Telecommunication Tower Technician Course Descriptions

Transcription

1 Telecommunication Tower Technician Course Descriptions Developed by: TES, Inc Murdock Drive Knoxville, TN O*NET-SEC CODE: RAPIDS CODE: 2030CB Approved By US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Effective January 1, 2016

2 Course Hours TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER TECHNICIAN LEVEL I Authorized Tower Climber Fall Protection Training 16 TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER TECHNICIAN LEVEL II Competent Tower Climber Fall Protection Training 16 RESCUE Authorized Rescuer - On Site Rescue 16 Competent Tower Rescuer 16 RF Awareness 1

3 WORK PROCESS SCHEDULE TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER APPRENTICE (LEVEL 1) O*NET-SOC CODE: RAPIDS CODE: 2030CB ON-THE-JOB LEARNING Description: Telecommunication Tower Technician Level I (Apprentice or Authorized Tower Climber) is a supervised member of a crew performing general construction activities with an emphasis on tower system installation and maintenance and inspection of existing support structures used in the provision of essential Telecommunication systems, including personal wireless communications, public safety communications, utility networks, and broadcasting.

4 Course Title: TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER TECHNICIAN LEVEL I Sub-title: Authorized Tower Climber Fall Protection Training General Description: Authorized Tower Climber follows the industry recognized NATE Course Training Plan (CTP) and Course Training Standards (CTS) which specifically apply to the tower service industry and workers climbing on towers, antennas, and similar structure(s). Upon completion the candidate will have the clear understanding of the necessity of 100% connection 100% of the time to a proper attachment point, along with the need to apply this with a clear understanding of the Scope Of Work (SOW). The employer must authorize the employee to be able to work at height after completing the classroom and competency-based testing. After this initial training the employee must work under the supervision of a competent climber or competent rescuer in the workplace. Regulatory Standards and Certifications: NATE Course Training Plan (CTP) and Course Training Standards (CTS) ANSI/TIA-222-G, the national standard s seventh revision for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures published by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The standard defines an authorized basic (tower) climber as an individual with the physical capabilities to climb who may or may not have previous climbing experience but has training in fall protection regulations, the equipment that applies to the field including instruction for their proper use; able to climb designated fixed access routes equipped with safety climb devices. OSHA CFR (d) "Authorized person" means a person approved or assigned by the employer to perform a specific type of duty or duties or to be at a specific location or locations at the job site. OSHA 29 CFR Training Requirements for Fall Protection 29 CFR ,Subpart I) OSHA PPE Regulations 29 CFR Subpart M All employees exposed to fall hazards in construction work need training in the recognition and avoidance of fall hazards and in the use of any fall protection systems to be used, pursuant to, as applicable, 29 CFR (b)(2), 29 CFR , or 29 CFR ] For new tower erection, employers who fail to provide fall protection for employees at workplaces that are more than 25 feet above the ground shall be cited under 29 CFR (a). The fall protection training requirements in 29 CFR also apply to construction work activities on existing towers.] ANSI/ASSE Z Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program.

5 Pre-certification requirements: 1. Minimum of 18 years of age. 2. Show proper identification. 3. Signed statement of health. Content: Introduction: Performance, Regulations and Company Policy Anchorages Anchor Connectors Connectors and D-Rings Carabiners Full Body Harness Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards Work Positioning Devices Self-Retracting Devices Vertical Lifelines, Rope Grabs and Back-up Devices Ladder Climbing Systems Horizontal Lifelines Climbing Knots Hard Hats and Helmets Proper Footwear Eye and Face Protection Hearing Protection Clothing and Dress Introduction to Rescue Inspection, Care and Maintenance * This list is non-exhaustive and may change from time-to-time. Training Requirements: Authorized Tower Climber shall consist of these minimum requirements: a) Authorized climbers shall receive training, which covers the topics outlined in the NATE CTS for authorized climbers. b) Authorized climbers shall receive training before they are exposed to a fall hazard for the first time. c) Authorized climbers shall be evaluated per the program administrator s criteria. Course Delivery: Classroom lecture and practical training. Time Line: 16 hours Evaluation: 1. Practical evaluation 2. Oral evaluation 3. Written exam 4. Review of testing after completion of course. Re-certification Training Requirements: In accordance with the standard ANSI Z ( ), authorized person training shall be conducted at least every two years.

