Openreach PIA S006 Underground Surveying

This Openreach PIA S6 course combines theory with practical duct surveying, developing the infrastructure identification, route assessment, mapping and reporting skills needed to support Physical Infrastructure Access network planning.

Understanding underground infrastructure and PIA surveying

Explore the purpose of an underground survey and how it supports network planning, route selection and proposed fibre deployment. Consider the relationship between chambers, ducts, access points and the wider telecommunications route. Learn why a survey must provide useful evidence rather than simply repeat mapped information, and how the formal S006 duct survey accreditation relates to the responsibilities of surveyors working on Openreach PIA projects.

Survey preparation and safe working

Review the survey brief, available records and planned activities before attending the site. Consider access arrangements, underground hazards and the controls relevant to the work being undertaken. Relate survey preparation to your existing SA002, SA002A or SA006 training and recognise the limits of your competence. Identify circumstances that require clarification, additional controls or specialist support before the survey can proceed safely and produce reliable information.

Openreach and Communication Provider asset identification

Develop a structured approach to identifying underground telecommunications assets and recording what is present along a proposed route. Distinguish Openreach infrastructure from assets belonging to other Communication Providers where the available evidence allows. Consider how clear descriptions, locations and observations support later review. Learn to flag uncertainty about ownership or infrastructure identification rather than presenting an assumption as a confirmed finding within the survey record.

Chambers, ducts and underground network features

Examine the underground infrastructure relevant to PIA surveying, including chambers, ducts and the access points connecting different parts of a route. Consider existing apparatus, practical access conditions and the information needed to describe each inspected feature accurately. Develop confidence in explaining how individual observations relate to the wider proposed deployment, while recognising that a limited inspection may leave questions requiring further checks before a route assessment can be completed.

Openreach mapping and site information

Use available Openreach mapping and network records to prepare for survey activities and understand the proposed route. Compare recorded information with practical observations, identifying missing features, discrepancies and matters requiring clarification. Consider why plans must be interpreted alongside site evidence rather than treated as proof of current conditions. Practise recording differences clearly so planners and reviewers understand what was checked and which information remains uncertain.

Underground locating equipment and survey observations

Explore the use of underground locating equipment during the surveying activities covered by the course. Consider appropriate preparation, equipment use and the interpretation of observations within the survey task. Learn to recognise the limits of locating information and the need to relate it to other available evidence. Record findings carefully, explaining what the observation supports and avoiding conclusions that extend beyond the checks actually undertaken during the exercise.

Route suitability and duct survey constraints

Assess the conditions that may affect a proposed underground route, including restricted access, existing infrastructure and possible duct blockages. Distinguish a confirmed constraint from a potential concern that requires further investigation. Consider how incomplete information affects confidence in the route assessment and the actions needed before planning progresses. Develop practical judgement about reporting concerns accurately without assuming that an unverified route is ready for installation.

Underground survey and testing methods

Apply the survey and testing methods covered within FOT’s S006 training to gather evidence about underground infrastructure. Consider the purpose of each activity, suitable preparation and how its observations contribute to the overall route assessment. Relate practical findings to the original survey brief and identify checks that cannot be completed within the available access or authorised scope. Explain the limitations of a result alongside the information obtained.

Survey records and underground audit evidence

Bring infrastructure descriptions, mapping comparisons and practical observations together into a clear survey record. Learn to separate confirmed findings from assumptions and identify unresolved questions, access restrictions and suggested follow-up actions. Consider the information a planner, reviewer or installation team needs to understand the conclusions without repeating the survey simply to interpret the report. Maintain traceability between the observations recorded and the route assessment presented.

Reviewing findings for network planning

Review the completed survey information against the project brief and consider whether it provides a reliable basis for the next planning decision. Check that important constraints, discrepancies and limitations have been explained clearly. Identify matters requiring additional investigation or specialist review before a proposed deployment progresses. Practise communicating findings in a way that helps other teams understand both the available evidence and the remaining uncertainties affecting the route.

Practical surveying exercises and assessment

Work through practical underground survey activities that connect preparation, infrastructure identification, mapping, locating equipment and route assessment. Gather observations, explain identified concerns and prepare a useful record for review. Receive feedback on the reasoning behind your conclusions and the clarity of your reporting. Complete the required knowledge and practical assessments to demonstrate the competence needed for Openreach PIA S6 / S006 accreditation; attendance alone does not achieve the award.