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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Clean carpets using the dry powder method 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110442  Clean carpets using the dry powder method 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners working towards this standard will be learning towards the full qualification, or will be involved in or working within a cleaning services environment. Qualifying learners are able to clean carpets using the dry powder method in a commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, food handling, domestic and health care cleaning environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner has the speaking and listening ability equal to an ABET Level 1 Com 101 standard and/or any other communication skill that will enable him/her to confirm the knowledge and skills required by this unit standard. The learner has completed the unit standard Vacuum clean dry surfaces (No. 12526) and Remove spots from carpets (No. 12530). 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to clean carpets with the dry powder method. Jute, a natural fibre carpet, long pile and shaggy pile carpets should not be cleaned with this method. Coir and sisal can be cleaned but a visible colour change is unavoidable.
2. A vacuum cleaner in the context of this unit standard is ideally a vacuum cleaner with a combination of vacuuming and pile brushing action.
3. A pile-brushing machine in the context of this unit standard incorporates two counter-rotating brushes that brush the powder through the carpet pile. The machine may also be equipped with an integral vacuumation system.
4. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is moderate in range, requires critical thinking, problem solving ability, and an ability to work as a member of a team.

Range statements that refer to assessment criteria in this unit standard:

1. Assessment can be written, verbal or any other agreed-upon method.
2. Assessment criteria marked with an asterisk * indicates a need for assessment according to worksite procedures.
3. Areas that require more intensive or frequent cleaning can include but is not limited to entrance areas, lift lobbies, track-off areas from hard floors and heavy traffic areas.
4. Categories of soil refer to dry, water-based and oil based soils.
5. Inaccessible areas refers to, but is not limited to staircases, under-desk and corner areas.
6. Litter refers to e.g. paperclips, rubber bands, and any litter that could block a vacuum cleaner.
7. Visible damage and faults on carpets refer to but are not limited to split seams, pulled threads, de-lamination, pile distortion, permanent staining and the effects of incorrect chemical usage in prior cleaning actions. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Select dry powder cleaning equipment, dry powder vacuuming equipment and consumables. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Selects the correct pile-brushing machine. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains the function of a pile-brushing machine during dry powder cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Selects a vacuum cleaner that has both a vacuuming and pile-brushing action*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why the vacuum cleaner selected requires both vacuuming and pile-brushing actions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Selects a hand brush to clean areas inaccessible to the pile-brushing machine. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the reasons for selecting and using a hand brush during dry powder cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Selects the correct powder and spot removal chemicals*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains why the correct powder and spot removal chemicals should be selected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains what types of carpets can be cleaned and what types are not suitable to be cleaned with the dry powder cleaning. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Prepare the area for dry powder cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Checks the carpeted area to be cleaned for visible damage or faults. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains what damage and/or faults should be checked for. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Lists and reports damage and/or faults*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the importance of listing and reporting damage and/or faults on carpets. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Picks up litter*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Identifies the types of litter that can block and/or damage a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Vacuums the area*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains how blockages in the vacuum cleaner can be identified and cleared*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Identifies the areas that require more intensive and more frequent cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains why certain areas require more intensive and more frequent cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Tests the carpet for colourfastness. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains how the colourfastness of the carpet fibres is checked. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Explains the importance of checking the colourfastness of carpet fibres. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Explains the importance of vacuuming and removing dry soil from carpets prior to the dry powder application. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. Identifies the categories of soil that can be found on carpets. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Explains how carpets can localise soiling. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Disposes of waste according to environmental principles*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why waste is disposed of according to environmental principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Cleans and stores equipment and consumables. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the reasons for cleaning and storing equipment and consumables. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Seals the container containing the unused powder*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the reasons for storing the unused powder in a sealed container. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Reports faulty equipment and/or accessories*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains the reporting procedure for faulty equipment and accessories. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Clean the area using the dry powder method. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Pre-treats spots and heavy soiling in traffic lanes*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains the importance of pre-treating spots and heavy soiling in traffic lanes prior to dry powder application. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains how chewing gum is removed from the carpet. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Applies the correct amount of dry powder relative to the degree of soiling*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains the importance of applying the correct amount of dry powder relative to the degree of soiling. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Uses the pile brushing machine in a backwards-and-forwards and side-to-side brushing action*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the reasons for using the pile-brushing machine in backwards-and-forwards as well as side-to-side brushing actions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Uses the hand brush in areas inaccessible to the pile-brushing machine. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why the hand brush is used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Uses the vacuum cleaner to vacuum the dirty powder from the carpet*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains the reason for vacuuming as much of the dirty powder as possible from carpets. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Cleans and/or replaces vacuum bags and/or filter bags*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Explains why vacuum bags and/or filters need to be cleaned or replaced. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Inspects the quality of his/her work*. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. Explains the importance of inspecting his/her work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Identifies and solves problems within his/her scope of work procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. Explains why s/he must do the job right the first time. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
1. An assessor accredited by the Services SETA ETQA will assess the competency.
2. Assessment procedures will be supplied to the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
3. All assessment activities must be fair so that all candidates can have equal opportunities.
4. Assessment will be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
5. Questions and answers must determine the theoretical knowledge.
6. Direct observation, preferably in the workplace, or as a second choice in simulated conditions are preferred.
7. The practical demonstration of competencies is required in this unit standard.
8. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication that may be verbal or any other agreed upon method.
9. Internal Moderation: could be determined by the provider.
External Moderation: to be performed by an assessor that is registered with the ETQA. 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
On completion the learner can understand and apply knowledge as described in the assessment criteria of all the outcomes. 

