Construction and the built environment
Wireless communications rigger
Supporting the UK’s cellular network and its infrastructure.
Summary
The Wireless Communications Rigger is a key member of the field-based wireless rigging team supporting the UK’s cellular network and its infrastructure. Comfortable working at height and outdoors in a physically-demanding role, Wireless Communications Riggers will be at the forefront of the nationwide roll-out of the 5G network whilst actively maintaining the existing 2G, 3G and 4G networks. Wireless Communications Riggers can install large steel structures on towers and rooftops, adapting the existing structure in the process if necessary. They facilitate the lifting and lowering of equipment for installation and removal, install a range of cable types and sizes including Coaxial, CAT5/6 and Fibre Optic, interpret drawings and plans, demonstrate a range of climbing techniques and can even rescue colleagues in difficulty at height. Wireless Communications Riggers work in a variety of environments including rooftop sites, towers and masts in greenfield sites or inner-city buildings. They must be equally adept working indoors or outdoors, in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions and sometimes at unsociable hours. Wireless Communications Riggers will generally form part of a 2 or 3-man team reporting to a team leader. They will be required to communicate effectively and sensitively with site providers, landlords and members of the public. As the UK embraces the digital economy, the dependence on wireless communication platforms to handle larger data packages, fast delivery and wider coverage continues. There are approximately 1500 –2000 climbers in the industry with businesses ranging in size from international mobile telecoms companies to smaller regional subcontractors.
Typical job titles include
- Rigging Engineer | Telecomms Rigger | Wireless Communications Rigger
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
Current industry health, safety and environmental legislation such as The Working at Height Regulations (2005), and company-specific requirements for safe working practices
K2:
Hazards of exposure to radio-frequency energy and the associated safe working practices and relevant legislation such as The Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work regulations 2016
K3:
Personal site safety responsibilities, hazards, risks and control measures
K4:
The methods and procedures for recording, reporting and dealing with hazards and risks and the necessary control measures required
K5:
The hierarchy of risk
K6:
Responding to problems and emergencies in the work place and providing suitable solutions
K7:
The inspection and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment and the procedures to follow when detecting defects or damage
K8:
The Radio Frequency spectrum including current and future technologies and the main difference between frequencies within the full radio spectrum
K9:
The key components of a wireless telecom site and their functions
K10:
The types, sizes and weights of key site components such as Antennas, Amplifiers and duplexing units
K11:
The correct network installation and Network Operators’ testing requirements
K12:
The tools and equipment used in to install, maintain and decommission sites
K13:
Site schematic drawings and radio design scopes
K14:
Radio Frequency monitoring equipment functions and working parameters
K15:
Structure integrity and the importance of permanent attachment whilst working at height
K16:
The safe access, egress and rescue plans for working at height
K17:
The hazards and risks associated with working at height - including the work environment
K18:
The loads and forces that are applied when rigging and how to estimate them
K19:
Permissible loads on structures
K20:
Slings, knots and other attachment techniques for the safe lifting and lowering of materials and equipment to height
K21:
The importance of effective communication
K22:
The need for positive working relationships
K23:
Verbal and non-verbal signs and signals
Technical Educational Products
- ST0616: Wireless communications rigger (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0616
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £29,381 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 7213 Communication operators
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 7213/99 Communication operators n.e.c.
S1:
Apply relevant safety legislation, codes of practice and safe working practices to self and others within the working environment
S2:
Safely use, store and maintain tools and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s and the employer’s operational and health and safety requirements including Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and asbestos awareness
S3:
Follow accident reporting and security procedures, deal with security breaches in the workplace following organisational processes
S4:
Carry out and document an onsite dynamic risk assessment complying with a valid safe system of work
S5:
Select and deploy workplace signage and guarding
S6:
Carry out first aid
S7:
Carry out antenna installation, alignment, optimisation and testing to network requirements
S8:
Carry out installation, earthing and termination of coax and fibre following manufacturers and operators’ installation specifications
S9:
Carry out installation and demonstrate the technical understanding of the key components of a wireless telecom site
S10:
Use an Open, Short and Precision Load in the testing of cables and antenna systems for impedance and loss
S11:
Select and use work restraint, work positioning and fall arrest equipment following manufacturer’s instructions and company policy
S12:
Use slings, knots and other attachment techniques to safely lift and lower materials and equipment
S13:
Safely Work at height applying the correct tower climbing techniques
S14:
Works comfortably and competently on any site type (rooftop, Greenfield, street works) Correctly use fall arrest systems
S15:
Correctly select and use appropriate tools and equipment when working at height
S16:
Carry out a rescue from a tower or a structure using snatch and assisted lower techniques
S17:
Read, interpret and work to technical drawings and designs
S18:
Effectively communicate with all stakeholders including colleagues, contractors and members of the public
S19:
Effectively contribute to the team and develop positive working relationships
S20:
Apply verbal and non-verbal signs and signals when communicating as part of a
Technical Educational Products
- ST0616: Wireless communications rigger (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0616
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £29,381 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 7213 Communication operators
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 7213/99 Communication operators n.e.c.
B1:
Work safely and reliably by taking responsibility for their own and others’ health, safety and security. Report accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions and practices without delay. Challenge unsafe behaviours and incorrect work practices and procedures
B2:
Take responsibility for their own actions and standards of work. Be aware of the limits of their own competence and seek advice when required. Cooperate with employers, other employees and site providers to ensure that their competence is maintained and up to date
B3:
Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Be able to work independently, using initiative to solve problems and plan and organise workloads. Act with integrity, and be respectful of others, honest and reliable. Deliver a professional service to all customers
B4:
Continually developing personally and professionally following current legislative and industry regulations and guidelines
Technical Educational Products
- ST0616: Wireless communications rigger (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0616
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £29,381 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 7213 Communication operators
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 7213/99 Communication operators n.e.c.