Telecommunications linesmen and line installers apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. It may make use of support anchors and catenaries.

They may be required to do new installations, upgrades or maintain existing networks in domestic, commercial and industrial installations to deliver services in x-digital subscriber line (xDSL), fibre to the home (FTTH) and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) networks.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for aerial cable installation

1.1. Obtain construction plan from appropriate personnel to scope the work and arrange for site access

1.2. Notify appropriate personnel of identified safety hazards at the cabling worksite

1.3. Determine cable route and type of cable from construction plan identifying and avoiding other services

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

2. Install aerial cable

2.1. Use tools according to enterprise guidelines and occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations

2.2. Install catenary wire or gantry wire or integral bearer cable (IBC) and tension to required specifications

2.3. Install cable according to manufacturer's andenterprise guidelines ensuring that no damage is caused and that the physical characteristics of the cable are maintained

2.4. Secure cable permanently to support structure using aerial fixing devices according to manufacturer's and enterprise guidelines

2.5. Number the cables on towers according to enterprise guidelines

3. Terminate, seal and secure aerial cable

3.1. Terminate and seal cables according to manufacturer's specifications

3.2. Joint cable in suitable closures using enterprise guidelines

3.3. Loop and secure cable on support structure with bending radius tolerance for cable materials to reduce damage to conductors

3.4. Test cable for continuity and rectify fault if required

3.5. Record test results for future reference

4. Complete project

4.1. Complete reports on installation and design amendments and file according to enterprise requirements

4.2. Recover obsolete materials and equipment and return to appropriate point for disposal

4.3. Restore site according to the requirements of enterprise or approving authority and to customer satisfaction

4.4. Notify appropriate personnel of job completion and obtain sign off

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with internal and external personnel on technical and operational matters

literacy skills to:

complete reports in a given format

read and interpret drawings, plans and specifications

numeracy skills to take and use measurements

planning and organisational skills to organise and maintain equipment

problem solving skills to solve logistics problems

task management skills to work systematically with required attention to detail and adherence to all safety requirements

technical skills to:

use hand and power tools

use diagnostic equipment

rectify fault

Required knowledge

features and operating requirements of cable test equipment

information required to operate equipment according to a test specification

installation of a range of aerial cable types

legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that impact on the work activity

licence requirements for working at heights

manufacturer's requirements for safe operation of equipment

specific OHS requirements relating to the activity and site conditions

test methods and performance requirements

typical issues and challenges that occur on site

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

install an aerial cable, including hauling aerial cable, cable securing and sealing

identify safe support structures from pole status markings, visual inspection or approved testing procedures

use specialised hand or power tools and equipment for installing aerial cable safely

apply all related OHS requirements and work practices associated with installing aerial cable pole and ladder safety

comply with all related OHS requirements and work practices.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

sites where aerial cable may be installed

use of plant, tools and equipment to erect aerial cable currently used in industry

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impact on aerial cable installation activities.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

review of an aerial cable installed by the candidate

direct observation of the candidate installing aerial cables

oral or written questioning to assess required knowledge and skill.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTCBL2132A Erect aerial cable supports.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Appropriate personnel may include:

customer representative

project manager

site manager.

Safety hazards may refer to:

access points that may contain:

hazardous light (non-visible laser)

radio frequency (RF) emission

contact with remote power feed

electrical supply and areas of earth potential rise that require mandatory separation from communications cable

hazardous conduit as according to AS 1345:1995 conduit colours associated with a hazardous service

unsafe support structures:

condemned poles

visible signs of decay or stress

unsafe weather:

heavy rains

high winds

severe heat or cold

thunderstorms.

Cable may include:

coaxial

data cabling

distribution cable

lead-in cable

multi-pair copper

optical fibre

radio feeder.

Other services may include:

availability and suitability of existing cabling trays and fixing systems

fire sprinkler systems

gas and water mains

high voltage (HV) power.

Plant, tools, safety equipment may include:

plant:

cherry picker

elevated platform vehicle

ladders

scissor lifts

wire raising tool (insulated)

safety equipment:

flashing lights

gas and other hazard detection equipment

personal protective clothing:

earmuffs

fall arrest systems

gloves

head protection

kneepads

masks

protective suits

safety boots

safety glasses

safety barriers

trench guards

warning signs and tapes

test equipment:

cable tester

continuity tester

local area network (LAN) Cat tester

passive optical network (PON) meter

tools:

auger

cable tensioner

fixing brackets

height measuring device

spanner.

OHS regulations may include:

appropriate licences:

crane

EWP

forklift

winch

Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes

AS Communications Cabling Manual (CCM)
Volume 1

AS/NZS 3000:2007

AS/NZS 3080:2003

AS/NZS 3084:2003

AS/NZS 3085.1:2004

AS/NZS IEC 61935.1:2006

AS/NZS IEC 61935.2:2006

AS/NZS ISO/IEC 14763.3:2007

AS/NZS ISO/IEC 15018:2005

AS/NZS ISO/IEC 24702:2007

cabling security codes and regulations

Environmental Protection Acts

OHS

road and traffic control legislation and codes

technical standards AS/ACIF S008:2006 and AS/ACIF S009:2006.

Catenary wire may refer to:

integrated or installed separately to cable

constructed of steel:

single or multi-stranded depending on cable size.

Tension may be specified by:

enterprise

manufacturer

power company.

Manufacturer's and enterprise guidelines refer to:

cable loop being bent within bending radius tolerance for cable materials

maintaining long enough cable end for jointing, maintenance and water drip points requirements

provision for expansion of hard-line cable made according to manufacturer's specifications.

Aerial fixing devices may include:

bolts and lugs

clamps

hooks

mounts

riser pipes

screw hooks.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Cabling

This unit contains employability skills.