Q020 (DB1) – Duct Blockage Training in Portadown, Northern Ireland

Duration: 1 Day
Locations: Portadown, Northern Ireland
Price: £250 (ex VAT)

The Q020 (DB1) – Duct Blockage course provides essential skills for operatives working on the Openreach underground network and similar telecoms utility networks. This industry-recognised training equips delegates with the specialist knowledge required to safely locate, trace, excavate, repair, and reinstate duct blockages in line with Openreach’s strict specifications and safety standards.

Delivered at our Portadown training centre, this course includes both theory and practical assessment, ensuring operatives can competently identify and resolve duct blockage issues in real operational environments.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Operatives working on the Openreach UG network
• Contractors and suppliers operating in telecoms, civils and utilities
• Engineers involved in duct tracing, locating, clearing, and repairs
• Personnel who must carry out safe excavation and blockage rectification

If you work on underground telecom ducts, this training is essential for safety and compliance.

Course Aim

The aim of the Q020 (DB1) training course is to ensure operatives can:

• Correctly identify, locate, and trace duct blockages
• Safely excavate and clear blockages
• Carry out repairs, testing, and reinstatement to Openreach standards
• Understand and apply all relevant safety, legal and operational requirements

This training is designed to reduce operational risks and ensure high-quality workmanship on underground telecom networks.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, delegates will understand:

• 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

Pre-Requisites

To attend this course, candidates must hold:

• SA006
• SWQR Units LA, Unit 01, Unit 02, Unit 03
• K8 – Hand Rodding in the UG Network

Assessment Method

The Q020 (DB1) course uses a combination of:

• Theory training and written assessment
• Practical demonstrations and hands-on training
• Practical assessment of duct blockage tracing, excavation and repair

This ensures delegates gain both technical knowledge and real-world competence.

Certification

Successful delegates will receive an Openreach Certificate, valid for 3 years.

This qualification recognises operatives as competent to perform duct blockage work across the Openreach underground network and other telecom infrastructure providers.