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: 

Remove spots and spillages from carpets at a specialist level 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110460  Remove spots and spillages from carpets at a specialist level 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
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 
Qualifying learners are able to remove spots from carpets at a specialist level in a commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, food handling, domestic and hospital 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 4 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.

The learner will have completed the following unit standards:
Remove spots from carpets - 12530 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to remove spots and spillages at a specialist level from natural, synthetic and blended carpets.
2. In the context of this unit standard, a spot is a mark that can be removed.
3. A category 1 spot or spillage in the context of this unit standard includes butter, crayon, furniture polish, hair spray, hand lotion, ink/ballpoint, lipstick, mascara, cooking and furniture oil, grease, tar, oil-based paint and shoe polish.
4. A category 2 spot or spillage in the context of this unit standard includes egg, faeces, food colour, white glue and mayonnaise.
5. A category 3 spot or spillage in the context of this unit standard includes beer, liquor, coffee and tea.
6. A category 4 spot or spillage in the context of this unit standard includes fruit juices, chocolate, gravy, ice cream, soft drinks, Merthiolate, milk, urine and wine.
7. A category 5 spot or spillage in the context of this unit standard includes water-based paints and watercolours.
8. A category 6 spot in the context of this unit standard includes chewing gum.
9. A category 7 spot in the context of this unit standard includes candle wax.
10. A category 8 spot or spillage in the context of this unit standard includes syrup and honey.
11. A category 9 spot or spillage in the context of this unit standard includes model cement glue and nail polish.
12. A category 10 spot in the context of this unit standard includes blood.
13. A category 11 spot in the context of this unit standard includes rust.
14. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the processes require a wide range of technical skills, offer a considerable choice of procedures, and are applied in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare for spot and spillage removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Selects spotting chemicals. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Selects spotting accessories. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains the reasons for selecting the correct spotting chemicals and accessories. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Determines the colour fastness of the carpet. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains the importance of identifying the colour fastness of the carpets 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why only a white absorbent cloth or towel must be used for spot removal. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Identify carpet fibres and the physical characteristics of fibres. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Selects samples of wool, nylon, acrylic, polypropylene, polyester, sisal, jute and coir carpets. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Selects cigarette lighter. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Carries out the burn test on a wool fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the burn test characteristics of a wool fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains the moisture absorbency characteristics of a wool fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the resilience characteristics of a wool fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Carries out the burn test on a nylon fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains the burn test characteristics of a nylon fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains the moisture absorbency characteristics of a nylon fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains the resilience characteristics of a nylon fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Carries out the burn test on an acrylic fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains the burn test characteristics of an acrylic fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Explains the moisture absorbency characteristics of an acrylic fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Explains the resilience characteristics of an acrylic fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. Carries out the burn test on a polypropylene fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Explains the burn test characteristics of a polypropylene fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. Explains the moisture and oil absorbency characteristics of a polypropylene fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
18. Explains the resilience characteristics of a polypropylene fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
19. Carries out the burn test on a polyester fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
20. Explains the burn test characteristics of a polyester fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
21. Explains the moisture absorbency characteristics of a polyester fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 22 
22. Explains the resilience characteristics of a polyester fibre. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 23 
23. Identifies sisal, jute and coir fibres. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 24 
24. Explains the moisture absorbency characteristics of sisal, jute and coir. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 25 
25. Explains the difference between the conventional and solution dying methods. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 26 
26. Explains why solution dyed fibres are more resistant to staining and colour loss than conventionally dyed fibres. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 27 
27. Explains the difference between continuous filament and staple fibres. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Identify the factors affecting spot removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Explains why the age of a spot affects spot removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why the type of spot affects spot removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains why the temperature of the liquid when spilled affects spot removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why certain types of carpet fibre are more likely to be stained than others. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why the construction of the carpet affects spot removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why previous, unsuccessful cleaning attempts affect spot removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the importance of patience in removing spots. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Use the information in a spot removal instruction guide to plan and implement a spotting procedure. 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Use the information in a spot removal instruction guide to plan and implement a spotting procedure for difficult-to-remove spots. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Explains how to obtain as much information as possible to assist in identifying the spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains how to place the spot identified into one of the spotting categories. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains what s/he would do if the spot or spillage cannot be identified. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why it is important to obtain information regarding any previous cleaning attempts to remove the spot. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains the reasons for blotting spots and spillages of a liquid nature. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the reasons for using an absorbing, collecting or scraping procedure when removing spots or spillages of a solid nature. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains why only a white absorbent cloth or towel must be used for spot removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Removes a category 1 spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Removes a category 2 spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Removes a category 3 spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Removes a category 4 spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Removes a category 5 spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Removes a category 6 spot. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Removes a category 7 spot. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. Removes a category 8 spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Removes a category 9 spot or spillage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
17. Removes a category 10 spot. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
18. Takes the specified safety precautions in removing a category 10 spot. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
19. Removes a category 11 spot. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
20. Explains the benefit of using dry powder as a final step in most specialised spotting procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
21. Explains the reason for leaving as little spotting chemical residue in the carpet as possible. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 22 
22. Names 10 common items that can cause permanent discoloration of the carpet fibre. 


