ICTCBL315
Maintain cable network


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain indoor or outdoor, domestic, commercial or industrial cable network at a client's premises or service provider access networks. This may include communications applications in telephony, broadband, data, video, radio frequency (RF) equipment, security and computer networks, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) and multimedia.

It applies to technicians and lineman installers who install and maintain network cable equipment within the broadband infrastructure deployment. They may upgrade a coaxial or optical fibre cable as part of a hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) network, a broadband access network or a large client private network.

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


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 maintenance

1.1 Obtain relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards for compliance when conducting work

1.2 Scope work by obtaining project plan from appropriate personnel and arrange for site access to comply with security arrangements

1.3 Notify appropriate personnel of identified safety hazards at worksite

1.4 Determine cable route and type of cable from schedule, and identify and avoid other services

1.5 Obtain plant, tools and safety equipment and material to perform tasks safely and efficiently

2. Maintain cables, cable supports and enclosures

2.1 Follow health and safety and environmental requirements for given work and avoid contact with other services

2.2 Clean area of debris, vegetation and foreign matter if required

2.3 Conduct visual inspections on cable infrastructure for assessment of evident damages according to enterprise guidelines, and notify appropriate personnel

2.4 Undertake remedial action on damages according to warranties and service level agreements prior to maintenance routine

2.5 Perform maintenance tasks and tests in safe manner and note activities on maintenance schedule

3. Complete maintenance documentation

3.1 Record test results, maintenance activities and corrective actions for future reference and complete maintenance schedule attendance chart according to enterprise requirements

3.2 Recover obsolete materials and return to appropriate point for disposal

3.3 Restore siteaccording to requirements of enterprise or approving authority and to client satisfaction

3.4 Notify appropriate personnel of job completion and obtain sign off

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

maintain cables, cable supports and enclosures

test cables and equipment and interpret results

undertake remedial action on damages

safely use specialised hand or power tools and equipment

apply regulations and standards related to the maintenance

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:

recognise and select cabling types, connectors and cabling structures

identify connections to carrier infrastructure or equipment, such as main distribution frame (MDF) or customer interface units (CIU)

describe the maintenance requirements of the equipment at the client's premises

identify the electrical and optical properties to be measured

specify the health and safety considerations including:

electrical safety and lifting hazards

manufacturer’s requirements for safe operation of equipment

identify and select the test methods and performance requirements for the maintenance work

identify the typical issues and challenges that occur on the worksite

describe the purpose of warranties and service level agreements in relation to maintenance work.


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 maintenance of network cable may be conducted

equipment currently used in industry

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on maintenance 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, 1.2, 1.4, 2.4, 3.1

Reads and interprets plans, specifications and other documentation from a variety of sources and consolidates information to determine requirements

Analyses and consolidates test results and data from a range of sources, against defined criteria and requirements

Writing

2.5, 3.1, 3.4

Prepares documentation and correspondence using clear language and correct spelling and terminology

Documents outcomes and changes to plans using industry relevant terminology and recognised plan symbols

Oral Communication

1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 3.4

Conveys and clarifies information effectively to a range of personnel using collaborative techniques, including active listening and questioning

Presents complex information in formal situations using clear and convincing language, tone and pace appropriate for the audience and purpose

Numeracy

1.2, 1.4, 1.5

Make calculations appropriate for measuring and estimating materials for maintenance works

Performs mathematical calculations to check, interpret and confirm results of system tests

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3

Takes personal responsibility for following explicit and implicit policies, procedures and legislative requirements

Identifies and acts on issues that contravene relevant policies, procedures and legal requirements

Interact with others

1.2, 1.3, 2.3, 3.4

Uses a range of strategies, reads verbal and non-verbal signals, establishes a sense of connection and builds rapport with clients and co-workers

Get the work done

1.1-1.5, 2.2-2.5, 3.2, 3.3

Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes

Addresses less predictable problems and initiates standard procedures in response, applying problem solving processes in determining solutions


Sectors

Telecommunications – cabling