Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to locate and identify cable system faults in communications cables at enterprise and client premises sites. The cable types may be telecommunications digital, voice, data and active format description (AFD) in digital TV cabling.
It applies to technical staff who are required to locate and rectify communications cable system faults, including local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), master antenna television (MATV), cable television (CATV), closed-circuit television (CCTV), digital video broadcasting – terrestrial (DVB-T), digital video broadcasting – satellite (DVB-S), security alarm systems, fire systems, voice over internet protocol (VoIP) networks and radio communications. Their roles could include carrying out installation, maintenance and cable upgrades including structured cabling, fibre cabling, coaxial cabling and cable termination equipment.
Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on 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 to locate and rectify cable fault | 1.1 Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards 1.2 Inform appropriate personnel of existing and potential 1.3 Arrange access to site according to required procedure 1.4 Establish type of cable and nature of fault from client for cable system 1.5 Select suitable testing tools and equipment and personal protective equipment to meet required industry standards |
2. Locate and diagnose cable fault | 2.1 Conduct appropriate test following work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements to identify type of cable fault 2.2 Isolate fault progressively to remove likely variables from assessment 2.3 Locate cable or cable termination equipment fault without undue interruptions to client activity in shortest possible time 2.4 Notify client of findings |
3. Rectify fault | 3.1 Present client with options to rectify fault 3.2 Advise client of costs of any repair not covered by service agreement 3.3 Conduct fault rectification, if client agrees, in a manner that is safe for repair team and client 3.4 Escalate any unresolved faults to other parties for resolution if required |
4. Complete documentation and clean up worksite | 4.1 Advise client of successful fault clearance and obtain sign off 4.2 Complete all records 4.3 Complete reports to justify fault diagnosis and rectification methodology if required 4.4 Remove all waste and debris from worksite and dispose of according to environmental requirements 4.5 Restore any changes made to worksite during fault repair to client’s satisfaction |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
identify different faults using checks, tests and fault-finding methodology
determine and rank likely causes of fault
provide the client with solutions for rectifying faults
rectify the faults
escalate unresolved faults to other parties for resolution
comply with all related health and safety 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:
describe the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) competency requirements for Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules
recognise the features and operating requirements of test equipment
describe how to operate equipment according to a test specification
state the legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that impact on the work activity
identify the manufacturer’s requirements for safe operation of testing instruments
describe the specific work health and safety (WHS) requirements relating to the activity and site conditions
select the test methods and identify the test performance requirements
identify typical issues and challenges that occur on site.
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 must be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – cabling field of work and include access to:
sites where cable system tests may be conducted
fault-finding equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on cable system testing and fault-finding 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 | Interprets, consolidates and checks information and data Interprets technical documentation and test results from equipment manuals and specifications |
Writing | 1.2, 1.4, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1-4.3 | Accurately records and completes information in organisational systems Prepares documentation and correspondence using clear language and correct spelling and terminology |
Oral Communication | 1.2, 1.4, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.5 | Clearly explains detailed information using language, tone and pace appropriate to the audience Interacts effectively in verbal exchanges using active listening, questioning, and reading of verbal and non-verbal signals to convey and clarify information |
Numeracy | 2.1, 3.2 | Performs mathematical calculations to check, interpret and confirm numerical information |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 4.4 | Takes personal responsibility for following explicit and implicit policies, procedures and legislative requirements Seeks advice and clarification for new activities |
Interact with others | 1.2, 1.4, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.5 | Uses a range of strategies and reads verbal and non-verbal signals to establish a sense of connection and build rapport with clients and workmates Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating to clients and co-workers in a range of work contexts |
Get the work done | 1.3, 1.5, 2.1-2.3, 3.3, 4.4, 4.5 | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes Accepts responsibility for addressing less predictable problems and initiates standard procedures in response, applying problem solving processes in determining a solution Uses familiar digital technologies and systems to test cables, access information, enter data, present information and communicate with others |
Sectors
Telecommunications – cabling