Assessor Resource

ICTCBL316
Install ribbon fibre cable in the FTTX distribution network

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to install ribbon cable in the fibre access node (FAN) site and distribution, local and access underground enclosure joints. Cables may range from 12 fibre to 576 fibre cables.

It applies to individuals who are optical fibre cable installers and splicers deploying broadband access networks using optical technologies. They combine technical skills with specific work health and safety (WHS) skills to work safely on ribbon fibre.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for installation of ribbon fibre

1.1 Select safety equipment to protect self, co-workers and public in line with WHS and environmental requirements

1.2 Identify and obtain tools and appropriate equipment required for installation

1.3 Check physical conditions relevant to installation and confirm layout of equipment to be installed

1.4 Inform appropriate personnel of identified hazards on worksite

1.5 Locate other services from relevant authorities

1.6 Secure worksite with tests for dangerous gases and guards around open manholes

1.7 Obtain approval for alterations to design within organisational guidelines

2. Check and secure existing optical fibre cable

2.1 Following WHS practices, verify that cable was installed according to installation plan and inspect cable for signs of sheath damage

2.2 Maintain minimum bend ratios of cable according to manufacturer specifications while manoeuvring into position

2.3 Secure cable according to safe industry practice, avoiding damage to cable and sheath

3. Install ribbon fibres into high density drawers and/or pivot sub-racks in internal cabinets

3.1 Introduce cable into cabinet rack through appropriate route

3.2 Remove cable sheath and lay up ribbon loose tubes into sub-racks without damage to fibre

3.3 Remove loose tubes, clean ribbon fibres and prepare for splicing using organisational techniques

3.4 Splice ribbon fibres and secure into splice holders

3.5 Confirm that fibres are accurately spliced according to organisational specifications

4. Install and splice ribbon cable in underground enclosures

4.1 Select appropriate enclosure for function and cable type

4.2 Prepare cables for mid-span and butt splicing following vendor guidelines

4.3 Feed cable accurately into enclosure according to network owner guidelines

4.4 Lay up ribbon fibre in enclosure splice tray to allow accurate and efficient splicing

4.5 Cross-reference fibre numbering to match fibres accurately

4.6 Strip ribbon fibres to specifications

4.7 Splice ribbon fibres accurately

4.8 Apply heat-shrink sleeves to ensure protection of spliced ribbon fibres

4.9 Secure spliced ribbon fibres in splice holders

5. Close and seal enclosure

5.1 Check cable and ribbon fibre placement in splice trays conform to vendor and network owner specifications and adjust if necessary

5.2 Close and secure splice trays and fit enclosure cap

5.3 Heat shrink seals around cable entry ports when using heat shrinking techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines

5.4 Close and tighten seals around ribbon fibre cables when using mechanical sealing techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines

5.5 Check for signs of effective seal and re-seal if necessary

6. Complete site reinstatement, reporting and sign off requirements

6.1 Place sealed enclosure in pit and secure to vendor and network owner specifications

6.2 Identify signs of damage or potential damage to pit and cable and take steps to mitigate

6.3 Reinstate site to network owner specifications

6.4 Prepare and finalise reports, including test results and alterations to plans, according to network owner requirements

6.5 Advise client of work completion and obtain sign off

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare cable for mid-span splicing – strip and coil

prepare cable for butt end splicing – strip and coil

install ribbon fibre cable into:

one heat shrink seal enclosure

one mechanical seal enclosure

one high density ribbon fibre termination drawer

splice ribbon fibre according to specifications

observe all network owner requirements and product practices to ensure optimal performance of cable systems

adapt techniques to a range of technical and environmental conditions.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

determine the applicable network owner standards, specifications and procedures for cable installation

determine the cable installation requirements, including:

causes of signal strength loss in optical fibre

colour coding and numerical coding of fibres

application of relevant safe operation of laser instruments

installation equipment

specify the industry and organisational policies and procedures when splicing optical fibre cable

identify manufacturer requirements for safe operation of optical fibre equipment

identify common hazards associated with the construction site

describe work health and safety (WHS) and environmental control processes and responsibilities on worksites

