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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Perform operational activities on Non-Metallic Telecommunication Media 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246720  Perform operational activities on Non-Metallic Telecommunication Media 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Telecommunications 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  16 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner within the Telecommunications environment; more specifically within the cable environment by providing the skills to perform testing, installing and splice of metallic communication cables within this field. This skill forms the basis for the performance of duties in the day to day operations of cable testing, installing and splice occupations at NQF Levels 5.

The knowledge, skills and understanding demonstrated in this unit standard are essential for upliftment, social and economic transformation in the Telecommunications environment.

The qualifying learner is capable of demonstrating:
  • An understanding of the principles and concepts of transmission in non-metallic transmission mediums.
  • An understanding of conducting tests on non-metallic transmission mediums.
  • An understanding of installing non-metallic telecommunication cables.
  • An understanding of preparing for the splicing of non-metallic telecommunication cables.
  • An understanding of splicing non-metallic telecommunication cables.

    The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes which provide qualifying learners with access to a range of further learning in this field at NQF Level 5 and above, in the form of workplace based learning programmes for occupationally focused qualifications. Qualifying learners also have an understanding of the science and technology which underpins these activities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learning assumed to be in place should be on the same level of this unit standard or higher:
  • Communication and Language Studies.
  • Mathematics and Numeracy, Sciences.
  • Principles of electronics and electricity.
  • Recognition and use of general hand and power tools.
  • Knowledge and skills relating to end user computing and computer applications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard includes but is not limited to:
  • Cable types.
  • Optic fibre cables and tails.
  • Loose tube and tight buffered.
  • Multimode step-index fibre.
  • Multimode graded-index fibre.
  • Single-mode step-index fibre.
  • Instruments.
  • Optical time domain Reflectometer.
  • Optical light source and power meter.

