Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use fall arrest, fall guarding and fall restraint when working at heights in a telecommunications rigging environment for standard telecommunications structures.
It applies to individuals who are usually highly skilled communicators working in a team environment. They must be appropriately licensed to complete high-risk work and be able to safely use all required equipment.
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
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to use operational safety in telecommunications rigging environment | 1.1 Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards, and applicable to fall arrest, fall guarding and fall restraint systems 1.2 Select tools and safety equipment required for safe rigging practice |
2. Assess hazards associated with wearing safety equipment | 2.1 Inform appropriate personnel of potential faults and non-compliances in personal equipment 2.2 Inform appropriate personnel of primary hazards associated with use of safety harness and associated equipment and control strategies |
3. Check and fit safety harness | 3.1 Use correct safety harness fitting method 3.2 Confirm that lanyard is appropriate for task and check lanyard and harness for faults according to manufacturer’s specifications and workplace procedures 3.3 Fit safety harness according to manufacturer’s instructions |
4. Use a safety harness in telecommunications environment | 4.1 Minimise risks to self and others while using safety harness and lanyards using identified safety principles associated with effective fall arrest, fall guarding and fall restraint systems 4.2 Confirm safety of possible hook-on points and select optimum hook-on points 4.3 Attach and detach lanyards in safe manner to and from anchor points |
5. Verify rescue plan to be activated in event of a fall | 5.1 Confirm rescue plan is in place with work supervisor 5.2 Notify individuals of their roles in rescue plan 5.3 Provide report to supervisor on application of operational safety in rigging practice in telecommunications environment |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
apply all work health and safety (WHS) requirements and work practices associated with fall arrest, fall guarding and fall restraint when working at heights in a telecommunications rigging environment.
check and fit a safety harness according to industry practice
use a safety harness where a fall hazard exists at height in a telecommunications context
produce a rescue plan to be activated in the event of a fall.
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:
outline electromagnetic radiation (EMR) safety practices
discuss fall arrest, fall guarding and fall restraint when working at heights in a telecommunications rigging environment
list features and operating requirements of rigging equipment
identify government legislation, regulations, and by-laws relating to rigging works including:
applicable site and company WHS procedures
WHS legislation
relevant codes of practice
subsequent amendments in regards to fall arrest, fall guarding and fall restraint when working at heights in a telecommunications rigging environment
describe hazards associated with wearing a safety harness and associated equipment
summarise licensing and regulatory issues applying to rigging practices and systems on telecommunications radio structures
discuss optical fibre cabling and equipment safety practices
identify personal protective equipment for rigging projects
describe the rescue plan to be activated in the event of a fall
outline risks present when working on telecommunications radio structures
explain safe rigging practices and systems to telecommunications radio structures
describe suspension trauma
summarise working-at-heights safety practices
identify workplace operational procedures.
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 ‒ telecommunications rigging installation field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and materials.
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, 3.2, 3.3 | Interprets textual information from relevant sources to identify equipment suitability and adhere to procedures and standards |
Writing | 2.1, 2.2, 5.1-5.3 | Legibly completes relevant reports and documentation using clear and technically specific language |
Oral Communication | 2.1, 5.1, 5.2 | Uses listening and questioning skills to confirm understanding of requirements, participates in a verbal exchange of ideas and solutions, and uses appropriate, detailed and clear language to address key personnel and disseminate information |
Numeracy | 1.2, 3.2 | Performs basic mathematical calculations to compare and measure equipment requirements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 3.1-3.3, 4.1 | Takes personal responsibility for adherence to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards relevant to own work context, and draws attention to any issues that may affect self or others Understands the nature and purpose of own role and associated responsibilities when using harness and lanyard, and how role contributes to the work of others in the immediate work context Recognises and follows protocols relating to manufacturer's instructions and safety principles and practices regarding fitting and use of harness and lanyards |
Interact with others | 5.1-5.3 | Understands what to communicate, with whom and how in routine work situations, and is learning how to identify the requirements of less familiar contexts |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, 4.3 | Plans a range of routine and some non-routine tasks, accepting stated goals and aiming to achieve them efficiently and safely Selects from a range of pre-determined options in routine situations, identifying and taking some situational factors into account in relation to hazard identification and safe work practices Recognises and takes responsibility for addressing predictable and some less predictable problems in familiar work contexts Initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within immediate context |
Sectors
Telecommunications ‒ telecommunications rigging installation