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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate an alternative filter system 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115963  Operate an alternative filter system 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to operate, clean and maintain an alternative filter system other than a sand filter or a rapid gravity filter. This competence will enable the qualifying learner to describe the design and functioning of the alternative filter system, including the advantages and disadvantages of the system, and operate and maintain the filtration system. This will contribute towards the water purification process and maintain the quality of potable water available to consumers. Achieving this unit standard will enhance the efficiency of the qualifying learner and provide foundational learning that will advance his/her own expertise and employability in the water and other related sectors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematical calculations at NQF level 3 including fractions, percentages and ratios
  • Literacy NQF level 3
  • Knowledge of the principles and operation of flocculation, coagulation and clarification and separation and safety practices 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Alternative filtration systems
  • Any one of the following: Pressure filter, deep bed filter, contact filter (up-flow - down flow filters), dissolved air flotation filtration (DAFF), coco daff, dual media

    Various components
  • Housing, inlets / outlets, air supply, compressors, pumps, valves and media

    Characteristics of media
  • Support media, working media, size of particles, density, depth of layer etc.

    Advantages / disadvantages
  • Cost, energy, maintenance, physical measurements: Head loss, pressure, turbidity, time laps (hours in operation

    Condition of filter media
  • Mudballs, organic growth, slimes and chemical deposition

    Mechanical equipment
  • Valves, compressors, pumps, scrapers etc. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the design and functioning of the relevant filtration process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various components of the system are identified and their function is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The flow path through the system is explained with the aid of a diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The characteristics of the media used in the system are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The advantages and disadvantages of the system in relation to other systems are discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate the filter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The filter is observed at regular intervals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required physical measurements are made within the time periods stipulated in the work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The required records are kept in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Operational problems are identified and appropriate action is taken in accordance with own scope of responsibility. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Complete the cleaning process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The filter is isolated (stopped) at the required head loss, time interval or turbidity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The cleaning sequence is carried out in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The filtration system is monitored for irregularities and appropriate action is taken in accordance with own scope of responsibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The filtration system is recommissioned in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessary logs are completed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain the filtration system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The condition of the filter media is assessed and remedial action is taken if necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The filter media is maintained at the required levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The mechanical equipment associated with the filtration system is inspected for faults and lubricated in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance records are completed in accordance with works procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The need for filtration, principles of filtration.
  • Principles of back washing and air-scourers.
  • Pressure and pressure head.
  • Alternative filter systems and their principles of operation. (Pressure filter, deep bed filter, contact filter (up-flow - down flow filters), dissolved air flotation filtration (DAFF), coco daff)
  • Various filter media and their characteristics.
  • Components, function and operation of one alternative filter system on own plant. 
    		•

    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 responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Operational problems are identified and appropriate action is taken in accordance with own scope of responsibility.
  • The filtration system is monitored for irregularities and appropriate action is taken in accordance with own scope of responsibility.
  • The mechanical equipment associated with the filtration system is inspected for faults and lubricated in accordance with works procedures. 
    		•

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

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Assessment criteria:
  • The filter is observed at regular intervals.
  • The required physical measurements are made within the time periods stipulated in the work procedures.
  • The required records are kept in accordance with work procedures.
  • The necessary logs are completed.
  • Maintenance records are completed in accordance with works procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Assessment criteria:
  • The advantages and disadvantages of the system in relation to other systems are discussed.
  • Operational problems are identified and appropriate action is taken in accordance with own scope of responsibility.
  • The filtration system is monitored for irregularities and appropriate action is taken in accordance with own scope of responsibility.
  • The condition of the filter media is assessed and remedial action is taken if necessary.
  • The mechanical equipment associated with the filtration system is inspected for faults and lubricated in accordance with works procedures. 
    		•

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

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

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

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

    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.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

    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 
    Integrated Assessment

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist among a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment Option

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
  • Oral or written questions.
  • Observation
  • Evaluation of logbooks, records and reports 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48910   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water Purification Processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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.
     
    1. DINALEDI MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES 
    2. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 


    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.