6 Certification: In accordance with ANSI Z , the documentation for training and evaluation shall include the following: 1. Trainer or evaluator s name; 2. Students name; 3. Third party organization s name; 4. Dates and times of training or evaluation; 5. Course objective and content 6. Performance of candidates based upon observation of physical demonstration of skill and on theoretical exercises. Notice: Employers responsibility to evaluate: It is the responsibility of the employer, not the training provider to determine if an employee is fit for employment. Having a certificate of completion does not guarantee the candidate s performance at a later date, or how much information and skill a candidate retains over a period of time. The certificates acquired by candidates only demonstrate that they have completed the program. On-the-Job Training (OJT): Additional OTJ Training will be required and recorded when encountering new PPE in accordance with OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards. These additional training hours should be recorded in the log book.

7 WORK PROCESS SCHEDULE TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER TECHNICIAN (LEVEL 2) O*NET-SOC CODE: RAPIDS CODE: 2030CB ON-THE-JOB-LEARNING Description: Telecommunication Tower Technician Level II (Competent Tower Climber) is a member of a crew performing general construction activities with an emphasis on tower system installation and maintenance and inspection of existing support structures used in the provision of essential telecommunication systems, including personal wireless communications, public safety communications, utility networks, and broadcasting.

8 Course Title: TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER TECHNICIAN LEVEL II Sub-title: Competent Tower Climber Fall Protection Training General Description: Competent Tower Climber follows the industry recognized NATE Course Training Plan (CTP) and Course Training Standards (CTS) which specifically apply to the tower service industry and workers climbing on towers, antennas, and similar structure(s). Competent Tower Climbers must be able to recognize fall hazards and take corrective action. The participants will have the clear understanding of the necessity of 100% connection 100% of the time to a proper attachment point, along with the need to apply this with a clear understanding of the Scope Of Work (SOW). Regulatory Standards and Certifications: ANSI/TIA-222-G, the national standard s seventh revision for Steel Antenna Towers and Antenna Supporting Structures published by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The standard defines an competent skilled (tower) climber as an individual with the physical capabilities to climb, has actual climbing experience and training in fall protection regulations including the equipment that applies to the field and who is capable of identifying existing and potential fall hazards; and who has the authority to take prompt corrective action to eliminate those hazards; and who is able to climb safely a structure away from fixed access routes. OSHA CFR (d) "Competent person" means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them. OSHA 29 CFR Training Requirements for Fall Protection 29 CFR ,Subpart I) OSHA PPE Regulations 29 CFR Subpart M All employees exposed to fall hazards in construction work need training in the recognition and avoidance of fall hazards and in the use of any fall protection systems to be used, pursuant to, as applicable, 29 CFR (b)(2), 29 CFR , or 29 CFR ] For new tower erection, employers who fail to provide fall protection for employees at workplaces that are more than 25 feet above the ground shall be cited under 29 CFR (a). The fall protection training requirements in 29 CFR also apply to construction work activities on existing towers.] ANSI/ASSE Z Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program. NATE Course Training Plan (CTP) and Course Training Standards (CTS) Pre-certification requirements: 1. Minimum of 18 years of age. 2. Show proper identification. 3. Signed statement of health. 4. Authorized Tower Climber - Fall Protection Training. The participants in the Competent Tower Climber shall have already successfully completed the Authorized Tower Climber course and a minimum of 90 days of documented, full time supervised climbing experience related to the normal tasks expected of them at the work place.

9 Content: Review of: Performance, Regulations and Company Policy Anchorages Anchor Connectors Connectors and D-Rings Carabiners Full Body Harness Energy Absorbers and Energy Absorbing Lanyards Work Positioning Devices Self-Retracting Devices Vertical Lifelines, Rope Grabs and Back-up Devices Ladder Climbing Systems Horizontal Lifelines Climbing Knots Hard Hats and Helmets Proper Footwear Eye and Face Protection Hearing Protection Clothing and Dress Introduction to Rescue Inspection, Care and Maintenance * This list is non-exhaustive and may change from time-to-time. Introduction of Competent Level Skills: Anchorages systems Ascent and Descent Control Pre-Climb Checklists

