HomeMy WebLinkAboutSOG 505.02 NEW 4-5-2014_Radio Comm Contingency PlanSOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan
Effective. 4/5/2014
Revised:
Replaces:
I. Guiding PhilosophX
Effective radio communications is critical to the success of operations and worker safety.
Although it is impossible to guarantee 100% radio coverage at all times, we do our best to
prevent any single system failure from obstructing our ability to communicate.
II. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to communicate communications contingencies in the event
of a primary radio system failure.
III. Goals
The goals of this policy are to:
A. Communicate general expectations and communications contingencies.
B. Outline Dispatcher back-up procedures, responsibilities and notification
requirements.
C. Detail field operations back-up procedures, responsibilities and notification
requirements.
D. Provide procedures and responsibilities for testing of hospital repeater systems.
IV. Definitions
A. 800 MHz Radio Trunked System — A computer controlled two-way radio
system that allows sharing of relatively few radio frequency channels among a
large group of users. This is the primary radio system for both Beaumont Fire and
EMS.
B. BFR Repeater — 800 MHz stand-alone, conventional repeater used as a back-up
for the Beaumont Fire -EMS Communications primary radio system.
C. Hospital Repeater — A stand-alone, conventional, short range repeater frequency
used to improve overall communications between interior and exterior users in
certain buildings. This type of system is installed in both Baptist and Christus-St.
Elizabeth Hospitals.
D. Talk -Around — A single frequency allowing point-to-point communications in
close proximity of each other.
E. Talk Groups — In a trunked radio system, radio channels are referred to by talk
group name. A talk group is a pre -assigned grouping of potential radio users with
a common need to communicate. As a user switches the radio channel to selected
talk group, he/she connects to all others that have selected the same talk group.
F. Talk Groups Templates — Document listing the talk groups by zone that are
programmed on Beaumont Fire -Rescue radios (See Appendix A). This laminated
document should be maintained by the Driver/Operator on a metal clip board on
all frontline apparatus.
G. VHF Radio — Beaumont Fire -Rescue's back-up radio system that operates off
very high frequency spectrum.
H. Zone -A — The primary radio zone used by Beaumont Fire -Rescue Services.
V. General Expectations and Communications Contingencies
A. All personnel shall maintain familiarity and be proficient in the use of the primary
and back-up radio systems and other communications contingencies.
B. The following radio channels can be used in the event of a primary radio system
failure:
800 MHz System
Channel#
Talk Group
■ BFR Repeater
14
BFR RPTR
■ Hospital Repeater
15
HOSPRPTR
■ Talk -Around
16
TLKARND
VHF Radio System
Channel#
Talk Group
■ VHF1
1
BFR
■ VHF2
2
Texas Fire
C. The MCT messaging system may also be utilized the MCT if the primary radio
and/or back-up radio system fail.
D. Cell or landline phones can be utilized for dispatch notification should the above
contingencies fail.
E. When all other contingencies fail, runners should be considered to communicate
critical information to remote operating units.
VI. Dispatcher Back-up Radio Responsibilities and Notifications
A. Dispatchers will routinely check all Radio Tabs on the Centracom radio monitor
for proper channel setting and status at the start of each shift.
B. The Dispatch Supervisor will insure:
1. Radio system problems are promptly reported to the Radio Shop.
2. The volume settings on the following back-up tab frequencies are set
at 100%:
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 2 of 1 1
Interop Tab
1-12 Interop Talk Groups
Interop Tab
PS8 Call Talk Group
Back-up Tab
(when not in Consolettes Back -Up)
BFR 800 BKUP1/Fire Repeater
BFR 800 BKUP2/Talk-Around
Main Tab
BFR VHF/TX Fire1 & PS VHF Fire1
ri F' are displayed on each group on the Centracom
C. When "Red �"��`��"�����������t
radio monitor, Dispatchers will perform the following procedures on the Back-up
Tab Consolettes:
1. BFR 800 BKUP4 on .,111.1,Yre —Raise the volume and transmit:
"All stations we have radio problems at HQ. Turn on a
portable radio and monitor BFR Main."
