SYDNEY TRAMWAY MUSEUM STM UHF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURE JUNE 2014 STM UHF Radio Communications Procedure Page 1 of 6 STM6116
Document Control Record 1. Document Details: Name: STM UHF Radio Communications Procedure Number STM6116 Version Number: 1.0 Document Status: Next Scheduled Review Date: 2. Version History: Version Number Date Reason/Comments 1.0 30/06/2014 Initial issue X Working Draft Approved for Issue Archived Approved by Signature & Date 3. Distribution List Position Date Copy Issued to (Yes/No) Rail Safety Manager Y 1 Copy No. Received STM UHF Radio Communications Procedure Page 2 of 6 STM6116
1. Purpose SYDNEY TRAMWAY MUSEUM To provide details about the use of UHF radio communications at the Sydney Tramway Museum. 2. Scope This procedure shall apply to the use of UHF radio communications at the Sydney Tramway Museum. Motor vehicles and some tramway rolling stock have been fitted with fixed units. Fixed units have also been installed in various locations on the STM site for use during various operations and on Mobile plant. Portable units are available for work crews and for use by traffic personnel as required operational mobility. 3. Responsibilities STM rail safety workers, who have been instructed and qualified in radio use and operations for the STM site, should be the only ones to operate STM UHF radios. 4. References NONE 5. Definitions STM Site includes the STM Museum, easements and the tramlines to RNP and Waratah Loop. STM Sydney Tramway Museum: the trading name of South Pacific Electric Railway Co- Operative Society Limited for tram activities, therefore references to STM. UHF Ultra High Frequency. 6. Actions 6.1 General The Sydney Tramway museums can use UHF radio for communications purposes during infrastructure works, traffic operations and general site-to-site communications. The system has been secured so only radios used by the STM will hear and access radio communications from the STM site. 6.2 Location of Equipment Fixed site locations - Workshop sign on Desk - Level crossing signal hut Mobile plant - Yellow Tip truck - Number 3 forklift - Tractor - Bedford tower wagon number 3 Tramway rolling stock - TBA STM UHF Radio Communications Procedure Page 3 of 6 STM6116
- TBA At the commencement of any works or traffic operations where radio communication will be in use. The Site manager or OIC must be notified of intended operation. They will ensure that all Works, Workshop and Traffic staff are aware of their use. 6.3 Radio Use STM UHF radios are not be used for open chatter. Clear precise information is to be conveyed and acknowledged, brief and unambiguous, relevant to the task at hand and agreed as to its meaning of the transmission before being acted upon. Radio edict is expected to be observed at all times. 6.4 Equipment Check A radio equipment check must be undertaken prior to use with all radio`s to ensure the following: a) All STM UHF Radios in use are turned on; b) Batteries are charged; c) All Radios are switched to the correct and same channel; d) A broadcast to be made on each radio and received acknowledgment from another radio to ensure the radio is working correctly; and e) Volumes are at a comfortable level that can be heard, volume should be adjusted throughout the day depending on the environment and activity your doing as to not annoy STM customers or the ambiance. 7 Radio communications 7.1 Initiating a transmission Except in an emergency, the sender should, check that the channel is not already in use before starting a transmission. Senders and receivers of radio communications must start the transmission with identification of the receiver first, and the sender second. Communications from a tram or a plant must include the sender s tram number or plant identification (e.g. 1740 to OIC); Communications from a fixed location or portable radio must include the sender s, name or designation followed on by location (e.g. OIC to 1740); End each statement with the term Over, and expect a reply; and End each transmission with the term Out. The receiver must confirm the content of a message by repeating the message back to the sender, if the communication is about: A clear to proceed authority; Instruction to hold; Instruction to not proceed; A work on track authority; Tram Running Information; or Special working. STM UHF Radio Communications Procedure Page 4 of 6 STM6116
The receiver must not act on the communication until the sender confirms that the message has been repeated correctly. If the meaning of a spoken communication is not understood: The receiver must ask that it be repeated, or If necessary, the sender and receiver must use the phonetic alphabet and spoken numbers to clarify and confirm the message. The receiver must try again as soon as practicable, or arrange alternative means to communicate with the sender, if: The receiver cannot understand the message, or The sender cannot hear or understand the reply. 7.2 Relaying a message If it is not possible for a sender to communicate directly with an intended receiver, qualified STM rail safety workers may relay the content. The content of a communication must be relayed exactly as received. 7.3 Initiating a transmission Senders and receivers of communications must start the communication with identification of the receiver first, and the sender second. 7.4 Phonetic alphabet (spoken letter names) If it is necessary to spell words, use the spoken letter names in the following table. Letter and name A - Alpha J - Juliet S - Sierra B - Bravo K- Kilo T Tango C - Charlie L - Lima U Uniform D - Delta M - Mike V Victor E - Echo N November W Whisky F - Foxtrot O Oscar X - X-ray G - Golf P Papa Y Yankee H - Hotel Q Quebec Z Zulu I - India R Romeo 7.5 Spoken Numbers If it s necessary to speak numbers, the numbers should be communicated numbers should broken down to primary form, the number 10 (Ten) should be communicated as (one zero). 0 - Zero 4 - Four 8 - Eight 1 - One 5 - Five 9 - Nine 2 - Two 6 Six 3 - Three 7 - Seven STM UHF Radio Communications Procedure Page 5 of 6 STM6116
7.6 Communication Terms SYDNEY TRAMWAY MUSEUM STM radio communications terms to be used when communicating. Use only these standard terms to convey these meanings: Terms Emergency, Emergency, Emergency Correct Yes I read Back I say again I Spell Loud and clear Message Received Negative No Out Over Read Back Receiving Roger All Say Again Speak Slower Stand by Term Meaning This is an emergency. You are right. I am going to repeat all, or part, of your statement exactly as I received it. I am going to repeat all, or part, of my last Statement. I am going to use the phonetic alphabet. Your signal is clear and every word transmitted is understood. I clearly received and understood your message. Not correct. My transmission is complete. I have finished speaking and I am awaiting for a reply. Repeat all, or a specific part of my message back to me exactly as your received it. I acknowledge your call request. Proceed with your message transmission. Your last statement is received and understood. Please repeat your last message Repeat your last message, speaking more slowly. It is hard to understand you. Wait, I will revert shortly ooo000ooo STM UHF Radio Communications Procedure Page 6 of 6 STM6116