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: 

Undertake regulatory environmental auditing in the water sector 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116975  Undertake regulatory environmental auditing in the water sector 
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 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
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 will be able to demonstrate knowledge of inspection and auditing procedures in the water sector. This competence will enable the learner to follow organisational and legislative procedures, which are required for compliance with water related legislation. This will contribute towards the protection of the countries water resources and the availability of unpolluted water sources for communities. The achievement of this unit standard will provide foundational knowledge, expand the skills base of the qualifying learner and make the person more effective in his/her tasks. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Knowledge of authorisation processes, computer literacy including:
Word processing and computer spreadsheets, knowledge of sample preservation and collection methods, wastewater related legislation, Best Available Technology (BAT), risk assessment, environmental impact assessments (EIA) and environmental management systems. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Environmental audit
Industrial reporting, record-keeping, documented system, internal controls, water pollution and sewer related issues.

Inspection Assessment process
Own work procedures, sample analysis, water balance, metering, non-compliance, notices, change in permit conditions, cost recoveries.

Inspections and auditing tools
Site visit activities, investigation, documentation of results and evidence, verification, concluding, closing.

Interview techniques
Active listening, effective questioning and inquiry, preparation, format and phases, typical mistakes, typical questions.

Relevant water pollution and sewer issues
On site industry stormwater foul water sewer, emergency preparedness, sample analysis, meter readings, water balance, effluent pre treatment, waste disposal, pollution prevention, storage, staff training, verification, sampling and on-site measurement, groundwater, soil contamination, process, in depth observation of relevant operational procedures.

Written communication
Technical report writing, notices, inspection and audit reports, work place reports, preparation of appropriate permit and licence conditions. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Demonstrate knowledge of administrative and legal framework for environmental auditing. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The principles and definitions of regulatory environmental auditing are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The different types of regulatory environmental audits and inspections are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The advantages and disadvantages of different types of audits and their uses in the field are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Knowledge and application of the legal framework for regulatory environmental auditing is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The manner in which regulatory environmental auditing can be used in the construction of permit and licence conditions is demonstrated by use of a case study. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The work place role of different officials in the auditing and also in relation to the licensing / permitting process is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Demonstrate knowledge of communication, planning and audit tools using a simulation or a case study. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Written communication complies with quality standards. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Appropriate interviewing and negotiation skills and techniques for establishing the relevant information for the regulatory environmental audit is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Own work schedule with respect to the regulatory environmental auditing process and interview is planned, prioritised and organized. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Ability to collate data and information, prepare checklists, identify and prepare team for regulatory environmental auditing/inspection is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Own workplace health and safety requirements are explained and demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
Ability to prepare a site specific audit checklist for a regulatory environmental audit from relevant legislation, permits, complaints and pollution incidents is demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Demonstrate the ability to perform a regulatory environmental audit using simulation or a case study within own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Compliance with national and local environmental legislation is competently assessed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The assessment process, for the period under review, to evaluate the company's performance is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
A consolidated report is competently evaluated and discussed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Non-compliance and divergence from authorisations is identified and appropriately communicated to ensure full corrective action. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
A site inspection identifying all relevant water pollution and sewer related issues is carried out. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
Knowledge of different workplace inspection types and procedures is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
Benchmarking and Best Available Technology (BAT) in industry sectors is competently evaluated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
An understanding of the practical application of continuous improvement and the ability to communicate associated benefits is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
An understanding of the practical application of Cleaner Production and the ability to communicate associated benefits is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
Reports and documentation are completed using appropriate technology within agreed time frames. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Demonstrate the ability to perform an in depth regulatory environmental audit using simulation or a case study within own scope of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Compliance with national and local environmental legislation is competently assessed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The assessment process for the period under review to evaluate the company's performance is demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Consolidated reports and trends are evaluated and discussed with the company. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Non-compliance and variances from authorisation are identified and communicated to the company in a manner to ensure corrective action. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Implications of permit/license renewal are identified. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
Benchmarking, Cleaner Production and Best Available Technology (BAT) in industry sectors is evaluated over an extended time period, performance discussed with the company and related proposals for permit/license renewal formulated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The effect of the company's performance is discussed with the company and related proposals for permit/license renewal formulated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
Reports and documentation are completed using appropriate technology within agreed time frames. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
1. 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.
2. Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
3. Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
4. 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 
1. Methodology of Auditing.
2. Negotiation skills.
3. Working knowledge of Best Available Technology & Cleaner Production.
4. Interview skills.
5. Risk Assessment.
6. Environmental Risk Assessment tools.
7. Environmental Management System principals (ISO14001).
8. Environmental Legislation.
9. The manner in which auditing can be used in the construction of permit and licence conditions.
10. Sampling.
11. Knowledge of chemistry and toxicology to the marine environment.
12. Corrosion impacts on civil engineering fixtures.
13. Ability to investigate and understand different chemical engineering processes and treatment technologies. 

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:
  • Compliance with national and local environmental legislation is competently assessed.
  • The assessment process for the period under review to evaluate the company's performance is demonstrated.
  • Consolidated reports and trends are evaluated and discussed with the company.
  • Non-compliance and variances from authorisation are identified and communicated to the company in a manner to ensure corrective action.
  • Implications of permit/license renewal are identified.
  • Benchmarking, Cleaner Production and Best Available Technology (BAT) in industry sectors is evaluated over an extended time period, performance discussed with the company and related proposals for permit/license renewal formulated.
  • The effect of the company's performance is discussed with the company and related proposals for permit/license renewal formulated.
  • Reports and documentation are completed using appropriate technology within agreed time frames. 
    		•

    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, organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Own work schedule with respect to the regulatory environmental auditing process and interview is planned, prioritised and organized.
  • Ability to collate data and information, prepare checklists, identify and prepare team for regulatory environmental auditing/inspection is demonstrated.
  • Own workplace health and safety requirements are explained and demonstrated.
  • Ability to prepare a site specific audit checklist for a regulatory environmental audit from relevant legislation, permits, complaints and pollution incidents is demonstrated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to produce a permit.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Compliance with national and local environmental legislation is competently assessed.
  • The assessment process for the period under review to evaluate the company's performance is demonstrated.
  • Consolidated reports and trends are evaluated and discussed with the company.
  • Non-compliance and variances from authorisation are identified and communicated to the company in a manner to ensure corrective action.
  • Implications of permit/license renewal are identified.
  • Benchmarking, Cleaner Production and Best Available Technology (BAT) in industry sectors is evaluated over an extended time period, performance discussed with the company and related proposals for permit/license renewal formulated.
  • The effect of the company's performance is discussed with the company and related proposals for permit/license renewal formulated.
  • Reports and documentation are completed using appropriate technology within agreed time frames. 
    		•

    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 between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Nomenclature for auditing, inspections and compliance monitoring should reflect latest national and local legal definitions and wording. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59201   National Certificate: Generic Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.