10 Training Requirements: Candidates will receive additional training as full-time climbers, lead hands, supervisors, crew foreman, or safety representatives. The training will allow the competent climber to be able to recognize fall hazards and take corrective action. Training will introduce competent level skills. Course Delivery: Classroom lecture and practical training Time Line: 16 hours Evaluation: 1. Practical evaluation 2. Oral evaluation 3. Written exam 4. Review of testing after completion of course. Certification: In accordance with ANSI Z , the documentation for training and evaluation shall include the following: 1. Trainer or evaluator s name; 2. Students name; 3. Third party organization s name; 4. Dates and times of training or evaluation; 5. Course objective and content 6. Performance of candidates based upon observation of physical demonstration of skill and on theoretical exercises. Re-certification Training Requirements: In accordance with the standard ANSI Z ( ), competent person training shall be conducted at least every two years. Notice: Employers responsibility to evaluate: It is the responsibility of the employer, not the training provider to determine if an employee is fit for employment. Having a certificate of completion does not guarantee the candidate s performance at a later date, or how much information and skill a candidate retains over a period of time. The certificates acquired by candidates only demonstrate that they have completed the program. On-the-Job Training (OJT): Additional OTJ Training will be required and recorded by the TTT and the employer when encountering new PPE in accordance with OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards. These additional training hours should be recorded in the TTT log book.

11 Course Title: AUTHORIZED RESCUER - ON SITE RESCUE General Description: An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is designed to guide workers in emergency rescue situations. The best way to effectively respond to rescue emergencies is by first identifying its possibility and then rehearsing your reactions. By doing this, you can identify any potential hazardous situations which might prevent you from effecting a quick and safe rescue of a worker who has fallen at height or other incident. The participants in this course shall have already successfully completed Authorized Tower Climber Fall Protection training. The main objective of rescue training is to develop an awareness level course designed to enable an Authorized or Competent Climber to understand the Rescue or Emergency Action Plan. This course is not intended to replace a Competent Rescuer course. The scope of the Authorized Rescuer level training is limited to the use of a pre-established rescue system and plan. This outline does not apply to professional rescuers or situations where the rescuer must respond to an incident without the benefit of pre-planning. Employees are encouraged to assess their rescue needs to determine what level of rescue will be required. A Competent Rescuer may not be necessary. Regulatory Standards and Certifications: OSHA CFR (d)(20) AND CFR , Subpart E (Training Requirements): OSHA requires that employers provide for "prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves." This should include identifying rescue procedures that address the potential for orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma. Rescue procedures also should address how the rescued worker will be handled to avoid any post-rescue injuries. It is each employee s responsibility to read and follow their company s emergency action plans. OSHA Requirements for Rescue Plan Workers who wear fall arrest devices while working, and those who may perform rescue activities, should also be trained in the following: 1. How to ascertain whether their personal protective equipment is properly fitted and worn, so that it performs as intended; 2. How orthostatic intolerance/suspension trauma may occur; 3. The factors that may increase a worker s risk; 4. The appropriate rescue procedures and methods to diminish risk while suspended. OSHA 29 CFR Training Requirements for Fall Protection All employees exposed to fall hazards in construction work need training in the recognition and avoidance of fall hazards and in the use of any fall protection systems to be used, pursuant to, as applicable, 29 CFR (b)(2), 29 CFR , or 29 CFR ] For new tower erection, employers who fail to provide fall protection for employees at workplaces that are more than 25 feet above the ground shall be cited under 29 CFR (a). The fall protection training requirements in 29 CFR also apply to construction work activities on existing towers.]

