This unit describes the skills required to conduct operator level maintenance on communications equipment within Defence communications workplaces. This includes the identification and selection of tools and equipment, the application of organisational safety requirements within guidelines of responsibility and full adherence to work health and safety (WHS)/radiation hazard policy.

This unit was developed for communications and information systems operators working within Defence but may be relevant to others who work in this field.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work independently and as part of a team, under direct and/or indirect supervision. They would perform routine tasks in specific communications environments while using discretion and judgement and taking responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

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

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Carry out equipment checks

1.1

Select tools appropriate to the task

1.2

Check equipment

1.3

Record status of equipment

1.4

Report deficiencies or abnormalities to appropriate personnel

2

Perform operator level maintenance

2.1

Inspect equipment

2.2

Undertake preventative maintenance

2.3

Repair or replace equipment

2.4

Record details of maintenance and report to appropriate personnel

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

identifying faults

reporting deficiencies or abnormalities

using cleaning agents and chemicals

using specific maintenance tools

visually inspecting equipment

performing pre-operational checks

cleaning and maintaining equipment within guidelines of responsibility

complying with WHS/radiation hazard policy

performing pre/post deployment checks in accordance with specific operating procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

cleaning procedures of selected equipment

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

maintenance procedures of selected equipment

WHS/radiation hazard policies

parts and components of selected equipment

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Communications