Carry out installation of telecoms equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to install operational telecoms systems and equipment. 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, apply a range of installation methods and techniques to position, level and align the equipment and make connections as appropriate to the equipment installed. Where appropriate, you may also work 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 working with others to ensure that the installed equipment functions to the required specification.

On completion, you will ensure the work area is cleared of all tools, equipment, and materials, and complete job documentation accurately.

You will be expected to work to instructions, alone or in conjunction with others. The installation activity may be carried out as a team effort, but you must demonstrate a significant personal contribution to the installation 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; 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, responsibility and competence
P4 use the correct tools and equipment for the installation and check that they are in a safe, usable and calibrated condition
P5 carry out the installation activities in the specified sequence and in an agreed timescale ensuring that the work does not interfere with any operational railway systems
P6 install, position and secure the equipment and components in accordance with the specification
P7 run, secure and terminate wires and cables in accordance with the installation
P8 identify and label wires and cables in accordance with installation requirements
P9 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
P10 deal with all waste items in line with your organisation's procedures
P11 complete all relevant documentation in line with your organisations procedures
P12 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 source and interpret relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for installation of telecoms equipment
K4 how to locate and identify the equipment, components and cables to be worked on
K5 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)
K6 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K7 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K8 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber mating and isolating transformers)
K9 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the installation activities
K10 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
K11 the relevant methods, techniques and procedures for installation activities
K12 the implications of not following the procedures for the installation activities
K13 how to protect operational equipment from the installation activity
K14 the principles of operation of the equipment to be installed
K15 the installation activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity
K16 how to identify, analyse and deal with influencing factors whilst carrying out the installation tasks, including environmental factors, site conditions and working on operational railway equipment
K17 your organisation's procedures for the recording and control of modifications
K18 when independent testing is required
K19 the importance of installation integrity checks including how and when to carry out
K20 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of equipment
K21 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K22 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
K23 how to identify the various types of connectors used and the correct tools and equipment to make the connections
K24 the different types of mounting, connecting and cable supporting systems used in the installation of telecoms equipment
K25 how to complete the relevant installation documentation
K26 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K27 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 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
   • test 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