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

Work with and look after materials in the plastics manufacturing production process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119169  Work with and look after materials in the plastics manufacturing production process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12659  Work with and look after materials in the production process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
In order for me to perform effectively in the field of plastics manufacturing, I will be able to:
  • Collect, use, store and look after materials during and after the production process.

    I will also know and understand:
  • The basic make up of plastics materials
  • The various common types of plastics materials and the differences between them in the form of grades
  • Key properties which influence storage, transport, processing and the end-product

    I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any volume plastics manufacturing process, eg
  • Injection moulding
  • Blow moulding
  • Various kinds of extrusion
  • Variations of thermoforming
  • Rotational moulding
  • Calendaring
  • Compression and related moulding processes
  • Reaction injection moulding
  • Polymer composites fabrication processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and resin injection.
    The volume production process also includes the regeneration of recycled materials and the manufacture of intermediate products such as sheet, profiles, compounds and master batches.
    The skill, the knowledge and the values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits for this unit standard assume that I have a National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 2 or an equivalent qualification. They also assume that I am working towards my qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates all the required unit standards.
    My learning time will increase if I do not have:
  • A relevant NQF 2 qualification
  • Experience in a relevant field.
    My learning time will be decreased if I have experience in this field because:
  • My learning programme will be adjusted to build on what I already know
  • I can apply to have that prior learning recognised 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.
    The work reflected in this unit standard is normally performed semi-autonomously under minimal supervision. The work will be guided by relevant worksite procedures, manufacturers' specifications and safety, health and environmental legislation.
    If I work in a plant with automated feeding processes I would still need to be capable of performing the activities described in this unit standard. I would then also be expected to understand the function of the equipment which conveys the materials to the manufacturing line. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Determine material requirements and locate materials. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Material includes raw materials, finished product, packaging, inserts, printing inks, additives, masterbatch, solvents, recycled or regenerated materials 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: Record material quantities, report material usage and explain and discuss material-related issues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts)
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and arrange transport of materials to the workstation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Plan and arrange includes interacting with others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: Record material quantities, report material usage and explain and discuss material-related issues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Look after, transport and safely store materials. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Store includes but is not limited to storage:
  • In stores
  • In areas set aside for holding materials on a temporary basis
  • At or near the production equipment
  • In silos or other mass storage devices
    Materials include raw materials, packaging, inserts, labels and post production scrap (eg sprues, runners, flash, edge trim, shavings, chips, swarf, dust) 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: Record material quantities, report material usage and explain and discuss material-related issues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Prepare materials and components for the production and post-production processes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Prepare includes de-bagging, weighing, drying, tumble mixing with masterbatch, labelling, collect and post-production scrap (eg sprues, runners, flash, edge trim, shavings, chips, swarf, dust) 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: Record material quantities, report material usage and explain and discuss material-related issues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Record material quantities, report material usage and explain and discuss material-related issues. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Material usage can be for production, packaging, distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Materials of the correct quantity and quality have been prepared and are available for processing 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    I should prepare evidence which shows that I have prepared several types and grades of materials
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Post production scrap is packed and transported to appropriate point(s) 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Material usage is tracked 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Material usage includes post production scrap
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Materials are neatly and safely arranged, stored and transported 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    No materials are spoiled or wasted during preparation and transport 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Material usage is recorded and calculated accurately 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Relevant procedures and production documents are followed and understood 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Various types and grades of materials are prepared for use 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    No delays are caused as a result of my lack of planning 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Operations and transport are performed is a safe manner and without causing harm to people, machines or the environment 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    My explanations, discussions and responses to questions show that I have an understanding of material-related issues 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Material-related issues include:
  • Material properties, grades, types, additives and preparation requirements of various plastics
  • Effects of moisture, heat, storage conditions, packing, stacking, etc, on materials
  • The implications of wrong materials being processed
  • The effects of materials on myself, other personnel and the environment
  • The importance of materials handling, and my role in it, to the production process
  • Reasons for delays and problems encountered
  • The implications of delay for production processes
    A thorough understanding of the overall purpose of the unit standard as well as the items indicated under Essential Embedded Knowledge
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    To obtain credits I must be assessed. The assessment will be based on evidence that I produce. My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:
  • How my assessment is moderated
  • How I can appeal against the outcome of the assessment
    Any institution or company which offers learning that will enable me to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.

