TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE) NC II – TESDA COURSE MODULE

TESDA TRAINING REGULATIONS FOR TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE) NC II COURSE

The TESDA Course in Telecom OSP Installation (Fiber Optic Cable) NC II consists of competencies that a person must possess to install pole hardware and accessories, lay out and install fiber optic cables and accessories as well as to climb poles, enter/re-enter and clean manhole splice, re-splices fiber optic cables and perform continuity optical testing and repair.

This Qualification is packaged from the competency map of the ICT sector – (Telecommunication Industry)

A student who has achieved this Qualification is competent to be:

• Fiber Optic Cable Technician

TRAINEE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The trainees who wish to enter the course should possess the following requirements:

• Can communicate in oral and written language
• Can perform basic mathematical computations
• Must be physically and mentally fit to undergo training

This list does not include specific institutional requirements such as educational attainment, appropriate work experience, and others that may be required of the trainees by the school or training center delivering the TVET program.

TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE) NC II – TRAINING AND REGULATION MODULE

Course Title: TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE)
Level: NC II
Nominal Training Duration :

(Basic Competency) 16 Hours
(Common Competency) 16 Hours
(Core Competency) 80 Hours
104 hrs in-school + 184 hrs Supervised-Industry Training (SIT) in actual work environment

Total Duration: 320 Hours

This course is designed to develop & enhance the knowledge, skills, & attitudes of a Fiber Optic Cable Technician, in accordance with industry standards. It covers the basic and common competencies in addition to the core competencies such as installing and splicing/joining aerial/underground fiber optic cables as well as performing optical testing and repair thru re-splicing/joining and testing using optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED IN TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE) NC II

This units of competency comprising this qualification include Basic, Common, and Core Competencies.

To obtain this TESDA course in TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE) NC II, all units prescribed for this qualification must be achieved.

These units of competency comprising this qualification include the following:

UNIT CODE	CORE COMPETENCIES (80 Hours)
ICT724611	Install and Splice/Join Aerial/Underground Fiber Optic Cables
ICT724612	Perform optical testing and repair
UNIT CODE	COMMON COMPETENCIES (16 Hours)
ICT315202	Apply quality standards
ICT311203	Perform computer operations
UNIT CODE	BASIC COMPETENCIES (16 Hours)
500311105	Participate in workplace communication
500311106	Work in a team environment
500311107	Practice career professionalism
500311108	Practice occupational health and safety procedures

This section gives the details and contents of the units of competency required in TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE) NC II. These units of competency are categorized into basic, common and core competencies.

CORE COMPETENCIES

This section gives the details of the contents of the core units of competency required in TELECOM OSP INSTALLATION (FIBER OPTIC CABLE) NC II.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : INSTALL AND SPLICE/JOIN AERIAL/UNDERGROUND FIBER OPTIC CABLES
UNIT CODE : ICT724611

This unit covers the outcomes required for installation and splicing/joining of aerial/underground fiber optic cables including protection sleeves installation using fusion machine and mechanical method as well as cable closure and cable support installation both for aerial and underground. This involves working with a team.

