CODE 2, VOL 32, NO 25 : 07 september 2018

ONGOING GWN FAILURES – QFES ‘SOLUTION’

I provide this Code 2 following recent urgent consultation between the Communications Technology and Equipment (CTE) Committee, firefighters working within the GWN network, and the UFUQ.

It has become apparent that the ongoing failure of your GWN handsets potentially results from vital information about compatibility issues relating to new handset and radio combinations being withheld from the CTE Committee and the UFUQ.

Discussions with QFES and others commence again on Monday 10 September 2018, to continue to work to resolve the ongoing failure of the GWN network but also to determine if that information was withheld deliberately or accidentally, but also of course to work to resolve the issue of radio failure.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU CANNOT USE YOUR GWN HANDSET TO COMMUNICATE SAFELY:
QFES has endorsed the following:

1. If you are working within the GWN system and you have a problem communicating using your handset, and
2. You believe the communications failure creates an imminent risk to your, or others, health and safety,
3. You are required to withdraw from the incident in a safe way and work to develop an alternative communication plan.

Despite other options being put by UFUQ, this existing process of withdrawal is the control solution QFES have determined is suitable for your work until further negotiations, testing and consultation can occur between all relevant parties.

I will keep you updated as this matter develops further.

John Oliver - General Secretary