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

Comply with safety requirements in the medical pathology and blood transfusion fields 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252401  Comply with safety requirements in the medical pathology and blood transfusion fields 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Phlebotomy Technicians 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Curative Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
114730  Comply with safety requirements in the medical pathology or blood transfusion fields  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for learners who are working within the medical pathology or blood transfusion fields. Safety is the cornerstone of all facets in the preventive, curative and promotive health field. Through knowledge, skills and attitude, the qualifying learner will be able to work safely within the medical field thus enhancing health care deliver in the country.

Learners credited with this standard will be able to:
  • Maintain safety in the working environment.
  • Respond appropriately in the event of an incident.
  • Explain the transmission modes of infectious diseases and the Universal Precautions.
  • Control the chemicals and equipment, according to safety regulations. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Language and communication skills at or equivalent to NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The prescribed protocols referred to in this unit standard are the written instructions relating to specific tasks and procedures of the institution where the learner is currently employed. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Maintain a safe working environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The working environment is kept clean and tidy according to prescribed protocol, showing knowledge of the premises and housekeeping protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Knowledge of potential hazards in the work area and reporting mechanisms is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Biologic safety, fire and physical hazards.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    International safety symbols common to the working environment are identified and the meaning explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of safety equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The location of safety equipment is identified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety equipment may include to eye wash bottles, first aid box, shower, fire hose, fire extinguisher, safety blanket.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose and use of the safety equipment is explained and demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe infection control relevant to medical pathology and blood transfusion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The chain of infection is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Source, modes of transmission, susceptible host.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The prescribed workplace protocol for immunization is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate personal protective equipment is selected, checked, and its use is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal protective equipment includes but not limited to gloves, lab coats, eye goggles, masks.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hands are washed according to prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Biological specimens and their containers are handled and packaged according to prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Biohazardous medical waste is discarded and/or decontaminated according to prescribed protocol. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Biohazardous waste relevant to learner's scope of practice.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Isolation procedures are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protective/reverse isolation, standard precautions, transmission based precautions.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the handling of chemicals, gases and equipment, according to safety regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of the labelling, storage, dispensing, use, transportation and disposal of chemicals according to prescribed protocol is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Chemicals relevant to learner's scope of practice.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is handled according to the manufacturer's instructions, prescribed protocol and safety requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment relevant to learner's scope of practice.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Knowledge of gasses utilized in the working environment and their storage requirements are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Gases common to the learner's working environment.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard 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 ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993 as it applies to their scope of practice.
  • The prescribed protocols relating to safety, accidents and incidents including accidental exposure to blood borne pathogens and haemorrhagic fever specimens.
  • The meaning of relevant terminology such as pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes, nosocomial infections, commesals. 
    		•

    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 responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made in recognising that safety has been compromised and the possibility of an infection or disease spreading exists, and then referring the matter immediately to the relevant authorities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community by taking every safety precaution to ensure the safety of all in the medical pathology and blood transfusion fields. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsively and effectively through adherence to all the safety protocols regarding clothing, chemicals and equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information regarding the safety protocols to respond effectively in the case of a safety breach. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation in the case of a hazard in the phlebotomy environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others in the use of various chemicals and equipment used in phlebotomy. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 114730, "Comply with safety requirements in the medical pathology or blood transfusion fields", Level 4, 6 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  63189   National Certificate: Medical Laboratory Assistance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30   
    Core  59345   Further Education and Training Certificate: Phlebotomy Techniques  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  HPCSA 


    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.
     
    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.