Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to splice and terminate optical fibre cable within an optical telecommunications transmission environment for new installations or upgrades of an optical backbone or access network, to achieve greater bandwidth and capacity required by emerging technology convergence for next generation networks (NGN).
It applies to technical staff who splice and terminate optical fibre cable for telecommunications projects for commercial or industrial fibre to the premises (FTTP) non-mechanical splicing installations.
All client cabling work in the telecommunications, fire, security and data industries must be performed by a registered cabler. All cablers are required to register with an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) accredited registrar.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for splicing | 1.1 Select safety equipment to protect self and public according to enterprise guidelines and work health and safety (WHS) practices 1.2 Confirm layout of installation according to physical conditions at site and relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards 1.3 Inform appropriate personnel of identified hazards on worksite 1.4 Locate other services from relevant authorities according to enterprise guidelines and safe practices 1.5 Test for dangerous gases and place guards around open manholes following WHS and environmental requirements 1.6 Obtain approval for alterations to design according to enterprise guidelines |
2. Check existing optical fibre cable | 2.1 Verify that cable was installed according to installation plan and visually inspect cable for signs of sheath damage 2.2 Maintain minimum bend ratios according to manufacturer’s specifications to prevent cable damage and signal degradation 2.3 Secure cable according to safe industry practice to avoid cable and sheath damage |
3. Splice optical fibre cable | 3.1 Verify fibre is not live using appropriate equipment to maintain safe working practice and ensure correct fibre has been identified 3.2 Prepare cable end to expose optical fibres according to splicing method and manufacturer’s specifications 3.3 Prepare and splice fibres using safe industry practice according to enterprise specifications 3.4 Test splice joint to manufacturer’s and design requirements |
4. Terminate optical fibre cable | 4.1 Select connector unit to suit terminating frame according to design specifications 4.2 Terminate cable using type of termination specified in plan and according to manufacturer’s specifications 4.3 Test termination for transmission loss and strength, and re-terminate if transmission loss exceeds manufacturer’s specifications 4.4 Install protection devices on connectors to protect from exposure and contaminants 4.5 Label and lay up cables in enclosure according to manufacturer’s instructions and enterprise guidelines |
5. Finish job and report | 5.1 Remove waste and reinstate site according to enterprise guidelines 5.2 Prepare reports, including test results and alterations to plans, according to enterprise policy 5.3 Notify appropriate personnel of work completion and obtain sign off |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
splice, terminate and test optical fibre cable, applying safety precautions when working with laser based systems
splice at least 12 fibres and house in industry recognised enclosures according to manufacturer’s instructions
install a mechanical splice connector (fast or quick connector)
install a pigtail that is fusion spliced to the cable fibre
complete relevant documentation to manufacturer’s and design requirements
provide report documenting the installation and test results to client
comply with all related work health and safety (WHS) requirements and work practices.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
identify causes of signal strength loss in optical fibre
identify colour coding of fibres
summarise relevant safety standards applicable to the operation of laser products
describe the features and operating requirements of test equipment for optical fibre cable
identify industry and organisational policies and procedures when splicing optical fibre cable
describe the information required to operate equipment according to a test specification
identify optical fibre equipment and summarise the manufacturer’s requirement for safe operation
describe the safety precautions when working with laser based systems
identify specific WHS requirements relating to the activity and site conditions, including hazardous gases
discuss techniques for types of termination including:
direct termination
fusion splicing
describe test methods and performance requirements
identify types of optical cable
state the relevant authorities that may be involved in optical fibre installations.
Assessment Conditions
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
sites where splicing and termination of optical fibre cable may be conducted
optical fibre testing equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on optical fibre cable installation activities.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3 | Understands familiar texts of limited complexity that may incorporate graphs, tables and charts Recognises the structures and distinguishing features of a range of familiar text types |
Writing | 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 5.2, 5.3 | Interrelates ideas and information and some support material when writing about familiar topics |
Oral Communication | 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 5.3 | Demonstrates an awareness of the need to vary structure, style, tone and vocabulary to meet the requirements of the audience, context and purpose |
Numeracy | 2.2 | Interprets and comprehends whole numbers and familiar or routine fractions, decimals and percentages |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.3, 4.5, 5.1-5.3 | Takes responsibility for decisions about when and how to complete tasks and coordinate with others Takes personal responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory responsibilities relevant to own work context, and draws attention to any issues that may affect self or others |
Get the work done | 1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1-4.5, 5.1 | Implements actions as per plan, making slight adjustments if necessary, and addressing some unexpected issues Initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within immediate context |
Sectors
Telecommunications – cabling