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. A 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.
10. External Moderation: to be performed by an assessor that is registered with the ETQA. 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each Specific Outcome. 

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 the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare for spot and spillage removal
  • Identify carpet fibres and the physical characteristics of fibres
  • Identify the factors affecting spot removal. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
    Evident in the following specific outcomes:
  • Identify carpet fibres and the physical characteristics of fibres
  • Identify the factors affecting spot removal. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare for spot and spillage removal
  • Identify the factors affecting spot removal. 
    		•

    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:
  • Prepare for spot and spillage removal
  • Identify carpet fibres and the physical characteristics of fibres
  • Identify the factors affecting spot removal. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    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 the following specific outcomes:
  • Prepare for spot and spillage removal
  • Identify carpet fibres and the physical characteristics of fibres
  • Identify the factors affecting spot removal. 
    		•

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

    1. Assessment criteria marked with * are assessed according to worksite procedures.
    2. Applicable Standard - The maintenance of textile floor coverings. SABS 0245:1993

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    1. Acrylic fibre characteristics:
  • Burn test - Burns moderately in the flame, continues to burn when removed from the flame, burning meat odour. Hard, irregular black residue.
  • Moisture absorbency - 1% to 2.5% of its own weight in moisture.
  • Resilience - Fair.
  • Fibre - Staple
  • Dye Method - Conventionally and solution dyed.
    2. Nylon fibre characteristics:
  • Burn test - Burns slowly in the flame, usually goes out when removed from the flame, celery odour. Lighter, rounded residue cannot be crushed.
  • Moisture absorbency - 4% to 4.5% of its own weight in moisture.
  • Resilience - Good.
  • Fibre - Staple and continuous filament.
  • Dye Method - Conventionally and solution dyed.
    3. Polyester fibre characteristics:
  • Burn test - Burns rapidly in the flame, usually goes out when removed from the flame, sweetish odour. Hard, black, rounded residue.
  • Moisture absorbency - 4% to 4.5% of its own weight in moisture.
  • Resilience - Fair to poor.
  • Fibre - Staple.
  • Dye Method - Conventionally dyed.
    4. Polypropylene (Olefin) fibre characteristics:
  • Burn test - Burns rapidly in the flame, continues to burn when removed from the flame, tar of burning plastic odour. Hard, lighter, rounded residue.
  • Moisture absorbency - 0.1% of its own weight in moisture.
  • Oil absorbency - Will absorb oily soils.
  • Resilience - Tends to mat and crush (no memory).
  • Fibre - Continuous filament.
  • Dye Method - Solution dyed.
    5. Sisal, jute and coir fibre characteristics:
  • Moisture absorbency - Being natural fibres, they are prone to absorbing liquids and staining. Carpets made from these fibres should not be used in areas where spillages are likely to occur.
  • Resilience - Tends to crush and has poor abrasion resistance.
  • Fibre - Staple (natural).
    6. Wool fibre characteristics:
  • Burn test - Burns slowly in the flame, usually goes out when removed from the flame, burning hair odour. Black, soft residue.
  • Moisture absorbency - 15 to 30% of its own weight in moisture.
  • Resilience - Excellent.
  • Fibre - Staple (natural).
  • Dye Method - Conventionally dyed.
    7. Conventionally dyed - The fibre is extruded and is white or off-white in colour. This white fibre is immersed in a dye bath under heat and pressure. The dye bath contains water, acid based dyes and other chemicals. The heat causes the dye sites in the fibre to expand slightly so the dye can penetrate them. (Think of it as a radish.) This is the most common dyeing method.
    8. Solution dyed - The colour is added to the fibre at the time of extrusion. The colour becomes a permanent part of the structure of the fibre. (Think of it as a carrot.) The colour is more fade resistant and more resistant to colour loss through the use of cleaning chemicals. Solution dyed fibres are often marketed as "miracle fibres" because of their stain resistance.
    9. Burn test
    10. Absorbency
    11. Resilience
    12. Spot removal instruction guide
    13. Continuous filament fibres - Long, continuous lengths of fibre.
    14. Staple fibre - Short lengths of fibre 10cm to 17cm long.
