SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Supervise the wattle bark chopping operation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117256  Supervise the wattle bark chopping operation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Wood Products 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for people who supervise the wattle bark chopping operation and crew ensuring all machines are serviceable and operated in an efficient and safe manner, whilst adhering to other agreed standards pertaining to performance, safety, quality, and the environment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Liaise with off going and on coming leading hands
  • Distribute and retrieve tools and safety equipment to chopper crews
  • Ensure chopper machines are serviceable and crews are ready for operation
  • Check quality of bark chips on the top floor conveyor
  • Ensure that the bark floor and all chopper machine areas are kept clean and safe 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    A Learner who wishes to enter a learning programme for this Unit Standard must be able to demonstrate:

    i) Competency in mathematical and communication skills equivalent to that of a person who has qualified in these subjects at NQF Level 1;
    ii) An understanding of the basic activities of the tannin extraction process and procedures of the relevant workplace;
    iii) Knowledge and skills in the relevant workplace procedures, health and safety measures equivalent to NQF level 1 requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    a) The scope of this Unit Standard covers

    i) The whole environment that can be described as the bark floor and chopper machine area.
    ii) All the personnel involved in all the activities relating to the bark chopping process.
    iii) All the material that is handled and processed in this work area by the chopping crews.
    iv) All the organisation's work procedures and safety regulations relating to this work area and chopping crew.
    v) All the relevant OSHACT stipulations which have a bearing on the bark chopping process and all the other activities in this work area.

    b) The context of this Unit Standard relates to the training of a Learner at NQF Level 3 in the wattle bark chopping operation.

    c) The Level assigned to this Unit Standard, i.e. Level 3, is appropriate because it entails the training of a novice in all the wattle bark chopping operation and is a progression of the skills acquired from Levels 3 to 4. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Liaise with off-going and on-coming leading hands. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The condition of the machines is ascertained from off-going leading hand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The autoclaves still requiring filling are ascertained from off-going leading hand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The situation regarding the production programme and any changes is discussed with off-going leading hand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The above is reported to the on-going leading hand at end of shift. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Distribute and retrieve tools and safety equipment to the chopper crews. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and safety equipment is drawn from shift locker and distributed to chopper crews. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools and equipment are retrieved and checked before being put away in shift locker at end of shift. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The damaged and unserviceable tools and equipment are repaired through the relevant department or replaced from stores. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Ensure chopper machines are serviceable and crews are ready for operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The chopper machines are "locked out" and thoroughly checked for damage and blockages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The damaged knives are replaced and reset. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The blockages, especially in the rollers are cleared where necessary as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The chopper crew are correctly wearing and using the appropriate safety equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The available bark is correctly stacked on chopper table and sufficient for the shift production programme. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The all clear signal is given after above checks have been carried out as per work instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Check quality of bark chips on the top floor conveyor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The chopped bark chips are even and measure approximately 6 mm in width as per work instructions and quality requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    If fluffing of the bark chips is detected, the chopper knives are reset or replaced on the relevant chopper machine after "locking out" the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The knife changes are recorded against the relevant machine on the prescribed documentation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Ensure that the bark floor and all chopper machine areas are kept clean and safe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The chopper crews keep their relative areas and the general bark floor clean and safe as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The debris is removed by the Bobcat operator as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The chopper operation area is swept as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The chopper crews comply strictly with stipulated safety procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    An individual who wishes to be assessed against this Unit Standard may apply to, or inform, his immediate superior in the relevant workplace, to request management to arrange for his / her assessment by the relevant assessor accredited for this purpose by the ETQA of the FIETA. Accreditation for this Unit Standard shall be from the
    relevant Education and Training Quality Assurer (FIETA ETQA) through formative and summative assessment by a registered Assessor. Assessment should be contextual and be conducted in the workplace as far as possible.

    The relevant NSB and SGB should be notified of any feedback related to this qualification.
  • Assessors must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA
  • Moderators must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA
  • Training providers must be accredited by the relevant ETQA
  • Moderation should include both internal and external moderation where applicable
  • The FIETA ETQA will co-ordinate all moderation activities in accordance with their policies and procedures 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    A demonstrated understanding of:

    i. The general detail of the wattle bark chopping operation.
    ii. The general mechanics of the chopper machine.
    iii. The safety procedures relating to the chopper operation.
    iv. Subordinate supervision.
    v. Chopper operator and assistant duties.
    vi. Educational level of at least NQF level 2.
    vii. Ability to supervise subsection operation. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Assume full responsibility for all tools and instruments utilized in his/her work area relating to the chopping operation. 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems and make decisions regarding the activities in his/her work area relevant to the chopping operation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
  • Lead his/her sub-ordinates in his / her work area.
  • Carry out the production programme / work plan prescribed by management for his/her work area. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collate and analyse data provided by his/her subordinates, and report on this to his/her line manager. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Assist to train / coach sub-ordinates in his/her work area relevant to the chopping operation and discuss with them and his/her line manager all aspects of their activities in this work area. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The Outcomes that Learners achieve will be judged subject to these being achieved:

    i) Within the standard time prescribed by the organisation;
    ii) While following all the safety procedures required by the OSHACT and the workplace; and
    iii) Strictly according to the organisation's work place procedures.

    Values

    The use of tasks and materials in the learning event plan should not discriminate against learners on any grounds prescribed in the Bill of Rights and Employment Equity Act and should promote the orientations outlined in the critical cross-field outcomes. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49083   National Certificate: Wood Products Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    1. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. ENB TRAINING SERVICEPTYLTD 
    3. FUTURE DISCOVERY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    4. TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD 
    5. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    6. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD 



    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.