What should you perform to ensure your radio is properly set up before a shift?

Performing a pre-operation check on your radio is essential for confirming that all functions are operating correctly before starting a shift. This process typically includes testing the audio quality, ensuring the battery is charged, confirming the clarity of transmission and reception, and checking that all necessary channels are programmed and accessible. A thorough pre-operation check helps identify any potential issues early on and guarantees that the radio will perform reliably during operations, which is critical for safety and effective communication in the workplace.

While keeping the radio's software updated, charging it, and checking its physical appearance are important maintenance tasks, they do not directly replace the need for a thorough pre-operation check before each shift. They can contribute to overall radio performance, but the specific actions taken during a pre-operation check are what directly ensure readiness for effective communication.