1. Prepare for fiber optic cable layout and installation
   • Necessary tools, equipment, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) are prepared in line with job requirements.
   • Cable preparation and installation requirements and constraints from plan and site inspection are identified as per job requirements.
   • Cable preparation and installation equipment is set up in accordance with manufacturer’s and job requirements.
   • Site is made safe and secure for cable installation.
   • Suitable protective clothing is selected and required safety devices are used.
   • Support structure is assessed in line with job requirements.
   • Cable route is checked for obstructions and vertical clearances from street level and are made clear using suitable methods and in coordination with authorities concerned.
   • Fiber optic cable is laid out in line with installation plan.
2. Prepare Fiber Optic cable for splicing and joining
   • Sheath opening of the cable and strength member is installed as required per outside plant standards.
   • Buffer tubes and fiber strands are secured and assembly of fiber optic organizer is aligned/ positioned in accordance with standard installation procedures.
   • Fiber strands are stripped, cleaned and cleaved in accordance with established procedures.
   • Loop and bending radius tolerance is observed for cable materials at all times.
3. Splice/join fibers and install protection sleeves using fusion machine
   • Occupational health & safety (OH&S) policies and procedures are followed based on safety requirements.
   • Insertion of fibers strand to the fusion machine (automatic operation) is performed in accordance to procedural standards and product/equipment specification.
   • Spliced fiber strands are protected and organized as per procedure and job requirements.
   • Loop and bending radius tolerance is applied in line with established standards
   • Problems encountered are reported as per standard operating procedures (SOP).
   • Accomplishment reports are accurately reported/ documented in accordance with job requirements
4. Splice/join fibers and install protection sleeves using mechanical method
   • Occupational health & safety (OH&S) policies and procedures are followed based on safety requirements.
   • Placement of prepared fiber in mechanical splicing kit is followed as per established procedure.
   • Spliced fiber strands are protected and organized as per procedure and job requirements.
   • Loop and bending radius tolerance is applied in line with established standards
   • Problems encountered are reported as per standard operating procedures (SOP).
   • Accomplishment reports are accurately reported/ documented in accordance with job requirements
5. Install Cable closure and support (aerial and underground)
   • Cable are placed inside the cable cover and properly attached and closed in accordance with the product specification.
   • Problems encountered are reported as per standard operating procedures (SOP).
   • Flash testing of completed closure according to job requirements and SOP to prevent water and moisture entry.
   • Spliced cable are attached to messenger wire/pole or cable rack for support in line with job requirements and product specifications
6. Wrap up job
   • Tools, equipment and materials are gathered and stored back to the service vehicle
   • Waste materials are removed from work place and disposed off in accordance with government regulations and environmental health & safety requirements
   • Changes made are restored to the work area during installation, splicing and re-splicing for acceptance as job requirements and procedure.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PERFORM OPTICAL TESTING AND REPAIR
UNIT CODE : ICT724612

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform optical testing and repair of spliced fibers. This unit focuses in testing fiber optics using optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR).

1. Prepare for optical fiber testing and repair
   • Documentation are required and interpreted in accordance with enterprise procedures
   • Necessary tools, equipment, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE) are identified and prepared in line with job requirements.
   • Fiber strands identification and preparation is performed in accordance with job requirements and assignments.
2. Test and repair fiber strands
   • Occupational health & safety (OH&S) policies and procedures are followed based on safety requirements.
   • Identification of optical cable faults and error is performed in line with OTDR manual.
   • Localization of optical cable faults are performed in accordance to standard industry practices
   • Faulty fiber optic strands are re-spliced in accordance with established procedures
   • Problems encountered are reported as per standard operating procedures (SOP).
   • Testing is properly documented according to job requirements and SOP.
3. Wrap up job
   • Tools, equipment and materials are gathered and stored back to the service vehicle
   • Waste materials are removed from work place and disposed off in accordance with environmental health & safety requirements

COMMON COMPETENCIES

UNIT TITLE : APPLY QUALITY STANDARDS
UNIT CODE : ICT315202

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to apply quality standards in the workplace. The unit also includes the application of relevant safety procedures and regulations, organization procedures and customer requirements

1. Assess quality of received materials or components
   • Work instructions are obtained and work is carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Received materials or component parts are checked against workplace standards and specifications
   • Faulty material or components related to work are identified and isolated
   • Faults and any identified causes are recorded and/or reported to the supervisor concerned in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Faulty materials or components are replaced in accordance with workplace procedures
2. Assess own work
   • Documentation relative to quality within the company is identified and used
   • Completed work is checked against workplace standards relevant to the task undertaken
   • Faulty pieces are identified and isolated
   • Information on the quality and other indicators of production performance is recorded in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Deviations from specified quality standards, causes are documented and reported in accordance with the workplace standards operating procedures
3. Engage in quality improvement
   • Process improvement procedures are participated in relation to workplace assignment
   • Work is carried out in accordance with process improvement procedures
   • Performance of operation or quality of product or service to ensure customer satisfaction is monitored

UNIT OF COMPETENCY: PERFORM COMPUTER OPERATIONS
UNIT CODE : ICT311203

This unit covers the knowledge, skills, (and) attitudes and values needed to perform computer operations which include inputting, accessing, producing and transferring data using the appropriate hardware and software

1. Plan and prepare for task to be undertaken
   • Requirements of the task are determined according to job specifications
   • Appropriate hardware and software are selected according to the tasks assigned and their required outcomes
   • Task is planned to ensure OH & S guidelines and procedures are followed
2. Input data into computer
   • Data are entered into the computer using appropriate program/application in accordance with company procedures
   • Accuracy of information is checked and information is saved in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Inputted data are stored in storage media according to requirements
   • Work is performed within ergonomic guidelines
3. Access information using computer
   • Correct program/application is selected based on job requirements
   • Program/application containing the information required is accessed according to company procedures
   • Desktop icons are correctly selected, opened and closed for navigation purposes
   • Keyboard techniques are carried out in line with OH & S requirements for safe use of keyboards
4. Produce/output data using computer system
   • Entered data are processed using appropriate software commands
   • Data printed out as required using computer hardware/peripheral devices in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Files, data are transferred between compatible systems using computer software, hardware/ peripheral devices in accordance with standard operating procedures
5. Maintain computer equipment and systems
   • Systems for cleaning, minor maintenance and replacement of consumables are implemented
   • Procedures for ensuring security of data, including regular back-ups and virus checks are implemented in accordance with standard operating procedures
   • Basic file maintenance procedures are implemented in line with the standard operating procedures

BASIC COMPETENCIES

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PARTICIPATE IN WORKPLACE COMMUNICATION
UNIT CODE : 500311105

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to gather, interpret and convey information in response to workplace requirements.

1. Obtain and convey workplace information
   • Specific and relevant information is accessed from appropriate sources
   • Effective questioning, active listening and speaking skills are used together and convey information
   • Appropriate medium is used to transfer information and ideas
   • Appropriate non- verbal communication is used
   • Appropriate lines of communication with supervisors and colleagues are identified and followed
   • Defined workplace procedures for the location and storage of information are used
   • Personal interaction is carried out clearly and concisely
2. Participate in workplace meetings and discussions
   • Team meetings are at ended on time
   • Own opinions are clear expressed and those of others are listened to without interruption
   • Meeting inputs are consistent with the meeting purpose and established protocols
   • Workplace interactions are conducted in a courteous manner
   • Questions about simple routine workplace procedures and matters concerning working conditions of employment are asked and responded to.
   • Meetings outcomes are interpreted and implemented
3. Complete relevant work related documents
   • Range of forms relating to conditions of employment are completed accurately and legibly
   • Workplace data is recorded on standard workplace forms and documents
   • Basic mathematical processes are used for routine calculations
   • Errors in recording information on forms/documents are identified and properly acted upon
   • Reporting requirements to supervisor are completed according to organizational guidelines

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : WORK IN TEAM ENVIRONMENT
UNIT CODE : 500311106

This unit covers the skills, knowledge and attitudes to identify role and responsibility as a member of a team.

1. Describe team role and scope
   • The role and objective of the team is identified from available sources of information
   • Team parameters, reporting relationships and responsibilities are identified from team discussions and appropriate external sources.
2. Identify own role and responsibility within team
   • Individual role and responsibilities within the team environment are identified.
   • Roles and responsibility of other team members are identified and recognized.
   • Reporting relationships within team and external to team are identified.
3. Work as a team member
   • Effective and appropriate forms of communications used and interactions undertaken with team members who contribute to known team activities and objectives.
   • Effective and appropriate contributions made to complement team activities and objectives, based on individual skills and competencies and workplace context.
   • Observed protocols in reporting using standard operating procedures.
   • Contribute to the development of team work plans based on an understanding of team’s role and objectives and individual competencies of the members.

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE CAREER PROFESSIONALISM
UNIT CODE : 500311107

This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes in promoting career growth and advancement.

1. Integrate personal objectives with organizational goals
   • Personal growth and work plans are pursued towards improving the qualifications set for the profession
   • Intra- and interpersonal relationships is are maintained in the course of managing oneself based on performance evaluation
   • Commitment to the organization and its goal is demonstrated in the performance of duties
2. Set and meet work priorities
   • Competing demands are prioritized to achieve personal, team and organizational goals and objectives.
   • Resources are utilized efficiently and effectively to manage work priorities and commitments
   • Practices along economic use and maintenance of equipment and facilities are followed as per established procedures
3. Maintain professional growth and development
   • Trainings and career opportunities are identified and availed of based on job requirements
   • Recognitions are sought/received and demonstrated as proof of career advancement
   • Licenses and/or certifications relevant to job and career are obtained and renewed

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : PRACTICE  OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURES
UNIT CODE : 500311108

This unit covers the outcomes required to comply with regulatory and organizational requirements for occupational health and safety.