12 ANSI/ASSE Z Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components E7.3.4 Workers and emergency response personnel should be trained to recognize and respond to the risks of suspension trauma. Rescuers should be trained to rapidly respond to minimize the dangers of suspension trauma. Time is of the essence and trauma may occur if a worker is suspended in an upright position for longer than five minutes. ANSI/ASSE Z Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components emergency rescue planning and execution to include: preplanning of rescue; methods of rescue; rescue personnel availability; type of equipment for rescue and effective means to summon rescue personnel; drilling of rescue personnel in rescue and evacuation procedures. ANSI Z (3.2.7), Authorized Rescuer ( ) It is the responsibility of the authorized rescuers to perform or assist in workplace rescues. ANSI/ASSE Z Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program. Pre-certification requirements: 1. Minimum of 18 years of age. 2. Show proper identification. 3. Authorized Tower Climber - Fall Protection Training. 4. Signed statement of health. Content: Performance, Regulations and Company Policy Rescue Rescue Procedures. Inspection, Care and Maintenance Introduction of Rescue Techniques Non-entry rescue Pick-Off Course Delivery: Classroom lecture and practical training Time Line: 8 hours Evaluation: 1. Practical evaluation 2. Oral evaluation 3. Written exam 4. Review of testing after completion of course. Training Re-Certification Requirements: In accordance with the standard ANSI Z ( ), Competent rescuer training shall be conducted at least every year. ANSI Z ( ), Authorized Rescuer update training shall be conducted every two years.

13 Certification: In accordance with ANSI Z , the documentation for training and evaluation shall include the following: 1. Trainer or evaluator s name; 2. Students name; 3. Third party organization s name; 4. Dates and times of training or evaluation; 5. Course objective and content 6. Performance of candidates based upon observation of physical demonstration of skill and on theoretical exercises. Notice: Employers responsibility to evaluate: It is the responsibility of the employer, not the training provider to determine if an employee is fit for employment. Having a certificate of completion does not guarantee the candidate s performance at a later date, or how much information and skill a candidate retains over a period of time. The certificates acquired by candidates only demonstrate that they have completed the program. On-the-Job Training (OJT): Additional OTJ Training will be required and recorded when encountering new PPE in accordance with OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards. These additional training hours should be recorded in the log book.

14 Course Title: COMPETENT TOWER RESCUER Brief Description: An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is designed to guide workers in emergency rescue situations. The best way to effectively respond to rescue emergencies is by first identifying its possibility and then rehearsing your reactions. By doing this, you can identify any potential hazardous situations which might prevent you from effecting a quick and safe rescue of a worker who has fallen at height or other incident. The main objective of Competent Tower Rescuer training is to develop and maintain climbers who are capable of performing rescues. Competent rescuers should physically perform rescues The scope of the NATE Competent Rescuer is limited to the use of a pre-established rescue system and plan. This outline and CTS does not apply to professional rescuers or situations where the rescuer must respond to an incident without the benefit of pre-planning. NATE members are encouraged to assess their rescue needs to determine what level of rescue will be required. Regulatory Standards and Certifications: OSHA CFR (d)(20) AND CFR , Subpart E (Training Requirements): OSHA requires that employers provide for "prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves." This should include identifying rescue procedures that address the potential for orthostatic intolerance and suspension trauma. Rescue procedures also should address how the rescued worker will be handled to avoid any post-rescue injuries. It is each employee s responsibility to read and follow their company s emergency action plans. OSHA Requirements for Rescue Plan Workers who wear fall arrest devices while working, and those who may perform rescue activities, should also be trained in the following: 1. How to ascertain whether their personal protective equipment is properly fitted and worn, so that it performs as intended; 2. How orthostatic intolerance/suspension trauma may occur; 3. The factors that may increase a worker s risk; 4. The appropriate rescue procedures and methods to diminish risk while suspended. OSHA 29 CFR Training Requirements for Fall Protection All employees exposed to fall hazards in construction work need training in the recognition and avoidance of fall hazards and in the use of any fall protection systems to be used, pursuant to, as applicable, 29 CFR (b)(2), 29 CFR , or 29 CFR ] For new tower erection, employers who fail to provide fall protection for employees at workplaces that are more than 25 feet above the ground shall be cited under 29 CFR (a). The fall protection training requirements in 29 CFR also apply to construction work activities on existing towers.]

