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 Guilds ''design in the making'' 
    4. Academy of Learning IT 
    5. Added Advantage Academy (Durban) 
    6. Addskills 
    7. Awona Technologies cc 
    8. Basfour 2730 (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Believers Care Society 
    10. BESEK COLLEGE 
    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. Bright Idea Projects 2082 CC 
    19. Broad Spectrum Training Div 
    20. Broadband College of Technology 
    21. Bulamahlo Telecentre 
    22. Bytes People Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    23. Calicom Trading 215 Pty Ltd t/a ATTI Nelspruit 
    24. Cape Information Technology Initiative 
    25. Careers IT 
    26. Careers IT (Pty) Ltd 
    27. CCS-IT Training 
    28. Certified Workforce Trainers cc. 
    29. Commerce and Computer College of South Africa 
    30. Community Education Computer Society 
    31. CompEd IT Training 
    32. Cornerstone Outreach Programme cc 
    33. CREATIVE MINDS - RANDBURG 
    34. Creative Minds Worcester 
    35. Critical Skills Training 
    36. CTU Training Solutions 
    37. CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED 
    38. Dantall 
    39. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Training 
    40. Delight Computer Training 
    41. DL Trading Enterprise 
    42. DR BA Mthethwa College 
    43. DRB & A 
    44. Eagle Computer Training 
    45. Eagle High IT Training 
    46. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    47. Edu-Fix Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Edzani IT Technologies 
    49. Egsibit Training and Development 
    50. Ekasi IT Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    51. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    52. Elchees Software Solutions 
    53. Fakazani Management Services 
    54. Falcon Business Institute 
    55. Far North Youth Development Inititiative 
    56. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    57. Fatlhogang Housing & Services Primary Co-Op Ltd 
    58. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    59. Four Stars Communication 
    60. FSM Source of Success Youth Development 
    61. Funanani Computer Centre 
    62. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    63. Gijima Ast 
    64. Giyatu Computers 
    65. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    66. Great Height IT College 
    67. Great North Skills Training Centre 
    68. Greenford Trading 20cc 
    69. Hazyview Computer College 
    70. Hlanganani ICT Pty Ltd 
    71. Holy Cross Computer Training College 
    72. I.C.E Computer College 
    73. Igugulesizwe Projects NGO 
    74. Ikageng Technologies Co-operative 
    75. Ikgodiseng Business Consulting 
    76. Imbumba Technologies and Communications (Pty) Ltd 
    77. Imvana Training College 
    78. In Excess Trading 22 T/A ATTI Polokwane 
    79. In Touch Comm Develop & 
    80. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    81. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    82. INTEGRATED TRAINING SOLUTIONS 
    83. Iscariota Trading Enterprise cc 
    84. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Itireleng Computer 
    86. Jonda Learnership Academy 
    87. Junox 301 Cc 
    88. Kaelo Computer Training cc 
    89. Kanana Development Centre 
    90. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    91. Kezla Investments 
    92. Kgopotso Computer Training 
    93. Khombindlela Skills Development Centre 
    94. Khuphulanani Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    95. KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE GROUP COLLEGE 
    96. KOLRYK 
    97. Konani Training and Development Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    98. Kumani Computer College 
    99. Kundi Computer Training Centre 
    100. Lesedi Consulting 
    101. Leseding Computer Training 
    102. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    103. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    104. LMoss Trading cc 
    105. Lompec Commercial Centre 
    106. Lukhanyiso Research and Development Services CC t/a TSD Business Solut 
    107. M-cot Corporate Training 
    108. Malope IT Solutions 
    109. Mamelodi Community Information Services 
    110. Mash Computer Training 
    111. Mason Call Centre Solutions CC 
    112. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    113. Mbay Training 
    114. Mendi Consulting Services (Pty) Ltd 
    115. Mentum Training College 
    116. Modise Computer College 
    117. Mokwena Computers CC 
    118. Moshi Computer College 
    119. Mourema Computer Training Centre 
    120. Mpande Technologies cc 
    121. Mpondo Zengwenya Trading Cc 
    122. MSTC Business College 
    123. MUGO TRAINING INSTITUTE 
    124. Muzekhaya Community Development Centre 
    125. Nape Angwato Trading 
    126. NCHEBEKO SKILLS CONSULTANCY 
    127. Nduku Information Tech Services 
    128. Nebsol IT Solutions 
    129. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    130. New Link Computer 
    131. Nextgen Training Solutions Pty Ltd 
    132. NIIT ANTILLES N.V. (INCOPORATED IN CURACAO N.A.) 
    133. NZ Business and Technology Training 
    134. On the Ball Computers 
    135. Osma Computer Training & Printing (Pty) Ltd 
    136. Pax Skills Development Centre 
    137. PC Administrators Trust 
    138. PC Training & Business College 
    139. Peak Training Hazyview 
    140. Pelox Trading 62 T/A NBCC Staff Solutions 
    141. Perfect Graphic Art & Design 
    142. Phangami Technologies 
    143. Pillays Computer and Careers 
    144. Power rush trading 6 
    145. Presentation Software Training 
    146. Prestige Business College 
    147. Progressive College of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    148. Pz Security Services (pty) Ltd 
    149. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    150. Recostc Computers and Careers 
    151. Regent-Computer 
    152. Rivoni Training N Communications 
    153. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    154. SABHIBA Computer Training 
    155. Sankin Computer Training CC 
    156. Shuma Computer Training Centre 
    157. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    158. Simlau Biztec Academy 
    159. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    160. Siyaloba Training Academy 
    161. SIYANQOBA SEMINARS 
    162. Skills House (Pty) Ltd 
    163. Sonke Consulting 
    164. Sovereign Skills Development Institute Cc 
    165. Squarefane Trading Enterprises 
    166. St Austins College (Pty) Ltd 
    167. STANFORD COMPUTER AND BUSINESS COLLEGE 
    168. Success Christian Training Centre 
    169. Sunset beach trading 433 cc 
    170. T Mabuya & Associates (Pty) Ltd 
    171. Taung Education Enrichment Centre 
    172. Technology Corporate Management (Pty) Ltd 
    173. Terrantshonga General Trading 
    174. Terry Computer Services 
    175. The Ulwazi Computer Training Center 
    176. Thekwini Technologies 
    177. Tiso Coaching Services 
    178. Toppro Training 
    179. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    180. Tshedza Training Technologies 
    181. TSHOVHILINGANA CONSTRUCTION 
    182. Tshwane North College for FET - Mamelodi Campus 
    183. TSS MANAGED SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    184. Turfloop Training Services Cc 
    185. Victory Ticket 580 cc 
    186. Vox Telecom 
    187. VR Computers 
    188. Wise Training Centre 
    189. Work Skills Resources 
    190. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    191. Xantium Trading 304 
    192. Xtensive ICT Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    193. Young Angels Centre for Technology 
    194. 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.