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: 

Vacuum clean wet surfaces 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110470  Vacuum clean wet surfaces 
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 1  NQF Level 01  4 
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 remove water or any non-flammable liquid from floor surfaces 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. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to vacuum a wet floor as part of a cleaning process, liquid spillage or flood damage, with the exception of flammable liquids. It is also applicable to any other wet surface.
2. A vacuum cleaner in the context of this unit standard is a wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner.
3. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, repetitive and familiar, no generation of new ideas is needed and the person has no responsibility for the learning of others.

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

1. Vacuum cleaner accessories can include extension cables, nozzles, pipes and flexible hoses.
2. Floors refer to hard floors, resilient floors and carpets.
3. Reporting of faulty equipment can be verbal, written or in some other agreed method. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare vacuum cleaning equipment and accessories. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies and prepares a serviceable vacuum cleaner and the correct accessories suitable for wet vacuuming applications according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why a serviceable vacuum cleaner and the correct accessories are selected and prepared. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Chooses the correct water shut-off device for the equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the purpose of a water shut-off device in a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains the safety procedures when using a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the reasons for using low foaming chemicals during wet vacuuming according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the consequences of using high foaming chemicals during wet vacuuming procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains the airflow through the vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains the difference between a through-flow and by-pass motor. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Prepare to vacuum a wet surface. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Plans the vacuuming procedure for the area, taking the following into account: safety requirements, possible urgency and disturbance to people in the area. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains how the vacuuming procedure was planned. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Places wet floor safety warning signs according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the reasons for correct placement of wet floor safety warning signs. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Identifies types of objects that can block and/or damage a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why flammable liquids cannot be vacuumed. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Vacuum a wet floor. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Chooses correct plug points according to work site procedures for maximum cable reach. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why certain plug points are chosen. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Vacuums the floor according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why wet or flooded floors need to be vacuumed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains procedures for removing high foaming liquids according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the reasons for using a de-foaming agent during wet vacuuming of high foaming liquids. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains how blockages in the vacuum cleaner can be identified and cleared according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains the consequences of blockages in a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Inspects the quality of his work by using a systematic checking procedure. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Identifies and solves problems within his scope of work procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains the value of inspecting his work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains why he must do the job right first time. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Perform end of task procedures after vacuum cleaning wet surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Disposes of the vacuumed liquid and waste according to work-site procedures and environmental requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why vacuumed liquids and waste are disposed of according to environmental requirements and work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Cleans, dries and stores vacuuming equipment according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the reasons for cleaning and drying vacuuming equipment and accessories before storage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Reports faulty vacuuming equipment and/or accessories according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the reporting procedure for faulty vacuuming equipment and accessories. 


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 the 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.

Specific Outcome:
  • Vacuum a wet floor. 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcome:
  • Prepare to vacuum a wet surface. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

    Specific Outcomes:
  • Prepare to vacuum a wet surface.
  • Vacuum a wet floor. 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcome:
  • Perform end of task procedures after vacuum cleaning wet surfaces. 
    		•

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

    Specific Outcomes:
  • Vacuum a wet floor.
  • Perform end of task procedures after vacuum cleaning wet surfaces. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.

    Specific Outcomes:
  • Prepare vacuum cleaning equipment and accessories.
  • Prepare to vacuum a wet surface.
  • Vacuum a wet floor.
  • Perform end of task procedures after vacuum cleaning wet surfaces. 
    		•

    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 
    Definitions of terms within this unit standard.
  • Flammable liquids can include, but is not limited to solvents such as petrol and thinners. Flammable liquids can cause a fire if vacuumed.
  • Hard floor surfaces can include terrazzo, quarry tiles, terracotta, ceramic, slate, wood, concrete, marble and granite.
  • Other surfaces can include run off production lines, sludge pits, pans, water reticulation plants, furniture etc.
  • Resilient floor surfaces can include vinyl, cushioned vinyl, asphalt, linoleum and profiled rubber.
  • Wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner with a tank, by-pass motor, water shut-off device to protect the motor, maximum of 38 mm hosing and accessories. 
    		•

    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.