Openreach PIA S007 Underground Cabling

This Openreach PIA S7 course combines theory with practical underground installation, developing the route preparation, duct proving, cable and subduct handling, infrastructure protection and reporting skills needed for Physical Infrastructure Access projects.

Underground infrastructure and asset identification

Understand the infrastructure you will encounter before beginning an installation. Delegates learn to identify Openreach chambers, recognise relevant network assets and distinguish them from apparatus belonging to other communications providers. Training explains why accurate identification matters when choosing a route and protecting services already present. Practical work connects chamber identification with the bores and apparatus visible in the training environment, helping delegates approach an underground installation with a clear understanding of the assets involved and the boundaries of their task.

Chamber bores, route preparation and duct capacity

Prepare the proposed route by identifying the relevant chamber bores and checking how the installation will pass through the underground network. Delegates consider available space, existing apparatus and the cable or subduct being installed. Training includes the appropriate cable and subduct fill calculations and explains why apparent space alone is not enough to justify an installation. Practical exercises link route preparation to capacity checks, helping delegates identify constraints before feeding material into a duct or creating avoidable congestion within a chamber.

Duct proving, test rods and ropes

Learn how duct proving supports controlled cable and subduct installation. Delegates practise the appropriate test rod and rope methods used to establish whether the intended route can be used. The training connects equipment selection, careful handling and route confirmation with the protection of existing apparatus. Practical exercises help delegates recognise resistance or an unexpected obstruction and understand why these conditions require investigation. The emphasis is on establishing a usable route and recognising limitations before committing to the installation.

Installation equipment and chamber working

Understand the purpose and correct use of the equipment covered by the S7 syllabus, including KIT 1A, 25 mm duct rods and Duct Motor 2B. Delegates connect each item with the activity it supports and learn why equipment must be used appropriately within the chamber and duct environment. Practical instruction develops familiarity with the relevant setup and handling methods. Equipment use is taught alongside infrastructure protection and the need to follow instructions, rather than treating tools as a way to overcome an unresolved route problem.

Subduct installation within existing Openreach ducts

Develop the techniques used to install subduct up to 25 mm within existing Openreach underground infrastructure, in accordance with the applicable PIA requirements. Delegates consider the prepared route, material handling and the relationship between the new subduct and existing apparatus. Practical work focuses on maintaining control as the subduct passes through ducts and chambers, avoiding damage and leaving a suitable installation. Training also connects placement with the routing, restraint and identification required for a clearly managed underground network.

Telecommunications cable installation and handling

Practise installing telecommunications cable through an established underground route while maintaining its condition. Delegates learn to handle and guide cable carefully, recognise installation constraints and avoid working methods that could damage either the new cable or existing network apparatus. Practical exercises link the preparation and duct-proving stages with cable placement through the training infrastructure. The focus is on a controlled installation, suitable routing within chambers and recognising when progress should pause because the route or cable behaviour needs attention.

Blockage identification, evidence and escalation

Recognise duct blockages and other constraints that prevent an installation from continuing as planned. Delegates learn why an obstruction must be identified and reported accurately, with the relevant supporting evidence. Training distinguishes recognising and reporting a problem from undertaking work outside the operative’s task or competence. Practical scenarios connect the location of a blockage with the route information needed to explain it. Delegates also consider when to stop, protect the infrastructure and escalate the issue through the appropriate process.

Cable restraint, labels and infrastructure protection

Complete the installation with attention to how cable and subduct are routed, restrained and identified within chambers. Delegates learn why labels must be positioned correctly and why the finished arrangement should protect existing apparatus as well as the new installation. Practical work encourages a final review of handling, placement and identification rather than treating the job as complete as soon as material reaches the next chamber. This reinforces the connection between installation quality, traceability and future network maintenance.

A1024 reporting and integrated practical exercises

Understand the A1024 reporting process and the installation or route information required for the relevant submissions. Delegates connect accurate records with the work they have completed, including evidence associated with blockages and installation constraints. Integrated practical exercises bring together asset identification, route preparation, duct proving, cable and subduct installation, labels and infrastructure protection. The aim is to develop a coherent working approach and prepare delegates to demonstrate both their understanding and practical competence during the required S007 assessment activities.