Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to install and test optical fibre cable on a customer's premises for communications applications using a range of terminations that may include direct termination, fusion splicing and mechanical splicing.
It applies to technical staff who place, secure and terminate optical fibre cable in new installations and upgrades or maintain existing networks in domestic, commercial and industrial installations. Communications applications include digital and analog, telephony, data, video, digital broadcasting, computer networks, local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN) and multimedia.
All customer cabling work in the telecommunications, fire, security and data industries must be performed by a registered cabler. All cablers are required to register with an Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) accredited registrar.
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 installation of optical fibre cable | 1.1 Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards 1.2 Arrange access to site according to required procedure 1.3 Inform appropriate personnel of identified 1.4 Organise tools, cabling products, equipment and materials for given work 1.5 Match optical fibre cable 1.6 Check proposed route and bend ratios to meet manufacturer’s specifications and industry standards 1.7 Test cable on drum for optical continuity if required |
2 Install, terminate and test optical fibre cable | 2.1 Install cable following work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements, and complying with manufacturer’s specifications and industry standards 2.2 Join cable and perform type of termination specified in plan using safe work practices and according to manufacturer’s specifications 2.3 Test joint for transmission loss and strength and re-terminate joint if transmission loss exceeds manufacturer’s specifications 2.4 Record all measurements |
3 Remove fibre hazards from work area | 3.1 Clean work area thoroughly to minimise risk of injury from loose glass fibre 3.2 Dispose of waste safely according to relevant environmental requirements 3.3 Restore worksite to customer’s satisfaction |
4 Document installation | 4.1 Update plans and records with details of installation and test results 4.2 Notify customer of work completion and obtain sign off |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
install, terminate and test optical fibre cable, applying safety precautions when working with laser based systems
install a mechanical splice connector and fusion splice a pigtail to cable fibre
complete relevant documentation to manufacturer’s and design requirements
provide report documenting the installation and test results to the customer
comply with all related work health and safety (WHS) 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:
identify and describe the application of relevant legislation, codes of practice and standards for optical fibre
describe the various types of optical fibre cable and associated connectors, enclosures and required equipment
describe the features and operating requirements of test equipment for optical fibre cable
describe the information required to operate equipment according to a test specification
identify the manufacturer’s requirements for safe operation of optical fibre equipment
describe safety precautions when working with laser based systems
identify specific WHS requirements relating to the activity and site conditions
describe the hazards associated with working with optical cable:
bare fibres
hazardous laser light
describe test methods and performance requirements
identify issues relating to environmental work practices and the disposal of waste
discuss techniques for types of termination, including:
direct termination
fusion splicing.
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 should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – cabling field of work and include access to special purpose tools, equipment and materials.
These include access to:
sites where installation and termination of optical fibre cable may be conducted
optical fibre testing equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on optical fibre cable installation activities.
Note: All client cabling work in the telecommunications, fire, security and data industries must be performed by a registered cabler. All cablers are required to register with an Australian Communications and Media (ACMA) accredited registrar. Assessment by a Telecommunications Industry Training Advisory Board (TITAB) registered assessor is recommended for this unit.
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 | 1.5, 1.6, 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 4.2 | Recognises the structures and distinguishing features of a range of familiar text types |
Writing | 1.2, 2.4, 4.1 | Chooses appropriate text type to communicate relevant information and/or ideas effectively |
Oral Communication | 1.2, 1.3 | Demonstrates awareness of choices in register, especially in situations that are familiar |
Numeracy | 1.6, 2.3, 2.4, 4.1 | Interprets and comprehends whole numbers and familiar or routine fractions, decimals and percentages |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 | Takes personal responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory responsibilities relevant to own work context, and draws attention to any issues that may affect self or others |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4-1.7, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.3 | Implements actions as per plan, making slight adjustments if necessary, and addressing some unexpected issues Automatically implements standard procedures for routine decisions in response to familiar problems Understands when to take responsibility and when to notify others |
Sectors
Telecommunications – cabling