Application
This unit describes skills and knowledge required to install indoor and outdoor aerial and underground lead-ins for client installations of a new metallic or optical cable installation, or upgrade for an existing network or subsystem, or cabling infrastructure for convergence to next generation networks (NGN) digital reception and broadband.
It applies to technical staff who haul underground or fix aerial cable lead-in. They may make use of tension meters and hauling equipment. It can be applied to new installations and upgrades of telecommunications cabling projects in domestic, commercial and industrial installations.
Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the ICT Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for details of licensing, legislative or certification requirements.
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 cable installation | 1.1 Prepare for given work according to industry standards 1.2 Arrange access to site according to required procedure 1.3 Inform appropriate personnel of identified hazards and safety constraints on worksite 1.4 Obtain cable installation plan and set up installation equipment according to manufacturer’s requirements 1.5 Select suitable protective clothing, tools and equipment, and safety equipment, and confirm support structures are safe |
2 Install aerial cable lead-in | 2.1 Identify and use safe support structures 2.2 Select type of cable bearer and determine need for separate catenary wire installation 2.3 Secure catenary wire or bearer wire permanently to support structure using aerial fixing devices, and adjust tension to meet relevant height and minimum sag requirements to required specifications 2.4 Secure cable safely to catenary wire, leaving cable loop on support structure 2.5 Terminate cable in client enclosure and aerial enclosure |
3 Install underground cable lead-in | 3.1 Run push rod through pipe and attach cable for hauling 3.2 Haul cable using lubricant, cable slippers or rollers to ensure no sheath damage when hauling at correct tension into and out of enclosures 3.3 Provide sufficient cable allowance in enclosures for jointing and maintenance requirements 3.4 Terminate cable in client enclosure and pit enclosure |
4 Seal and secure cable | 4.1 Seal cable ends to prevent ingress of foreign material 4.2 Secure cable loop on support structure to minimise damage to conductors 4.3 Weather seal building entry points where appropriate 4.4 Fit over voltage protection devices to all cables with metallic component where required |
5 Complete tasks on site | 5.1 Record any approved alteration to original design and return to appropriate personnel 5.2 Complete appropriate records and sign reports where required according to enterprise policy 5.3 Restore site to original condition and dispose of waste in environmentally safe manner 5.4 Notify client and obtain sign off |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
install at least one type of aerial cable and one type of underground cable, including placing and securing cables on support structures and building faces for both internal and external locations
haul, secure and seal cables
perform visual inspection to identify safe support structures from pole status markings
terminate cables at the client and network ends of aerial and underground installations
complete and provide a 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 the features and operating requirements of testing equipment
identify and apply industry standards and codes of practice for cabling
identify common types of cable used in telecommunications
identify and describe manufacturer’s requirements for selection and safe operation of tools and equipment
identify workplace procedures reflecting the requirements of legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that impact on the work activity
identify specific WHS hazards and safety requirements relating to the activity and site conditions
list and describe the safety equipment, both personal and worksite related, required for safe work practices
describe the issues relating to the safe use of support structures
identify the appropriate fixing devices used in cable lead-in work
describe termination methods and performance requirements
identify typical issues and challenges that occur on site
identify and explain the purpose of appropriate records and documentation required for work activity.
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 aerial and underground cable lead-ins may be conducted
equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
testing equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work 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 | 1.4, 2.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4 | Uses a range of strategies to facilitate comprehension |
Writing | 5.1, 5.2 | Completes records according to organisational requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.3, 5.1, 5.4 | Use language and non-verbal features appropriate to context |
Numeracy | 2.3 | Interprets and comprehends a range of everyday mathematical information that is embedded in familiar and routine texts |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1-1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 2.3, 5.3 | 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 | 1.1, 1.4, 2.2-2.5, 3.1-3.2, 3.4, 4.1-4.4 | Implements actions as per plan, making slight adjustments if necessary, and addressing some unexpected issues Automatically implements standard procedures for routine decisions in response to familiar problems |
Sectors
Telecommunications – cabling