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: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Pulp Manufacturing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48643  Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Pulp Manufacturing 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Pulp and Paper 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was FPMSETA until Last Date for Achievement  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  168  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 "Registered" 		 SAQA 2152/04  2004-02-11  2007-02-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-02-11   2011-02-11  

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
61949  Further Education and Training Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  140  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This qualification is primarily intended for application in pulp manufacturing and is aimed at learners who work, or intend to work, in one of the three specialisation areas and seek recognition for essential skills:
  • Producing chemical pulp from wood chips using a batch digester
  • Producing chemical pulp from wood chips using a vertical continuous digester
  • Producing bagasse pulp using a horizontal continuous digester

    Qualifying learners will be capable of:
  • Understanding the process and variables associated with pulp manufacturing
  • Engaging in the operational processes and procedures to manufacture chemical pulp
  • Applying basic business concepts, quality, safety, health and environmental procedures.
  • Demonstrating competence in mathematical literacy, science, reading, writing and speaking relevant to the pulp and paper industry.

    The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that learners are able to achieve the competencies required for working safely and efficiently in pulp manufacturing.

    Rationale of the qualification:

    This is a further qualification in a series for learners to progress beyond the National Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing: NQF level 2. The qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of operators who work in at least one of the specialisation areas within pulp manufacturing. The specialisation areas all have the objective of manufacturing pulp, however have marked differences in their methodology:
  • Producing chemical pulp from wood chips using a batch digester
  • Producing chemical pulp from wood chips using a vertical continuous digester
  • Producing bagasse pulp using a horizontal continuous digester

    The needs, as verified by various Industry forums, are expressed by employers and employees, for both now and the future. This qualification is intended as an exit level qualification for the FET band of learners working in pulp manufacturing.

    The level of flexibility within the range of electives allows learners to work in various other jobs, for example, preparing and supplying bagasse, producing bleached pulp and generating chlorine dioxide for pulp bleaching.
    While the learning specified within this qualification is contextualised to pulp manufacturing, the qualification has been constructed in such a way that the learner will be able, with some further learning, to adapt the skills and knowledge to other manufacturing industries. The qualification therefore supports the principle of portability within the manufacturing industry as a whole in South Africa and thus provides added value to the qualifying learner (increased employability) and to society and the economy (the creation of a pool of learners with manufacturing skills). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    National Certificate in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing NQF level 2, as well as mathematical literacy, communication and science at NQF level 3.

    If the learner does not meet these assumptions, this does not preclude him/her from starting the qualification. It will, however, require an increase in learning time.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    By a process of recognition of prior learning, the leaner will be able to gain credits and thus this qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning. Assessment for the recognition of prior learning is, as for any assessment, subject to the following principles:
  • The application of NQF and credible assessment principles
  • The assessment being planned and designed on the basis of understanding the requirements of the unit standard, part qualification or qualification that the learner is seeking credit for
  • Collection of different types of evidence and quality of evidence
  • The application of the correct assessment process and moderation requirements 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • All fundamental unit standards are compulsory (66 credits)
  • All core unit standards are compulsory:
    Specialisation area 1: batch digester (90 credits)
    Specialisation area 2: vertical continuous digester (87 credits)
    Specialisation area 3: horizontal continuous digester (82 credits)
  • A selection of elective unit standards (minimum 20 credits) 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply quality, safety, health and environmental procedures according to standard operating procedures.

    2. Understand and explain the basic processes, relevant equipment and raw materials used in chemical pulping operations.

    3. Engage in chemical pulping operational processes and procedures to produce pulp.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The way in which the critical cross-field outcomes are addressed is presented in detail in the unit standards outlined. This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes:

    a) Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
    b) Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
    c) Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    d) Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
    e) Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
    f) Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    g) Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts
  • Exploring education and career opportunities, and developing entrepreneurial opportunities 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1 Quality procedures are explained and applied in chemical pulping operations.
    1.2 Safety, health, environmental and fire prevention procedures within chemical pulping operations are adhered to and explained, using appropriate examples and descriptions.

    2.1 The origin, use and properties of raw materials are understood and explained.
    2.2 The fundamental principles of the pulping process are understood and explained.
    2.3 The main components of the chemical pulping process are described and explained.
    2.4 Utilities are described and explained.
    Range: Processes: Batch digester or vertical continuous digester or horizontal continuous digester.

    3. The following assessment criteria are carried out within standard time, following all safety and hygiene principles and according to workplace procedures:
    3.1 Pre-checks are carried out and the process is started up.
    3.2 The process is monitored and controlled and deviations are brought under control.
    3.3 The process is shut down.
    Range: Processes: Batch digester or vertical continuous digester or horizontal continuous digester.
    3.4 Basic business principles with regards to chemical pulping operations are understood and implemented.
    Range: Fixed and variable costs relating to raw materials, pulp production and waste.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The unit standards on which this qualification is based, describe the competent performance in pulp manufacturing. The criteria, by which competence is judged, as well as the range of circumstances in which competence should be demonstrated, are found in each unit standard.

    Integrated assessment methods and tools for this qualification must allow the learner to demonstrate the acquired knowledge and the safe and efficient competencies required in pulp manufacturing.

    For summative assessment the tools include:
  • Written and/or oral tests to determine level of knowledge; and
  • On-the-job observation to determine applied competence.

