Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Fire chiefs association reports on radios and fireground noise
Close proximity to common fireground noise causes communication problems among firefighters using digital two-way portable radios, a new report from the International Association of Fire Chiefs warns.
The Fairfax, VA-based organization said it received reports of fireground noise interfering with intelligible radio communications beginning in late 2006, prompting the formation of a group to investigate the problem. On Monday, IAFC released an interim report (.pdf file), along with recommendations.
The report suggested:
- Enhancing digital technologies to achieve a level equal to or better than analog, which performed statistically better in tests conducted
- Developing standards and guidelines on public-safety communications intelligibility
- Increasing collaboration between government, public safety and industry
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