    15. Factors affecting spot removal:
  • Age of the spot - This is most important because a spot oxidises (Mixes with the oxygen in the air) which can change its chemical makeup over time and make it more difficult to remove.
  • Type of spot - Some are easier to remove than others. For example liquids containing red dyes will stain most fibres.
  • Temperature when spilled - Conventional dying involves immersing fibres in a dye bath at high temperature. It is therefore logical that hot liquids with natural dyes (e.g. coffee) can dye the carpet, making removal impossible. The type of fibre will determine whether the spot can be removed.
  • Type of carpet fibre - A wool fibre can be more susceptible to staining than, for example, a nylon fibre because of its high absorbency rate. Polypropylene will absorb oil more easily than wool.
  • Construction of the carpet - It is easier to remove some spots from a low pile carpet than from a high pile carpet.
  • Previous cleaning attempts - A previous attempt to remove a spot or spill using an incorrect chemical or technique may have made it permanent.
  • Patience - Most chemicals used in spot removal need time to become effective. No chemical works instantly.
    16. Wicking - This term is used to describe spots that have seemingly been removed, only to "reappear" when the carpet has dried. During spot removal the spot was dissolved chemically but drawn down to the base of the carpet fibre by gravity. As the area dries the dissolved spot and chemical will wick up to the surface.
    17. Recommended removal procedure for a category 1 spot or spillage is: Apply solvent cleaner. Blot. Apply detergent. Blot. Rinse with water. Blot until dry.
    18. Recommended removal procedure for a category 2 spot or spillage is: Apply solvent cleaner. Blot. Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Apply detergent. Blot. Rinse with water. Blot until dry.
    19. Recommended removal procedure for a category 3 spot or spillage is: Apply detergent. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Apply detergent. Blot. Rinse with water. Blot until dry.
    20. Recommended removal procedure for a category 4 spot or spillage is: Apply detergent. Blot. Apply ammonia solution. Blot. Apply vinegar solution. Blot. Apply detergent. Blot. Rinse with water. Blot until dry.
    21. Recommended removal procedure for a category 5 spot or spillage is: Apply detergent. Blot. Apply ammonia. Blot. Apply water. Blot. Apply solvent cleaner. Blot until dry.
    22. Recommended removal procedure for a category 6 spot or spillage is: Freeze with ice cube or freeze spray. Remove with blunt knife. Apply solvent cleaner. Blot until dry.
    23. Recommended removal procedure for a category 7 spot or spillage is: Scrape off as much as possible with a blunt knife. Place white paper towel or paper bag over wax. Iron with warm (not hot) iron to absorb. Use caution. Apply solvent cleaner. Blot until dry.
    24. Recommended removal procedure for a category 8 spot or spillage is: Apply detergent. Blot. Apply water. Blot until dry.
    25. Recommended removal procedure for a category 9 spot or spillage is: Apply acetone nail polish remover. Blot until dry.
    26. Recommended removal procedure for a category 10 spot or spillage is: Apply dry powder. Agitate with spotting brush. Vacuum dirty powder. Apply solvent cleaner. Blot until dry.
    27. Recommended safety precautions for a category 10 spot or spillage are: Wear rubber gloves, mask and goggles. Follow infectious waste disposal guidelines.
    28. Recommended removal procedure for a category 11 spot or spillage is: Apply water to moisten spot. Apply oxalic acid. Blot. Apply water. Blot until dry.
    29. Common items that can cause permanent discolouration:
  • Alkaline detergents (pH greater than 9) - can affect natural fibres and react with the acid dyes in carpet fibres.
  • Benzoyl Peroxide - the main ingredient in acne medication, can strip colour from the carpet.
  • Bleach - removes colour from the carpet.
  • Cigarette burns - only wool carpets give you the opportunity to repair with little damage.
  • Coffee - especially when spilled at high temperature will stain certain carpet fibres.
  • Disinfectants - can cause discolouration.
  • Food and soft drink dyes - can add colour to the carpet.
  • Urine - can remove colour or add a colour to the carpet.
  • Paint - water based paints must be removed before they dry. Oil based paints are very difficult to remove.
  • Pesticides - leave oily residues, can discolour, usually found around edges of the room.
  • Plant food - contain chemicals that can discolour carpets.
  • Toilet bowl cleaners - contain strong acids that can destroy carpet fibres. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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.