Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course
The Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course provides practical training for operatives who need to work safely on congested Openreach overhead poles where normal access or working positions may be restricted. Delegates develop competence in assessing pole congestion, base-step removal, upper-envelope requirements, safe positioning and working around existing overhead assets. Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, using realistic overhead PIA training scenarios.
The Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course provides practical training for operatives who need to access and work safely on congested Openreach overhead telecommunications poles where normal working positions may be restricted.
Delegates learn how to assess pole condition, identify congestion and existing network assets, select appropriate access methods and apply pole-stepping techniques safely. The course focuses on maintaining secure positioning, protecting existing infrastructure and carrying out pole-based activities in line with Openreach PIA requirements.
Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, using realistic overhead network scenarios and practical pole-stepping exercises.
About this course:
The Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course is designed to give operatives the knowledge and practical competence required to work safely on congested Openreach overhead telecommunications poles where standard access and working positions may be restricted.
Delegates develop practical skills in assessing pole condition and surrounding infrastructure, identifying congestion, recognising existing network assets and selecting appropriate access and positioning methods before work begins.
Training combines technical instruction with practical pole-stepping exercises so delegates can apply the required techniques in realistic overhead network scenarios. The emphasis is on safe access, hazard awareness, secure positioning, maintaining control while working on the pole and protecting both the operative and existing telecommunications infrastructure.
Training is delivered at our specialist centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where delegates complete the required practical and knowledge assessment activities for the Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course, delegates will have developed the knowledge and practical competence required to carry out pole-stepping activities safely on congested Openreach overhead infrastructure in line with PIA requirements.
Delegates should be able to:
✓ Demonstrate the correct method for removing the base step from a telegraph pole
✓ Understand the requirements of the Openreach-owned upper envelope on a telegraph pole
✓ Understand the purpose of the new upper envelope space
✓ Identify and explain the relevant upper-envelope measurements
✓ Recognise how pole congestion can affect access and working position
✓ Assess congestion and existing overhead network assets before work begins
✓ Apply safe pole-stepping techniques around existing overhead infrastructure
✓ Maintain secure positioning and control throughout the activity
✓ Protect existing telecommunications infrastructure during pole-stepping work
✓ Demonstrate safe removal of the base step during practical assessment activities
✓ Explain the required measurements and Openreach requirements during practical assessment
✓ Demonstrate the practical competence required for Openreach PIA S9 assessment
Suitable for:
This course is designed for telecommunications engineers, fibre installers, overhead cabling operatives and contractors who need practical competence to work safely on congested Openreach poles where normal access or working positions may be restricted. Training covers pole congestion, base-step removal, upper-envelope requirements, safe positioning and working around existing overhead network assets.
This course is suitable for:
✓ Telecommunications engineers working on congested overhead poles
✓ Fibre and broadband operatives carrying out pole-based installation work
✓ Openreach PIA contractors working around restricted pole space
✓ Engineers who need to understand Openreach upper-envelope requirements
✓ Operatives who need to remove and reposition base steps correctly
✓ Personnel carrying out overhead work where normal access is restricted by existing network assets
✓ Engineers progressing from Openreach PIA S8 Overhead Cabling into more advanced pole-based activities
✓ FTTP and fibre deployment teams using Openreach overhead infrastructure
✓ Organisations delivering overhead fibre and telecommunications infrastructure projects
Course modules:
The Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course is structured around the knowledge, access methods and practical skills required to work safely on congested Openreach poles and understand the relevant upper-envelope requirements.
Pole Stepping Fundamentals
✓ Understanding when pole stepping may be required
✓ Recognising pole congestion that may restrict normal access or working position
✓ Understanding the purpose of pole-stepping techniques
✓ Assessing existing overhead assets before work begins
✓ Maintaining safe positioning and control throughout the activity
Base Step Removal
✓ Identifying the base step on a telegraph pole
✓ Correctly removing the base step
✓ Applying the required downward removal technique
✓ Maintaining control during removal activities
✓ Protecting existing pole and telecommunications infrastructure during the process
Openreach Upper Envelope Requirements
✓ Understanding the Openreach-owned upper envelope
✓ Understanding the purpose of the new upper-envelope space
✓ Identifying and applying the relevant upper-envelope measurements
✓ Recognising how envelope requirements affect pole access and equipment positioning
✓ Understanding how congestion and existing assets can affect the available working space
Practical Application and Assessment
✓ Assessing the pole and surrounding infrastructure before work begins
✓ Applying safe pole-stepping methods around existing overhead assets
✓ Maintaining secure positioning while working on congested poles
✓ Demonstrating correct base-step removal during practical exercises
✓ Explaining the required measurements and Openreach requirements during assessment
✓ Protecting existing infrastructure throughout pole-stepping activities
✓ Demonstrating the practical competence required for Openreach PIA S9 assessment
Certification Information:
Information required.
