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 upholstery using the dry foam method 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110463  Clean upholstery using the dry foam 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  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 commercial cleaning environment. The qualifying learner is capable of cleaning upholstery using the dry foam method. 

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 will have successfully completed the following unit standards:
  • Identify surfaces, soilage and its cleaning procedures (No. 12515)
  • Vacuum clean dry surfaces (No. 12526)
  • Remove spots from upholstery (No. 12531)
  • Clean upholstery using the wet foam-wet extraction method. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to clean upholstery by using the dry foam method.
    2. In the context of this unit standard, chemicals refer to detergents with high foaming, soil retardant, low residue characteristics with a pH value between 5.5 and 8.5.
    3. In the context of this unit standard, upholstery includes but is not limited to upholstered furniture and fittings in buildings, motor vehicles, aircraft and boat seats and interiors.
    4. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, requires critical thinking, problem solving ability, and an ability to work with others as a member of a team.

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

    Assessment criteria marked with * are assessed according to worksite procedures. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify upholstery that can be cleaned using dry foam. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Identifies the fibre and weave of the upholstery*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of identifying the fibre type and weave of the upholstery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Explains which types of upholstery could be damaged using the dry foam method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains how unfinished leather is distinguished from finished leather. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains the reporting procedure to be followed if the dry foam method cannot be used. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to clean upholstery using the dry foam method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Checks upholstery for damage, and records and reports any damage*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains why the upholstery is checked for damage, and how and to whom any damage is reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Tests the colourfastness of the upholstery*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the importance of testing upholstery for colourfastness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Selects and assembles the correct cleaning equipment, accessories and chemicals*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the reasons for choosing the specific chemicals for upholstery cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Explains the implications of choosing the incorrect chemicals. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Clean upholstery using the dry foam method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Vacuums the upholstery*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of vacuuming upholstery prior to dry foam cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Protects the surrounding areas from the cleaning process*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains why the surrounding areas must be protected from the cleaning process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Pre-treats spots and heavily soiled areas*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the importance of chemically pre-treating spots and heavily soiled areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Applies the foam to the upholstery and brushes it in*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains why agitation of the foam by hand or machine brushing is required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Removes the soiled foam*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains the importance of removing the soiled foam. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. If applicable to the fabric type, resets the pile or nap*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains why the pile or nap on certain types of upholstery fabrics is reset. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains the reason for resetting the nap in the "nap down" position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Positions the upholstery to dry*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains the importance of positioning upholstery to dry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Inspects the quality of work continuously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Explains why s/he needs to inspect the quality of work. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of task procedures after cleaning upholstery using the dry foam method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Stores chemicals and accessories*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the reasons for storing chemicals and accessories. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Cleans, dries and stores cleaning equipment *. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the reasons for cleaning and drying equipment before storage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Reports faulty cleaning equipment *. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the reporting procedure for faulty cleaning equipment. 


    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 
    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:
  • Identify upholstery that can be cleaned using dry foam.
  • Prepare to clean upholstery using the dry foam method.
  • Clean upholstery using the dry foam method. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Identify upholstery that can be cleaned using dry foam.
  • Prepare to clean upholstery using the dry foam 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:
  • Prepare to clean upholstery using the dry foam method.
  • Clean upholstery using the dry foam method.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning upholstery using the dry foam method. 
    		•

    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 specific outcome:
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning upholstery using the dry foam 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. Applicable standards: The cleaning of textile upholstered furniture, 1993. SABS Code of practice. Doc. 0247:1993
    2. Cleaning equipment and accessories refers to, but is not limited to, soft bristle hand brushes, foam generating upholstery cleaning machines, nap brushes, sponges, absorbent cloths and buckets.
    3. Damage refers to but is not limited to pulled threads, fabric not attached to the frame, worn and/or torn areas, damaged zips and colour runs.
    4. Fibres refer to natural and synthetic upholstery fibres.
    5. Finished leather refers to leather that does not change colour when dabbed with a damp cloth. Finished leather can be cleaned using the dry foam method.
    6. Nap refers to the short, raised fibres on certain types of upholstery fabrics. (e.g. velvet)
    7. Natural fibres refer to wool, cotton, silk, linen and leather.
    8. Pile refers to the cut or uncut loops on certain types of upholstery fabrics.
    9. Spots refer to deposits of soilage or spillages that can be removed from upholstery.
    10. Synthetic fibres refer to nylon, polyester, polypropylene, viscose, rayon, artificial leather and acrylic.
    11. Unfinished leather refers to leather that darkens when dabbed with a damp cloth. Unfinished leather cannot be cleaned by the dry foam method
    12. Weave refers to either flat weave or pile fabrics 

    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.