Establish information for telecoms engineering testing

This standard identifies the competencies you need to establish information for telecoms engineering testing before undertaking telecom testing activities. The testing will be of newly installed telecoms equipment and associated infrastructure. The telecoms equipment in this standard can be for overground or underground rail transportation systems.

You will be able to source and interpret the information required to undertake the allocated testing tasks. You will be required to extract the necessary data from the various specifications and related documentation to establish and carry out the work requirements and to make valid decisions about the work activities based on the information extracted.

You will be expected to work to instructions, with a minimum of supervision. You will be able to read and interpret the documentation available and will know about the conventions, symbols and abbreviations used, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities to the required test specification.

Safety is a key theme; you must practice and demonstrate safe working methods, understanding and implementing necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

P1 identify and interpret the sources of information required for testing activities
P2 source and interpret relevant information on technical requirements
P3 ensure that the information is current, authorised and contains all essential data
P4 identify and deal with information, which is inadequate, contradictory and/or ambiguous in accordance with your organisation's procedures
P5 identify and address any problems occurring with the requirements and their interpretation

K1 how to source and interpret technical information for the testing activity
K2 your organisation's procedures for documentation care and control and the requirements for the retention of records
K3 how to ensure that documents are current and authorised and reflect the required level of detail
K4 the customer/contractual requirements such as service level agreements
K5 how to interpret the conventions, symbols, terminology and abbreviations used in site and equipment diagrams, engineering drawings and specifications including an understanding of telecoms terminology
K6 how to identify, evaluate and respond to problems occurring with the information and its interpretation
K7 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K8 the limits of your own authority and responsibility, and those of others involved

1. Types of telecom equipment, for which technical testing information is required, could include:

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

2. Sources of information, as applicable to the equipment being tested, include:

   • design drawings
   • test plans
   • records of previously completed testing
   • installation plans
   • test specifications
   • industry procedures
   • manufacturer handbooks
   • equipment specific requirements
   • test procedures/handbook (such as TMTH)