Assist in the installation of telecoms equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to assist in the installation of operational telecoms systems and equipment under direction, including the use of correct tools and equipment in accordance with your organisation's procedures. The telecoms equipment in this standard can be for overground or underground rail transportation systems.

You will be required to use the appropriate tools and equipment throughout the installation activities and to apply a range of installation methods and techniques to position, level and align the equipment, and to make connections as appropriate to the equipment installed. Where appropriate, you may also assist in working with computers or electronic controllers, making connections, installing hardware and loading and updating software. The installation activities will include making checks and adjustments, in line with your permitted authority, and assisting others to ensure that the installed equipment functions to the required specification.

Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the installation activities undertaken and to report any problems with the activities, tools or equipment used that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You must check that all tools, equipment and materials used in the installation activities are removed from the work area on completion of the work and that the relevant job/task documentation is completed accurately and legibly. You will be expected to work to instructions in conjunction with others, taking personal responsibility for your own actions, and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.

For the installation standard, you'll work in a team but must show significant personal input and competence in all areas the standard demands. Your knowledge should support your work, allowing you to apply installation procedures for telecoms equipment with an informed approach. You'll understand the equipment and its installation needs well enough to ensure a safe, effective process. Safety is crucial; you must practice and demonstrate safe working methods, understanding and implementing necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

P1 maintain safe working practices and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, directives, and guidelines
P2 follow all relevant diagrams, specifications and procedures for the installation being carried out
P3 carry out all installation activities within the limits of your own authority and in accordance with your organisations procedures
P4 use the correct tools and equipment for the installation and check that they are in a safe, usable condition and calibrated
P5 install, position and secure the equipment and components in accordance with the specification
P6 run, secure and terminate wires and cables in accordance with the installation
P7 identify and label wires and cables in accordance with installation requirements
P8 ensure that the installation is complete and that all components are free from damage, including checking that all necessary connections to the equipment are complete
P9 dealt with all waste items in line with your organisation's procedures
P10 report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P11 address problems within your control and report unresolved issues

K1 the relevant health and safety regulations, directives, guidelines, and safe working practices and procedures defined by your organisation, as appropriate to the activity and your working area
K2 how to locate and access the site
K3 how to locate and identify the equipment, components and cables to be worked on
K4 the isolation and lock-off procedure or permit-to-work procedure that applies to the system (such as electrical isolation, locking off switchgear, placing of warning notices, proving the isolation has been achieved and secured)
K5 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K6 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K7 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber mating and isolating transformers)
K8 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the installation activities
K9 hazards associated with carrying out telecom installation activities (such as stored voltages, radio frequency radiation, electrical supplies, electrical/electronic interfaces, using damaged or ill-maintained tools and equipment, not following laid-down procedures), and how to minimise these and reduce any risks
K10 the relevant methods, techniques and procedures for installation activities
K11 how to follow relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for installation of telecoms equipment
K12 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment
K13 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K14 how to select the correct tools for the activity, including how to confirm that they are calibrated and stored in accordance with your organisation's procedures after use
K15 how to identify the various types of connectors used and the correct tools and equipment to make the connections
K16 the different types of mounting, connecting and cable supporting systems used in the installation of telecoms equipment
K17 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K18 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others involved

1. Types of health and safety legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures, include:

   • your organisation's safety management system
   • control of substances hazardous to health
   • safe work plans
   • track access restrictions
   • track work instructions
   • track possession
   • task risk control sheets
   • current rule book
   • regulations for working under OLE and in the vicinity of DC lines (where appropriate)
   • equipment disconnections
   • manual handling
   • reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences
   • safety signage legal requirements
   • PPE

2. Types of site installation locations could include:

   • trackside
   • internal (such as signal box, equipment room)
   • areas to which the public have access
   • confined spaces
   • elevated structures

3. Types of telecom equipment to be installed could include:

   • transmission systems
   • bearer circuits
   • telecoms bearers carrying signalling circuits
   • SCADA
   • operational telephones
   • switches and systems (such as telephone exchanges & concentrators)
   • railway operational information systems
   • PA and CCTV
   • operational CCTV (such as OPO/DOO)
   • GSM-R
   • other industry specific telecom equipment

4. Types of approved/calibrated tools and equipment used, as applicable to the equipment being installed, include:

   • power tools
   • hand tools
   • wire and cable strippers
   • IDC tools (such as punch down tool)
   • crimping tools
   • torque wrenches
   • measuring equipment
   • levelling equipment

5. Types of connections to be made during the installation could include:

   • crimping
   • mechanical
   • soldering
   • IDC
   • optical
   • other specific type of termination/connection

6. Installation activities may need to comply with the following:

   • infrastructure guidelines and standard operating procedures
   • equipment manufacturer's documents
   • BS, ISO and/or BS EN standards
   • other industry specific telecom standards/specifications

7. Types of installation records that need to be completed and passed to the appropriate people could include:

   • job card
   • installation log and action report
   • company reporting procedures
   • other industry specific installation records