ICTCMP501
Undertake radio communications site audit


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake a radio communications site audit regarding compliance of radio frequency (RF) transmissions with relevant transmitter licence requirements.

It applies to individuals who may be field officers from regulatory authorities or other private and public organisations. They combine technical radio communications skills with broader organisational and administrative skills to conduct audits in a range of commercial and community contexts and environments, make recommendations for improvement and follow up by monitoring resulting actions.

Work functions in 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 radio communications site audit

1.1 Confirm need for site audit through appropriate triggers and arrange formal approval for site access from authorised personnel

1.2 Clarify audit requirements according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards, including safety and security arrangements, and action required to comply

1.3 Clarify audit requirements with client or project originator, where appropriate, and incorporate broader audit considerations

1.4 Prepare a hardcopy of site information for use as an audit validation list at site

1.5 Specify staff, equipment and material resource requirements for audit, based on particular site requirements ensuring equipment has been correctly calibrated and labelled

1.6 Check industry requirements for site and obtain industry licence where appropriate

2. Undertake radio communications site audit

2.1 Validate specific site location according to database information

2.2 Undertake audit tasks according to work health and safety (WHS), enterprise procedures and site specific safety requirements, and meet client or representative on site as required

2.3 Conduct transmission and radio frequency (RF) tests against approved specifications

2.4 Conduct check of transmitters for licensing conditions

2.5 Check transmission radio frequency against database list and obtain permission to check or alter transmission or radio frequency where appropriate

2.6 Confirm site meets specific RF WHS requirements and licensing requirements where appropriate

2.7 Confirm defined site equipment labelling comply with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) technical standards

3. Complete audit administration tasks

3.1 Update or arrange for update of required records regarding audit findings and action required, including liaison with authorised personnel as agreed

3.2 Monitor recommended actions to ensure compliance with findings

3.3 Issue enforcement actions as required

3.4 Finalise audit administration and return equipment and resources according to organisational procedures

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of ability to:

determine the need for a site audit and gain access approvals

conduct radio communications site audit for at least three sites with differing licensing requirements

conduct transmission and radio frequency (RF) tests

monitor non-compliances to ensure actions completed

document enforcement actions.

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:

explain features and functions of test equipment including:

digital radio communications measuring equipment

modulation analyser

power meter

RF termination

spectrum analyser

describe the features of licensing databases

describe information required to prepare and conduct telecommunications audits

explain legislation, licensing requirements for transmitters, codes of practice and other formal agreements that directly impact radio communications site audits

give an overview of transmission lines, transmitter and receiver architecture and their impact on radio communications audits

list required field measurements including:

carrier frequency

harmonics

intermodulation distortion (IMD) products

modulation

RF power

explain specific issues related to antenna installations and their impact on radio communications interference

explain specific work health and safety (WHS) requirements that impact the conduct of radio communications audits, including:

use of equipment

use of RF protective equipment

other personal protective equipment

explain types of adjustments that need to be made to audit procedures to meet requirements of particular sites and environmental conditions

typical issues and challenges that occur in telecommunications site audit and how these may be addressed.


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 – Compliance field of work and include access to:

sites on which audits may be conducted

use of field measurement equipment currently used in industry

relevant databases, licensing requirements and other site related documentation.

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 the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 2.7, 3.2

Critically analyses documentation from a variety of sources and records and consolidates information to determine requirements

Writing

1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 3.3

Accurately records and completes organisational documents and correspondence using clear language and correct spelling, grammar and terminology

Oral Communication

1.1,1.3, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2

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

Numeracy

1.4, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6

Performs mathematical calculations to interpret complex tests results and information

Analyses and synthesises highly embedded mathematical information in a broad range of tasks and texts

Navigate the world of work

1.2, 1.6, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 3.4

Takes full responsibility for following policies, procedures and legislative requirements and identifies organisational implications of new legislation or regulations

Identifies and resolves key business issues, processes and practices that may have legal implications

Interact with others

1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 3.1, 3.3

Collaborates with others sharing information to build strong work groups and avoid behaviours that are not conducive to a productive environment

Selects, implements and seeks to improve protocols governing communications to clients and co-workers in a range of work contexts

Get the work done

1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 2.2-2.7, 3.2, 3.4

Accepts responsibility for planning and sequencing complex tasks and workloads, negotiating key aspects with others, and taking into account capabilities, efficiencies and effectiveness

Monitors progress of plans and schedules and reviews and changes them to meet new demands and priorities

Applies systematic and analytical decision-making processes for complex and non-routine situations

Responds intuitively to problems requiring immediate resolution, drawing on past experiences to focus on the cause of a problem rather than the symptom


Sectors

Telecommunications – Compliance