15 ANSI/ASSE Z Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components E7.3.4 Workers and emergency response personnel should be trained to recognize and respond to the risks of suspension trauma. Rescuers should be trained to rapidly respond to minimize the dangers of suspension trauma. Time is of the essence and trauma ma occur if a worker is suspended in an upright position for longer than five minutes. ANSI/ASSE Z Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems and Components emergency rescue planning and execution to include: preplanning of rescue; methods of rescue; rescue personnel availability; type of equipment for rescue and effective means to summon rescue personnel; drilling of rescue personnel in rescue and evacuation procedures. ANSI/ASSE Z Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program. Pre-certification requirements: 1. Minimum of 18 years of age. 2. Show proper identification. 3. Authorized Tower Climber - Fall Protection Training. 4. Signed statement of health. Content: Performance, Regulations and Company Policy Rescue. Controlled Ascent and Descent. Rescue Procedures. Inspection, Care and Maintenance. Introduction of Rescue Techniques. Non-entry rescue. Pick-Off / line transfer rescue. Course Delivery: Classroom lecture and practical training Time Line: 16 hours Evaluation: 1. Practical evaluation 2. Oral evaluation 3. Written exam 4. Review of testing after completion of course. Training Re-Certification Requirements: In accordance with the standard ANSI Z ( ), Competent rescuer training shall be conducted at least every year. ANSI Z ( ), Authorized Rescuer update training shall be conducted every two years.

16 Certification: In accordance with ANSI Z , the documentation for training and evaluation shall include the following: 1. Trainer or evaluator s name; 2. Students name; 3. Third party organization s name; 4. Dates and times of training or evaluation; 5. Course objective and content 6. Performance of candidates based upon observation of physical demonstration of skill and on theoretical exercises. Notice: Employers responsibility to evaluate: It is the responsibility of the employer, not the training provider to determine if an employee is fit for employment. Having a certificate of completion does not guarantee the candidate s performance at a later date, or how much information and skill a candidate retains over a period of time. The certificates acquired by candidates only demonstrate that they have completed the program. On-the-Job Training (OJT): Additional OTJ Training will be required and recorded when encountering new PPE in accordance with OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards. These additional training hours should be recorded in the log book.

17 Course Title: RADIO FREQUENCY HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING AWARENESS Sub-title: Basic RF Safety Training Brief Description: This course is designed to enable the apprentice to have an understanding of the RF-related hazards and the ability to understand basic antenna types, RF patterns and potential for exposure. This course will give the apprentice a working knowledge of electromagnetic emissions and emitting devices such as antennas, radios, and other emission sources of RF energy. Allowable exposure limits and how to protect employees and the public from adverse effects of RF or Electromagnetic Energy (EME) exposure will be taught. The apprentice must be able to show through testing and demonstration the basic types of antennas and their RF emission characteristics. In addition the apprentice is to be trained in the use and understanding of a personal RF monitor. The apprentice must be able to recognize what frequency range a personal RF monitor functions in and be able to match the correct monitor(s) to the antenna types encountered at any given job location. Regulatory Standards and Certifications: In accordance with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) Bulletins on Human Exposure Levels. OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and CFR 1926 FCC 47 CFR 1 FCC OET Bulletin 65, IEEE C Recommended practice for radio frequency safety programs ANSI / IEEE C & 7 Pre-certification requirements: 1. Minimum of 18 years of age. 2. Show proper identification. Content: Introduction to RF hazards, antenna types, RF patterns and potential exposures. Electromagnetic energy The electromagnetic spectrum Ionizing radiation vs non-ionizing radiation How non-ionizing radiation (RF) affects the human body How the safety standards were developed Different types of RF emitters (antennas) The relationship between RF power and gain RF safety plans RF safety signs RF safety monitors Use of RF meters along the bands that it is designed to monitor. Training Requirements: Receive training and an understanding of RF-related hazards and potential exposures during work in compliance with the standards relating to telecommunications. Receive a basic working knowledge of RF monitors.

18 Course Delivery: Learning Management System (LMS) Time Line: 1 hour Evaluation: Written exam required. Demonstrate proper use of of an RF monitor. Certification: Certificate of Completion Re-certification Training Requirements: None required at this time. On-the-Job Training (OJT): Additional OTJ Training will be required and recorded by the apprentice and the employer when encountering new PPE in accordance with OSHA 1910 and 1926 standards. These additional training hours should be recorded in the apprentice log book. Tasks learned on-the-job in which the apprentice must become proficient before a completion certificate is awarded. The learning must be through structured, supervised work experience. Contact Information: Global RF Solutions 1900 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite Chandler, AZ (480) Office (509) Fax marv@grfs.net