How do you communicate with other plant operators during a crisis?

1 Use clear and concise language

When communicating with other plant operators during a crisis, you need to use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon, slang, or ambiguous terms that might confuse or mislead others. Use simple and direct words that convey the facts and the actions needed. For example, instead of saying "There's a problem with the pump", say "The pump is overheating and needs to be shut down immediately". Also, use the standard communication protocols and codes for your plant, such as the phonetic alphabet, the emergency alert system, or the incident command system.

2 Choose the appropriate communication channel

Depending on the nature and severity of the crisis, you may need to choose the appropriate communication channel to reach other plant operators. Some common communication channels are radio, phone, intercom, email, or text. Each channel has its advantages and disadvantages, such as speed, reliability, coverage, and security. For example, radio is fast and widely accessible, but it can be noisy, interrupted, or overheard. Phone is reliable and secure, but it can be busy, disconnected, or out of range. Intercom is loud and clear, but it can be limited to certain areas or rooms. Email or text is convenient and traceable, but it can be delayed, ignored, or hacked.

3 Confirm and repeat the message

To ensure that your message is received and understood by other plant operators during a crisis, you need to confirm and repeat the message. Confirm means to ask for feedback or acknowledgment from the receiver, such as "Do you copy?" or "Did you get that?". Repeat means to restate or summarize the message for clarity or emphasis, such as "I repeat, the pump is overheating and needs to be shut down immediately". Confirming and repeating the message can help avoid misunderstandings, errors, or omissions that could worsen the crisis.

4 Listen and respond to others

Communication is a two-way process, so you also need to listen and respond to other plant operators during a crisis. Listening means to pay attention and understand what others are saying, without interrupting or judging. Responding means to acknowledge and answer what others are saying, without arguing or dismissing. Listening and responding to others can help build trust, cooperation, and teamwork among the plant operators. It can also help you get more information, feedback, or support for dealing with the crisis.

5 Follow the chain of command

Another important tip for communicating with other plant operators during a crisis is to follow the chain of command. The chain of command is the hierarchy of authority and responsibility in the plant, such as the supervisor, the manager, the engineer, or the operator. Following the chain of command can help ensure that the communication is consistent, accurate, and timely. It can also help avoid confusion, conflict, or duplication of efforts among the plant operators. However, if the chain of command is broken or unavailable, you may need to use your own judgment and initiative to communicate with other plant operators.

6 Keep calm and professional

Finally, the most essential tip for communicating with other plant operators during a crisis is to keep calm and professional. A crisis can be stressful, chaotic, and emotional, but you need to maintain your composure and professionalism. Keeping calm and professional can help you communicate more effectively, confidently, and respectfully. It can also help you cope with the pressure, uncertainty, and fear that may arise during a crisis. Remember, your communication can make a difference in how the crisis is resolved and how the plant recovers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?