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: 

Manage and coordinate the movement and volumes of product through a dedicated-product pipeline network 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119308  Manage and coordinate the movement and volumes of product through a dedicated-product pipeline network 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Rail and Pipeline Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  20 
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 learner credited with this unit standard will be able to manage and co-ordinate the movement and volumes of product through a dedicated-product pipeline network in accordance with company-specific policies, procedures and instructions by operating and monitoring pipeline equipment safely and timeously, thereby ensuring the timeous, safe and continuous operation of the pipelines by transporting petroleum products efficiently, thus contributing positively to the Southern African economy.

This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the pipeline operations.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the Pipeline Transport environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication NQF L3
  • Mathematical literacy NQF L3
  • Electrical Safety Certification (Remote HT Switching)
  • Computer literacy NQF level 2 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • This unit standard excludes the managing and co-ordinating of multi-products pipeline.
  • This unit standard includes the utilisation of high and low-pressure manifolds.
  • This unit standard includes the remote operation of pipeline equipment tele-control system or verbal instruction via any other communication system. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Calculate the movement of product volumes through the pipeline network correctly, accurately and timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Product heads, slug volumes and delivery/intake times are calculated correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Start/stop times of line displacements are calculated correctly and relevant role players are advised timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Intake/delivery volumes in the event of meter failures are calculated, adjusted and recorded correctly and relevant role players are advised timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sub standard conditions are identified, reacted to, recorded and reported to the relevant role players timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Delivery versus intake volume comparisons (outages) are calculated correctly to identify volume losses, possible pipeline leaks and meter inaccuracies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Calculator is utilised correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Communicate relevant information regarding the product movement and volumes throughout the pipeline network with all relevant role players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant information related to the product movement and volumes is communicated and confirmed correctly and timeously with relevant role players as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operations notices in conjunction with product shipment programs are checked, verified for accuracy and discrepancies reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Communication systems are used correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The identified sub-standard conditions are communicated, reported and recorded timeously to relevant role players using available systems according to company-specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Operations notices, operations logsheets, slug volumes, times and product heads are amended and relevant role players advised of amendments according to company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Meter failure and /or meter outages are queried, recorded and reported according to company-specific operations instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use company-specific systems/software to co-ordinate and control the movement of specific product volumes according to Operations notices and company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant documentation is extracted from company-specific database (Operations Management System). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operations notices, hourly readings and switching information. Applicable system is used to receive, check, manage, monitor, record and update relevant logsheet information (e.g. intake/delivery, blending, interface and outage volumes).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sub-standard conditions are identified, reacted to, recorded and reported to the relevant role players timeously according to company-specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Alarms are interpreted correctly and reacted to timeously (e.g. sump tank, pumps sets, pressures, routing, etc.). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Safely and efficiently manage, coordinate and accurately control the volumes, intakes, deliveries, losses and gains of the product throughout the pipeline network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pipeline network pressures are monitored and coordinated as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pipeline network flow rates and volumes are monitored and coordinated as per operations notices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pump combinations and relevant pipeline equipment are used to maintain and sustain flow rates and pressures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Product heads are advanced correctly and timeously as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Deliveries versus intake volume comparisons (outages) are timeously identified, evaluated and investigated to establish volume losses, possible pipeline leaks and meter inaccuracies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Sub-standard conditions are identified, reacted to, recorded and reported to the relevant role players timeously according to company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Captured information is verified for accuracy and validity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Relevant documentation is completed accurately and timeously as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Moderation of assessment will be done by the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be certified as competent against this unit standard and registered as an assessor to assess this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The learners can understand and explain the following related to the operation of the pipeline network:
  • Calculations pertaining to the operations of the pipeline
  • Pipeline network layout
  • Control Centre logsheets completion
  • Pump combinations, flow rates and pressure limits
  • Operating of specific computer systems and software
  • Operation of pipeline equipment
  • Operation of company-specific communications systems
  • Communication protocols
  • Sub-standard identification related to the operation of the pipeline network
  • Sub-standard reporting procedure
  • Emergency and contingency plans
  • Operation system alarms and displays
  • Company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions
  • Relevant extracts from:
    OHS Act and regulations
    Environmental Act 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Learner and societal development
    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety in the workplace including the pipeline network
  • Being a team player in the work environment and in society
  • Communicating effectively in the work environment and in society
  • Their responsibility for the safety and well-being of fellow workers and society at large
  • The impact of petroleum product spillages on the environment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem-solving
    Learners can solve problems with regard to:
  • Equipment failures related to the operation of the pipeline network
  • Sub-standard operating conditions (e.g. power failures, pressures, flow rates, metering, alarms, etc.)
  • Communication system failures
  • Computer system failures
  • Depot operational personnel availability related to the operation of the pipeline network 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Implementing safe working procedures
  • Sharing and communicating information related to the operation of the pipeline network 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and self-management
    A learner can organise and manage himself by:
  • Executing the task(s) responsibly
  • Maintaining a high level of discipline and flexibility
  • Adhering to time frames and prioritisation
  • Adhering to safety and company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation
    Learners can interpret and evaluate information related to:
  • Operations notices
  • Operating pressures and flow rates
  • Policies, procedures and instructions related to the operation of a dedicated-product pipeline network
  • Operating systems displays
  • Log sheets, handover books, checklists
  • Hourly readings
  • Switch readings
  • Final meter readings
  • Operating system alarms 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication
    Learners can communicate information effectively with relevant role-players by utilising various communication systems regarding the:
  • Operation of the pipeline network
  • Reporting of sub-standard conditions related to the operation of the pipeline network
  • Corrective actions and re-actions to be taken 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology
    Learners can use science and technology by using:
  • Computer systems
  • Automated equipment
  • Communication media
  • Calculators 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems
    Learners can understand the importance of the operations of the pipeline network. 

