Abstract: Operatives are monitored in a hazardous environment. A control unit is connected to a wiring loom embedded within an item of clothing having illuminatable devices and interface connectors. A monitoring device is connected to an interface connector and a radio device is connected to an interface connector. The control unit is activated to supply power to the connected monitoring device and the connected radio device. Condition data is conveyed from the monitoring device to the control unit. Uplink signals are transmitted from the control unit to a base station via a cellular radio communication module. Downlink signals are received at the control unit from the base station. Condition data is transmitted via the cellular radio communication module when the downlink signals are being received. Condition data is transferred to the non-cellular radio device when the downlink signals are not being received, for transmission to the base station.

Abstract: Operatives are monitored in a hazardous environment. A control unit is connected to a wiring loom embedded within an item of clothing having illuminatable devices and interface connectors. A monitoring device is connected to an interface connector and a radio device is connected to an interface connector. The control unit is activated to supply power to the connected monitoring device and the connected radio device. Condition data is conveyed from the monitoring device to the control unit. Uplink signals are transmitted from the control unit to a base station via a cellular radio communication module. Downlink signals are received at the control unit from the base station. Condition data is transmitted via the cellular radio communication module when the downlink signals are being received. Condition data is transferred to the non-cellular radio device when the downlink signals are not being received, for transmission to the base station.