Technical staff whose work involves installing telecommunications service to a building to provide a new service or an upgrade apply the skills and knowledge in this unit.

Cable installers provide new services in emerging technologies, such as internet protocol TV (IPTV) and fast broadband for converging technology applications.

A wireless access point or a world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) customer premises equipment (CPE) unit could also be an installation to the building to provide the new services.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare service installation

1.1. Arrange access to the site with the customer and obtain job specifications

1.2. Notify supervisor of identified safety hazards at the worksite according to occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements

1.3. Use installation specifications to determine type of services, network cables and equipment required for the installation

1.4. Select cables and equipment that comply with functionality and compatibility of existing installation

1.5. Select and obtain tools and equipment to carry out installation activity

2. Install cable and equipment to building

2.1. Locate, connect, and check cables at entry into network for transmission quality and continuity where service to building exists

2.2. Install cable and equipment and seal cable entry to the building in a safe manner according to installation plans and Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards

2.3. Test overall functionality of the new service to meet installation specifications

2.4. Rectify faults if required and minimise interruption to existing service in agreement with customer

2.5. Install lightning protection, where required, according to enterprise guidelines and industry practice

3. Complete records and clean up site

3.1. Label cable pairs clearly to provide an accurate identification according to manufacturer's, industry and client standards

3.2. Update records and plans with installation details to provide an accurate record according to industry codes of practice and AS/ACIF S009:2006

3.3. Remove installation waste and debris from worksite and dispose of according to environmental requirements to maintain safe worksite conditions

3.4. Complete telecommunications cabling advice (TCA) forms and notify customer to obtain sign off

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with internal and external personnel on technical and operational matters

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation such as equipment manuals and specifications

numeracy skills to take and analyse measurements

planning and organisational skills to organise and maintain equipment

problem solving skills to solve equipment and logistics problems

safety awareness skills to:

apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OHS standards

work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

technical skills to:

perform fault clearance

read and interpret:

building plans

construction plans

site layout drawings

site plans

street plans

use diagnostic equipment

use hand and power tools

Required knowledge

information required to operate equipment according to a test specification

features and operating requirements of test equipment

legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that impact on the work activity

manufacturer's requirements for safe operation of equipment

OHS requirements and work practices associated with cable provision including:

adequate warning signs

protective clothing and personal safety items

safety devices

test methods and performance requirements

typical issues and challenges that occur on site

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:

prepare and install cable and equipment to a building complying with ACMA, enterprise and government regulations

conduct tests related to transmission quality and continuity of cables at network entry point

label and document installation work complying with industry codes of practice

comply with all related OHS requirements and work practices.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

sites where telecommunications services may be installed

use of installation and testing equipment currently used in industry

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impact on installation activities.

Methods of assessment

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

review of an installation completed by the candidate

review of an oral and written report with completed documentation, including updated installation records and forms

direct observation of the candidate installing telecommunications equipment to a building

oral or written questioning to assess required knowledge .

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICTCBL2134A Fix aerial cable.

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.

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.

Customer may include:

nominated representative

project manager

site manager.

Safety hazards may refer to:

access points that may contain:

hazardous light or non-visible laser

radio frequency (RF) emission

electrical supply and areas of earth potential rise (EPR) that require mandatory separation from communications cable

hazardous conduit as in conduit colours according to AS 1345:1995 associated with a hazardous service.

OHS and environmental requirements may relate to:

identifying other services, including power and gas

need for decommissioning and isolating worksite and lines prior to commencement

personal protective clothing:

earmuffs

gloves:

leather

plastic

rubber

head protection

kneepads

masks

protective suits

safety boots

safety glasses

safety harness

safety line

safe working practices, such as the safe use and handling of:

asbestos

chemicals

materials

tools and equipment

work platforms

safety equipment:

flashing lights

gas and other hazard detection equipment

safety barriers

trench guards

warning signs and tapes

witches hats

special access requirements

suitable light and ventilation

environmental considerations:

clean-up protection

stormwater protection

waste management.

Installation specifications may include:

installation plan

project details:

contact personnel

costs

resource requirements

timelines

type of service

type of service:

aerial or underground structure

cable:

coaxial

multi-pair

optical fibre

structured (Category 5, 6, 6A, 7 or 7A)

wireless:

femtocell

wireless fidelity (WiFi)

WiMAX.

Tools and equipment may include:

equipment:

cable testers

network tester

passive optical meter

RF meter

tools:

crimpers

jointers

labellers

power tools:

cutters

drills

splicers

terminating tool

EWPs and ladders.

Lightning protection may include:

arrester

bonding building and cable to power earthing system

building's own protection

earth stake

isolator.

Installation details may include:

cable infrastructure pair locations

cable location and type

equipment details

interconnections

modified plan

pair numbering and labelling

test results.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Cabling

This unit contains employability skills.