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: 

Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117925  Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner 
ORIGINATOR ORIGINATING PROVIDER
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems   
QUALITY ASSURING BODY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2012-07-01  2015-06-30  SAQA 0695/12 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
7546  Describe the application and impact as well as social implications of information technology  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5  Complete 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for people who need a fundamental understanding of the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge for a career needing this competency, like the ICT industry. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies.
  • Describe the hardware components of a personal computer.
  • Describe software for personal computers.
  • Describe information networks in relation to ICT.
  • Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations.
  • Explain health and safety when working with computers.
  • Setup a computer workstation taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account.

    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person is competent in the following:
  • Mathematical literacy and communication skills at least at NQF level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of computers are described in terms of their size, application, and relation to each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of computers - at least five of: mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, network computers(thin clients), laptop computers, multimedia computers, personal digital assistants (PDA).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The components of a personal computer are described in terms of their role in the system as a whole is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Input, output, storage, peripherals, ROM, Ports (Serial, Parallel, USB).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The major components of ICT is described in terms of their relationship to each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include but is not limited to: Client computers (typically PCs), Various Networks (LANs & WANs), server computers, the Internet.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the hardware components of a personal computer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is described in terms of its purpose and functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The Memory of a personal computer is defined in terms of memory size, the types of memory and their purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of: Memory types: RAM, ROM, ROM-BIOS, Video memory, PROM.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Input devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least six of: Mouse, keyboard, trackball, microphone, touchpad, light pen, scanner, joystick, digital camera.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Output devices are identified and described in terms of the variety, their purpose and functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least four of: Monitors (Visual Display Units (VDU)), printers, plotters, speakers, speech synthesisers, microfilm (microfiche).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Input/output devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Touchscreen, modem.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Storage devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose, capacity and functioning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least three of: Floppy/stiffy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape streamers, CD-ROM, ZIP drives and cartridges, flash disks.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe software for personal computers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of software are described in terms of purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating system software, applications software.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operating system software is defined in terms of its function, providing examples of current OS software commonly in use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Functions include but not limited to: Interface to hardware, interface between application software, interface to printing.OS software include but is not limited to: MS Windows, UNIX, Lunix, Macintosh.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Applications software is defined and examples of applications software types and the specific application for each is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least 3 of: word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, desktop publishing, multimedia applications, internet applications.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe information networks in relation to ICT. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    "Data communication" is defined in terms of its different forms of data communication and examples given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The networking of computers are explained in terms fo its use, advantages and disadvantages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The terms LAN and WAN are explained in terms of their scope and usage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Distinguish between same graphical area and wide spread area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different types of telephone network connections used for access to the Internet are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any 2 of: Analogue (Pulse), Digital (Tone), ADSL (Direct), Wireless.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ergonomic principles for computer workstations are explained in terms of their application and purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Environmental conditions relating to ergonomics of computer workstations are explained in terms of their impact on personal well being. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: environmental conditions: lighting, ventilation, VDU positioning, VDU glare, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse), breaks away from the computer.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain health and safety when working with computers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Current legislation related to health and safety in the ICT environment are identified and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal injuries related to incorrect ergonomics when working with computers are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: back pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), eye strain.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Common precautions that can be taken when working with computers are explained in terms of how they ensure safe working environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: trailing power leads and/or cables, insecure power leads, worn or frayed power leads, overloaded power points.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    ICT working practices are explained in terms of ways to minimise the effect of working practices on the immediate environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: recycling paper, recycling ink/toner cartridges, redundant peripheral devices, low power options on devices, use of "standby" or "sleep" modes for devices, digital formats for communication and storage of documents. Effects can be harmful or positive.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    A computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles into account. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ergonomic principles include but are not limited to: lighting, VDU position, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A computer workstation is set up taking health and safety issues into account. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Health and safety issues include but are not limited to: Power leads, cables, power points.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programmes of education and training assessed against unit standards.