2. BFR 800 BKUP5 on All' M' V — Raise volume and transmit:
"All stations we have radio problems at HQ. Turn on a
portable radio and monitor BFR Main."
3. BFR 800 BKUPI on .1,7re /11itin and raise the volume.
4. Conduct a Fire and EMS communications check with all BFR and
BEMS units on .1111"p ./11itin.
5. Utilize the following matrix for channel assignments while in
Consolettes Back-up:
BFR800 BKUP2
■ For currently active events
BFR800 BKUP3
■ For currently active events, OR
■ For BFR4 if Centracom fails during an active
structure fire
BFR Main
■ Dispatching All Units
BFR2
■ Tactical Channel: Stills & Med Calls
BFR4
■ Tactical Channel: Structure Fires
6. Gather the backup portable radios as a contingency.
7. Notify the following:
a. On-call Radio Shop personnel
b. Services Branch Director (District Chief -Communications)
c. Communications Group Supervisor (Captain)
D. If the Consolettes back-up fails to work, but the radio system is still functioning,
activate the back-up portable radios and announce the following message over
each radio:
All l port
.................................................. ..ables
'b.
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 3 of 1 1
"All Stations we have radio problems at HQ.
Turn on a portable radio and monitor BFR Main."
2. Using it it"p /i�i,���„i�„ portable, conduct a Fire & EMS communications
check with all BFR & BEMS units.
3. Utilize the following matrix for channel assignments:
BFR Main Portable
■ Dispatching All Units
BFR2 Portable
■ Tactical Channel: Stills & Med Calls
BFR4 Portable
■ Tactical Channel: Structure Fires
E. If the 800 MHz trunked system completely fails, contact units utilizing the
following procedures:
1. Activate the VHF Monitor for BFR & BEMS and announce:
"All stations, we have radio problems at HQ. Turn on a
portable radio and monitor Channel 14, BFR Repeater
(BFR RPTR), back-up frequency.”
2. Attempt to contact units on the air utilizing VHF and Channel 14
BFR Repeater) frequencies to re-establish communications.
3. Notify the Deputy and District Chief to send a runner to units not in
compliance.
4. The situation will require dispatching and tactical operations to be
conducted on one (1) channel (Channel 14, BFR RPTR).
5. Transmissions should be kept concise and brief.
6. Dispatchers should request additional communications support, if
necessary.
7. Notify the following:
a. On-call Radio Shop personnel
b. Services Branch Director (District Chief -Communications)
c. Communications Group Supervisor (Captain)
d. Operations Section Chief (Assistant Chief)
e. Logistics Section Chief (Deputy Chief)
f. Fire Chief
F. If necessary, Dispatchers shall relay unit -to -unit transmissions.
G. In situations not covered by specific instructions, decisions made and actions
taken by the Dispatcher must be governed by common sense and judgement on
part of the Dispatch Supervisor.
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 4 of 1 1
VII. Field Operations Radio Backup Procedures:
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a difference between no communications and having poor
transmission or reception.
■ There may be dead spots (due to building construction, size and/or location of the user)
causing the communications barrier. Sometimes moving a few feet or exiting a
particular room helps to achieve better radio reception.
■ Be sure your primary radio system has failed before initiating radio back-up procedures.
■ Due to limited frequency, radio discipline must be maintained and transmissions brief
once contingencies have been implemented.
A. The Company Officer will insure that the following tasks are performed every
shift:
1. VHF mobile radio is checked for proper operation while on the air.
2. VHF portable radio is checked for proper operation and placed on the
apparatus.
3. The laminated Talk Group Template is on the apparatus clipboard.
4. All crew members review and are proficient in the use of all assigned
communications equipment, including zones and talk groups.
5. SOG 604.02 Maintenance & Testinof Communications Systems is
followed.