    The tools used for formative assessment during the learning programme include:
  • Written tests
  • Oral testing
  • On-the-job observation
  • Role-play situations.

    For each learner a portfolio of evidence of all the assessments must be built up for record-keeping purposes. This portfolio may include, inter alia:
  • Production reports
  • Journals/logbooks, records of work performance
  • Work samples
  • Supervisor and peer reports
  • Relevant awards or certificates
  • Previous assessment records.
    The learner's level of prior learning will determine the way an integrated assessment will be conducted. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The core and elective components have been developed, taking into account South Africa's unique context, but also looking at international best practice. Benchmarking was done by comparison to qualifications, unit standards and/or outcomes of learning against:

    New Zealand and Australian Unit Standards:
  • Principles of pulp manufacturing

    National Vocational Qualifications from Britain (City and Guilds):
  • Pulp mills are not common to Britain and thus no comparison could be made for chemical pulping unit standards

    This qualification compares favourably with the above international unit standards in terms of outcomes, assessment criteria and degree of difficulty.

    The fundamental components, reflecting foundational learning and generic skills and knowledge, have been derived from South African NQF unit standards. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows a learner to progress to higher qualifications in the pulp and paper industry, namely:
  • National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology (level 6)
  • Any other higher pulp and paper qualification still to be developed for the pulp and paper industry.

    The fundamental and generic core learning components will equip the learner with credits which will be useful in other fields of learning that the learner might wish to change to at any future stage.

    The choice of elective learning components allows the learner to achieve additional competencies in a variety of contexts for example, preparing and supplying bagasse, producing bleached pulp and generating chlorine dioxide for pulp bleaching. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this qualification, the applicant should:
  • Be declared competent in all the outcomes of the National Assessor Unit Standards as stipulated by SAQA and
  • Have a recognised technical qualification in pulp and paper such as the NTC in Pulp (N4) or an equivalent qualification or
  • Have worked in the pulp and paper industry and be considered a subject matter expert in the area of chemical pulp manufacturing

    Notes for assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments:
  • Special note of the need for integrated assessment should be taken.
  • Evidence should be gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close as possible to the real performance. Where simulations are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment as defined below:
    Appropriate: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.
    Fair: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence.
    Manageable: The methods used make for easy arranged cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
    Integration into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
    Valid: The assessment focuses on the requirements laid down in the Standard; i.e. the assessment is fit for purpose.
    Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible.
    Authentic: The assessor is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the learner being assessed.
    Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required Standard can be repeated consistently.
    Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
    Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence. Learners understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
    Consistent: The same assessor would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other assessors. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 61949, which is "Further Education and Training Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations", Level 4, 140 credits.

    Range Statements:

    The unit standards provide the details of the ranges within which candidates are required to perform.

    The following are core unit standards for each specialisation:

    Specialisation 1:
    Produce chemical pulp from wood chips using a batch digester (level 4 - 37 credits)

    Specialisation 2:
    Produce chemical pulp from wood chips using a vertical continuous digester (level 4 - 34 credits)

    Specialisation 3:
    Produce bagasse pulp using a horizontal continuous digester (level 4 - 29 credits) 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  13234  Apply quality procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  13223  Apply safety, health and environmental protection procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  114268  Remove spent liquor contaminants from pulp  Level 3  NQF Level 03  17 
    Core  114257  Understand the fundamental process principles of screening and cleaning pulp suspensions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  114245  Produce bagasse pulp using a horizontal continuous digester  Level 4  NQF Level 04  29 
    Core  114241  Produce chemical pulp from wood chips using a batch digester  Level 4  NQF Level 04  37 
    Core  114252  Produce chemical pulp from wood chips using a vertical continuous digester  Level 4  NQF Level 04  34 
    Core  114263  Understand the operating principles, processes and variables associated with chemical pulping  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  13915  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a workplace, and its effects on a business sub-sector, own organisation and a specific workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  12457  Develop learning strategies and techniques  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9530  Manage work time effectively  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    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  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    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  8976  Write for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  12465  Develop a learning plan and a portfolio for assessment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  7547  Operate a personal computer system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  9973  Apply basic business concepts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  9926  Coach learners  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  110030  Demonstrate understanding of the water treatment and effluent treatment processes in the pulp and paper industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  114244  Generate chlorine dioxide for pulp bleaching  Level 3  NQF Level 03  30 
    Elective  9527  Lead a team, plan, allocate and assess their work  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  114258  Perform physical and chemical tests on raw materials, pulp and chemicals used in pulp making  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Elective  114262  Prepare and supply washed and depithed bagasse  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 
    Elective  114251  Prepare chemical additives used in the pulp and paper industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  7567  Produce and use spreadsheets for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  114247  Produce bleached pulp  Level 3  NQF Level 03  29 
    Elective  7570  Produce word processing documents for business  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  114237  Recover crude turpentine as a Kraft pulping by-product  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  114254  Reduce logs to groundwood pulp  Level 3  NQF Level 03  22 
    Elective  114249  Reduce wood chips to thermo mechanical pulp  Level 3  NQF Level 03  26 
    Elective  7386  Assess learners within a learning situation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  114270  Understand the operating principles, processes and variables associated with pulp bleaching  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  114266  Understand the processes and variables in mechanical pulping  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  114246  Understand the properties of fibrous materials used in pulp and paper manufacturing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  9951  Plan a learning programme  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 


    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 


    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.