Introduction

Rainwater and wear and tear can cause ducts to become blocked, typically with silt washed through deep into the system. With ductwork typically holding multiple cables, it can be crowded and, therefore, tricky to clean, repair and maintain the equipment without the proper training. The cleaning method must be gentle but powerful and precise, and operatives must carry out any repair work with acute attention to detail, knowledge and skill. 

Operators working on the Openreach network must hold the relevant qualifications and certifications to do so in the UK. The Q Modules are a range of training courses approved by Openreach to ensure their workers operate to the correct standards and safety methods.  

Course Outline

Through a mix of practical and classroom-based exercises and tutorials, delegates will cover legislative and administrative knowledge and awareness while participating in practical tuition, focusing on tracing, locating and excavating duct blockages on an underground telecoms network. 

The course reflects national standards and industry best practices and is fully accredited in line with regulations. In addition, choose to learn with Citrus, and delegates benefit from training in our custom-built training facilities and customer-first approach to how we do business. 

Our occupationally and technically-experienced trainers will coach delegates in this one-day course at a 1:4 delegate ratio, awarding successful delegates a Citrus Training and Openreach certificate following an end-point assessment (EPA). 

Course Programme

This training is essential for operatives working on underground telecoms networks that carry out duct blockage tracing, locating and excavating. Delegates will review legal requirements, ensure safety compliance, and understand procedures and appropriate documentation and classifications. 

The course content includes:

Theory training and assessment for duct blockages, repairs, testing and reinstatements  

• Site surveys and documentation  
• Policies and legal requirements  
• Safe dig practice  
• Selecting the correct materials and equipment 
• All relevant mandatory safety and operational checks 
• Openreach installation specifications and standards 
• Theory test

Practical assessment  

• Survey, investigation and mark-out  
• Guarding and safe dig practice  
• Plant and asset protection 
• Duct repair to Openreach specifications 
• Backfilling to SROH 4th edition specifications

Operators must demonstrate the ability to complete duct blockage works to the standards and specifications set out in the training to pass.  

On Completion

At the end of the training, successful delegates can complete duct blockage clearance, excavations and repairs on Openreach UG networks.

This module is also accepted on all other networks for operators not employed by Openreach.

The Q020 Duct Blockage (DB1) Certification is valid for three years from the date of completion.  

Who Should Attend?

This Citrus qualification is aimed at operatives working on the Openreach underground network and other third-party-owned UG telecom networks carrying out duct blockage tracing, locating and repairs. 

Course Duration

This comprehensive one-day EPA course (highly experienced), or two-day training and EPA allowing delegates to understand the challenges, processes and protocols of duct blockage works in telecoms with theory training, a written exam, and a practical EPA.

Why Citrus?

Quality and the customer experience are paramount to us here at Citrus. We strive to provide exemplary service to our clients and produce excellent results from our delegates. As a result, we are the leading UK-based provider of health, safety, and technical training and assessment services to the Built Environment and Utility sectors.

We proudly work with 85 of the country’s top 100 building services companies providing courses nationwide. As an approved NOPS and Openreach training provider, we deliver Telecoms Training qualifications through our accredited centres in our custom-built, real-world training facilities, offering safe and realistic training simulations.

Serving the sector for nearly 20 years, our dedicated trainers provide expert knowledge and occupational experience to deliver Telecoms training courses. 

Things You Need to Know

Delegates need to hold the Mandatory Safety Accreditation: SA006 - Safe Working in Civils, K008 and Mandatory SWQR: Unit LA, Unit O1, Unit O2, Unit O3 to take this training course.

This course has practical elements. Delegates must inform their trainer if they have any serious health issues, physical problems, special considerations, or take any medication which may require additional support.