    Moderation Process:
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
  • Performance of all elements complies with the laws of the country operating in, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
  • All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.
  • Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (e.g. In a commercial or government organisation).
  • Organisations in South Africa responsible for standards for health and safety when working with computers is identified such as SABS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by understanding the impact of using a computer in an unsafe manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by ensuring that the correct ergonomic structures are in place before using a computer. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using a computer in a safe and secure manner. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE QUALITY ASSURING BODY
    Core  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2015-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61755   General Education and Training Certificate: Business Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2015-06-30  SERVICES 


    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 Quality Assuring Bodies 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 Quality Assuring Body should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Abetech Computer Related Services 
    2. Academy of Business and Computer Studies- PTA 
    3. Academy of Learning IT 
    4. Added Advantage Academy (Durban) 
    5. Addskills 
    6. Angie Technologies 
    7. AUM IT Solutions 
    8. Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    9. Basfour 2730 (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Believers Care Society 
    11. Best Information Solutions 
    12. Beth Horner & Associates 
    13. Bill Dos Be Connected 
    14. Blazing Moon Corporate Training (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Blue Bridge Training and Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    16. Boland College 
    17. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    18. BRAINWAVE PROJECTS 707 (PTY) LTD 
    19. Broad Spectrum Training Div 
    20. Bulamahlo Telecentre 
    21. Busisa Training and Development 
    22. Bytes People Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    23. Calicom Trading 215 Pty Ltd t/a ATTI Nelspruit 
    24. Careers IT 
    25. Careers IT (Pty) Ltd 
    26. CCS-IT Training 
    27. CENTRAL BUSINESS ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    28. Certified Workforce Trainers cc. 
    29. College of Cape Town - City Campus 
    30. Community Education Computer Society 
    31. CompEd IT Training 
    32. Conaissance Business Advisors 
    33. Consilium Technologies 
    34. Cornerstone Outreach Programme cc 
    35. Creative Minds Worcester 
    36. Critical Skills Training 
    37. CTU Training Solutions 
    38. CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED 
    39. Dantall 
    40. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Training 
    41. Delight Computer Training 
    42. DL Trading Enterprise 
    43. DR BA Mthethwa College 
    44. DRB & A 
    45. DVG Construction Company (Pty)Ltd 
    46. Eagle Computer Training 
    47. Eagle High IT Training 
    48. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    49. Edzani IT Technologies 
    50. Egsibit Training and Development 
    51. Ekasi IT Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    52. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    53. Elchees Software Solutions 
    54. Fair Skills Training Academy 
    55. Fakazani Management Services 
    56. Falcon Business Institute 
    57. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    58. Fatlhogang Housing & Services Primary Co-Op Ltd 
    59. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    60. Four Stars Communication 
    61. FSM Source of Success Youth Development 
    62. Funanani Computer Centre 
    63. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    64. Giga Skills Training 
    65. Gijima Ast 
    66. Giyatu Computers 
    67. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    68. Great Height IT College 
    69. Great North Skills Training Centre 
    70. Hlakanipha Training & Development 
    71. Hlanganani ICT Pty Ltd 
    72. Holy Cross Computer Training College 
    73. I.C.E Computer College 
    74. Igugulesizwe Projects NGO 
    75. Ikageng Technologies Co-operative 
    76. Ikgodiseng Business Consulting 
    77. ILIM Training CC 
    78. Imbumba Technologies and Communications (Pty) Ltd 
    79. Imvana Training College 
    80. In Excess Trading 22 T/A ATTI Polokwane 
    81. In Touch Comm Develop & 
    82. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    83. Insite Settlements Network 
    84. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    85. INTEGRATED TRAINING SOLUTIONS 
    86. Iscariota Trading Enterprise cc 