Entry Requirements
Delegates must hold a valid Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety qualification and a valid Openreach PIA S8 Overhead Cabling accreditation before attending the Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course.
Delegates must also hold a valid NOPS card.
Additional competence such as Smart Awards SA051C TETRA Leaning Ladder & Flat Roof may be required depending on the type of access and work being undertaken.
The S9 course is intended for experienced overhead operatives who already understand Openreach pole infrastructure, overhead cabling activities and safe working practices and now require additional competence for working on congested poles.
Career Progression:
Completing the Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles Course can support progression into more advanced overhead installation, fibre deployment and pole-based telecommunications roles. The course builds on existing overhead safety and S8 cabling competence by developing the additional skills required to work safely on congested Openreach poles where normal access is restricted.
Recommended progression routes include:
✓ Smart Awards SA024 Pole Top Rescue – for operatives who need emergency response and rescue competence for pole-based work
✓ Smart Awards SA051C TETRA Leaning Ladder & Flat Roof – for personnel whose work involves additional working-at-height or flat-roof access requirements
✓ Openreach PIA S5 Overhead Surveying – for engineers who want to add overhead surveying and route-planning competence
✓ Fibre Optic Outside Plant Level 3 – for delegates progressing into wider external fibre installation, jointing, testing and outside-plant infrastructure work
✓ Further overhead fibre installation, fault-finding and network infrastructure training for delegates moving into broader telecommunications roles
These progression routes can help delegates build on their Openreach PIA S9 competence and progress into wider overhead fibre deployment, surveying, rescue and advanced outside-plant activities.
Price:
£150.00 + VAT
Duration:
1 Day.
Course Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles course?
The Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles course is designed for operatives who need to work safely on congested Openreach poles where normal access or working positions may be restricted. The course focuses on pole-stepping techniques, base-step removal, upper-envelope requirements and safe working around existing overhead infrastructure.
Who is the Openreach PIA S9 course suitable for?
The course is suitable for telecommunications engineers, overhead cabling operatives, fibre engineers and contractors who already work on Openreach overhead infrastructure and need additional competence for congested pole environments.
What are the prerequisites for S9 Pole Stepping?
Delegates must hold a valid Smart Awards SA001 Overhead Safety qualification, a valid Openreach PIA S8 Overhead Cabling accreditation and a valid NOPS card before attending the course. Smart Awards SA051C TETRA Leaning Ladder & Flat Roof may also be relevant depending on the type of access and work being undertaken.
What will I learn on the Openreach PIA S9 course?
Delegates learn how to assess pole congestion, understand Openreach upper-envelope requirements, identify the relevant measurements, maintain safe positioning and correctly remove the base step downward where required to create suitable working space.
What is the Openreach upper envelope?
The upper envelope is a defined area of pole space associated with Openreach infrastructure and working requirements. The S9 course teaches delegates how the relevant space is assessed and how upper-envelope requirements affect pole-stepping activity on congested poles.
Does S9 cover base-step removal?
Yes. Delegates learn the correct method for safely removing the base step from a telegraph pole and repositioning it downward where required as part of the S9 process.
Does the Openreach PIA S9 course include practical pole-stepping training?
Yes. The course includes hands-on practical exercises where delegates apply pole-stepping methods, assess congestion, remove the base step correctly and demonstrate the required measurements and procedures.
How is the Openreach PIA S9 course assessed?
Delegates complete the required knowledge and practical assessment activities. The practical assessment includes safely carrying out base-step removal and explaining the relevant Openreach upper-envelope measurements and requirements.
What accreditation will I receive?
On successful completion of the required assessments, delegates achieve the Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles accreditation.
How long is the S9 Pole Stepping accreditation valid for?
The Openreach PIA S9 Pole Stepping on Congested Poles accreditation is valid for three years from the date of successful completion.
Is SA051C TETRA required before S9?
SA051C TETRA Leaning Ladder & Flat Roof is not listed here as a mandatory prerequisite for the S9 course, although it may be relevant depending on the type of access and work being undertaken.
What courses can I take after S9?
Useful progression routes can include Smart Awards SA024 Pole Top Rescue, Smart Awards SA051C TETRA Leaning Ladder & Flat Roof, Openreach PIA S5 Overhead Surveying and Fibre Optic Outside Plant Level 3.
Is S9 relevant to fibre broadband and FTTP deployment?
Yes. S9 is relevant to overhead fibre and FTTP projects where engineers may need to work on congested Openreach poles and create suitable working space for network installation activity.
Where is the Openreach PIA S9 training delivered?
Training is delivered at our specialist training centre in Crewe, Cheshire, where delegates complete both knowledge-based and practical pole-stepping activities using realistic overhead network infrastructure.
What Openreach PIA S9 course dates are available?
Please contact our training team for the latest Openreach PIA S9 course dates and availability. Corporate and group bookings can also be arranged by request.