Mace Construct was responsible for the construction of The Shard, one of London’s most recognisable landmarks and a building that presented a unique challenge for radio communication.
Project managers required a two way radio system capable of providing dependable coverage throughout the entire building, supporting security and facilities management teams working across the site.
Having previously supplied the existing trunked radio system, Mace Construct approached MTech to develop the system further and provide the communication infrastructure required to support safe and efficient operations across the building.
Communication Across a High Rise Building
Tall buildings create significant challenges for radio coverage. At The Shard, teams working on the highest floors needed to be able to communicate clearly with colleagues working at ground level and within the lowest basement areas.
Radio signals therefore needed to travel reliably across numerous floors and through the building’s extensive structure without creating communication blackspots.
MTech carried out detailed testing across the multi-floor site to understand the coverage requirements and determine how the existing system could be developed to provide reliable communication throughout the building.
Moving to Digital Communication
Following the testing, MTech recommended upgrading to Motorola digital two way radios.
The radios were selected for their durability, dependable performance and water resistance, providing equipment suited to the demands of teams working throughout the building while delivering the required site-wide coverage.
Clear digital audio helps employees hear and respond to messages when working around background noise. Extended battery performance also allows radios to remain operational across longer shifts without employees regularly needing to replace or recharge batteries.
Flexible and Secure Communication
The upgraded system gives managers greater control over how teams communicate. Users can contact individual employees directly or communicate with larger groups when information needs to be shared more widely.
Built-in encryption provides additional security by helping keep radio conversations private.
Lone Worker and Man Down functionality also provides additional protection for employees working independently. If assistance is required, an easily accessible Emergency Button allows an alert to be raised quickly and is designed to remain straightforward to operate while wearing gloves.
Improving Day to Day Operations
Following installation, Mace Construct reported improved communication and coordination between teams working throughout The Shard.
Reliable coverage across the building allowed employees to remain connected between different floors and operational areas, helping teams coordinate activity more efficiently and respond more quickly when support was required.
The upgraded radio system provided Mace Construct with the dependable communication needed to support productivity, safety and efficient operations across one of London’s most complex and recognisable buildings.