describe the safe handling of optical fibres and related equipment including:

hazards relating to handling of optical fibre and laser light source in the workplace

injuries:

damage to retina from lasers

damage to lungs from inhalation of fibre offcuts and particles

needle stick injury from fibres and offcuts

laser warning signs and labels relating to optical fibre components and equipment

safety requirements when handling and working with:

active equipment

laser light sources

optical fibre connectors

optical fibres

patch cords

describe the major feature and use of ribbon fibre, including:

bend ratios for ribbon fibre

procedures for handling and placing ribbon fibre in enclosures

procedures for physical handling of ribbon fibre cables

structure of ribbon fibre cables

splicing techniques for ribbon fibre

types and functions of ribbon fibre enclosures

describe the risks associated with confined spaces and determine the appropriate responses.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – cabling field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and materials. These include:

optic fibre cabling and equipment

a range of cabinet types and other housings requiring cable-handling techniques

personal protective equipment

first aid and fire safety equipment

ribbon fibre cleaners, stripper and splicer

joint pressure testing equipment.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for installation of ribbon fibre

1.1 Select safety equipment to protect self, co-workers and public in line with WHS and environmental requirements

1.2 Identify and obtain tools and appropriate equipment required for installation

1.3 Check physical conditions relevant to installation and confirm layout of equipment to be installed

1.4 Inform appropriate personnel of identified hazards on worksite

1.5 Locate other services from relevant authorities

1.6 Secure worksite with tests for dangerous gases and guards around open manholes

1.7 Obtain approval for alterations to design within organisational guidelines

2. Check and secure existing optical fibre cable

2.1 Following WHS practices, verify that cable was installed according to installation plan and inspect cable for signs of sheath damage

2.2 Maintain minimum bend ratios of cable according to manufacturer specifications while manoeuvring into position

2.3 Secure cable according to safe industry practice, avoiding damage to cable and sheath

3. Install ribbon fibres into high density drawers and/or pivot sub-racks in internal cabinets

3.1 Introduce cable into cabinet rack through appropriate route

3.2 Remove cable sheath and lay up ribbon loose tubes into sub-racks without damage to fibre

3.3 Remove loose tubes, clean ribbon fibres and prepare for splicing using organisational techniques

3.4 Splice ribbon fibres and secure into splice holders

3.5 Confirm that fibres are accurately spliced according to organisational specifications

4. Install and splice ribbon cable in underground enclosures

4.1 Select appropriate enclosure for function and cable type

4.2 Prepare cables for mid-span and butt splicing following vendor guidelines

4.3 Feed cable accurately into enclosure according to network owner guidelines

4.4 Lay up ribbon fibre in enclosure splice tray to allow accurate and efficient splicing

4.5 Cross-reference fibre numbering to match fibres accurately

4.6 Strip ribbon fibres to specifications

4.7 Splice ribbon fibres accurately

4.8 Apply heat-shrink sleeves to ensure protection of spliced ribbon fibres

4.9 Secure spliced ribbon fibres in splice holders

5. Close and seal enclosure

5.1 Check cable and ribbon fibre placement in splice trays conform to vendor and network owner specifications and adjust if necessary

5.2 Close and secure splice trays and fit enclosure cap

5.3 Heat shrink seals around cable entry ports when using heat shrinking techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines

5.4 Close and tighten seals around ribbon fibre cables when using mechanical sealing techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines

5.5 Check for signs of effective seal and re-seal if necessary

6. Complete site reinstatement, reporting and sign off requirements

6.1 Place sealed enclosure in pit and secure to vendor and network owner specifications

6.2 Identify signs of damage or potential damage to pit and cable and take steps to mitigate

6.3 Reinstate site to network owner specifications

6.4 Prepare and finalise reports, including test results and alterations to plans, according to network owner requirements

