very steep slope access difficult, may need ropes).

Make sure you are up to date with any changes made to emergency procedures.

This is very important at the start of the fire season as requirements may change.

Table 14 gives you some examples of the types of emergencies that can be experienced, and what needs to be considered.

 

Emergency	Examples of Situations	Monitoring Options/Response
Medical	Animal or Insect bite, Allergies	Are there adequate people trained to administer first aid on site? Know how to get medical assistance. Are workers/supervisors familiar with allergy sufferers?
Fire	Wildfire Fires started by machine lightning strikes Careless people smoking	Monitor weather conditions regularly. Maintain communication. Keep machines and equipment clean. Fire fighting equipment always ready. Try to achieve basic fire training. Know location of emergency assembly point. Know evacuation escape routes. Reporting procedures are checked and in place. Procedures are in place for equipment safety.
Spills and Leaks	Fuel and oil spills	Spill kits are available and nearby. Reporting requirements are identified e.g. EPA. Understand the MSDS requirements. Check storage location of fuels and oils.
Fallen Powerlines	Hit by machine or tree Wind or Fire damage	Safety procedures for working around powerlines are in place. Check coupe/harvest plan for power line location. Emergency contacts are established. Any potentially dangers are reported.

Table 14