    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 
    Assessment process

    Assessment methods
  • Practical tests
  • Oral/on-the-job
  • In situ (on-the-job) observations
  • Simulation
  • Structured classroom discussions and oral tests.

    These methods must be selected carefully based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, on-the-job demonstration for practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods (no less than two of those detailed above) in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.

    The following tools may be used to supplement the above minimum assessment methods:

    Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience may serve to supplement the assessment of applied competence. The portfolio should include, inter alia:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer(s), colleagues, peers, managers, external customers) confirming competence of the learner
  • Relevant certificates or awards
  • Previous assessment records
  • Logbook stating evidence of performance
  • Operating recording system data

    Values
    In addition, the following values should be demonstrated:
  • Decisiveness
  • Safety consciousness
  • Accuracy
  • Responsibility
  • Comprehensiveness
  • Neatness
  • Accountability
  • Pro-activeness
  • Quality consciousness
  • Time consciousness
  • Attentiveness
  • Environmental awareness

    Supplementary information

    Terminology

    Operations notice refers to a job instruction that stipulates product movement.

    Operations systems refer to a Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).

    Information systems refer to Operation Management System (OMS) and Metering Data System (MDS).

    Sub-standard refers to the deviation from specifications and/or standards.

    Reporting includes relaying of information.

    Communication protocol can include, but is not limited to:
  • Personnel structures, e.g. managers, supervisors, colleagues and clients
  • Verification of messages/instructions

    Communication systems can include, but is not limited to:
  • Two-way radios
  • Cellular phones
  • Hand-held emergency telephones
  • Telephones
  • E-mail
  • Facsimile
  • Operations Management System (OMS)
  • Radio links

    Pipeline network refers to the pipeline routes, depots and related operations equipment.

    Depot refers to an intake, delivery and through pump station.

    Credits
    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:

    Activity : Hours
    Theory : 60
    Self-directed learning : 3
    On-the-job learning : 125
    Assessment : 12
    Total : 200
    Credits achieved : 20 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49553   Further Education and Training Certificate: Pipeline Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Elective  63209   National Certificate: Energy Regulation  Level 5  NQF Level 05  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.