Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Earths
May be: functional, protective and CES earthing. The three common types of earthing system used in customer premises for cabling systems. Cablers must understand the features and application of each type

Cable characteristics
This includes the electrical performance of the cable and it physical characteristics. Cabers must be able to identify the critical characteristics for each type of cable they use

Cable function
Is determined by: colour coding, current capacity and installation method

Protective earths
Are installed to provide for safe operation of the installation and include: screening, over voltage, surges and spikes, lightning conductor, link to MEN (Multiple Earth Neutral)

Functional earths
Are installed to allow systems to work to specifications and include: reduction/elimination of interference from electromagnetic, radio frequency and power sources

Earth applications
May include: screen earth, distributor (MDF) bonding, barriers, telecommunications reference conductors, telex earth (single function earth), data rack, exposed metal work, equipment earthing

Locations
Includes: cable routes, CET (Communications Earthing Terminal), cable trays, data cabinets, telecommunications closures, cross connects, MDF (Main Distribution Frame), IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame), FDP (Final Distribution Point), TRC (Telecommunications Reference Conductor)

Site access approval
May be: verbal or written where required

Site security systems
May include: registered entry requirements, electronic surveillance, security clearance

Site requirements
May include: noise control, relationships with other customer activities, presentation, access and egress points

Customers specifications for earth systems
May be found in: contract documents, cable plans and designs, specification schedules

Safe working practices
Includes the safe use and handling of: tools and equipment, materials, chemicals and work platforms

Work platforms
May be: ladders, scaffold, scissor lifts ('cherry pickers')

Tools
May be hand or power (electrical or air) tools and include: leads, hammer, drills, cutters

Manufacturers specifications
May be found in printed instruction leaflets or pre printed on materials or on product packaging

'Industry standards'
May include regulated or industry codes of practice and include appropriate ACMA technical standards

All cable used
Must be compliant with appropriate ACMA technical standard requirements (eg. for underground, aerial, Category 5 or Category 6, 6A, 7 or 7A, UTP etc)

All cabling products other than cable
Must be ACMA approved

Over voltage protection
Includes ACMA standards and may include manufacturers, enterprise or local environmental hazard requirements

Label requirements
Industry regulations define the labelling requirements in detail. Cablers must meet these requirements whenever installing earthing

Remote Power Feed
Applies to telecommunications services which operate at above TNV (Telecommunications Network Voltage)

Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards
Include:
Technical Standards AS/ACIF S008:2006, AS/ACIF S009:2006
AS Communications Cabling Manaul (CCM) Volume 1
ACIF Standards and Codes
AS 3260
AS/NZS 3000:2007
AS/NZS 3080:2003
AS/NZS 3084:2003
AS/NZS 3085.1:2004
AS/NZS ISO/IEC 15018:2005
AS/NZS ISO/IEC 24702:2007
AS/NZS IEC 61935.1:2006
AS/NZS IEC 61935.2:2006
AS/NZS ISO/IEC 14763.3:2007
Australian Building Codes and Regulations
Fire Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety
Environmental Protection Acts
National Association of Testing Authorities requirements
Cabling security codes and regulations

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

installation of protective earth installations related to at least one of the following: screening, over voltage, surges and spikes, lightning conductors
installation of functional earth installations including equi-potential bonding
identification of potential earthing locations: cable routes, cable trays, data cabinets, telecom enclosures, cross connects, distributors (MDF, IDF, FDP)
ability to read and interpret contract documents, cable plans and designs, specifications and schedules
interpret test results
application of all related OHS requirements and work practices (including protective clothing and personal safety items)
safe use of general hand and power tools and general equipment normally related to these tasks
correct interpretation and application of relevant regulations and standards
interpersonal skills related to clients, employer, supervisors, work associates, team members, other contractors

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

A workplace conducting the operations covered by this competency unit, equipment and resources relevant to the context of the work (See Range Statement) and support from a competent supervisor or mentor.
OR
A simulated environment with similar provisions which conforms to the Assessment Guidelines.

Guidance information for assessment
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge.