Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICTRFN4174A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Undertake radio communications signals monitoring

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICTRFN4174A - Undertake radio communications signals monitoring
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to monitor radio communications signals for interference management, investigation, licence conditions intelligence and frequency occupancy purposes with discretion to determine appropriate action according to relevant Acts and regulations.Individuals must comply with radio communications transmitter licensing requirements and operator certificates for maritime and aeronautical services and occupational health and safety (OHS) electromagnetic radiation (EMR) licensing requirements as appropriate.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Field officers from regulatory authorities or other private and public organisations apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They combine technical skills with broader organisational and administrative skills to monitor and action non-compliance of radio communications.Field officers may be responsible for small projects or parts of larger projects, and for the coordination and direction of small groups working on sites remote from the organisational headquarters.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Radio frequency networks
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for radio communications signals monitoring
  • Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards, including OHS issues and possible hazards
  • Identify the specific triggers that lead to the need for monitoring activities
  • Determine monitoring coordinates as a result of a client complaint
  • Determine the extent and nature of the communications problem through desktop research and relevant information
  • Enter necessary details into the appropriate work management system
       
Element: Plan and organise monitoring activities
  • Determine monitoring activities and responsibilities according to organisational requirements
  • Determine procedures, timeframes, resources and equipment requirements for self and others according to organisational and task requirements
  • Obtain resources and equipment and prepare according to organisational and task requirements
  • Identify communication strategies to make clients aware of their obligations under relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards according to organisational policy and procedures
  • Update and review procedural and information guides as required
  • Implement risk management strategies as required according to set procedures and timelines
       
Element: Undertake monitoring
  • Carry out monitoring activities according to organisational and legislative requirements, including OHS
  • Use and maintain resources and equipment according to organisational and task requirements
  • Identify and confirm communications and/or interference problems
  • Locate position and source of communications and/or interference problems
  • Identify the organisation responsible for the communications and/or interference problems
  • Undertake compliance analysis of unlicensed, unauthorised and non-standard equipment if appropriate
  • Provide advice to operational and technical subordinate officers according to organisational policy and procedures as required
       
Element: Act on non-compliance
  • Provide information to client and take action as a result of failure to achieve compliance according to organisational guidelines and legislative requirements based on the seriousness of the possible breach
  • Identify contraventions of compliance requirements and report recommended action according to organisational policy and procedures
  • Refer serious or complex situations for advice or resolution according to organisational policy and procedures
  • Use relevant collection methods to gain information and evidence about elements of each offence to be prosecuted and provide according to legislation, procedures and rules of evidence
  • Conduct and fulfil court attendance requirements in compliance with organisational guidelines as required
  • Ensure case is finalised according to court outcomes and organisational guidelines
       
Element: Provide reports and information
  • Interpret requirements of relevant legislation and provide information and advice on technical and operational matters
  • Advise clients affected by outcomes within limits of privacy legislation
  • Maintain records and prepare and provide reports according to organisational requirements
  • Update any compliance management systems with relevant findings and outcomes
       


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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

plan and conduct radio communications signals monitoring activities under general direction in a range of different contexts

comply with site risk control, OHS, environmental, quality and communication requirements

apply knowledge of appropriate procedures and techniques for efficient and effective preparation and operation, including calibration, maintenance and commissioning of instruments and field equipment appropriate to a communications environment site

respond effectively to different challenges and operational requirements for monitoring, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

sites on which monitoring may be conducted

use of monitoring and testing equipment currently used in industry

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impact on monitoring activities.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate carrying out monitoring activities

review of monitoring reports completed by the candidate for different sites and equipment

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of legislation and monitoring procedures

review of the candidate responses to a range of different situations likely to be encountered when conducting monitoring activities.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplaces and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTRFN4095A Conduct radio frequency measurements

ICTCMP5176A Undertake radio communications site audit.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with a diverse range of clients and staff to promote awareness and action on radio communications issues

information technology skills for word processing, using statistical data and desktop research

literacy skills to write reports using standard formats and to read and interpret a range of technical and legal information

oral presentation skills required for legal settings

problem solving skills to respond to typical challenges encountered in different radio communications monitoring situations

research and analysis skills to gather and interpret technical data

safety skills to operate equipment and vehicles

technical skills to:

operate receiving equipment, antenna systems, remote monitoring systems and workplace equipment

operate direction finding equipment

use HF, VHF, UHF and microwave receiving techniques

use triangulation techniques

Required knowledge

legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that directly impact on monitoring of radio communications signals:

specifics of what constitutes an offence

responses for non-compliance

environmental requirements

privacy issues

specific OHS requirements that impact on monitoring in terms of safety of self and public safety:

RF personal protective equipment

EMR at RF transmission sites

building site induction requirements

environmental conditions

specific monitoring procedures for radio communications and relevant organisational policies and procedures

characteristics of different environments and workplaces where monitoring takes place

radio communications systems used in the relevant work context

specific issues related to antenna performance:

directivity

gain

height

effects of cable attenuation and impedance mismatch

effects of ionosphere:

HF propagation

warning, fadeout, solar flares

ionospheric prediction service (IPS)

modulation methods, AM, FM and digital formats

field strength surveys and EMR measurements

propagation properties of terrain

RF awareness

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include:

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards

Commonwealth legislation and regulations

Crimes Act and Criminal Code Act

Interception Act

International ISO standards

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) regulations

National Measurements Act

OHS Act

Privacy Act

private property law

Radio Communications Act

spectrum management legislation

state, territory and local government legislation and regulations:

building

conservation and land management

emergencies

environmental protection

international legislation/codes of behaviour

Telecommunications Act.

