competency in skills and knowledge through assessment tests,
but are not required to complete a specific number of hours.
Overhead Utility Installer Technician
Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP)
Work Process Content
On the Job Training
![organization logo](https://flowbite.com/docs/images/examples/image-1@2x.jpg)
INSTALL AERIAL UTILITIES
10
- Install utility poles
- Frame utility poles
- Install utility pole guy wires
- Install utility pole anchors
- Pole climbing
- Install communication support strands
- Lash communication lines
- Perform line tensioning
- Terminate aerial lines (e.g., clipping, dead ending)
- Install overhead pole mounted equipment
MAINTAIN AERIAL UTILITIES
2
- Perform pole inspections
- Identify vegetation encroachment
MANAGE JOB SITE
9
- Notify public/landowner of pending work
- Conduct safety meeting
- Verify permitting documents
- Assess job site hazards
- Set-up safe work zone
- Conduct job briefing
- Perform vehicle & equipment inspections (walk around)
- Ability to communicate professionally with co-workers, property owners, and customers
- One call knowledge & responsibility
ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS
6
- Finalize as-built documents
- Complete daily timesheets and detailed recording of work activity
- Maintain equipment documentation
- Maintain job-site report
- Manage jobsite or truck inventory
- Complete accident/incident/outage reports
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
4
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10
- Traffic Flagger
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid
- Maintain certifications and endorsements as required by employer such as: • Commercial driver's license (CDL) • Operator Department of Transportation (DOT) qualifications • OSHA (10, 30) • Pole Top or Bucket Rescue • Working Aloft • Hazard communication (HAZCOM) • Traffic Flagger
OFFICE TOOLS
3
- Effective use of office PC software when applicable. Products such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Manages email
- Demonstrates proper use and maintenance/care for Laptop, Tablet or cell phone
USE OF HAND TOOLS & HEAVY EQUIPMENT
2
- Demonstrates proper use of common hand tools such as: • Air Compressor • Air & Hydraulic Tools • Block & Tackle • Cable Lasher • Chain Saw • Climbing Equipment • Crimpers • Dynometer (tension) • ETDR or OTDR (Electronic or Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) • Fall Restraint Equipment •Hand tools • Hot Line Electrical Tools • Multi-Meter • Power Tools • Root Saws • Slings/Harnesses • Tape Measure • Traffic Control Tools • Underground Utility Locator • Voltage Indicator • Wire cutters • Inspect High Voltage Gloves, overshoes (if applicable) and high voltage blankets
- Demonstrates proper use of common heavy equipment such as: • Bucket Truck • Digger Truck • Dozer • Dump Truck • Tractor and Trailer • Winch • Wood Chipper
Related Instruction Content
Training Provider(s):
Inspection, Care & Use of Personal Protection Equipment
1
Each apprentice must be trained in the inspection, care and use of PPE for the particular scope of work (SOW) and hazards addressed through their use. While the apprentice is being trained in PPE inspection, care and use, they are to be under direct supervision of a journeyworker at all times, enabling them to draw on the competencies of the journeyworker as they grow in experience in the inspection care, and proper use of PPE. Examples of PPE used by an apprentice include hardhat, proper footwear, eye/face protection, hearing protection, high voltage gloves and glove testing, high voltage blankets and blanket testing, high voltage overshoes and fall protection equipment. This list is not exclusive or exhaustive as the SOW may require the supervisory, journeyworker to engage other types of engineering controls or safety measures. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
OSHA 10
10
This is a version of the OSHA 10-hour course that is provided by a trainer that has been authorized to perform instruction from OSHA. Topics covered can include hazard identification, exit routes, electrical safety, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, ergonomics, recordkeeping, and reporting, etc. This course does not include confined space training.