B. Under normal circumstances, units will be dispatched and operate on the primary
assigned talk groups. If you are unable to communicate using your mobile or
portable radio, take the following steps to re-establish communications:
1. Units on the air:
a. Be sure your radio is turned on.
b. Be sure your radio is on the correct talk group.
c. Be sure your radio is on the correct zone.
d. Change to a different talk group and attempt to transmit.
e. Try another radio.
f Switch to Channel 14 (BFR RPTR). and attempt to contact
Fire -EMS Communications.
g. Attempt to contact using the VHF mobile and portable radio.
h. Attempt to contact using the MCT messaging system.
i. Channel 16 (TKL Around) can be utilized if crew members
need to communicate in close proximity with each other.
j. Call Fire -EMS Communications by phone.
2. Incident Operations (interior/exterior)
a. fig:
iu��
,0t,
i" e .K;���
b. If the primary radio system has failed, the IC or
Division/Group Supervisor will attempt to contact Fire
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 5 of 1 1
Communications with a portable and/or mobile radio on
Channel 14 (BFR RPM.
c. If Channel 14 is usable, interior operations may resume using
this channel. However, radio discipline will be necessary, and
transmissions should be kept concise and brief.
d. Channel 16 (TKL Around) may be used for close quarter
(short range) operations.
e. Utilizing Channel 14 and Channel 16 during interior operations
may require the IC to monitor both the frequencies.
f. If feasible, consider using the VHF radio equipment if all the
above options fail.
g. If unable to contact Command or Fire -EMS Communications
to report the failure of the radio system, the Division/Group
Supervisor may need to send a runner to alert the IC of the
communications problems.
h. The MCT messaging system should also be considered after
depleting the above options.
i. If all of the above options fail, notify Fire -EMS
Communications by phone or send a runner to the Fire -EMS
Communications Center to notify.
In -Building Repeater System (Hospital Repeater/HOSPRPTR):
a. Normally, radio communications at Baptist and Christus-St.
Elizabeth Hospitals will utilize the primary radio system.
b. If units are not able to communicate adequately using the
primary system at these hospitals, the IC should move tactical
operations to Channel 15 (HOSPRPTR).
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fire -EMS Communications will not have the
capability to monitor any radio traffic on Channel 15.
c. If Channel IS (HOSPRPTR) is not operational, units should
use Channel 14 (BFR RPM.
d. As a last resort, Channel 16 (TKL Around) can be utilized.
REMEMBER: The Talk -Around channel has limited
range and can be diminished by doors, stairwells,
walls, and other obstructions.
4. In any radio systems failure, the MCT messaging system should be
considered to communicate between Fire -EMS Communications and
units operating in the field.
VIII. Testing In -Building Repeater Systems (Channel 15, HOSPRPTR)
A. The Hospital Repeater Systems will be tested monthly.
B. Testing will be coordinated by the first -in District Chief on the a:x41�
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 6 of 1 1
C. Testing Guidelines:
1. Notify Fire -EMS Communications prior to testing for primary channel
assignment.
2. The Dispatcher will assign Channel 5 or 6 for testing purposes.
Members will begin testing on the assigned primary channel, with
testing being conducted from both interior and exterior positions.
4. When a position is encountered where there is difficulty
communicating, switch to Channel 15 (HOSPRPTR).
5. If communications improve, proceed to the next area. If not, move a
few feet and try again.
6. Continue testing utilizing procedures 4 and 5 above. If the majority of
communication barriers improve after switching to Channel 15, then
the system has passed the test.
7. If the system fails the test, notify Fire -EMS Communications.
8. The Dispatcher will relay the system failure via email to the Planning
Section Chief and Code Enforcement Program Manager.
9. The Planning Section Chief will coordinate and insure appropriate
follow up actions are implemented with the hospitals to restore
communications capabilities.
