Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This unit covers installation of underground conduits and ducts and drawing-in communication cables. The unit encompasses working safely and to standard and specifications, preparing and filling trenches, placing conduits and ducts, drawing cables, and completing necessary documentation.

Application of the Unit 

2) 

This unit is intended for competency development in entry-level employment based programs incorporated in approved contracts of training.

License to practice 

3)  

The skills and knowledge described in this unit require a registration to practise in the workplace subject to requirements set out ACMA ‘Open’ Cabling Provider Rule. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:

1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control and lifting equipment. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical communications equipment and site rehabilitation.

2. Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, confined space, lifting and risk safety measures.

Prerequisite Unit(s) 

4)  

Competencies 

4.1) 

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

UEENEEE102A

Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components

UEENEEE104A

Solve problems in d.c. circuits

UEENEEE105A

Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment

UEENEEE107A

Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications

UEENEEF102A

Install and maintain cabling for multiple access to telecommunication services

For the full prerequisite chain details for this unit please refer to Table 2 in Volume 1, Part 2

Literacy and numeracy skills 

4.2)  

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 ‘Literacy and Numeracy’

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Employability Skills 

5)  

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6)  Elements describe the essential outcomes of a competency standard unit

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to install underground communication cables.

1.1

OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood.

1.2

Health and safety risks are identified and established risk control measures and procedures are followed in preparation for the work.

1.3

Safety hazards that have not previously been identified are noted and established risk control measures are implemented.

1.4

Cabling installation is prepared in consultation with others affected by the work and sequenced appropriately.

1.5

The nature and location of the work is determined from documentation or in discussion with appropriate person(s) to establish the scope of work to be undertaken.

1.6

Cable routes are planned within the constraints of the precinct, structure, significants and regulations.

1.7

Advice is sought from appropriate persons to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others.

1.8

Material needed for the installation work is obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked against job requirements.

1.9

Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to for the installation work are obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked for correct operation and safety.

1.10

Preparatory work is checked to ensure no damage has occurred and that it complies with requirements.

2

Install underground communication cables.

2.1

OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed.

2.2

Trenching is checked as complying with requirements and standards.

2.3

Ducts/conduits are laid in compliance with requirements and standards.

2.4

Cables are drawn-in without stain of damage.

2.5

Cable ends are protected from damage in preparation for termination.

2.6

Established methods for dealing with unexpected situations are discussed with appropriate person(s) and documented.

2.7

Unexpected situations are dealt with safely and with the approval of an authorised person.

2.8

Ongoing checks of the quality of installed wiring are undertaken in accordance with established procedures.

2.9

Cable installation is carried out efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus, circuits or the surrounding environment and using sustainable energy practices.

3

Document and verify installation of underground communication cables.

3.1

OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed.

3.2

Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures.

3.3

Documenting cable installation.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

8)  This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and installing aerial communication cables.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-EF113A Telecommunication underground cabling requirements and technique s

Evidence shall show an understanding of telecommunication underground cabling, applying safe working practices and relevant Standards, Codes and Regulations to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1. Hazards and control measures in underground cabling working environment

• Risk management and assessment of risk:

• Principle and purpose of risk management, and
• Processes for conducting a risk assessment

• Hazards associated with low-voltage, extra-low voltage and high-currents:

• Parts of an electronic systems and equipment that operate at low-voltage and extra-low voltage,
• Parts of an electronic systems and equipment where high-currents are likely.

• Risks and control measures associated with high-voltage:

• Parts of an electronic systems and equipment that operate at high-voltage,
• The terms ‘touch voltage’, ‘step voltage’, ‘induced voltage’ and ‘creepage’ as they relate to the hazards of high-voltage, and
• Control measures used for dealing with the hazards of high-voltage.

• Risks and control measures associated with low voltage:

• Risks associated with installation, fault finding, maintenance and repair.
• Control measures before, while and after working on electronic systems or equipment
• Isolation and tagging-off procedures.
• Risks and restrictions in working live.
• Control measures for working live.

• Risks and control measures associated with trenches;

• Identification of trenching conditions
• Notification of relevant authorities/utilities and permits
• Digging and trenching equipment safety
• Methods of shoring
• Public safety
• Personal safety equipment

T2. Telecommunication below ground cabling

• Types and purposes of mechanical and manual aids.
• Purpose, location, and capacity of man holes and pits.
• Types of underground cable
• Procedure for the excavation of a site for the installation of a man hole, pit, pipe and conduit

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9)  This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of the unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9.1) 

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accordance with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its ‘richness’. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9.2) 

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the ‘Assessment Guidelines – UEE11’. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

• Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

• Install below ground communication cables as described in 8) and including:

A

Reading and interpreting drawings related to cable schedules and routes

B

Installing ducts/conduits below ground correctly

C

Drawing in cables without strain or damage

D

Protecting cable ends

E

Completing the necessary documentation accurately

F

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9.3) 

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit.

These should be used in the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to installing below ground communication cables.

Method of assessment 

9.4) 

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 ‘Assessment Guidelines’.

Note:

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this competency standard unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9.5) 

There are no current assessment recommendations for this unit.

RANGE STATEMENT 

10)  This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit shall be demonstrated in relation to installing a representative range of below ground communication cables each on at least two occasions.

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

Competency Field 

11)  

Data and Voice Communications