Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:01 PM AWST

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Install ribbon fibre cable in the FTTX distribution network

Install ribbon fibre cable in the FTTX distribution network

Unit of competency
National Code
ICTCBL316
State Code
AWE66
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
30/08/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/07/2016
Field of Education
031309 - Communications Equipment Installation And Maintenance
Original Release Date
05/07/2016
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to install ribbon cable in the fibre access node (FAN) site and distribution, local and access underground enclosure joints. Cables may range from 12 fibre to 576 fibre cables. It applies to individuals who are optical fibre cable installers and splicers deploying broadband access networks using optical technologies. They combine technical skills with specific work health and safety (WHS) skills to work safely on ribbon fibre.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for installation of ribbon fibre
  • 1.1 Select safety equipment to protect self, co-workers and public in line with WHS and environmental requirements
  • 1.2 Identify and obtain tools and appropriate equipment required for installation
  • 1.3 Check physical conditions relevant to installation and confirm layout of equipment to be installed
  • 1.4 Inform appropriate personnel of identified hazards on worksite
  • 1.5 Locate other services from relevant authorities
  • 1.6 Secure worksite with tests for dangerous gases and guards around open manholes
  • 1.7 Obtain approval for alterations to design within organisational guidelines
2. Check and secure existing optical fibre cable
  • 2.1 Following WHS practices, verify that cable was installed according to installation plan and inspect cable for signs of sheath damage
  • 2.2 Maintain minimum bend ratios of cable according to manufacturer specifications while manoeuvring into position
  • 2.3 Secure cable according to safe industry practice, avoiding damage to cable and sheath
3. Install ribbon fibres into high density drawers and/or pivot sub-racks in internal cabinets
  • 3.1 Introduce cable into cabinet rack through appropriate route
  • 3.2 Remove cable sheath and lay up ribbon loose tubes into sub-racks without damage to fibre
  • 3.3 Remove loose tubes, clean ribbon fibres and prepare for splicing using organisational techniques
  • 3.4 Splice ribbon fibres and secure into splice holders
  • 3.5 Confirm that fibres are accurately spliced according to organisational specifications
4. Install and splice ribbon cable in underground enclosures
  • 4.1 Select appropriate enclosure for function and cable type
  • 4.2 Prepare cables for mid-span and butt splicing following vendor guidelines
  • 4.3 Feed cable accurately into enclosure according to network owner guidelines
  • 4.4 Lay up ribbon fibre in enclosure splice tray to allow accurate and efficient splicing
  • 4.5 Cross-reference fibre numbering to match fibres accurately
  • 4.6 Strip ribbon fibres to specifications
  • 4.7 Splice ribbon fibres accurately
  • 4.8 Apply heat-shrink sleeves to ensure protection of spliced ribbon fibres
  • 4.9 Secure spliced ribbon fibres in splice holders
5. Close and seal enclosure
  • 5.1 Check cable and ribbon fibre placement in splice trays conform to vendor and network owner specifications and adjust if necessary
  • 5.2 Close and secure splice trays and fit enclosure cap
  • 5.3 Heat shrink seals around cable entry ports when using heat shrinking techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines
  • 5.4 Close and tighten seals around ribbon fibre cables when using mechanical sealing techniques, according to vendor and network owner guidelines
  • 5.5 Check for signs of effective seal and re-seal if necessary
6. Complete site reinstatement, reporting and sign off requirements
  • 6.1 Place sealed enclosure in pit and secure to vendor and network owner specifications
  • 6.2 Identify signs of damage or potential damage to pit and cable and take steps to mitigate
  • 6.3 Reinstate site to network owner specifications
  • 6.4 Prepare and finalise reports, including test results and alterations to plans, according to network owner requirements
  • 6.5 Advise client of work completion and obtain sign off
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WI884 ICTCBL3240B Install ribbon fibre cable in the FTTX distribution network Unit of competency