1. Identify hazards and risks
   • Safety regulations and workplace safety and hazard control practices and procedures are clarified and explained based on organization procedures
   • Hazards/risks in the workplace and their corresponding indicators are identified to minimize or eliminate risk to co-workers, workplace and environment in accordance with organization procedures
   • Contingency measures during workplace accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized and established in accordance with organization procedures
2. Evaluate hazards and risks
   • Terms of maximum tolerable limits which when exceeded will result in harm or damage are identified based on threshold limit values (TLV)
   • Effects of the hazards are determined
   • OHS issues and/or concerns and identified safety hazards are reported to designated personnel in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant workplace OHS legislation
3. Control hazards and risks
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards/risks in workplace are consistently
     followed
   • Procedures for dealing with workplace accidents, fire and emergencies are followed in accordance with organization OHS policies
   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is correctly used in accordance with organization OHS procedures and practices
   • Appropriate assistance is provided in the event of a workplace emergency in accordance with established organization protocol
4. Maintain OHS awareness
   • Emergency-related drills and trainings are participated in as per established organization guidelines and procedures
   • OHS personal records are completed and updated in accordance with workplace requirements

DEFINITION OF TERMS

GENERAL

• Certification – is the process of verifying and validating the competencies of a person through assessment
• Certificate of Competency (COC) – is a certification issued to individuals who pass the assessment for a single unit or cluster of units of competency
• Common Competencies – are the skills and knowledge needed by all people working in a particular industry
• Competency – is the possession and application of knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform work activities to the standard expected in the workplace
• Competency Assessment – is the process of collecting evidence and making judgments on whether competency has been achieved
• Competency Standard (CS) – is the industry-determined specification of competencies required for effective work performance
• Context of Assessment – refers to the place where assessment is to be conducted or carried out
• Core Competencies – are the specific skills and knowledge needed in a particular area of work – industry sector/occupation/job role
• Critical aspects of competency – refers to the evidence that is essential for successful performance of the unit of competency
• Elective Competencies – are the additional skills and knowledge required by the individual or enterprise for work
• Elements – are the building blocks of a unit of competency. They describe in outcome terms the functions that a person performs in the workplace.
• Evidence Guide – is a component of the unit of competency that defines or identifies the evidences required to determine the competence of the individual. It provides information on critical aspects of competency, underpinning knowledge, underpinning skills, resource implications, assessment method and context of assessment
• Level – refers to the category of skills and knowledge required to do a job
• Method of Assessment – refers to the ways of collecting evidence and when,
  evidence should be collected
• National Certificate (NC) – is a certification issued to individuals who achieve all the required units of competency for a national qualification defined under the Training Regulations. NCs are aligned to specific levels within the PTQF
• Performance Criteria – are evaluative statements that specify what is to be assessed and the required level of performance
• Qualification – is a cluster of units of competencies that meets job roles and is significant in the workplace. It is also a certification awarded to a person on successful completion of a course in recognition of having demonstrated competencies in an industry sector
• Range of Variables – describes the circumstances or context in which the work is to be performed
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – is the acknowledgement of an individual’s skills, knowledge and attitudes gained from life and work experiences outside registered training programs
• Resource Implications – refers to the resources needed for the successful performance of the work activity described in the unit of competency. It includes work environment and conditions, materials, tools and equipment
• Basic Competencies – are the skills and knowledge that everyone needs for work
• Training Regulations (TR) – refers to the document promulgated and issued by TESDA consisting of competency standards, national qualifications and training guidelines for specific sectors/occupations. The TR serves as basis for establishment of qualification and certification under the PTQF. It also serves as guide for development of competency-based curricula and instructional materials including registration of TVET programs offered by TVET providers
• Underpinning Knowledge – refers to the competency that involves in applying knowledge to perform work activities. It includes specific knowledge that is essential to the performance of the competency
• Underpinning Skills – refers to the list of the skills needed to achieve the elements and performance criteria in the unit of competency. It includes generic and industry specific skills
• Unit of Competency – is a component of the competency standards stating a specific key function or role in a particular job or occupation; it is the smallest component of achievement that can be assessed and certified under the PTQF