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 7 of 1 1
Appendix A: Talk Groups Templates (Zones A -H)
Talk Groups
Beaumont Fire -Rescue
Number
Name
Assignment
Use
1
BFR Main
Dispatch Fire/EMS
Command
Dispatch Talk Group for Fire/Rescue & EMS;
Command frequency
2
BFR 2
Tactical: Fire/EMS
Routine calls for service Fire & EMS
3
BFR 3
Tactical: BEMS
Medical calls for EMS without Fire/Rescue
4
BFR 4
Tactical
One -Alarm Structure Fires
5
BFR 5
Tactical
Assign as needed
6
BFR 6
Tactical
Hazmat, Air Rescue
7
ARSON
Tactical
Arson Investigation, as needed
8
INSPECT
Tactical
Fire Inspection, routine operations
9
TR/SFTY
Tactical
Training & Incident Safety, as needed
10
BFR SEI
Tactical
Operations or Special Events, as needed
11
CTYWDEI
Tactical
City Interoperability, as needed
12
CTYWDE2
Tactical
City Interoperability, as needed
13
CTYWDE3
Tactical
City Interoperability, as needed
14
BFRRPTR
Tactical
Back-up for Fire Operations
15
HOSPRPTR
Tactical
In -building repeater at Baptist and Christus-St.
Elizabeth hospitals, limited coverage
16
TLKARND
Tactical
Simplex talk group for close proximity use only
Talk Groups
City of Beaumont Interoperability
Number
Name
Assignment
Use
1
CITYWIDE 1
Tactical
City Interoperability, as needed
2
CITYWIDE 2
Tactical
City Interoperability, as needed
3
CITYWIDE 3
Tactical
City Interoperability, as needed
4
CITYWIDE 4
Tactical
City Interoperability, as needed
5
CITYWIDE 5
Tactical
City interoperability, as needed
6
Fleet
Operations
Fleet Maintenance Operations
7
INTEROP 1
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
8
INTEROP 2
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
9
INTEROP 3
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
10
INTEROP 4
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
11
BFR MAIN
Dispatch Fire/EMS
Command
Dispatch Talk Group for Fire/Rescue & EMS;
Command frequency
12
BFR 2
Tactical: Fire/EMS
Routine calls for service Fire & EMS
13
BFR 3
Tactical: BEMS
Medical calls for EMS without Fire/Rescue
14
BFR 4
Tactical
One -Alarm Structure Fires
15
Blank
Blank
Blank
16
Blank
Blank
Blank
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 8 of 1 1
Talk Groups: ZONE
National Interoperability
Number
Talk Groups
Regional Interoperability
Number
Name
Assignment
Use
1
INTEROP 1
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
2
INTEROP 2
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
3
INTEROP 3
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
4
INTEROP 4
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
5
MSCOM 1
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
6
MSCOM 2
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
7
MSCOM 3
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
8
MSCOM 4
Tactical
Regional Interoperability, as needed
9
OCOM 1
Tactical
Orange County Interoperability
10
OCOM 2
Tactical
Orange County Interoperability
11
OCOM 3
Tactical
Orange County Interoperability
12
OCOM 4
Tactical
Orange County Interoperability
13
HCCW
Tactical
Hardin County Interoperability
14
HC EM
Tactical
Hardin County Emergency Management
15
JC EM
Tactical
Jefferson County Emergency Management
16
JCCW 1
Tactical
Jefferson County, County -Wide
Talk Groups: ZONE
National Interoperability
Number
Name
Assignment
Use
1
BFR Main
Dispatch Fire/EMS
Command
Dispatch Talk Group for Fire/Rescue & BEMS;
Command frequency
2
BFR 2
Tactical: Fire/EMS
Routine calls for service Fire & EMS