First Aid / CPR / Blood Borne Pathogens
4
Must be properly trained and able to render First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and protect against infection from Blood Borne Pathogens. These courses follow the agendas established by Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council, or other like organizations. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
Hazard Assessment & Communication
10
An introduction to the various environments and/or structures that work will be performed on. Based upon the SOW and the type of structure it is being applied to the hazards may change and this requires the ability to understand that there is a hazard and it must be communicated to the rest of the team. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
Radio Frequency (RF) Awareness & Safety
1
Overhead Utility Installer Technician (OUIT’s) could be exposed to radiofrequency radiation every day and not be aware of it. It is important for there to be an understanding of the hazard associated with RF and the ability to work as part of a team to communicate the hazard and means of abatement or use of PPE for protection.
Underground Utility Locate Process (One Call)
2
This course will prepare the apprentice to assist the UUIT to ensure all utilities are located and marked prior to digging/excavation per 29 CFR 1926.651(b) (2). This includes hand digging and pot holing.
CDL & Safe Driving Practices including successful operate of tractor and trailer
20
Travel from one site to another is one of the greatest risks that face workers in this industry. This course will take the apprentice through the DOT rules and regulations for the industry. Specific emphasis is placed upon proper rest, vehicle inspection, trailer inspection and backing, merging in and out of traffic, and what to do in the event of an emergency. CDL instruction provided off site and by a third-party instructor.
DOT – Securement of Equipment or Load
4
Introduction to performance requirements concerning cargo deceleration in the forward direction, and acceleration in the rearward and lateral directions, that cargo securement systems must withstand per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements.
Reading Blueprint / Construction Drawings
8
In this course, the apprentice will learn to understand, navigate, and use blueprints/construction drawings to support pre-construction project planning, job site hazard assessment, scope of work assignment and job site management activities.
Job Site Management
10
This course will address best practices of job site management including coordination of multiple parties on site, monitoring project performance, managing quality and safety, and addressing issues that “go wrong.”
Pole Climbing
12
This course teaches the proper care of climbing tools and climbing wood structures. The course will give actual hands-on experience for pole top operations that require dynamic action.
Bucket Truck (Aerial Lift)
16
Bucket truck training teaches the skills necessary to safely operate a bucket truck. The course will give actual hands-on experience for bucket truck rescue operations that require dynamic action.
Cable Handling, Installation & Splicing
32
This course will provide instruction in fiber optic technology including theory, safety, installation, splicing and testing techniques. Upon successful completion, the student may receive Fiber Optic Technician Certification from the Fiber Optic Association.
Pole Excavation, Placement, Removal & Restoration
10
This course is designed to provide apprentices with a basic understanding of and the ability to identify existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings of the excavation process, the resulting pole installation, removal and restoration of the site as part of construction completion. Backfill and compaction methods will be discussed.
Electrical Safety and Stray Voltage Detection
5
Training in the identification and abatement of electrical hazards that may be encountered as a part of the SOW. Electrical Safety training to include Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) for telecom workers as per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.268 Table R-2, testing of rubber goods (Gloves booties, blankets), proper use of a Foreign Voltage detector, other volt and voltage detector equipment. Identification and basic understanding of electrical distribution overhead wiring systems and components, Telecom Worker safety (40”) zone and distribution pole clearance requirements as per NESC, OSHA, State, Local and Electric Utility standards.
Lock Out / Tag Out
2
Must be trained in the identification and abatement of electrical hazards that may be encountered as a part of the SOW. Such training will address the proper use of monitors, lock out tag out, system turn down and client communication IAW 29 CFR 1926.4, sub part K. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
Material Handling & Storage
2
This course provides basic information that apprentices should know before moving, handling, and storing materials; introduction of potential hazards for workers; discussion of precautions should workers take when moving materials manually or mechanically; precautions workers must take to avoid storage and stacking hazards. Training to include proper moving of wood poles and cable reels. (This topic is part of OSHA 30 course content.)
Responding to Emergency Situations
4
This course teaches the appropriate way to respond to emergency situations, keeping the public safe, identifying hazards, and what to do if an electrical hazard is found.
Apprenticeship Program Overview
1
This course will provide the apprentice with an overview of the apprenticeship program including information on the National Sponsor, employer’s expectation, discussion of the Standards of Apprenticeship, etc.