Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What radio models will this holster fit?
A: The holster accommodates all common two-way radio styles within its internal dimensions of 12cm (H) x 6cm (W) x 4cm (D). This covers the majority of site radios from Motorola, Hytera, Kenwood, and Icom in regular use on UK construction sites. Verify your specific radio's body dimensions against the holster before ordering. The antenna protrudes from the top of the holster during use without restriction.
Q: What safety standards does this holster meet?
A: The holster is certified to ANSI/ISEA 121-2023, the primary international standard for dropped object prevention tethering equipment, and also meets NS 9611:2022+AC, the Norwegian standard for tool lanyards and tethering systems. It carries CE and UKCA markings. Load testing is dynamic at a 2:1 safety factor, independently verified by a third-party laboratory.
Q: What is this holster NOT suitable for?
A: The holster is not suitable for radios exceeding its internal dimensions (12cm H x 6cm W x 4cm D) or for radios exceeding 1kg total weight. It must not be used without a separately rated lanyard connected to the D-ring when working at height. It provides no personal fall arrest function. In live electrical environments, the complete tethering system (lanyard and anchor point) must also be assessed for suitability, not only the D-ring.
Q: Can I still operate the radio controls when it is in the holster?
A: Yes. The bungee cord retention system passes over the top of the radio, not across the sides or face, leaving the volume knob, channel selector, push-to-talk button, and all top controls fully accessible and operable. The radio's own belt clip is also accessible via the low-back design and can still be used if needed.
Q: What does "dual-layer ballistic construction" mean in practice for site use?
A: Standard single-layer fabric or textile holsters lose their shape as the radio is inserted and removed repeatedly. Over time, a deformed holster allows the radio to shift position and eventually fails to retain it at the correct angle for quick removal. Dual-layer ballistic construction addresses both issues: the outer ballistic layer resists abrasion and maintains the holster's dimensional shape across a full working season, whilst the inner layer provides audio-transparent protection without muffling the radio's speaker or microphone during transmission.
Q: Can I mount this horizontally as well as vertically on my harness?
A: Yes. The rear mounting system attaches to a harness loop, belt, or suitable clothing attachment point in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. Operatives working in confined positions, on steeply pitched roofs, or from MEWP baskets often prefer a horizontal orientation to keep the radio flat against the body. The choice of orientation does not affect the rated load or the security of the bungee retention.
Q: How does this compare to competitor radio holsters in terms of compliance?
A: The leading competitor (Ergodyne Squids 3772) is rated to 0.9kg and uses a zinc-plated alloy D-ring, which is conductive and unsuitable for telecoms or electrical environments. The NLG Radio Holster is rated to 1kg and uses a non-conductive ballistic plastic D-ring. Both are certified to ANSI/ISEA 121-2023. The NLG holster also carries NS 9611:2022+AC, which the Ergodyne product does not state.
Q: What should I do if the holster has been dropped?
A: Quarantine the holster immediately. Inspect the ballistic outer layer for tears, compression damage, or delamination. Check the bungee cords for kinking or loss of elasticity and the spring toggle for distortion. Inspect the D-ring for cracking or deformation and the rear mounting system for damage. Scan the NLG ID tag to log the event. Do not return the holster to service until a competent person has inspected and recorded it using the NLG Inspection Checklist.
