Establish compliance with specifications for newly installed telecoms equipment

This standard identifies the competencies you need to confirm that newly installed telecoms systems and equipment (including software and hardware) are fit for purpose. You will follow a prepared test and commissioning plan, carrying out defined functional tests and ensuring that test results are within specification. The telecoms equipment in this standard can be for overground or underground rail transportation systems.

Throughout testing, you'll utilise necessary tools and techniques to assess and connect system equipment, potentially working with computers or controllers to evaluate hardware/software. Your role includes performing authorised checks and aiding others to ensure telecom equipment meets specifications.

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

As a result of the tests, you will determine whether the system is functioning correctly and complies with the test and commissioning plan. 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 confirm that all the required documentation is available and accurately identifies the work to be undertaken
P3 identify and analyse any necessary changes to safety requirements on arriving at site, including prompt reporting to the relevant person(s)
P4 source and interpret the relevant diagrams and specifications for the equipment being tested or checked
P5 identify and analyse the tests/checks to be carried out, the sequence in which they are to be performed and the methods and equipment to be used
P6 select and use all the correct tools and inspection equipment and check that they are in a useable condition
P7 carry out the tests and checks in an appropriate sequence and within appropriate timescales using approved methods and procedures in line with operational requirements
P8 carry out tests and checks in a manner that minimises the interference with other systems and equipment and is within the limits of your own authority
P9 observe sufficient operations of the equipment to confirm it is functioning correctly for the type of equipment being tested or checked
P10 identify and assess any defects or variations from the specification and take appropriate action
P11 report completion of testing/checking activities in line with your organisation's procedures
P12 report any instances where the tests/checks cannot be fully met or where there are identified defects outside the planned testing activities
P13 address problems within your control and report unresolved issues
P14 complete relevant records and/or documentation and pass them onto the appropriate person(s)

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 the relevant railway possession and protection arrangements for the work site and equipment to provide a safe system of work and how to check these have been implemented
K3 how to locate and access the site
K4 how to secure the system for testing purposes
K5 how to define the limits of testing to ensure operational equipment is not affected
K6 how to identify the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity including the operational constraints to carrying out testing/checking activities
K7 how to identify, analyse and deal with influencing factors whilst carrying out the tests, including environmental factors
K8 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)
K9 the classification of different voltage levels and the authority requirements for working on them
K10 what constitutes a hazardous voltage/current and how to recognise victims of electric shock
K11 how to reduce the risks of an electric shock (such as insulated tools, rubber mating and isolating transformers)
K12 the importance of wearing protective clothing and other appropriate safety equipment (PPE) during the testing activities
K13 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 testing procedures), and how to minimise these and reduce any risks
K14 how to source and interpret relevant technical information, standards, diagrams, instructions, specifications, plans and other related information for the testing/checking of telecoms equipment
K15 the principles of operation of the equipment to be tested
K16 how to locate and identify the equipment to be tested or checked
K17 the correct mode of operation of the system to be tested or checked, including acceptable operational variances
K18 the types of analytical methods and techniques in testing and checking, including, observation, calculation and comparison
K19 the relevant methods and techniques for compliance checking and testing
K20 how to select and use the correct tools and test equipment and confirm they are suitable for use and calibrated
K21 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of inspection tools and equipment
K22 the importance of calibrating tools and test equipment
K23 how to interpret and analyse information from measuring instruments, including as appropriate, performing calculations
K24 how to use test equipment so as to ensure true and accurate measurements are taken
K25 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K26 the types of damage or disturbance that could occur to operational equipment and how this could affect the safety of the operational railway
K27 the types of defects or variations that could occur in newly installed telecoms systems
K28 how defects and variations can affect the safety and performance of telecoms system
K29 what constitutes a significant defect or variation in telecoms systems
K30 the procedures for the control of a non-conforming component or equipment and how to assess the safety implications
K31 when independent testing is required
K32 your organisation's quality control systems and documentation procedures
K33 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K34 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 to be compliance tested 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 tested, could include:

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

5. Types of tests conducted, as applicable to the type of telecom equipment being tested, include:

   • 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

6. 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
   • authorised test and commissioning plan
   • other industry specific telecom standards/specifications

7. Types of test/compliance 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/compliance records