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 response displays that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. Evident in Specific Outcomes:
  • Select dry powder cleaning equipment, and dry powder vacuuming equipment and and consumables
  • Prepare the area for dry powder cleaning.
  • Clean the area using the dry powder method.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Evident in specific outcome:
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.
    Evident in Specific Outcomes:
  • Select dry powder cleaning equipment, and dry powder vacuuming equipment and and consumables
  • Prepare the area for dry powder cleaning.
  • Clean the area using the dry powder method.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Prepare the area for dry powder cleaning
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in specific outcome:
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Clean the area using the dry powder method.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Select dry powder cleaning equipment, and dry powder vacuuming equipment and and consumables
  • Prepare the area for dry powder cleaning.
  • Clean the area using the dry powder method.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.
    Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Select dry powder cleaning equipment, and dry powder vacuuming equipment and and consumables
  • Prepare the area for dry powder cleaning.
  • Clean the area using the dry powder method.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the dry powder method 
    		•

    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 
    Definition of terms within this unit standard

    1. Carpets refer to textile floor coverings including but not limited to woven, tufted, flocked, knitted, needle punched and fusion bonded manufacturing methods. The styles of these manufacturing methods include, but are not limited to cut pile, loop pile, cut-and-loop pile and multi-levelled loop styles.
    2. Carpet fibres refer to natural and synthetic fibres. Some carpets may contain both natural and synthetic fibres and these are called blended carpets.
    3. Dry powder refers to natural or synthetic particles or micro-sponges that act as carrying agents for water, detergents and solvents. Although the powder is referred to as dry, it is actually moist and the moisture in the powder particles contacts and absorbs the soil clinging to the carpet fibres.
    4. Hand brush: A brush with a fibre of suitable stiffness to brush the powder into the carpet pile.
    5. Natural fibres include fibres made from wool, silk, cotton, sisal, coir, jute and linen.
    6. Pile-brushing machine: A machine incorporating two counter-rotating cylindrical brushes that brushes powder through the carpet pile and may also include an integral vacuumation system.
    7. Spot: A mark that can be removed.
    8. Stain: A mark that cannot be removed due to visible discolouration, staining or dye removal from the carpet.
    9. Synthetic fibres include, but are not limited to nylon, acrylic, polyester and olefin or polypropylene.
    10. Traffic lane: refers to an area most frequently walked over and soiled.
    11. Vacuum cleaner: mechanical equipment with a combination of vacuuming and pile brushing action, fitted with a through-flow motor, vacuum bag(s), filter(s) and different accessories.
    12. Localised Soiling: Carpets trap and hide soil in high concentration in areas such as entrances, doorways and high traffic areas. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  36233   National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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 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.