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: 

Maintain batteries in automatic scrubber-driers and auto sweepers 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110451  Maintain batteries in automatic scrubber-driers and auto sweepers 
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  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
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 maintain batteries in automatic scrubber-driers and auto sweepers operating in a commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, food handling, domestic and healthcare cleaning environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner has the speaking and listening ability equal to NQF Level 1 Communication Skills standard and/or any other communication skill that will enable him/her to confirm the knowledge and skills required by this unit standard.
Numeracy at NQF level 1 or equivalent. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who charges dry cell and wet cell batteries in an automatic scrubber drier and an auto sweeper.
2. A wet cell battery in the context of this unit standard is a lead / acid battery. A dry cell battery in the context of this unit standard refers to a sealed maintenance-free gel battery.
3. The level and complexity assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the processes are moderate in range, are established and familiar and offer a clear choice of routine responses. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Charge dry cell batteries. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Switches off the machine. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Disconnects the battery from the machine. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains why the machine must be switched off before disconnecting the battery. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Connects the battery to the charger. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Switches on the charger. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why batteries must be fully charged without interruption according to operating instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains how a dry cell battery can build up a memory (the memory effect). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains how to identify that the charge cycle has been completed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why a dry cell battery should not be opened. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Charge wet cell batteries. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Explains why the battery must be used for at least two hours before charging. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Switches off the machine. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Opens the battery compartment according to the operating instruction. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why the battery compartment must be fully open during the charging process. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Disconnects the battery from the machine if specified in the operating instruction. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why the machine must be switched off before disconnecting the battery. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Connects the charger to the battery or the machine according to the operating instruction. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Switches on the charger. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why a wet cell battery must be charged in a well-ventilated area. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains why batteries must be fully charged without interruption, according to operating instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains the three (3) stages in the charging cycle. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains how to identify when the charging cycle is complete. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Checks that the battery is topped up with de-ionised water. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Checks that the plates in the battery are covered after topping up. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. Explains what would happen if the battery were over-filled with de-ionised water. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Explains what would happen if spillage of de-ionised water on the top surface of the battery occurred. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. Explains what would happen if the battery was topped up before charging. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
18. Explains why de-ionised water is used to top up batteries. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
19. Explains how often the battery must be topped up. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Checks that the battery is fully charged. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why the battery must be fully charged before measuring the specific gravity. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Selects a hydrometer. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Removes the caps from the battery cells. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Starts measuring the specific gravity of the electrolyte at the cell closest to the positive pole using the hydrometer. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why s/he starts measuring the specific gravity in the cell closest to the positive pole. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Records the reading. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains why the specific gravity is tested and recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains how often the specific gravity should be tested and recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains what s/he would do if the specific gravity reading dropped below one point one (1.1). 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Switches off the battery charger. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Disconnects the battery or machine from the battery charger. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Wipes the top surface of the battery using a damp cloth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why the battery must not be washed or hosed down with water. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why it is important to keep the top surface of the battery clean. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Re-connects the battery to the machine if specified in the operating instruction. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Rinses out the hydrometer with clean water. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains why the hydrometer must be rinsed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Stores the hydrometer and the specific gravity record book. 


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 the competencies 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
10. External Moderation 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
On completion the learner can understand and apply 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 thinking have been made.

Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge wet cell batteries.
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge wet cell batteries. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibility and effectively.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge dry cell batteries.
  • Charge wet cell batteries.
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge dry cell batteries.
  • Charge wet cell batteries.
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery. 
    		•

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

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge dry cell batteries.
  • Charge wet cell batteries.
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts to not exist in isolation.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge dry cell batteries.
  • Charge wet cell batteries.
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery.

    Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge dry cell batteries.
  • Charge wet cell batteries.
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.

    Evident in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Charge dry cell batteries.
  • Charge wet cell batteries.
  • Measure and record the specific gravity of the electrolyte in a wet cell battery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after charging a battery. 
    		•

    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. Charge cycle: In a wet cell battery the charge cycle refers to the three (3) stages
  • Stage 1 - initial stage
  • Stage 2 - gassing stage
  • Stage 3 - auto-equalise stage

    The full charge cycle refers to both the wet cell battery and the dry cell battery. Interrupting this cycle can dramatically reduce the service life of the battery.

    2. De-ionised water: Refers to water from which all mineral traces have been removed.

    3. Electrolyte: Refers to the mixture of sulphuric acid and de-ionised water in a wet cell battery.

    4. Hydrometer: Refers to the instrument used to measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

    5. Operating instruction: Refers to the manufacturer`s operating instruction or an extract there of.

    6. Positive pole: Is colour-coded red and marked with a plus (+) sign. (The negative pole is colour-coded blue and marked with a minus (-) sign.)

    7. Plates in the battery: Refers to the zinc plates that must be covered by
    the electrolyte after topping up the battery.

    8. Memory effect: Refers to the reduced performance in a dry cell battery caused by discharging the battery by less than 80% on a regular basis. (Similar to the effect when not fully discharging a cell phone battery).

    9. Specific gravity: If the specific gravity reading drops below one point one (1.1) the performance and service life of the battery will be dramatically reduced.

    10. Ventilated area: Refers to an area with sufficient air flow to disperse the gasses given off when charging a wet cell battery. The hydrogen given off during the gassing stage (stage 2) of the charging cycle is flammable and a safety risk. 
    		•

    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 
    Elective  20175   National Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning Supervision  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.