    The context of this unit standard is performed within structures where stationary, transportation, support structure, communication media, company policies and procedures, cultural ethics, business ethics, work environment, professional conduct, test instrumentation, tools, quality standards are applicable. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and concepts of transmission in non-metallic transmission mediums. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The range and advantages of different types of optical fibre types available in the market, in terms of telecommunications voice and data transmission are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The differences between various modes of transmission are correctly explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazards associated with working with optical fibre are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The applications of optical fibre cables are explained in terms of telecommunication criteria. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Preparing for the test of non-metallic transmission mediums. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Location of proposed testing site is checked and is in accordance with the appropriate plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Site is cleared and prepared to provide unrestricted access for tests in accordance relevant standards, codes and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purpose and procedures for pre-testing optical fibre cable prior to installation are explained in terms of set standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriated tools and equipment is selected and used safely in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety hazards are identified and suitable action determined and appropriate measures implemented. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Test equipment is set up and prepared for test procedures according work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    List and explain the precautions when handling optical fibre cables. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conducting tests on non-metallic transmission mediums. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correctly explain the procedure to perform the applicable test to determine the optical power loss at a splice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Command structures on testing equipment procedures are described and explained according test criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Conduct transmission tests on optical fiber using test equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Identify active and inactive fibre using appropriated test equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate test equipment is used to test optical fibre cables and locate faults associated with faulty splice connectors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Relevant documentation for recording and reporting the results are completed according to set standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Installing non-metallic telecommunication cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cables are hauled and installed according to manufacturers standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Support and securing mechanisms for optical fibre installations are installed according to manufacturers' standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All applicable safety standards as per policies and procedures are applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Health and safety requirements are applied in accordance with statutory requirements and employer's policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An optical fibre cable is installed according to policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Existing cable types and installations systems are accurately identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Joints are completed in a methodical manner to ensure full continuity is restored to fibre. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Slack boxes and protective sleeves conforms to manufacturer relevant industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Visual inspection of joint is undertaken and confirms soundness and completeness of installation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Enclosure range: Includes but is not limited to Fibre Optic Splice Closure (FOSC), Fibre Optic Infrastructure Technology (FIST GCO).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Preparing for the splicing of non-metallic telecommunication cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Type of fault and relevant urgency is established promptly where appropriate. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work site is made safe in accordance with relevant safety legislation and company work practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety barriers are erected to divert persons and traffic safely around work site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Cable locations are made accessible, clean and dry to ensure joint is not contaminated during splicing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work site and/or lines are decommissioned and isolated prior to commencement of splicing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The termination procedure with prepared fibre utilising approved techniques are describe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Special safety precautions related to optical fibre are explained and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Health and safety requirements are applied in accordance with statutory requirements and employer's policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Bend ratios are maintained to manufacturer's and regulation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Protection boots are used to protect connector and fibre from exposure and contaminants. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Splicing non-metallic telecommunication cables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Any light source is checked in accordance with guidelines and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cable end is stripped to expose optical fibres in accordance with splicing method in use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Optical fibre cable is handled in a safe manner to avoid risk of injury. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All coatings are removed from exposed optical fibre to remove all possible contaminants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Fibres are spliced using manufacturer's tool in accordance with enterprise guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Joint is tested for signal strength to manufacturer's and design requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Connection ends are prepared to a smooth flat surface to ensure no optical path redirection from join. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Cables are placed back in enclosure and laid up in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and enterprise guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Other cables are tidy and no safety hazards are evident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Waste and debris are removed from worksite and disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements and to maintain safe worksite conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Site is reinstated and tools and materials are stored in accordance with enterprise guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Reports, where required, are completed and signed in accordance with enterprise policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Any approved alteration to the original design is clearly noted on the design using appropriate drafting techniques and design is returned to originator. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Only ETQA registered assessors with specific expertise in non-metallic cable testing may assess a learner against this unit standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant SETA/ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The basic construction of a non-metallic cable.
  • The types of transmission medium used.
  • The characteristics of the transmission medium.
  • The method of identifying different types of cables.
  • The principles of transmission used in non-metallic transmission mediums .
  • Names and functions of testing equipment.
  • Terms and functions of tests.
  • Interpretation of work orders.
  • Intuitive assessment of normal operations.
  • Causes and effects of tests results being out of specification.
  • Testing procedures and techniques.
  • Company policies and procedures relating to the testing of non-metallic communication cables.
  • Manufacturer's specifications relating to testing of non-metallic telecommunication cables.
  • Health and safety related to testing and certification.
  • Decision making ability.
  • Use of testing equipment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of product facilities and operations.
  • Reach agreement with role-players through negotiation.
  • Splicing and termination methods for non-metallic telecommunication cables.
  • Terminology in fibre optics.
  • Apply decision-making and problem solving skills before and during installations.
  • Jointing concepts for splicing non-metallic telecommunication cables.
  • Complete documentation when preparing and conducting splicing and termination on non-metallic telecommunication cables.
  • Processing of engineering material during installations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the correct use of tools.
  • Organisational policies and procedures relating to the splicing and termination of non-metallic telecommunication cables.
  • Health and safety related to the splicing and termination of non-metallic telecommunication cables. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the achievement of the testing, installing and splice of non-metallic telecommunication cables. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with stakeholders to ensure that the testing, installing and splice of non-metallic telecommunication cables are done correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities so that all requirements are met in achieving competence in the testing, installing and splice of non-metallic telecommunication cables. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners are able to communicate effectively with others to ensure that the testing, installing and splice of non-metallic telecommunication cables are done correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems in that the testing, installing and splice of non-metallic telecommunication cables does not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any program of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more.
  • Effectively participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities learners with applied competence and a basis for further learning.
  • The learner contribute to his/her own development. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the learner:
  • Has basic knowledge of some main areas of a discipline/field.
  • Has basic understanding of a discipline/field's key term, rules, concepts, principles and theories.
  • Is familiar with some of the essential methods, procedures and techniques of the discipline/field.
  • Has the ability to use the above to solve routine problems within given frameworks.
  • Has a basic information gathering, analysis and presentation skill.
  • Has the ability to communicate information reliably and accurately in the required medium of instruction.
  • Has the capacity to operate within clearly defined contexts, with limited scope for personal decision-making and responsibility.
  • Learn within a well-structured and managed environment.
  • Evaluate own performance against given criteria.

    Legal Requirements:

    Compliance to the following legal requirements and standards are mandatory:
  • Employer's Policies and Procedures.
  • Environmental Management System.
  • Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • National and International Standards.
  • Local Metropolitan Council Regulations.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Ensure that the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgments should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the Assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means Assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.
  • Requirements for a portfolio are that it should be valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience, which serves to supplement the assessment of applied competence.

    The portfolio may include:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Journals/logbook. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59057   Further Education and Training Certificate: Telecommunication Network Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    2. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    3. Mpande Technologies cc 
    4. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    5. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    6. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    7. Progressive School of Business 
    8. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    9. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    10. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    11. TELKOM SA SOC LIMITED 
    12. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    13. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    14. Victor Optic Fibre Solutions 
    15. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.