Technical staff who install aerial cable for customer and hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) networks apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They use basic rigging procedures, methods and equipment for working safely at height.

It may make use of formal documentation such as accurate completion of a telecommunications cabling advice (TCA) form (TCA1 form) and cable records.

This unit applies to outdoor installation within a customer premises.

It may be applied to domestic, commercial or 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.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for aerial cable installation

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. Verify location of proposed aerial cable installationrequirements according to the appropriate plans and recognise constraints

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

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

1.6. Select tools and equipment required for safe work practice

1.7. Erect barriers according to safety requirements

1.8. Assess support structure as safe for normal working conditions

1.9. Set up cable installation equipment according to manufacturer's requirements and enterprise guidelines

2. Attach aerial cable to catenary

2.1. Select type of cable bearer for catenary wire installation

2.2. Use basic rigging procedures, methods and equipment for working safely at heights

2.3. Secure catenary wire or bearer wire permanently to support structure using safe installation practices according to specifications

2.4. Haul and secure cable to catenary wire following occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements

3. Seal and secure aerial cable

3.1. Seal cable ends to prevent ingress of foreign material

3.2. Secure cable loop on support structure to reduce damage to conductors and to enable ease of access for maintenance

3.3. Weather seal building entry points where appropriate

3.4. Fit over-voltage protection devices to all cables with metallic component where required

3.5. Complete reports on installation and design amendments accurately and file promptly according to enterprise requirements

4. Restore site and complete documentation

4.1. Restore worksite to the customer's satisfaction

4.2. Complete reports on installation

4.3. Notify customer and obtain sign off

Required skills

communication skills to:

liaise with internal and external personnel on technical and operational matters

relate to work associates, supervisors, team members and clients

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, such as equipment manuals, specifications and requirements for aerial cable installation

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

technical skills to use:

hand and power tools, diagnostic equipment and perform fault clearance

basic rigging procedures, methods and equipment for working safely at heights

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

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:

prepare site for installation ensuring all relevant authorities have been notified and approvals obtained prior to commencement

install aerial cable using effective practices

use basic rigging procedures, methods and equipment for working safely at heights

comply with all related OHS requirements and work practices.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

sites where aerial cable installation may be conducted

use of aerial installation equipment currently used in industry

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

Methods 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 completed documentation, including updated cable plans and records

direct observation of the candidate installing aerial cable.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICTCBL3020A Construct 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.

Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards 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.

Aerial cable installation requirements may include:

approvals from relevant authorities

details of:

location of other services

location of plant and equipment

proposed route

reinstatement requirements

site access requirements

joint use with electrical services

regulated or industry codes of practice and include appropriate ACMA technical standards

structures that may be public or private

use of:

pole

tower

wall.

Plans may include:

building

construction

design

site layout drawings

street.

Constraints may include:

availability of cable size and type

condition of poles

earth potential rise (EPR):

event at a site, such as an electrical distribution substation, may expose telecommunications personnel, users or plant to hazardous voltages

optical cable may contain a hazardous light

radio frequency (RF) equipment may emit hazardous radiation

remote power feeding which operate at above telecommunications network voltage (TNV)

site conditions.

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.

Hazards may include:

EPR

optical cable:

bare fibres

hazardous laser light

remote power feeding

RF emission.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand tools such as:

crowbar

glue

hammers

pick

saws

shovels

mechanical equipment such as:

auger

borer

concrete gutter

EWP

ladders

mole plough

trenching machine.

Barriers may include:

flashing lights

trench guards

warning signs and tapes

witches hats.

Support structure as safe may refer to:

condemned pole status markings

suitable testing methods

visible signs of decay or stress.

Cable may include:

Category 5

Category 6 or 6A

Category 7 or 7A

coaxial

copper

optical fibre.

Specifications include:

cable compliant with appropriate ACMA technical standard requirements

cabling products other than cable must be ACMA-approved

regulated or industry codes of practice and include appropriate ACMA technical standards

relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards.

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

personal protective clothing:

earmuffs

gloves

leather

plastic

rubber

head protection

kneepads

masks

protective suits

safety boots

safety glasses

safety harness

safety line

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.

Over voltage protection includes:

ACMA standards

hazard requirements including:

enterprise

local environmental

manufacturer.

Reports may include:

job cards

plans

worksheets.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Cabling

This unit contains employability skills.