ATEX: HOW GOING REMOTE ENHANCES ON-SITE COMMUNICATION

ATEX: HOW GOING REMOTE ENHANCES ON-SITE COMMUNICATION

31/08/2021

Over the last 18 months, the word ‘remote’ will probably make you think of spending more time indoors, or about workers who’ve had no other option than to work remotely. But in this context, it refers to the way in which workers communicate on-site whilst carrying on with the task at-hand.?

Talking specifically, we’re referring to remote speaker microphones and how, despite their small size, they can have a big impact on worker productivity.?

As we continue our?ATEX 12 pain points?series, we’re going to explain how using a remote speaker microphone can be the ideal solution for workers who struggle to use a radio whilst carrying other tools with them for business-critical operations.?

The weight of expectation

It’s safe to say that working on a chemical processing site, or a site that has ATEX designated area, comes with high pressure and high expectations. Not only because of what is being produced on-site, but the demands from businesses to ensure production lines are thriving.?

Workers, who operate heavy machinery or equipment, will combat the fact they need several tools for the job by utilising a toolbelt, to carry multiple items and make it easier to take out the one they need at the right time.?

To give you an idea of their popularity, a quick search for ‘tool belts’ on Amazon returns over 4,000 results. But whilst the multi-tasking benefits of a tool belt are obvious to see, there’s something that isn’t quite as prevalent.?

How do you use a work tool and avoid having to put it down to pick up your radio to talk? Well, the solution is a radio speaker microphone – the benefits of which can be understated.?

A powerful tool for the job

The term ‘bigger is better’ need not apply in this scenario. That can be left to the towering structures that form the surroundings of a chemical processing site.?

Remote speaker microphones are compact in design, but pack a punch when it comes to design, features and capabilities.?

Rugged design

Remote speaker microphones are built and rigorously tested in the same way as two-way radios. They can be dust-tight and waterproof, with some boasting an IP68 rating. They also contain large, easy-to-press buttons, so workers wearing gloves can use them with minimal fuss.?

It's important to note that you’d need an ATEX approved microphone to use in an ATEX environment.?

Smart features

Much like the intrinsically safe radios they’re designed for, remote speaker microphones include some smart features that aid workers in their day-to-day job. Here’s a quick overview of some of the available features:

? Intelligent Audio

? Emergency buttons

? Windporting technology

? Push-to-Talk (PTT)

? Noise cancellation

? Control radio volume?

? Control radio alarm functions

Please note that features vary depending on the remote speaker microphone you use.?

Small changes, big improvements

The move to include remote speaker microphones in how your workers communicate is in the grand scheme of things, a small change to make. But the potential it has for improving worker productivity is not to be sniffed at.

Kaizen, the Sino-Japenese word for "improvement", is a concept whereby a business, and its activities, continuously improve to gradually improve productivity and efficiency. It's something that can be applied to this scenario, too.?

As we discussed in our?paper-based workflow system?blog, the UK has been trying to solve the Productivity Puzzle since the 2008 Financial Crash. It’s important for businesses to make as many small changes as possible to way in which they operate – to help improve productivity and production.?

One of those small changes is ensuring your workers have the right tools to do their job. In this instance, it’s making sure they can carry on with daily tasks without having to take their radio off their work belt to have a two-way conversation.?

Book a FREE Demonstration

For more information on remote speaker microphones, visit our accessories page now. If you would like to find out more about the services we provide, then?book a FREE demonstration?of our ultra-smart TRBOCALL system today.