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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Certificate: Chemical Process Operations

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
22868	National Certificate: Chemical Process Operations
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	126	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0144/02	2002-10-09	2005-10-09
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2006-10-09		2009-10-09

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
78529	Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations	Level 4	NQF Level 04	140	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

A person acquiring this qualification will be able to operate large chemical processing operation to achieve the intend changes to the material being processed through the application of appropriate principles and practices.

This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner with in the processing environment by providing recognition including assumption of responsibility for production, health and safety, facilitating mobility and transportability within the field of manufacturing and assembly and other fields where the same attributes are needed. The knowledge, understanding and skill demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the manufacturing and processing environment.

Range:

Large chemical processing operations are:

Made up of a number of systems

That are operated in an integrated manner

With each requires coordination of all activities by a process controller

Rationale:

The required knowledge, understanding and skill needed to operate assume responsibility for is based on the knowledge and skill needed to operate equipment and systems. Additional process operating and technical knowledge is coupled with practical decision making and activities following on the decisions made. These attributes are gained through the summative and integrative learning to achieve competence for all the process operating unit standards.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Candidates embarking on learning towards this qualification are expected to be competent in the operation of equipment and systems to have applied relevant knowledge in the operation of systems in a process operation.
The learning assumed to be in place is the National Certificate in Chemical Systems Operations - Level 3.

Recognition of prior learning:

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the criteria laid out above.
Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.
All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the note to assessors below.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Application of technology and communication in controlling a complex and hazardous operation.

2. Operate a large chemical process operation.

Critical cross-field outcomes:

The combination of the unit standards included in this qualification address critical cross-field outcomes as follows:

a) identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made that results in the safe and productive operation of a large chemical process operation

b) working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization, or community assures that the systems controlled perform in synergy, resulting in efficient operating process

c) organizing and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively ensures that the operation of the systems within the process to achieve efficient and safe results and the process operates in synergy with other related processes

d) collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information enables the process operator to make the decisions required for safe efficient operation

e) communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion is needed to communicate with mangers, other process controllers and support personnel

f) using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others contributes to compliance with the process, safety, health and environmental requirements to achieve the intended purpose of the operation

g) demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation the impact of operating a system has on the chemical process, the environment and society as is demonstrated by the good or poor performance of a large operation.

Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:

i. reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively in that the learner is required to learn in a busy process environment
ii. participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities through the application of their increased knowledge and skill beyond their immediate workplace
iii. being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts is critical with in and beyond the process plant where a process operator is required to interact with people from different backgrounds who have varied beliefs, values and different roles in the workplace
iv. exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities is expected of people who are challenged in the learning process to reflect on the consequences and impact of their work.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Solve problems where many variables must be considered in limited time from a large number of alternatives

Use knowledge of process chemistry and related technology and related mathematics in combination experience in solving problems

Communicate complex and critical technical information when under difficult circumstances

2.

Execute the normal operating activities in accordance with standard operating procedures

Address hazardous and emergency situations in accordance with standard operating procedures

Comply with legal and site specific health safety and environmental requirements

Integrated Assessment:

All the aspects of operating a system are critical. Therefore integrated assessment of the operating standards is required. Overall assessment is achieved through summative assessment and the integrated of the assessment of the knowledge, understanding and operating skills described in the standards. Evidence relating to the critical cross-field outcomes is evaluated through integrated assessment of the unit standards

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification and the component unit standards have been compared with similar qualifications from the following countries:

United Kingdom - This qualification has features that indicate that it of higher level than the NVQ Qualifications in process operations (chemical and pharmaceuticals at Level 3

New Zealand - No comparable qualification was found on the New Zealand publications investigated.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification equips the learner to progress in a career in chemical process management or technical development at NQF Level 5.

The knowledge and skill in the exit level outcomes of this qualification facilitate articulation to alternative career opportunities including chemical or other manufacturing and production. The exit level outcomes of this qualification are applicable careers such as quality assurance and environmental management.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Moderation of assessment will be conducted by a moderator who is:

A subject field expert

Registered as a Moderator by the relevant ETQA or a provider accredited by the relevant ETQA after achieving competence against the Moderator Unit standards

Registered as a constituent Moderator by the relevant ETQA . Moderation will be carried out in accordance with the mechanisms specified by the relevant ETQA.

Alternative criteria, which may be or become appropriate, will be acceptable provided that these are agreed to in writing by the relevant ETQA prior to commencement of the moderation process and that they comply with the ETQA regulations (RSA, 1998b) and in Criteria and Guidelines: ETQAs (SAQA, 1999).

Particular accreditation requirements related to this qualification are:

Adequate exposure to an appropriate workplace to ensure that the assessment criteria of the unit standards are met. > That integrative assessment of related standards is carried out. This is of particular importance when assessing the standards relating to the operation of equipment.

Providers offering learning towards achievement of any of the unit standards that make up this qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA .

The criteria for accreditation are stated in the SAQA ETQA Regulations.

Verification of moderation

Verification of moderation must be conducted in accordance with the requirements specified by the relevant ETQA.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Accreditation assessment and moderation:

Providers offering learning towards achievement of any of the unit standards that make up this qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA
The criteria for accreditation are stated in the SAQA ETQA Regulations.

Assessment must be carried out by an assessor who is:

A subject matter expert.

Registered by the relevant ETQA or a provider accredited by the relevant ETQA after achieving competency against the assessor Unit Standards.

Registered as a constituent assessor by the relevant ETQA.

Administered, advised and coached by a Constituent Moderator

NOTES

This qualification has been replaced by qualification 78529, which is "Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations", Level 4, 140 credits.

No elective unit standards are specified for this qualification.

Notes for assessors:

Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments:
> Focus the initial assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. The aim is to declare the person competent in terms of the qualification purpose. Where assessment across titles or at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.

Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.

All assessments should be conducted in line with the documented principles of assessment as defined.

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	14781	Collect, interpret and communicate process conditions	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	14777	Control the process within set parameters	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	14787	Establish conditions for process start-up	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	14793	Respond to abnormal process conditions	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	14794	Respond to hazardous and emergency conditions	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	14795	Shut down the process to a specified state	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Core	14797	Starting the process	Level 4	NQF Level 04	12
Fundamental	7465	Collect and use data to establish complex statistical and probability models and solve related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	7485	Demonstrate understanding of real and complex number systems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Fundamental	8974	Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8975	Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8979	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	7468	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	7470	Work with a wide range of patterns and inverses of functions and solve related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8976	Write for a wide range of contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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