SECTOR SPECIFIC

• Buffer tube cutter – used to cut and separates buffer from FO strands
• Cable – is used for the distribution to provide communication.
• Cable Slitter – tool used to slit or open FO cable
• Cleaver – use to cut fiber strands
• Crimping – proper preparation of cable, appropriate type of connectors.
• Drop cable – a small-diameter cable leading from the tap-off in the cable plant to the subscribers’ TV receivers. A drop cable used by the CATV system should be either RG-59 or RG-6, 75-ohms coaxial cable (foam).
• Environment – The area surrounding the work site which can be directly or indirectly affected by occurrences at the work site. It includes the atmosphere, soils, drains, underground water tables, and the ecosystem. Protection of the environment would require the proper disposal of waste materials, restriction of burning off, the correct handling of toxic substances, the containment of CFCs and the like.
• Established procedures – Formal arrangements of an organization, enterprise or statutory authority of how work is to be done.
• Fiber optics – a technology that transmits light rather than electricity through a fiber made of thin, flexible glass or plastic. Fiber optic cables are replacing older copper cables for most telecommunications applications.
• Fiber optic cable – A group of individual optical fibers bundled together. Fiber optic cables have higher bandwidth than standard copper cable.
• Fiber Optic Stripper – used to strip fiber coating .
• Hazardous materials – Flammable gases and vapors and combustible dusts.
• Headend – is the main site at which all the signals from the various program sources are received, assembled, processed and combined for transmission through the distribution network. It is the originating point for all services carried on a cable television system
• Mechanical Connector – connectors used to join fiber through mechanical crimping method.
• Modifications – To make changes to the physical parameters or operational function of a device, component or piece of equipment or apparatus.
• Notification (notified) – Can include verbal, written, electronic or recorded information at completion of work which may be required to be completed in accordance with established procedures.
• OH&S policies and procedures – Arrangements of an organization or enterprise to meet their legal and ethical obligations of ensuring the workplace is safe and without risk to health.
• Outside Plant (OSP) – is a part of telephone network system that provides for the distribution of voice and data channels to the paying subscribers
• OTDR – Optical Time Domain Reflectometer used to test, locate fiber optic faults
• Requirements – That to which equipment and procedures and their outcomes must conform and includes statutory obligations and regulations and standards called-up by legislation or regulations.
• Servicing – Undertaking routine inspection, repair and maintenance of circuits, systems or apparatus. Maintaining, fault finding and repair of equipment, plant and machinery.
• Splicing – the act or process of creating a physical connection between two separate pieces of optical fiber. Optical fibers should only be spliced by a technician who possesses the required skills and interconnection technology.
• Standards – Technical documents, which set out specifications and other criteria for equipment, materials, and methods to ensure them consistently, perform as intended.
• Subscriber – a person who pays a fee for voice and data services.
• Subscriber terminal – the telephone network system terminal to which a subscriber’s equipment is connected.
• Supervised Industry Training – similar to on-the-job training – an approach in training designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the trainee through actual experience in the workplace to acquire specific competencies prescribed in the training regulations.
• System – A group or combination of inter-related, inter-dependent or interlocking elements forming a collective entity. Includes circuits, apparatus, equipment and the like.
• Telecom – refers to Telecommunication. It is the process of transmitting information to a receiver by means of electric current or pulses of light.
• Termination – The act by means of which an electrical connection to an apparatus is established; specifically a prepared joint or connection between a cable, cord or conductor and a point in an electrical circuit such as a terminal or connection point. Such terminations include soldering, crimping, clamping, wire wrapping, insulation piercing/compression.
• Testing devices – Devices and instruments used to ensure safety requirements and operational functions are met, and to diagnose faults in apparatus, circuits or systems.
• Visual Fault Locator – used to locate/trace fibers fault(open fault)