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

Operate a wattle bark chopper machine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117259  Operate a wattle bark chopper machine 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Wood Products 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  16 
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 
This unit standard is for people who operate a wattle bark chopping machine to reduce wattle bark into small chips for tannin extract leaching process, whilst adhering to other agreed standards pertaining to performance, safety, quality, and the environment. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Ensure all personnel, equipment and sufficient bark is available and ready for operation.
  • Prepare and operate bark chopper machine.
  • Control delivery of bark into chopper machine.
  • Respond to machine blockages.
  • Ensure chopper machine area is kept clean and safe. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    A Learner who wishes to enter a learning program for this Unit Standard must be able to demonstrate:
  • Competency in mathematical and communication skills equivalent to that of a person who has qualified in these subjects at NQF Level 1.
  • An understanding of the basic activities of the tannin extraction process and procedures of the relevant workplace.
  • Knowledge and skills in the relevant workplace procedures, health and safety measures equivalent to NQF level 1 requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this Unit Standard covers:
  • The whole environment that can be described as the bark floor and chopper machine area;
  • All the personnel involved in all the activities relating to the bark chopping process;
  • All the material that is handled and processed in this work area by the chopping crew;
  • All the organisation's work procedures and safety regulations relating to this work area and chopper crew;
  • All the relevant OSHACT stipulations which have a bearing on the bark chopping process, crew and all the other activities in this work area.

    The context of this Unit Standard relates to the training of a Learner at NQF Level 2 in the wattle bark chopping operation.

    The Level assigned to this Unit Standard, i.e. Level 2, is appropriate because it entails the training of a novice in wattle bark chopper machine operation and is a progression of the skills acquired from Levels 2 to 4. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Ensure all personnel, equipment and sufficient bark is available and ready for operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant equipment is accessed from the chopper leading hand, checked and handed to the chopper assistants as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The wattle bark on the table is correctly stacked on the chopper table by the crane driver as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sufficient bark has been supplied to the chopper table as required by production plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The chopper assistants are ready to commence work and are wearing the appropriate safety equipment as per work instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare and operate bark chopper machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The machine, especially the rollers, is checked to ensure no build up of material between the teeth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The green start button on the control panel is pressed to start the machine when signalled by the leaching operator using a flickering light and bell. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The red button on control panel is pressed to stop the machine on the signal of the leaching operator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The bark is chopped into the autoclave when ready and stopped when autoclave is full or if there is a problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    If a problem is detected it is reported to the supervisor as per work instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Control delivery of bark into machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The machine is allowed to attain peak revs as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The control handle is engaged setting conveyor belt and machine rollers in motion ready for bark delivery into the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The bark is fed evenly onto the conveyor belt and rollers by the chopper assistants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The bark delivery into the machine is controlled by pushing the control handle forward. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The bark bundle ends are overlapped ensuring even and continuous chopping as per work instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Respond to machine blockages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The machine is immediately stopped by pressing the red button on the control panel when there is a blockage or a problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The machine is 'locked out' and made safe before any attempt is made to rectify the problem as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The blockage is cleared or assistance is sought from the chopper leading hand should there be difficulties as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The machine is unlocked and restarted after the blockage/problem has been cleared. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Ensure chopper machine area is kept clean and safe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The chopper machine area is cleared of all bundle ties, loose bark and other debris which is then removed by the Bobcat operator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The chopper machine area is then swept and made safe and ready for the next shift. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    An individual who wishes to be assessed against this Unit Standard may apply to, or inform, his immediate superior in the relevant workplace, to request management to arrange for his / her assessment by the relevant assessor accredited for this purpose by the ETQA of the FIETA. Accreditation for this Unit Standard shall be from the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurer (FIETA ETQA) through formative and summative assessment by a registered Assessor. Assessment should be contextual and be conducted in the workplace as far as possible.

    The relevant NSB and SGB should be notified of any feedback related to this qualification.
  • Assessors must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderators must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA.
  • Training providers must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation should include both internal and external moderation where applicable.
  • The FIETA ETQA will co-ordinate all moderation activities in accordance with their policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    A demonstrated understanding of:
  • The general activities of the tannin extraction process relating to his area of work.
  • The general mechanics of the bark chopper machine.
  • The safety procedures relating to the chopper operation.
  • Subordinate supervision.
  • Chopper assistant duties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Evaluate the status of reported problems and report verbally or in writing to his/her line manager.
  • Assist to lead the sub-ordinates in his/her work area relevant to the bark chopping operation.
  • Assist to carry out the production plan / programme for his/her work area relevant to the bark chopping operation.
  • Oversee sub-ordinates in the care for tools and instruments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Assist to collate and analyse data collected by sub-ordinates. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with both line manager and sub-ordinates. 

    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 
    The Outcomes that Learners achieve will be judged subject to these being achieved:
  • Within the standard time prescribed by the organisation.
  • While following all the safety procedures required by the OSHACT and the workplace.
  • Strictly according to the organisation's work place procedures.

    Values:
  • The use of tasks and materials in the learning event plan should not discriminate against learners on any grounds prescribed in the Bill of Rights and Employment Equity Act and should promote the orientations outlined in the critical cross-field outcomes. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49082   GETC: Wood Products Processing  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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. ENB TRAINING SERVICEPTYLTD 
    2. FUTURE DISCOVERY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    3. Imara Umbono Incorporated (Pty) Ltd 
    4. MGS GCABA CONTRACTING & TRADING CC 
    5. Optimi Workplace 
    6. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    7. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES 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.