6.5 Advise client of work completion and obtain sign off

Evidence of the ability to:

prepare cable for mid-span splicing – strip and coil

prepare cable for butt end splicing – strip and coil

install ribbon fibre cable into:

one heat shrink seal enclosure

one mechanical seal enclosure

one high density ribbon fibre termination drawer

splice ribbon fibre according to specifications

observe all network owner requirements and product practices to ensure optimal performance of cable systems

adapt techniques to a range of technical and environmental conditions.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

determine the applicable network owner standards, specifications and procedures for cable installation

determine the cable installation requirements, including:

causes of signal strength loss in optical fibre

colour coding and numerical coding of fibres

application of relevant safe operation of laser instruments

installation equipment

specify the industry and organisational policies and procedures when splicing optical fibre cable

identify manufacturer requirements for safe operation of optical fibre equipment

identify common hazards associated with the construction site

describe work health and safety (WHS) and environmental control processes and responsibilities on worksites

describe the safe handling of optical fibres and related equipment including:

hazards relating to handling of optical fibre and laser light source in the workplace

injuries:

damage to retina from lasers

damage to lungs from inhalation of fibre offcuts and particles

needle stick injury from fibres and offcuts

laser warning signs and labels relating to optical fibre components and equipment

safety requirements when handling and working with:

active equipment

laser light sources

optical fibre connectors

optical fibres

patch cords

describe the major feature and use of ribbon fibre, including:

bend ratios for ribbon fibre

procedures for handling and placing ribbon fibre in enclosures

procedures for physical handling of ribbon fibre cables

structure of ribbon fibre cables

splicing techniques for ribbon fibre

types and functions of ribbon fibre enclosures

describe the risks associated with confined spaces and determine the appropriate responses.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – cabling field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and materials. These include:

optic fibre cabling and equipment

a range of cabinet types and other housings requiring cable-handling techniques

personal protective equipment

first aid and fire safety equipment

ribbon fibre cleaners, stripper and splicer

joint pressure testing equipment.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Select safety equipment to protect self, co-workers and public in line with WHS and environmental requirements 
Identify and obtain tools and appropriate equipment required for installation 
Check physical conditions relevant to installation and confirm layout of equipment to be installed 
Inform appropriate personnel of identified hazards on worksite 
Locate other services from relevant authorities 
Secure worksite with tests for dangerous gases and guards around open manholes 
Obtain approval for alterations to design within organisational guidelines 
Following WHS practices, verify that cable was installed according to installation plan and inspect cable for signs of sheath damage 
Maintain minimum bend ratios of cable according to manufacturer specifications while manoeuvring into position 
Secure cable according to safe industry practice, avoiding damage to cable and sheath 
Introduce cable into cabinet rack through appropriate route 
Remove cable sheath and lay up ribbon loose tubes into sub-racks without damage to fibre 
Remove loose tubes, clean ribbon fibres and prepare for splicing using organisational techniques 
Splice ribbon fibres and secure into splice holders 
Confirm that fibres are accurately spliced according to organisational specifications 
Select appropriate enclosure for function and cable type 
Prepare cables for mid-span and butt splicing following vendor guidelines 
Feed cable accurately into enclosure according to network owner guidelines 
Lay up ribbon fibre in enclosure splice tray to allow accurate and efficient splicing 
Cross-reference fibre numbering to match fibres accurately 
Strip ribbon fibres to specifications 
Splice ribbon fibres accurately 
Apply heat-shrink sleeves to ensure protection of spliced ribbon fibres 
Secure spliced ribbon fibres in splice holders 
Check cable and ribbon fibre placement in splice trays conform to vendor and network owner specifications and adjust if necessary 
Close and secure splice trays and fit enclosure cap 
Heat shrink seals around cable entry ports when using heat shrinking techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines 
Close and tighten seals around ribbon fibre cables when using mechanical sealing techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines 
Check for signs of effective seal and re-seal if necessary 
Place sealed enclosure in pit and secure to vendor and network owner specifications 
Identify signs of damage or potential damage to pit and cable and take steps to mitigate 
Reinstate site to network owner specifications 
Prepare and finalise reports, including test results and alterations to plans, according to network owner requirements 
Advise client of work completion and obtain sign off 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTCBL316 - Install ribbon fibre cable in the FTTX distribution network
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Assessment Record Sheet

ICTCBL316 - Install ribbon fibre cable in the FTTX distribution network

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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