Plumbers working commercial jobs require good communication among the teams in the field, superintendents, and the office.
Commercial plumbers cover large areas and communication can be difficult when they are on opposite ends of a job site. This is especially true when working at large facilities that cover tens of thousands of square feet.
Common forms of communication for plumbers are cellphones and two-way radio systems. Let’s look at each of these forms of communication to help you determine which one best suits the needs for your business.
Analog vs. cellular
Cellphones allow people to send and receive text messages, make and receive calls, and respond to emails. They offer a feeling of convenience because people use them in their daily lives. Yet there are downsides to using cellphones on a job site.
Cellphones can malfunction for a variety of reasons (i.e. lost signal, dead zones, short battery life). Cellphones can also lead to distractions due to the different applications one can install. Cellular signal is the most common issue when it comes to cellphones. Phones must receive a signal from a tower and many interferences can take place. When working inside facilities where there are many machines, they can disrupt signals. The building itself can also block tower signals. Two-way radios do not have these issues.
Two-way radios are easier to use than cellphones, have many different accessories, and often need no extra fees. This device allows for instant communication among team members while keeping their hands free when working in the field.
Two-way radios are much more durable than current cellphones. Since most of the communication for commercial plumbers takes place around large machinery and cement floors, you’ll want to have equipment that can stand up to falling on hard floor or banging against equipment. Many two-way radios offer protection from dirt and debris, which is beneficial in dusty environments.
When working on job sites like manufacturing facilities that cover vast areas it can be difficult for employees to stay in contact. Two-way radios offer excellent range allowing for clear audio when indoors and at large plants.
One downside to two-way radios is you may need to install repeaters, antennas, and emergency power sources in larger facilities, which can span upward of 500,000 square feet.
Applications of two-way radios for plumbers
There are a few different ways to use two-way radios when on the job site. Team members can communicate in case of emergency or if they need to speak with management about a situation. Radios can also be beneficial when coordinating large scale projects and logistic processes.
Plumbers and other workers in the area can communicate instantly in case of dangerous situations or malfunctioning machinery. For example, a fire breaks out on part of the job site and workers need to evacuate the area. Team members can contact the right people to solve the problem in a timely manner.
Accessories for two-way radios
Choosing the right accessories for your two-way radio will help you get the most out of your investment. Due to the loud noises produced on large job sites, noise-canceling accessories are helpful. Earpieces and shoulder-mounted microphones allow workers to communicate hands-free.
Power is always a major consideration when it comes to communication devices. A universal charging deck allows you to charge many batteries at a time. This allows you to always have the power necessary to stay connected.
Two-way radios have been around for many years and are an effective form of communication for commercial plumbers. There are many models of radios on the market today to choose from. Contact a professional two-way radio provider to find out what will work best for your business.
About the Author
Stewart McClintic is the co-owner of HQ98.com, a two-way radio vendor in Scottsdale, Arizona.
