Assist in the replacement of telecoms equipment

This standard identifies the competences you need to assist in the replacement of operational telecoms systems and equipment under direction. Replacement of the equipment can be as a result of maintenance or fault-finding activities. 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 replacement activities, apply a range of removal and installation methods and techniques to replace the equipment and 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 replacement activities will include making checks and adjustments, in line with your permitted authority, and assisting others to ensure that the replaced equipment functions to the required specification.

You must check that all tools, equipment and materials used in the replacement 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. The replacement activity may be carried out as a team effort, but you must demonstrate a significant personal contribution to the activities to satisfy the requirements of the standard and you must demonstrate competence in all the areas required by the standard.

Safety is a key theme throughout this standard. You will be able to take all relevant action to ensure the safety of yourself, others and railway operations.

P1 maintain safe working practices and comply with all relevant health and safety regulations, directives, and guidelines
P2 identify any necessary changes to safety requirements upon site arrival and report to the relevant person(s) without delay
P3 obtain the required equipment and ensure that it is in a suitable condition for replacement and fit for purpose
P4 follow all relevant diagrams and specifications
P5 replace the equipment in the correct sequence using appropriate tools and techniques
P6 take suitable precautions to prevent damage to equipment during the replacement activity
P7 make any necessary settings or adjustments to the equipment to ensure it will function in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
P8 ensure that the replacement is complete and that all components are free from damage including checking that all necessary connections to the equipment are complete
P9 observe sufficient operations of the equipment to confirm it is functioning as intended
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 to be replaced
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 activities
K9 the hazards associated with carrying out telecom replacement 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 removal and installation activities
K11 how to source and follow relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for replacement 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 and when damage may occur to equipment during replacement
K15 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
K16 how to identify the various types of connectors used and the correct tools and equipment to make the disconnection and connections
K17 the different types of mounting, connecting and cable supporting systems used in the replacement of the telecoms equipment
K18 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K19 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 telecom equipment site 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 requiring replacement 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 replaced, could include:

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

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

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

6. Replacement 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 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 removal/installation records