NPR 721 Spoken and written communication

Introduction

Effective written, radio and telephone communication is essential for safety in the Network.

Spoken numbers

Qualified Worker

1. Use the spoken numbers in the following table.
2. Stress the syllables in capital letters.
3. For a decimal point, say “point”.

Phonetic alphabet (spoken letter names)

Qualified Worker

1. If it is necessary to spell words, use the spoken letter names in the following table.
2. Stress the syllables in capital letters.

Standard terms

Use only these standard terms to convey these meanings:

Open-channel communications

Qualified Worker

1. Except in an emergency, make sure that no‑one else is speaking before you begin to use an open‑channel radio.

Sender

1. Start your message with the Safeworking designation, location, and/or train number or track vehicle number, as appropriate, of the person you are calling.

Say: “(Receiver) this is (Sender), over”.

Identify yourself by Safeworking designation, location, and/or train or track vehicle number as appropriate.

Receiver

1. Start your reply with the Safeworking designation, location, and/or train or track vehicle number, as appropriate, of the person calling you.

Say: “(Sender) this is (Receiver), over”.

Identify yourself by Safeworking designation, location, and/or train or track vehicle number as appropriate.

Sender

1. Make your statement, ending with “Over”.

Receiver

1. Reply, ending with “Over”.

Sender and Receiver

1. Use standard terms as required in the communication.

Sender or Receiver

1. At the end of the communication, say “Out”.

Emergency radio communications

Use whatever communication method is available.

If an emergency button is fitted:

Qualified Worker

1. Press the emergency button.
2. If there is no immediate answer, pause.
3. Repeat Step 1 until you are answered. If you are not answered, follow the steps for ‘If an emergency button is not fitted’.
4. When the Receiver answers, give your location and the emergency message.
5. Exchange necessary information and directions.

If an emergency button is not fitted:

Qualified Worker

1. Say: “Emergency, emergency, emergency, this is (your identification)”.
2. If the radio is open‑channel, give brief details about the emergency.
3. If the radio is open‑channel, users other than the Sender and Receiver must immediately cease transmission.
4. If there is no immediate answer, pause.
5. Repeat Step 1, and Step 2 if necessary, until you are answered.
6. When a Receiver answers, give your location and the emergency message.
7. Exchange necessary information and directions.

Written communication abbreviations

Qualified Worker

1. Use the standard abbreviations listed below in written Safeworking communications: