Assist in the tests and checks of telecoms equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to assist in the tests and checks of operational telecoms systems and equipment under direction. 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 test and checking activities, apply a range of methods and techniques to test and check 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, testing hardware and loading and updating software. The testing and checking activities will include making checks and adjustments, in line with your permitted authority, and assisting others to ensure that the telecom equipment functions to the required specification.

You must check that all tools, equipment and materials used in the testing and checking 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 test and checking 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 follow all relevant diagrams, specifications and procedures for the equipment being checked/tested, including any previous compliance information, if applicable
P3 identify the tests/checks to be carried out, the sequence in which they are to be performed and the methods to be used
P4 select and use all the correct tools and inspection equipment and check that they are in a useable condition and calibrated
P5 carry out the checks and tests in an appropriate sequence, within appropriate timescales and using approved methods and procedures
P6 report any instances where the test and/or checks cannot be completed
P7 take suitable precautions to ensure your activities do not interfere with the operational system
P8 ensure all testing and checking equipment and tools are removed or stored in line you're your organisation's procedures
P9 report completion of activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P10 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 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)
K4 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K5 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K6 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber matting and isolating transformers)
K7 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the testing activities
K8 hazards associated with carrying out telecom test 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
K9 the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity including the operational constraints to carrying out testing/checking activities
K10 how to source and follow engineering diagrams and specifications relevant to the activity
K11 how to locate and identify the equipment to be tested and/or checked
K12 the methods, techniques and procedures for assisting with tests and checks to establish compliance
K13 the operational constraints and authorisation procedures for carrying out tests and checks
K14 how to select the correct tools and confirm that they are calibrated
K15 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of inspection tools and equipment
K16 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K17 how to use test equipment so as to ensure true and accurate measurements are taken
K18 the correct mode of operation of the equipment being tested and/or checked
K19 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K20 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 testing 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 that require testing 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. Checks, as applicable to the type of telecoms equipment being tested, may include:

   • inspection
   • cable condition
   • security
   • labelling
   • compliance to diagrams
   • physical condition
   • other industry specific telecoms checks

5. Types of tools and equipment include:

   • calibrated hand tools
   • un-calibrated hand tools
   • calibrated test leads/loads
   • computerised test equipment
   • test recording equipment
   • other specific telecom test equipment

6. Types of tests, depending on the type of telecom equipment being tested, include the following:

   • bandwidth
   • power
   • interference
   • attenuation
   • frequency
   • image quality
   • alignment
   • day/night settings
   • OTDR
   • psophometric
   • insertion loss measurement
   • data error rate
   • voltage
   • current
   • resistance
   • continuity
   • other industry specific telecoms tests

7. Testing 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
   • TMTH
   • other industry specific telecom standards/specifications

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

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