Technical staff who joint metallic conductor cable for indoor and outdoor installation apply the skills and knowledge in this unit.

They may be required to do new installations, cable upgrades and maintain infrastructure in domestic, commercial and industrial situations for service providers and asset owners. Communications applications include digital and analog, telephony, data, video, digital broadcasting, computer networks, local area networks (LAN) wide area networks (WAN) and multimedia.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for jointing metallic conductor cable for Access Network

1.1. Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards

1.2. Arrange access to the site according to required procedure

1.3. Inform appropriate personnel of existing and potential hazards on worksite

1.4. Review site plans and documentation

1.5. Select cable type and appropriate connectors for cable joint

1.6. Set up tools and equipment, and materials required for safe work practice

1.7. Obtain information on location of other services from relevant authorities

2. Joint metallic conductor cable for Access Network

2.1. Joint metallic cable following occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements

2.2. Perform relevant cable tests to ensure joint complies with site specifications, manufacturer's specifications, and relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards

2.3. Rectify any cable faults

2.4. Record cable tests and any modifications required

2.5. Label and tag the cable joint according to enterprise guidelines and industry practice

3. Protect and alarm cable

3.1. Pressurise cable and check for any leakage

3.2. Reconnect alarms, if applicable, according to enterprise guidelines

3.3. Remove waste and debris from work site and disposed of according to environmental requirements and to maintain safe worksite conditions

4. Complete records and clean up site

4.1. Complete required records including alterations and notify customer

4.2. Reinstate site according to customer and company requirements

4.3. Present all records to customer and obtain sign off

Required skills

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

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, such as equipment manuals, specifications and requirements for jointing metallic conductor cable

numeracy skills to take and analyse measurements

planning and organisational skills to organise and maintain equipment

problem solving skills to solve equipment and logistics problems

safety awareness skills to:

apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OHS standards

work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

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

technical skills to:

perform fault clearance

use diagnostic equipment

use hand and power tools

Required knowledge

ACMA Competency Requirements for Telecommunications Cabling Provider Rules 2000

features and operating requirements of test equipment

information required to operate equipment according to a test specification

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

manufacturer's requirements for safe operation of equipment

safety precautions when working with cables

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:

joint cable with appropriate connectors and according to specifications

perform relevant cable tests to comply with site specifications and industry standards

rectify any cable faults.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

sites where jointing metallic conductor cable may be conducted

use of cable testing equipment currently used in industry

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impact on cable jointing 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 a hands-on project completed by the candidate

review of an oral and written report with test results

direct observation of the candidate jointing metallic conductor cable.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICTCBL2133A Construct underground telecommunications infrastructure

ICTCBL3067A Modify and cut over cable.

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.

Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include:

appropriate licences:

crane

forklift

winch

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

Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes

cabling security codes and regulations

Environmental Protection Acts

OHS Acts

road and traffic control legislation and codes

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

Hazards may include:

building debris

glass fibre

live power lines

manual handling

mud and water

natural gas and other gas build up

needle stick injury

vermin.

Plans and documentation may include:

access location

cable coding system and identifiers

cable plan.

Cable joint may involve:

jointing enclosures

joints due to:

access points requirements

additional service points for connection

cable damage

fault rectification

long cable runs

stub joints

underground pits.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand tools:

crowbar

glue

hammers

pick

saws

shovels

mechanical equipment:

auger

backhoe

borer

concrete gutter

ditch witch

excavators

mole plough

trenching machine.

Relevant authorities may include:

cable location services (Dial Before you Dig)

environment protection

local government

private owners

utility providers such as:

electricity

fire services

gas

telecommunications providers

water.

OHS and environmental requirements may relate to:

identifying other services, including power and gas

need for decommissioning and isolating worksite and lines prior to commencement

safe working practices, such as the safe use and handling of:

asbestos

chemicals

materials

tools and equipment

work platforms

safety equipment:

flashing lights

gas and other hazard detection equipment

safety barriers

trench guards

warning signs and tapes

witches hats

special access requirements

suitable light and ventilation

environmental considerations:

clean-up protection

noise, dust and clean-up management

stormwater protection

waste management.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Cabling

This unit contains employability skills.