Conduct specified testing of telecoms systems

This standard identifies the competencies you need to conduct specified testing of operational telecoms systems and equipment. You will carry out tests, ensuring that the test results are within specification before bringing the system into service. The telecoms equipment in this standard can be for overground or underground rail transportation systems.

During testing, you'll use specific tools and methods to examine system equipment, including making necessary connections. This may involve working with computers or electronic controllers to test both hardware and software. Your tasks will also include performing checks within your authority and helping others ensure the telecom equipment meets required specifications.

You must ensure all tools, equipment, and materials are cleared from the area after work and complete all related documentation accurately. Working according to instructions and in collaboration with others is expected.

Based on your tests, you'll decide if the system functions properly, requires more tests, or needs to be decommissioned. 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 determine the scope of the work to be carried out and the status of the previously tested equipment
P3 obtain confirmation that the personnel allocated for the testing activity are available and authorised to undertake the tasks
P4 confirm that all the required documentation is available and the information identifies the work to be completed
P5 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)
P6 identify and interpret the appropriate procedures and instructions for use of tools and test equipment when carrying out the required tests to ensure that true and accurate measurements are taken
P7 confirm that the tests/checks are appropriate to the equipment and are in line with testing procedures/instructions
P8 set up and carry out the tests/checks using approved procedures and within agreed timescales
P9 carry out tests/checks as required by the test plan in sufficient detail to establish the equipment status
P10 carry out tests/checks in a manner that minimises the interference with other systems and equipment and is within the limits of your own authority
P11 confirm that all testing/checking records are complete and reflect the results of the testing/checking activities carried out
P12 identify, analyse and deal with any inconsistencies in the test data
P13 ensure that any course of remedial action is effective, safe, complies with instructions and is completed within the required timescales
P14 ensure all actions are taken within the limits of your own authority and where doubt arises you seek advice from suitable reference documents or relevant person(s)
P15 analyse any test evidence and ensure it identifies the state of the completed testing
P16 compare the analysis against the product specification and identify any faults or variations from specification
P17 record the results of the tests in the appropriate format
P18 check that the progression of work is recorded in line with your organisation's procedures
P19 review the results and carry out further tests if necessary
P20 confirm compliance with the design details, specifications, industry standards, wiring diagrams and plans in accordance with testing instructions
P21 protect, report and deal with any damage or disturbance to operational equipment in line with your organisation's procedures

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 the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity including the operational constraints to carrying out testing 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 the activities which may compromise system functionality and integrity including the operational constraints to carrying out testing/checking activities
K15 how to source, interpret and analyse engineering diagrams and related specification approved manuals and other related information, including as appropriate, previous testing information
K16 the principles of operation of the equipment to be tested
K17 how to locate and identify the equipment to be tested and/or checked
K18 the correct and incorrect mode of operation of the system to be tested, including acceptable operational variances
K19 the types of analytical methods and techniques in testing and checking, including, observation, calculation and comparison
K20 the methods, techniques and procedures for tests and checks to establish compliance
K21 how to select and use the correct tools and test equipment and confirm they are suitable for use and calibrated
K22 your organisation's procedures for the use, care and control of inspection tools and equipment
K23 the importance of calibrating tools and test equipment
K24 how to interpret and analyse information from measuring instruments, including as appropriate, performing calculations
K25 how to use test equipment so as to ensure true and accurate measurements are taken
K26 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD) hazards when working with and handling electronic devices
K27 the types of damage or disturbance that could occur to operational equipment and how this could affect the safety of the operational railway
K28 the types of defects or variations that could occur in telecoms systems
K29 how defects and variations can affect the safety and performance of telecoms system
K30 what constitutes a significant defect or variation in telecoms systems
K31 the procedures for the control of a non-conforming component or equipment and how to assess the safety implications
K32 when independent testing is required
K33 your organisation's procedures for the control of testing/checking
K34 the relevant reporting lines and procedures that are approved by your organisation
K35 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 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, includes:

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

5. Tests to be conducted could 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 plan
   • other industry specific telecom standards/specifications

7. 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