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 Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58537  National Certificate: Chemical Operations 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement  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  120  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 0371/07  2007-06-27  2009-06-17 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-17   2013-06-17  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
22867  National Certificate: Chemical Systems Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  122  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
78528  National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification is used to address the training needs of learners wishing to progress beyond NQF Level 2 in chemical process operations. This competence provides the foundation needed to take responsibility for a significant process in the chemical operations industry. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place.

Through the employment of competent operating personnel, employers and in turn the field and sub-field have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out.

Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient production, and career development and personal job satisfaction of operating personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified.

Qualifying learners will:

Have an understanding of the various process operations that are used in chemical operations:
  • Understand the principles of chemistry and physics and its application in industry.
  • Apply problems solving strategies in a process environment.
  • Monitor and control chemical process operations in a process environment.
  • Maintain quality in a processing environment.
  • Understand and apply safety, health and environmental issues in the workplace.

    Rationale:

    This qualification replaces the National Certificate in Chemical Systems Operation, NQF Level 3 (ID 22867).

    This qualification is the third in a series for people working in the chemical operations industry who need to progress beyond NQF Level 2 and for learners who want to progress in the chemical operations industry. The qualification reflects the workplace-based specific needs that a learner requires in the chemical operations industry, before progressing to learning at a higher level.

    Typical learners are operating personnel working in a chemical processing plant. The chemical processing industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependant upon the efficient production of chemical products. Achievement of this objective is largely dependant upon the competence, recognised by this qualification, of the people who operate chemical processing equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively.

    Competence in chemical process operations requires appropriate general, chemical specific technical and other knowledge and its application, as well as expertise in operating production equipment and controlling a chemical process. This knowledge and expertise can form a basis for further learning particularly in the production/operational, engineering and supervisory aspects of chemical operations and similar industries in the chemical and other sectors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of prior learning must be carried out in accordance with the policy and rules specified and used by the ETQA responsible for evaluation of people seeking RPL for a part of the whole qualification.

    Access to the qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open. However, it is preferable that learners have completed the National Certificate in Chemical Operations: NQF Level 2.

    Access for learners with disabilities is dependant on the:
  • Type and severity of the disability.
  • Nature of the operational processes and requirements of the equipment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    In the compulsory Fundamental Component of the qualification, a learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the 20 credits in the field of Communication plus 16 credits in the field of Mathematical Literacy.

    The unit standards in the compulsory Core Component of the qualification reflect the skills and competencies needed for building expertise in the chemical operations field. In the Core Component, the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the total of 65 credits.

    The Elective Component of the qualification requires the learner to select additional general application Unit Standards covering aspects such as quality, sampling, computer, mechanical and maintenance support skills. In total the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in a minimum of 19 credits selected from the Elective component. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply problems solving strategies in a process environment.

    2. Monitor safety and environmental protection procedures in the workplace.

    3. Monitor and control chemical process operations in a process environment.

    4. Maintain quality in a processing environment.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Critical cross-field outcomes have been addressed by the exit level outcomes as follows:

    While performing integrated chemical process operations, qualifying learners can:

    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Responding to emergencies in a processing environment; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2.
  • Monitoring and controlling quality assurance practices; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Applying operating procedures; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3, 4.
  • Controlling variables impacting on chemical process operations; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Working in a coordinated team during processing operations; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.
  • Co-ordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area, internal and external operations; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.

    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Using operating instructions to control process plant conditions; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.
  • Implementing the steps to solve operating problems in a process plant; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3.
  • Applying quality procedures in a process environment to maintain product quality; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 4.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Monitoring operational parameters; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4.
  • Collating and sorting product quality data; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4.
  • Monitoring and interpreting product quality data and data obtained from product analysis; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4.
  • Managing records, reports and stock; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.

    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Recording and interpretation of instrument readings; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4.
  • Preparing and presenting reports; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4.

    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Working according to health and safety regulations; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Controlling technologically advanced production equipment according to operating procedures; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Working and interpreting technologically advanced instrumentation and computer systems; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Monitoring and controlling quality assurance practices; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3, 4.
  • Adjusting equipment and machinery while taking cognisance of the downstream impact; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4.

    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Maintaining and applying safety practices in the production environment; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Maintaining and applying quality practices in the production environment; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3, 4.
  • Performing core operating functions; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 3.
  • Performing specialised computer functions; Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 3, 4. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Statistical process control is performed in a process environment.
  • Instrument control loops are identified and interpreted in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Operating problems in a process plant are addressed in accordance with specifications.

    2.
  • Emergencies in a process environment are responded to in accordance with specified requirements.
  • The work permit system is explained and applied in accordance with organisational requirements.

    3.
  • The principles of chemistry and physics are explained in relation to a processing environment.
  • Operating instructions are used to control process plant conditions.
  • Statistical process control is performed in accordance with specifications.
  • Solid-vapour and liquid-vapour separation processes are explained with examples.
  • Plant is monitored in a process environment in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Process and instrument diagrams are read and interpreted in accordance with code of practice.
  • Instrument control loops are identified and interpreted in accordance with specifications.

    4.
  • On-site analysis of process materials is conducted in accordance with requirements.
  • The quality of products is maintained in a production environment.
  • Statistical process control is performed in accordance with specifications.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of this qualification.

    Appropriate methods and tools must be used to assess practical, foundational and reflexive competence of the learner in all the exit level outcomes listed above, as well as to determine a learner's ability to solve problems, work in a team, organize him/herself, use applied science, and understand the implications of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems. Such an assessment process will determine development of the whole person, and the integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Assessors should develop, conduct, and ensure integration of, assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods against the unit standards that make up the qualification. Combinations of applied, foundational and reflective competencies, including critical cross-field outcomes, should be assessed wherever possible.

