Communication Network and Procedures

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

at least one other worker. During initial site entry, it may be appropriate to utilize a "buddy

system" in which additional workers are assigned to provide safety backup.

The Field Team Leader, who is responsible for enforcing the "buddy system", should implement

the system at the Access Control Point for workers entering the Exclusion Zone.

As part of the buddy system, workers should remain in close proximity and maintain visual

contact with each other to provide assistance in the event of an emergency. Should an

emergency situation arise, workers should use prearranged communication signals agreed upon

prior to entering the contaminated area. The responsibilities of workers utilizing the buddy

system include:

Providing his or her partner with assistance,

Observing his or her partner for signs of chemical or heat exposure,

Periodically checking the integrity of his or her partner's PPE, and

Notifying the Project Manager or other site personnel if emergency assistance is needed.

Workers should not rely entirely on the "buddy system" to ensure that help will be provided in

the event of an emergency. To augment this system, workers in contaminated areas should

remain in line-of-sight or direct communication contact with the command post or Field Team

Leader at all times.

9.5. COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND PROCEDURES

Communication systems should be established for both internal and external communication.

Internal communication refers to communication among workers operating in the Exclusion

Zone or Contamination Reduction Zone, or between the Command Post and those workers.

Routine checking for proper operation should be addressed.

An internal communication system may be established using standard communication devices

such as radio, noisemakers, or visual signals. Verbal communication can be difficult as a result

of onsite background noise and the use of PPE. Therefore, pre-arranged commands and audio or

visual cues should be developed prior to entering the Exclusion Zone. A secondary set of non-

verbal signals should be established for use when communication devices fail or when

emergency situations occur.

External communication refers to communication between onsite and offsite personnel. An

external communication system should be maintained in order to:

Coordinate emergency response efforts with offsite responders,

Report progress or problems to management, and

Maintain contact with essential offsite personnel.

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