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: 

Conduct simple tests during the plastics manufacturing process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119179  Conduct simple tests during the plastics manufacturing 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  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
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 
In order for me to perform effectively in the field of plastics manufacturing, I will be able to:
  • Sample, prepare and test product from manufacturing processes to ensure that the quality of the product conforms to the supplied specifications
  • Record and track test results.

    I will also know and understand:
  • The importance of following test and data collection procedures and how this is achieved.

    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, knowledge and 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.
    This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for testing product in a manufacturing setting.
    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.
    During the manufacture of certain products, tests are carried out to ensure that the product meets a critical specification. This unit standard reflects the skills, knowledge and values required to conduct simple tests during the manufacturing process. The activities include comparing collected data with the supplied specifications. This unit standard also covers the standard day-to-day checking of the quality of product-in-process, focusing on the analysis of test results to determine non-conformance. The skill, values and knowledge go beyond the routine checking of product quality.
    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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Determine test requirements during the manufacturing process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: "Complete and process all applicable documentation and respond to questions related to conducting the tests". 
    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 
    Obtain and prepare any equipment required for the tests and the work area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: "Complete and process all applicable documentation and respond to questions related to conducting the tests". 
    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 
    Test product and record data. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Product tests include dyne tests, print adhesion, impact, leak, drop, surface hardness or any other product specific tests
    Record data includes recording actual condition, plotting conditions on chart paper 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: "Complete and process all applicable documentation and respond to questions related to conducting the tests". 
    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 
    Monitor variations on Statistical Process Control plots, identify when production reaches an error condition and respond. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Error condition includes limit points and trends
  • Plots can be in physical form on paper or in electronic form on a screen and in the form of X- and bar-charts
  • Respond includes suspending production and calling for assistance 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: "Complete and process all applicable documentation and respond to questions related to conducting the tests". 
    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 
    Care for and store any sample preparation and testing tools and equipment and follow quality procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Care for includes cleaning and lubricating where required 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the outcome: "Complete and process all applicable documentation and respond to questions related to conducting the tests". 
    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 6 
    Complete and process all applicable documentation and respond to questions related to conducting the tests. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Documents include test reports and manufacturing process documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Product quality is verified 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Problems are identified and responded to 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work area is prepared and test equipment is set up, calibrated and zeroed 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    No damage to equipment is caused during sample preparation and testing 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Samples are prepared and stored and waste materials are disposed of in accordance with procedures 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Sample frequency and testing is done according to procedures 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Reports and records are accurate and clear, and are completed and processed in a timely manner 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Statistical process control charts are accurate, consistently kept and error conditions (out-of-specification variances) are identified 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Work is performed safely with due care for self, fellow workers, equipment, materials and the environment 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    A clean and tidy workplace is maintained 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Issues raised in the workplace or by my assessor are explained and discussed and I can demonstrate that I have an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to conducting the tests and how these relate to application in practice 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Issues, concepts and principles include:
    Tools and equipment used for testing
  • Types of tests
  • Sample preparation
  • Accuracy of test results
  • Safety in conducting the tests
  • Delays and problems
  • Continuously checking the quality of work against the requirements of the job
  • The purpose of the test
  • The reason for testing
    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:
  • Sampling and testing equipment
  • Materials
  • Graphs, charts and concepts of statistical process control

    2. Purpose of:
  • Tests within the manufacturing process
  • Sampling
  • Preparing samples
  • Documents related to sampling and testing
  • Graphs, charts, statistical process control

    3. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Product specification and related tests

    4. Processes and events:
  • Test equipment breakdown

    5. Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Not being aware of critical points in the test where mistakes could be made or results could become inaccurate
  • Effects of incorrect labelling of test samples
  • Possible problem areas
  • Inaccuracy of data and analysis
  • Effects of test equipment on health and safety
  • Impact of international standards on workplace practices and the requirement for testing

    6. Procedures and techniques:
  • Sampling and testing
  • Data capturing
  • Control charts
  • Identifying possible problem areas related to sampling, testing and test results
  • Procedures for ensuring safety and limiting damage
  • Procedures for evaluating test results
  • Interpreting results

    7. Sensory cues:
  • Sensory cues (what I see, hear, smell, feel) used to identify problems during sampling and product testing

    8. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation
  • Applicable company policies and procedures
  • Quality standards and product specifications

    9. Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Related mathematical and scientific rules, principles and laws
  • Concepts and principles of statistical process control
  • Sampling and testing principles
  • Units of measure

    10. Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship between accurate testing of product quality and customer relations 
    		•

    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 acceptable and unacceptable results from the test 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others
  • Interact with appropriate personnel when performing sampling and testing procedures and reporting results 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • Perform systematic and consistent sampling and testing procedures 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
  • Collect data from the tests, determine conformance/non-conformance and record results in report
  • Record data on statistical processes control charts and use to identify error conditions (out-of-specification variances) 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • Report/discuss test results and problems associated with the test 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • Use appropriate instruments/gauges to conduct the test 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Explain the role of the test for the manufactured product and in the manufacturing process 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49449   National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  57899   National Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  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.
     
    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.