Adjust telecoms components and equipment to meet operational requirements

This standard identifies the competencies you need to carry out the adjustment of operational telecoms components and equipment as part 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 adjusting activities and apply a range of methods and techniques to adjust the components and equipment. Where appropriate, you may also work with computers or electronic controllers, making connections, adjusting hardware and loading and updating software. The activities will include making checks and adjustments, in line with your permitted authority, and working with others to ensure that the adjusted components and equipment function 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 adjustment 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.

You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the adjustment activities, especially those for ensuring the safe isolation of services. 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 identify and analyse any necessary changes to safety requirements on arriving at site, and comply with operational requirements, including prompt reporting to the relevant person(s)
P3 identify the area of work and the components/equipment which is to be adjusted
P4 source and interpret the appropriate documentation and operating specifications for the equipment being adjusted
P5 identify and use the relevant tools, test equipment and measuring instruments in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
P6 carry out adjustments within the limits of your own authority and in accordance with your organisations procedures
P7 make the required adjustments in the specified sequence and in an agreed timescale
P8 confirm that the adjusted components/equipment meet the required operating specification
P9 identify, evaluate and report any instances where the equipment fails to meet the required performance after adjustments or where there are identified defects outside the required adjustments
P10 complete the relevant integrity checks in line with your organisation's procedures
P11 identify and report any defects, and agree a suitable course of action with the relevant person(s)
P12 identify relevant authorisation changes, where urgent action is required, such as the extension of possessions or the setting up of additional protection arrangements
P13 use alternative authorised adjustment practices where existing instructions are insufficient
P14 observe sufficient operations of the components and equipment to confirm it is functioning as intended
P15 maintain documentation in accordance with your organisation's procedures
P16 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 check authorisation is in place for maintenance activities
K4 how to secure the system in preparation for the activity
K5 how to protect operational equipment from the adjustment activity
K6 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)
K7 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K8 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K9 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber mating and isolating transformers)
K10 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the maintenance activities
K11 hazards associated with carrying out telecom maintenance 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
K12 how to locate and identify the equipment to be worked on
K13 how to source, interpret and apply relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications and schedules for the adjustment of telecoms equipment
K14 the relevant methods, techniques and procedures for the adjustment of telecoms components and equipment
K15 the principles of operation of the equipment to be adjusted
K16 the types of operational constraints that could occur when carrying out the adjustments
K17 the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity, including disturbing other equipment and systems without authority
K18 the correct mode of operation of telecoms equipment to be adjusted
K19 what constitutes a component/equipment defect and the implication on safety and performance
K20 how to check the adjustment activity to ensure compliance with the original specification
K21 the importance of integrity checks, including how and when they should be carried out
K22 your organisation's procedures for recording adjustment details
K23 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of tools and equipment including calibration
K24 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K25 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K26 the limits of your own authority and responsibility and those of others

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 equipment 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 adjusted 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 tools and equipment used, as applicable to the equipment being maintained, include:

   • power tools
   • hand tools
   • wire and cable strippers
   • IDC tools (such as punch down tool)
   • crimping tools
   • multi-meters
   • adjustment equipment
   • measuring equipment
   • alignment equipment
   • test equipment
   • other specific telecoms maintenance tools/equipment

5. Adjustment activities to be carried out, as applicable to the equipment being maintained, include:

   • electrical measurements and adjustments
   • electronic measurements and adjustments
   • mechanical measurements and adjustments
   • other specific telecom adjustment activity

6. Maintenance 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

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

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