    87. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    88. IT Solution on the Moving Edge CC 
    89. Ithemba Lentsha Skills Development Institute 
    90. Itireleng Computer 
    91. Kaelo Computer Training cc 
    92. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    93. Kgopotso Computer Training 
    94. Kgotlelelang Computer Lab Centre 
    95. Khombindlela Skills Development Centre 
    96. Khuphulanani Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    97. KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE GROUP COLLEGE 
    98. KOLRYK 
    99. Konani Training and Development Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    100. Kumani Computer College 
    101. Kundi Computer Training Centre 
    102. Lesedi Consulting 
    103. Leseding Computer Training 
    104. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    105. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    106. Limpopo Computer College Bk 
    107. LINE UP COMMUNICATION 
    108. LMoss Trading cc 
    109. Lompec Commercial Centre 
    110. Loxtion Server CC 
    111. Lukhanyiso Research and Development Services CC t/a TSD Business Solut 
    112. Luso Computer Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    113. M-cot Corporate Training 
    114. Makhophila Business Enterprise 
    115. Mamelodi Community Information Services 
    116. Mason Call Centre Solutions CC 
    117. Mbay Training 
    118. MEGRO LEARNING LOWVELD 
    119. Mendi Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd 
    120. Mentum Training College 
    121. Mita Computer College 
    122. Modise Computer College 
    123. Moshi Computer College 
    124. Mourema Computer Training Centre 
    125. Mpisholo Training Solutions 
    126. Mpondo Zengwenya Trading Cc 
    127. MUGO TRAINING INSTITUTE 
    128. Muzekhaya Community Development Centre 
    129. Nape Angwato Trading 
    130. NCHEBEKO SKILLS CONSULTANCY 
    131. Nduku Information Tech Services 
    132. Neftin Computers & Electronics 
    133. NET2G Technologies (Pty) Ltd t/a EduCampus 
    134. New Link Computer 
    135. Nextgen Training Solutions Pty Ltd 
    136. NIIT ANTILLES N.V. (INCOPORATED IN CURACAO N.A.) 
    137. Ntamunde Investment 
    138. Nyamies IT Services 
    139. NZ Business and Technology Training 
    140. On the Ball Computers 
    141. ORANGE TREE CONSULTING 
    142. Osma Computer Training & Printing (Pty) Ltd 
    143. Pax Skills Development Centre 
    144. PC Administrators Trust 
    145. PC Training & Business College 
    146. Pelox Trading 62 T/A NBCC Staff Solutions 
    147. Penduka Consulting 
    148. Perfect Graphic Art & Design 
    149. Phangami Technologies 
    150. Pillays Computer and Careers 
    151. POLAZ ITSERVICES 
    152. Power rush trading 6 
    153. Prestige Business College 
    154. Professional Graduate Colleges 
    155. Progressive College of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    156. Pz Security Services (pty) Ltd 
    157. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    158. Regent-Computer 
    159. Riakona Computer Training Centre 
    160. Rivoni Training N Communications 
    161. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    162. Sankin Computer Training CC 
    163. Security and Property Services 
    164. Shuma Computer Training Centre 
    165. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    166. Simlau Biztec Academy 
    167. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    168. Siyaloba Training Academy 
    169. SIYANQOBA SEMINARS 
    170. Skills House (Pty) Ltd 
    171. Sovereign Skills Development Institute Cc 
    172. Squarefane Trading Enterprises 
    173. St Austins College (Pty) Ltd 
    174. STANFORD COMPUTER AND BUSINESS COLLEGE 
    175. Success Christian Training Centre 
    176. Sunset beach trading 433 cc 
    177. T Mabuya & Associates (Pty) Ltd 
    178. Taung Education Enrichment Centre 
    179. Technology Corporate Management (Pty) Ltd 
    180. Terrantshonga General Trading 
    181. Terry Computer Services 
    182. Tfutfukani Techoology Training Centre 
    183. The Rights Protection Centre 
    184. The Ulwazi Computer Training Center 
    185. Thekwini Technologies 
    186. Toppro Training 
    187. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    188. Tshedza Training Technologies 
    189. TSHOVHILINGANA CONSTRUCTION 
    190. Tshwane North College for FET - Mamelodi Campus 
    191. University of Fort Hare 
    192. Victory Ticket 580 cc 
    193. Vuthlari Marketing Consulting 
    194. Whispers ETD Consulting 
    195. Wise Training Centre 
    196. Witbank Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    197. Work Skills Resources 
    198. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    199. Xantium Trading 304 
    200. Xtensive ICT Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    201. Young Angels Centre for Technology 
    202. Zealot Business College cc 


    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.