Specifications

Chapter 18
Maintenance
Radio operators should be able to undertake basic maintenance. Such as:
• Checking water levels in individual cells of batteries. Keeping contacts clean,
and ensuring the battery casing(s) are clean and dust free.
• Basic testing, and identification of faults and reporting. Findings are to be
reported to ICT personnel as soon as possible.
• Antennas should be checked periodically to ensure they remain in good
condition, as well as cabling (connections) inspected for wear and/or damage.
• If installed, regular cleaning of solar panels (Do not use chemicals on the solar
panel).
Maintenance procedures not only apply to radio equipment. The offices in which
radio rooms are situated are also to be maintained! It is the responsibility of the radio
operators to maintain these offices in a clean and tidy manner at all times
Cleaning Duties
UN radio rooms may have the use of a hired cleaner within their agency; however it
remains the radio operators’ responsibility to maintain the general cleanliness and
tidiness of the radio room. The cleaner is responsible for cleaning the floor and
emptying the rubbish bins, however all other cleaning duties should be undertaken by
the on watch radio operator.
The following guidelines are suggested:
• Before handing over the shift to the on-coming radio operator, the off going
radio operator is to ensure all desk tops are clear of unwanted paperwork,
documents and drinking vessels are washed and put away.
• The night shift radio operator is responsible for ensuring all desk tops,
computers, printers, fax machines, telephones and radios are free of dust and
dirt. All equipment is to be wiped with a damp cloth and the bench tops with
a wet soapy cloth to remove any stains or marks.
• If a cleaner is not provided, the night shift radio operator is to empty all
rubbish bins and ensure the floor is swept then mopped with hot soapy water.
• If carpet is laid within the radio room a vacuum cleaner is to be used for
cleaning purposes and on completion the contents of the vacuum cleaner is to
be emptied into a rubbish bin.
Radio Operators Training Manual Version 27/11/2007 78