3
BFR 3
Tactical: BEMS
Medical calls for EMS without Fire/Rescue
4
BFR 4
Tactical
One -Alarm Structure Fires
5
BFR 5
Tactical
Assign as needed
6
BFR 6
Tactical
Hazmat, Air Rescue
7
8CALL90
Calling Channel
National Mutual Aid
8
8CALL91
Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
9
8CALL92
Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
10
8CALL93
Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
11
8CALL94
Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
12
8CALL90D
Digital Call Channel
National Mutual Aid
13
8CALL91D
Digital Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
14
8CALL92D
Digital Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
15
8CALL93D
Digital Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
16
8CALL94D
Digital Tactical Channel
National Mutual Aid
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 9 of 1 1
19w# WAR
1
Talk Groups
City of Beaumont Departments
I
BPD PAT 1 Tactical BPD Main Talk Group
2
BPD PAT 2
Tactical
BPD Secondary Talk Group
3
BPD PAT 3
Tactical
TLETS
4
BPD PAT 4
Tactical
Assign as needed
5
WTR 1
Operations
Water Department
6
WTR 2
Operations
Water Department
7
PH 1
Operations
Beaumont Public Health
8
PH 2
Operations
Beaumont Public Heath
9
ANIMAL
Operations
Beaumont Animal Control
10
TR COMM
Operations
Beaumont Traffic Department
11
ST COMM
Operations
Beaumont Street Department
12
PK COMM
Operations
Beaumont Parks Department
13
TRANSIT
Operations
Beaumont Transit (Bus)
14
CODE ENF
Operations
Beaumont Code Enforcement
15
RADIO 1
Operations
Beaumont Radio Shop
16
Blank
Blank
Blank
1
MC FIRE
Talk Groups
Regional Fire' Departments
mom
Tactical Mid County (One -alarm fire)
2
PNFD 1
Tactical
Port Neches FD
3
CENTRAL
Tactical
Central Dispatch
4
GFD 1
Tactical
Groves FD
5
NFR 1
Tactical
Nederland FD
6
PAFD 1
Tactical
Port Arthur FD
7
WD 10 1
Tactical
Water District 10 VFD
8
LUMBERTON
Tactical
Lumberton FD
9
OFD 1
Tactical
Orange FD
10
VFD 1
Tactical
OCESD#1 Fire Department
11
AIRPORT
Tactical
Jack Brooks Airport FD
12
Blank
Blank
Blank
13
Blank
Blank
Blank
14
Blank
Blank
Blank
15
Blank
Blank
Blank
16
Blank
Blank
Blank
SOG 505.02 — Radio Communications Contingency Plan Page 10 of 1 1
1
EMFIRE 1
Talk Groups: ZONE
Regional Industry
Tactical
Exxon/Mobil Beaumont
2
EMTAC 1
Tactical
Exxon/Mobil Beaumont
3
EMTAC 2
Tactical
Exxon/Mobil Beaumont
4
EMTAC 3
Tactical
Exxon/Mobil Beaumont
5
BIG HILL
Tactical
National Petroleum Reserve
6
VAL F1
Tactical
Valero Refinery Port Arthur
7
CHEV F2
Tactical
Chevron Refinery Port Arthur
8
MOT EMI
Tactical
Motiva Refinery Port Arthur
9
MOT SF1
Tactical
Motiva Refinery Port Arthur
10
Blank
Blank
Blank
11
Blank
Blank
Blank
12
Blank
Blank
Blank
13
Blank
Blank
Blank
14
Blank
Blank
Blank
15
Blank
Blank
Blank
16
Blank
Blank
Blank
1
USCG
Talk Groups
Miscellaneous
Tactical
IIII IIII
Coast Guard MSU Port Arthur
2
TGLO
Tactical
Texas General Land Office
3
LUPD1
Tactical
Lamar University Police (Beaumont)
4
LUPA1
Tactical
Lamar University Police (Port Arthur)
5
PORT1
Tactical
Port of Beaumont Police
6
PORT2
Tactical
Port of Beaumont Police
7
FORD PARK
General Purpose
Ford Park Operations
8
JC MAR1
Tactical
Jefferson County Marine Unit
9
Blank
Blank
Blank
10
Blank
Blank
Blank
11
Blank
Blank
Blank
12
Blank
Blank
Blank
13
Blank
Blank
Blank
14
Blank
Blank
Blank
15
Blank
Blank
Blank
16
Blank
Blank
Blank
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