CONDITIONS

You are a mission radio operator at a search/DR base.

OBJECTIVE

Explain the safety exposures and mitigation factors involved in operating a mission radio system.

TRAINING AND EVALUATION

Training Outline

1. A Mission Radio Operator is required to maintain a safe environment as part of the operator tasks.
2. You should be able to demonstrate the following skills:
1. List at least 5 safety rules for lightning protection
1. If you can hear thunder from lightning, you are close enough be hit by it. Seek safe shelter.
2. Properly ground all equipment when installed.
3. Disconnect antennas from radios when lightning is observed in the area.
4. Disconnect radios/power supplies from ac outlets when lightning is observed in the area.
5. If you are in a vehicle, do not remain in a high location that would make you a likely target for lightning (such as a hilltop or large open field).
6. If you are on foot, seek shelter. Report to mission base, or any other unit, that you are leaving the air due to lightning. Move to a sturdy building or car. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in a convertible automobile.
7. If on foot and no suitable shelter is available, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding. If you are in the woods, take shelter under shorter trees.
2. Proper routing and securing of cables and wires
3. Locating antenna systems to minimize RF exposure and EMI
4. Explain a proper grounding system

Additional Information

Additional information on radio safety can be found in Chapter 7 of CAPR 100-1, Communications. Additional lightning safety tips can be found at the National Lightning Safety Institute's home page at: http://www.lightningsafety.com.

Evaluation Preparation

Setup:

None.

Brief Student:

Have the student recite the 5 safety rules for lightning protection. Have the student explain the proper routing and securing or wires and cables, how to properly locate an antenna system and ground the equipment.

Evaluation

Student must receive a pass on all performance measures to qualify in this task. If the individual fails any measure, show what was done wrong and how to do it correctly.