    Moderators should ensure that assessment is valid, consistent and integrated into work or learning, and that there is sufficient and authenticated evidence of learner competence against the whole qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking was done against the German Berufschule chemical operations qualifications, the NVQ from Britain, the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks.

    African countries with manufacturing facilities (including SADC countries) were scanned for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries.

    Good international comparability, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 1 to NQF Level 4, were found in the Australian and British qualifications.

    Both local and international qualifications place high emphasis on safety with a range of unit standards relating to hazards, emergencies and environmental protection included.

    The Chemical Operations Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The compulsory problem solving, quality control and operations content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably.

    An extensive international comparability was done which included the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Britain, European Community Chemical Operator Project and relevant African countries.

    United States of America:

    In the USA training for chemical process operators is generally considered as on-the-job training with some specialised multi-media and simulator-training modules offered by private providers. However a small number of technical colleges offer certificate programmes, which are very similar in design to the Chemical Operations NQF Level 3 and 4 qualifications.

    Germany:

    The German two year "Produktionsfachkraft Chemie" (Chemical Production Specialist) qualification was used as basis for the development of the NQF Level 1 and NQF Level 2 Chemical Operations qualifications. Our NQF Level 3 qualification was designed to deliver continued training in external operations as required by the chemical industry in South Africa.

    The Australian and British qualifications registered respectively on the AQF and the NVQ were also used as benchmarking partners. A comparison of the qualifications was undertaken and the best practice points were used in the generation of the South African qualification's unit standards, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 1 to NQF Level 4.

    Britain:

    A comparison with the British qualification was included, because the British chemical industry is very well developed and the NVQ is an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An Internet search revealed that The City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Petro-Chemical Manufacture provides for the following areas of specialisation: Controlling Process Operations and Technical Support. The qualification contains compulsory core units consisting of safety, teamwork, work handover and a choice of seven elective units from two separate groups. Three units must be chosen from Group, A which contains the operational units: preparing, controlling, maintaining, restoring and completing complex processing operations and quality management. Four units must be chosen from Group B which contains units ranging from cleaning and preparing equipment, SHEQ, problem solving, risk assessment, energy efficiency and quality control.

    Australia:

    The Australian processing industry is of a similar size and sophistication as the South African industry. For this reason a comparison with the Australian qualification was included, as well as the AQF being an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An internet search of the AQF revealed that the Australian Certificate III in Process Plant Operations contains five compulsory core units on communication, safety, emergencies, and work procedures. It allows the learner to choose elective unit standards to specialise in the following steams: Chemical and Oil, Hydrocarbons Extractions and Hydrocarbons Transmission. The qualification is made up of 21 units of competence, of which 16 have to be chosen from operations and support domains that are comparable to what is required for the local qualification, e.g. operate and monitor a range of complex processing equipment, OHS, quality maintenance and problem solving.

    Africa:

    African countries with processing facilities (including SADC countries) were searched for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications is offered in any of these countries.

    New Zealand:

    Research in the NZQA showed that a Level 2 Certificate in Energy and Chemical Plant Operations (Process Operation) and a similar Level 4 Process Operation qualifications are registered. There are no Level 3 qualifications in Process operations registered on the NZQA.

    Both local and international qualifications place high emphasis on safety with a range of unit standards relating to hazards, emergencies and environmental protection included.

    The Chemical Operations Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The compulsory technical content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification is the third in a series of four chemical operations qualifications and it will allow the learner a vertical progression from the NQF Level 2 qualification. The qualifying learner may progress into a NQF Level 4 supervisory internal process controller roles in the chemical operations industry.

    The generic knowledge and expertise enables the learner to progress horizontally in a range of other manufacturing operations or to develop a career where knowledge of chemical operations is necessary. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone moderating the assessment of learners against this Qualification must be registered as a moderator with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited or recognised as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • 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, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    In order to assess this qualification, the assessor needs:
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills.
  • Assessors to meet the requirements of the generic assessor standards.
  • Competence against the unit standard "Conduct outcomes-based assessments".
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and/or experience gained at an appropriate level in the work concerning the production of molten glass. This must meet the relevant ETQA policies and guidelines. The subject matter expertise of the assessor can be established through the recognition of prior learning.
  • Registration with, or recognition by, the relevant ETQA as specified through an appropriate memorandum of understanding. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been replaced by qualification 78528, which is "National Certificate: Chemical Operations", Level 3, 120 credits.

    This qualification replaces qualification 22867, "National Certificate in Chemical Systems Operation NQF Level 3 ", Level 3, 122 credits. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  244241  Apply knowledge of chemical reactions in a processing environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244086  Apply quality procedures in a process plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244092  Demonstrate understanding of solid-vapour and surface based separation processes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  244090  Demonstrate understanding of the principles of kinematics in physics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244091  Identify and interpret instrument control loops  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Core  244098  Perform statistical process control in a process environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  244093  Read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  244085  Respond to emergencies in a process environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244087  Solve operating problems in a process plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  244084  Use operating instructions to control process plant conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  114981  Capture numerical and text information on an electronic database  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  116518  Conduct safety and health representation activities  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  244078  Demonstrate understanding of a work permit system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  119744  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  10255  Select, use and care for power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  244088  Act as the Safety Watcher during the performance of maintenance activities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  244108  Apply safety, health and environment protection procedures in a process plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  244096  Conduct on-site analysis of process materials  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  10170  Demonstrate understanding of employment relations in an organisation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  244095  Dismantle, assemble and install basic components in a process environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  244094  Perform and support maintenance functions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  116936  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based database application to work with simple databases  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  116940  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to solve a given problem  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  119078  Use a GUI-based word processor to enhance a document through the use of tables and columns  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    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.