Hazards may include:

environmental conditions:

broken ground

dust

flora and fauna

location involving working over old underground workings and voids

materials

natural landscapes

noise

run-off and spills

waste management and disposal

water quality

wet conditions

working at heights or on roof tops

safety issues:

electromagnetic radiation

emissions

EMR based on site power

hazardous chemicals

laser output

underground plant

vehicle safety:

4WD

driving in adverse conditions

winches.

Triggers may relate to:

assisting frequency assigners prior to allocations

broadcast survey at head office request

complaints

complaints in writing

expired licences

field strength for low power open narrowcasting (LPONS) and digital action plan (DAP)

interference

investigations

monitoring to check complaint is legitimate or interference occurring may be intermittent interference

monitoring of high demand spectrum when a large user is requesting more spectrum whilst appearing to be using their existing inefficiently

noise floor measurements for spectrum planning

proactive compliance activity

site audits

special events monitoring under contract

task created as a result of monitoring.

Monitoring activities may include or relate to:

audio content

channel usage (orphans)

deviation

EMC issues

feed into investigation

field strength

focused and benchmark audit activities

frequency

modulation

occupancy

other compliance assurance activities

power

radiation patterns

radio communications audit

radio interference complaint

spectrum display

surveillance

transmitted data

unlicensed services or content

verification of adherence to licence conditions.

Responsibilities may relate to the roles of:

inspection specialists

line managers

program managers

project managers

senior inspectors

senior policy officers

supervisors.

Procedures may include:

broadcast tower safety

channel occupancy with transmitter operating

decisions to target certain sites:

communal

power level

emergency procedures

evacuation procedures

geographical considerations

handling procedures

incident reporting procedures

interference complaints

investigation of power measurement to ensure correct power

ITU monitoring handbook

legislative requirements such as provisions of the

licence conditions regarding the operating frequency of transmitters

measurement procedures

monitoring instructions and policies

observation

OHS

organisational guidelines and code of conduct

power company requirements

RADCOM data purification

rejection procedures

safety procedures

sampling procedures

site visit compliance instruction procedure guide

statutory authority requirements (ACMA)

storage procedures.

Resources and equipment may include:

antenna configuration

Argus monitoring - software

communication equipment

communications receivers

dedicated HF monitoring stations

desk monitor equipment, such as universal monitoring remote control system (UMRCS)

Doppler systems

electronic recording equipment - multi-track

entry authority or warrant

field strength measurement

global positioning system (GPS) equipment

hand-held equipment

portable monitoring equipment

Radphones

receiver protection:

attenuators

filters

recording equipment

remote access of carriers monitoring systems through software installed on a desktop and dialup number for monitoring

satellite imagery

scanners

spatial data and information

spectrum analysers

storage equipment and facilities

vehicle mounted and mobile direction finding equipment

vehicles 2 or 4WD.

Risk management strategies may relate to:

access

control

monitoring.

Action may include:

advice

court prosecution

formal notification of intent

infringement notices

on-the-spot fines

warning.

Collection methods may include:

determination of land ownership

interviewing

maintenance of case files

observation

recording

seizure.

Records may include:

case files

forms:

application,

notification

invoices

notices:

infringement

seizure

receipts

statistics.

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
Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards, including OHS issues and possible hazards 
Identify the specific triggers that lead to the need for monitoring activities 
Determine monitoring coordinates as a result of a client complaint 
Determine the extent and nature of the communications problem through desktop research and relevant information 
Enter necessary details into the appropriate work management system 
Determine monitoring activities and responsibilities according to organisational requirements 
Determine procedures, timeframes, resources and equipment requirements for self and others according to organisational and task requirements 
Obtain resources and equipment and prepare according to organisational and task requirements 
Identify communication strategies to make clients aware of their obligations under relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards according to organisational policy and procedures 
Update and review procedural and information guides as required 
Implement risk management strategies as required according to set procedures and timelines 
Carry out monitoring activities according to organisational and legislative requirements, including OHS 
Use and maintain resources and equipment according to organisational and task requirements 
Identify and confirm communications and/or interference problems 
Locate position and source of communications and/or interference problems 
Identify the organisation responsible for the communications and/or interference problems 
Undertake compliance analysis of unlicensed, unauthorised and non-standard equipment if appropriate 
Provide advice to operational and technical subordinate officers according to organisational policy and procedures as required 
Provide information to client and take action as a result of failure to achieve compliance according to organisational guidelines and legislative requirements based on the seriousness of the possible breach 
Identify contraventions of compliance requirements and report recommended action according to organisational policy and procedures 
Refer serious or complex situations for advice or resolution according to organisational policy and procedures 
Use relevant collection methods to gain information and evidence about elements of each offence to be prosecuted and provide according to legislation, procedures and rules of evidence 
Conduct and fulfil court attendance requirements in compliance with organisational guidelines as required 
Ensure case is finalised according to court outcomes and organisational guidelines 
Interpret requirements of relevant legislation and provide information and advice on technical and operational matters 
Advise clients affected by outcomes within limits of privacy legislation 
Maintain records and prepare and provide reports according to organisational requirements 
Update any compliance management systems with relevant findings and outcomes 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTRFN4174A - Undertake radio communications signals monitoring
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

ICTRFN4174A - Undertake radio communications signals monitoring

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: