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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Gas Installations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58950  National Certificate: Gas Installations 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHIETA - Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification follows on the National Certificate: Gas Installations NQF Level 2. It is used to recognise the competence of people to install a range of gas systems and perform maintenance of gas equipment in an existing or new domestic or commercial gas installation site.

Qualifying learners will:
  • Understand the purpose and rationale of the organisation, the industry in which it operates and its stakeholders.
  • Implement safety, health and environmental requirements in gas installations.
  • Understand the purpose, application and functioning of a range of gas equipment.
  • Design a gas system according to specifications.
  • Perform a range of gas installation and maintenance activities.

    This qualification has been designed to complete the training in gas installations for domestic or commercial gas installations although it includes the further possibility of specialising in one or more advanced gas installation applications. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place.

    Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient task performance, and career development and personal job satisfaction of installation personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified.

    Rationale:

    The National Certificate in Gas Installations NQF Level 3 is the final qualification in a series for learners who want to follow an independent career in gas installations and maintenance. The majority of learners for this qualification are likely to be learner-installers in small independent gas companies. After successful completion of the N.C. Gas Installations NQF Level 3, it is foreseen that the learners will eventually be able to independently run their own gas installation and maintenance operations.

    This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the gas installation industry by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the gas field. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the progression and economic growth within the gas installation and maintenance fraternity.

    Through the employment of competent installation personnel, employers and, in turn, the field and sub-field, have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification has been designed as the final in a series of three qualifications for gas installations and maintenance in an existing or new domestic or commercial gas installation site.

    Competence in the following is necessary:
  • National Certificate: Gas Installations NQF Level 2.

    Embedded knowledge upon commencement of the qualification includes:
  • Language and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of prior learning must be carried out in accordance with the policy and rules specified and used by the ETQA responsible for evaluation of people seeking RPL for a part of the whole qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is open to anyone with access to learning opportunities and work experience on an appropriate selection of systems. The learning assumed to be in place is essential to the learning specified in this qualification. If the learner is not yet competent in this regard the shortfalls must be addressed prior to commencing with learning specified in this qualification. This is necessary to ensure the safety of the learner, co-workers, the work process and the environment.

    Access for learners with disabilities is dependant on the:
  • Type and severity of the disability.
  • Nature of the operational processes and requirements of the equipment. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • In the compulsory Fundamental Component of the qualification, a learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the 20 credits in the field of Communication plus 16 credits in the field of Mathematical Literacy.
  • The unit standards in the compulsory Core Component of the qualification reflect the skills and competencies needed for building expertise in the gas installations industry. In the Core Component, the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the total of 62 credits.
  • The Elective Component of the qualification requires the learner to select additional advanced design or equipment Unit Standards or general application Unit Standards covering life skills, computer or entrepreneurial aspects. In total the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in a minimum of 22 credits selected from the Elective component. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    When the exit level outcomes for the qualifications were developed, each critical cross-field outcome and the specific skills covered by the qualification was considered and included in the exit level outcomes for the qualification so that these outcomes reflect both in an integrated manner. In terms of process, the exit level outcomes were established first and were based on a skills profile of an operator in that field at that level.

    1. Understand the purpose and rationale of the organisation, the industry in which it operates and its stakeholders.

    2. Implement safety, health and environmental requirements in gas installations.

    3. Understand the purpose, application and functioning of a range of gas equipment.

    4. Design a gas system according to specifications.

    5. Perform a range of gas installation and maintenance activities.

    Critical cross-field outcomes:

    While performing gas installation and maintenance functions, qualifying learners can:

    1. Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Applying knowledge and comprehension of safety procedures.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 5.
  • Performing corrective maintenance of gas systems and appliances.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 5.
  • Performing an inspection of a gas installation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 5.

    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Working in a coordinated team during installations.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 5.
  • Liaising with the client.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Co-ordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 5.

    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Applying knowledge of equipment to installation activities.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3, 5.
  • Planning and preparing for the installation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 4 ,5.
  • Performing gas installation and maintenance activities according to procedures.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 5.

    4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Designing a gas system according to specifications.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3, 4.
  • Applying safety, health and environmental requirements to installations.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 3.
  • Commissioning the installation in accordance with legal requirements.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 5.

    5. Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Demonstrating effective site protocol and client liaison.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 4, 5.
  • Reading and interpreting drawings, specifications and building standards.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 4, 5.
  • Calculating costs and preparing a quotation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 4.

    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Working according to health, safety and environmental protection regulations.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 5.
  • Applying knowledge of gas equipment to activities.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3, 4, 5.

    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Explaining the structure of the industry in which the organisation operates and the organisation's role within the industry.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Explaining the legal framework in which the industry operates.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1.
  • Evaluating the quality of own work.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 5.

    8. Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Maintaining and applying safety practices on the worksite.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 5.
  • Maintaining and applying quality practices during the installation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 5.
  • Performing core installation functions.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 5. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the structure of the industry in which the organisation operates and the organisation's role within the industry.
  • Describe the legal framework in which the industry operates.
  • Liaise with clients to arrange for quotations, installations and post-installation activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss safety, health and environmental objectives, standards and regulations pertaining to installation procedures.
  • Conduct safety, health and environmental inspections of a gas installation and issue an acceptance certificate.
  • Employ safe working practices and report health and safety risks associated within an industrial manufacturing environment.
  • Describe the environmental principles applicable to an gas installation environment.
  • Take emergency action in line with emergency procedures and as may be dictated by situational considerations to ensure the safety of both personnel and equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain the purpose, application and functioning of supply and storage equipment.
  • Explain the purpose, application and functioning of reticulation equipment.
  • Explain the purpose, application and functioning of instruments and control loops.
  • Explain the purpose, application and functioning of control equipment.
  • Explain the purpose, application and functioning of gas appliances and applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Use scientific methods to determine the installation.
  • Define the design framework.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of equipment and appliance/application selection.
  • Calculate final costs and compile a quotation.
  • Draw up final drawings and submit to the relevant bodies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply knowledge of gas equipment to installation and maintenance activities.
  • Plan and prepare for the installation.
  • Install a complete gas system according to procedures and workplace instructions.
  • Commission the installation in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Independently perform maintenance functions of gas installations and equipment.
  • Evaluate quality of own work.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of this qualification.

    Appropriate methods and tools must be used to assess practical, foundational and reflexive competence of the learner in all the exit level outcomes listed above, as well as to determine a learner's ability to solve problems, work in a team, organise him/herself, use applied science, and understand the implications of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems. Such an assessment process will determine development of the whole person, and the integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Assessors should develop, conduct, and ensure integration of, assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods against the unit standards that make up the qualification. Combinations of applied, foundational and reflective competencies, including critical cross-field outcomes, should be assessed wherever possible.

    Moderators should ensure that assessment is valid, consistent and integrated into work or learning, and that there is sufficient and authenticated evidence of learner competence against the whole qualification. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An extensive international comparability was done which included the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and relevant African countries.

    United States of America:

    In the USA gas installation training is generally included as a component of the construction plumbing qualification. There are 120 registered Plumber and Pipefitter Colleges and Universities in the USA where this training is done. These qualifications include understanding how to read blueprints, safely handle pipe-cutting and pipe-bending equipment, and conform to local building codes. Some specific medical gas fitting training modules are offered by private providers.

    Africa and SADC:

    African countries (including SADC countries) were searched for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries.

    Britain:

    A comparison with the British qualification was included, because the British gas installation industry is very well developed due to a much higher demand and the NVQ is an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An internet search revealed the following British Level 2 and 3 qualifications:
  • City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ in Domestic Natural Gas Installation and Maintenance. The scope of the qualification is very specific and all units are compulsory. It includes units on worksite and gas safety, teamwork and gas installation units such as Commission and de-commission domestic natural gas systems and Service and Maintain natural gas systems and components. A comparison shows that although the proposed South African qualification places equal emphasis on safety and work procedures, it has a much higher knowledge component to provide the learner with more foundational knowledge related to the properties of gases, quality and problem solving procedures.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Domestic Natural Gas Installation and Maintenance. Compulsory units in this qualification include business improvement, safety, teamwork, natural gas system design, installation and maintenance of a range of domestic appliances. The new South African Level 3 qualification compares very well with this qualification.
  • City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Complex Domestic Natural Gas Installation and Maintenance. Compulsory units in this qualification include business improvement, complex gas processes, a range of complex domestic gas activities such as laundry, central heating and water heating, gas pipework and metering systems. The new South African qualification contains no areas that can be compared to this qualification.

    Australia:

    The Australian gas installation industry is of a similar size and sophistication as the South African industry. For this reason a comparison with the Australian qualification was included, as well as the AQF being an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An internet search of the AQF revealed that there are registered qualifications in Gas Industry Operations from Levels 2 to 4 as well as a Diploma and Advanced Diploma on Levels 5 and 6 respectively.

    The Certificate II in Gas Industry Operations contains compulsory core units in safety, health and environment, teamwork and the organising of work procedures. The learner is allowed a choice of elective units from the following three learning pathways to complete the qualification: Meter reading, LPG transport and Cylinder distribution.

    These learning pathways limit the learner to the specific competencies required for these functions and the learner is not provided with the opportunity to gain any specific gas installation skills on Level 2.

    The Certificate III in Gas Industry Operations allows the learner to choose between Meter repair and Billing specialisation areas. The title of this qualification is misleading because no gas installation or maintenance training is included in the qualification and as such no comparison can be made with the proposed South
    African qualification.

    A further search of the AQF revealed a Level 3 qualification in Gas Fitting which resorts under the Plumbing and Construction fields. A range of piping and gas installation units are included with one unit dealing with the maintenance of type A gas appliances. The scope of the new South African qualification is much wider and includes a high safety and environmental protection component, organisation and industry knowledge, gas systems design, installation and maintenance.

    New Zealand:

    An internet search in the NZQA showed the following registered qualifications:
  • A Level 2 National Certificate in Gas Industry (Gas Distribution): Similar to the new South African Level 2 qualification this entry-level qualification also contains a high knowledge component. Compulsory unit standards on safety, drawings and gas equipment and instrumentation are included. The new South African qualification differs in that it includes unit standards on problem solving and quality that are not addressed in the New Zealand qualification.
  • Six Level 3 National Certificates related to the gas industry are registered on the NZQA. The scope of these qualifications range from Gas Network Operations, Gas Network Planning and Development, Gas Utilisation to Gas Transmission. No comparison with these qualifications is possible because they are very specific to the oil and gas industry and include no domestic and commercial gas installations.
  • A Level 4 National Certificate in Gas Fitting. This qualification has replaced the trade certificate in Gasfitting and qualifying learners may apply for registration as a gasfitter under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 1976. The scope of this qualification is similar to the new NQF Level 3 qualification and includes similar core unit standards on installing and maintaining a range of domestic, commercial and industrial gas appliances and gas meters.

    A comparison with the above international qualifications shows that the Gas Installation Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The compulsory theoretical and technical content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Level 3 qualification is the second and final in a series of two proposed gas installation qualifications and it will allow the learner a vertical progression from the NQF Level 2 Gas Installation qualification. The very specific nature of the training offered in this qualification limits the possibilities for vertical articulation into other NQF Level 4 qualifications.

    Horizontal articulation within the plumbing, construction and related industries can occur with the following registered NQF Level 3 qualifications:
  • ID 21853: National Certificate: Construction Plumbing, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 48963: National Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation, NQF Level 3.
  • ID 22310: National Certificate: Plumbing: FET Phase, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Domestic Appliance Repair.

    There are limited possibilities for vertical articulation into other NQF Level 4 qualifications, but on successful completion of the National Certificate: Gas Installations NQF Level 3 the learner has the following possibilities for vertical articulation into other NQF Level 4 qualifications:
  • ID 23953: Further.Education.Training.Certificate: New Venture Creation (SMME), NQF Level 4. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    In order to assess this qualification, the assessor needs:
  • Assessors to meet the requirements of the generic assessor standards.
  • Competence against the unit standard "Conduct outcomes-based assessments".
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and/or experience gained at an appropriate level in the work concerning gas installation operations. This must meet the relevant ETQA policies and guidelines. The subject matter expertise of the assessor can be established through the recognition of prior learning.
  • Registration with, or recognition by, the relevant ETQA as specified through an appropriate memorandum of understanding. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Range of equipment covered:

    The typical context of this unit standard assumes an existing or new domestic or commercial gas installation site.

    Range Statements:
  • This qualification addresses the technical and theoretical knowledge required by learners in the gas installation and maintenance industries.
  • Knowledge relating to the gas installations includes gas specific equipment and technology, communication, mathematics and SHEQ.
  • This qualification may be applicable to other installation operations. This is subject to its acceptance by appropriate subject matter experts. 

  • UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  113924  Apply basic business ethics in a work environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  246447  Conduct safety, health and environmental inspections of a gas installation  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  246453  Demonstrate understanding of equipment used in gas installations  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  246458  Demonstrate understanding of the gas industry, the organisation and its different stakeholders  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  246454  Design a LPG or natural gas installation.  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Core  246457  Identify and interpret instrument control loops in gas installations  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  246465  Implement safety, health and environmental requirements in a gas installation  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Core  246467  Install basic domestic or commercial gas equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Core  246470  Perform maintenance related functions on a gas installation  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  119668  Manage business operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  119674  Manage finances for a new venture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Elective  119672  Manage marketing and selling processes of a new venture  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  117923  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based presentation application to prepare and produce a presentation according to a given brief  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  117924  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based word processor to format documents  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  13915  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a workplace, and its effects on a business sub-sector, own organisation and a specific workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  246492  Demonstrate understanding of advanced automotive gas system equipment and systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  246485  Demonstrate understanding of basic automotive gas system equipment and systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  246491  Demonstrate understanding of gas pipeline and pipe network systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  246455  Demonstrate understanding of LPG and natural gas systems and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  246488  Demonstrate understanding of medical gas equipment and systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  246490  Demonstrate understanding of speciality gas installations and equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  246452  Design an advanced gas installation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  116714  Lead a team, plan, allocate and assess their work  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  116940  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to solve a given problem  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
    Elective  114594  Apply the principles of costing and pricing to a business venture  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  9844  Identify customers and generate selling opportunities  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
    Elective  114591  Implement an action plan for business operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.