    My assessment against this standard should meet all the requirements of established principles. It should include practical assessment activities, which are appropriate to the contents of this unit standard. These activities should include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations, etc.

    I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.
    I will be assessed on all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. The specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and practical evidence. My assessment will not only be based on observation but also on other evidence which I compile into a portfolio of evidence. I cannot be assessed only through a written or oral test.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge will be assessed in relation to each other. If I am able to explain the items which fall under the heading of essential embedded knowledge, but am unable to perform the specific outcomes, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'. Similarly, if I am able to perform tasks described under the specific outcomes, but cannot explain or justify them in terms of the fundamental concepts, principles and practice relevant to the level of the unit standard that underpins my skill, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'.

    I will also be assessed on my ability to apply the principles and techniques related to the critical cross-field outcomes, not only in terms of what I can demonstrate, but also in terms of what I know and can discuss.
    My assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and even in conjunction with my assessment for the qualification as a whole. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate

    1. Names and functions of:
  • Different kinds of plastics
  • Different types of other materials
  • Locations of different materials
  • Expiry dates
  • Batch numbers

    2. Purpose of:
  • Documents related to materials
  • Different grades or types

    3. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Properties of the plastics and other materials and of the various types and grades
  • Storage and transport requirements of the materials

    4. Processes and events:
  • Fire
  • Labelling
  • Counting, weighing and measuring
  • Recycling and regeneration

    5. Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Poor transport and storage
  • Atmospheric conditions
  • Poor preparation and mixing techniques
  • Poor handling and processing of materials
  • Effects of poor practices on safety, health and the environment
  • Effects of processing on materials, and implications for recycling and regeneration of materials (heat and heat history, degradation, shrinkage, orientation, hardness (degree of cure)
  • Effects of environmental conditions on materials
  • Effect of materials on the environment

    6. Procedures and techniques:
  • Preparation and mixing
  • Transport and storage
  • Arranging
  • Handling

    7. Sensory cues:
  • Smell of fumes related to heating, degradation and decomposition
  • Changes in appearance related to contamination, degradation and decomposition

    8. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Relevant health and safety regulations
  • Regulations appropriate to different types of materials
  • Manufacturer and company guidelines and procedures

    9. Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Evaporation of solvents
  • Changes of state (phase)
  • Degradation and decomposition
  • Gravity, mass, volume, density
  • Mixtures, compounds, alloys
  • Chemical structure and properties of long-chain materials (thermoplastics, thermoset, semi-crystalline, amorphous, elastomers)

    10. Categories:
  • Polymeric materials, additives and fillers

    11. Relationships, systems:
  • Relationships between the properties of plastics materials and misconceptions about plastics held by the general public 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems
  • Identify and respond to problems related to materials, material availability, material storage and material preparation 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others
  • Interact with others in the process of collecting, using, storing and looking after materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • Manage resources and my own time 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
  • Interpret information on production orders
  • Make material-related decisions based on information 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • Describe situations, conditions and incidents related to the use and processing of materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • Adjust processes and procedures to suit different materials
  • Relate the properties and performance of materials to underlying principles 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Understand and explain the relationship between the properties of materials and what the materials will be used for
  • Explain the importance of plastics materials and relate this to their impact on the environment and on the end-user 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    My assessor will be registered and have a plastics manufacturing qualification at NQF 4 or higher. My assessor should also be active in the industry and be familiar with the materials, machinery, products and level of technology in which I have contextualised my skills and knowledge. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 12659, " Work with and look after materials in the production process", Level 3, 12 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57877   National Certificate: CNC Production Machining  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Core  49449   National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  91926   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Machining and Tooling  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  79407   National Certificate: Polymer Compound Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    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.