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: 

Perform and coordinate a pipeline network start-up 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119328  Perform and coordinate a pipeline network start-up 
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 perform and coordinate a pipeline network start-up in accordance with company-specific policies, procedures and instructions by operating and monitoring pipeline equipment safely and timeously, thereby ensuring the timeous, safe start-up of the pipeline network for the continuous operation of the pipeline 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 includes the utilisation of high- and low-pressure manifolds.

This unit standard includes the remote operation of pipeline equipment via a tele-control system or verbal instruction via any other communication system.

This unit standard excludes the shut-down and operating (run mode) of the pipeline. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Perform the start-up and operation procedure. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Start-up is performed safely to meet the requirements of the operations notice as well as the operating pressure limitations and flow rates as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Operating systems are utilised effectively to control pipeline pumps and valves in accordance with company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Pumps and valves are started/activated correctly as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Correct pump start-up sequences are selected to ensure correct pump pressures and flow requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Sub-standard conditions are identified, rectified or appropriate action taken, reported and recorded timeously with relevant role players using available systems as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Communicate relevant information regarding the start-up status of product movement in the pipeline network to all relevant role players. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Reporting is performed correctly and timeously as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Communication systems are used correctly. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Product movement start-up information is confirmed with relevant role players continuously as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Sub-standard conditions are identified, reported and recorded timeously to relevant role players using available systems as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Deal with sub-standard conditions and implement the contingency plans related to the start-up of the pipeline network. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Equipment failures are correctly prioritised and reacted to according to the extent and safety implications. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Corrective actions are implemented, reported and recorded according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Monitor and co-ordinate the initial performance of the pipeline network and product movement. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

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

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Product movement operating conditions are monitored and co-ordinated as per operations notice. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Sub-standard conditions are identified, reacted to, recorded and reported to the relevant role players timeously as per company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Complete all documentation, evaluate and react on information related to the start-up of the pipeline. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Specific information system is utilised effectively to obtain and capture relevant information. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Captured information is verified for accuracy and validity. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Required reactions/adjustments are taken/done. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Relevant documentation is completed accurately and timeously as per company-specific 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 start-up of pipeline equipment:
  • Pipeline network layout
  • Control Centre logsheets
  • Pump combinations, flow rates and pressure limits
  • Operating of specific computer systems and software
  • Operation of pipeline equipment
  • Start-up operations policies, procedures and instructions
  • Operation of company communications systems
  • Communication protocols
  • Sub-standard identification related to the start-up
  • Sub-standard reporting procedure
  • Control Centre emergency/contingency plans
  • 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 as well as in the whole environment
  • 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
  • The impact that delayed pipeline operations has on the economy 
    		•

    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 start-up and initial product movement
  • Product specification deviations
  • Sub-standard operating conditions (pressures, flow rates, metering, etc.)
  • Communication system failures
  • Computer system failures
  • Depot operational personnel availability 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Implementing safe working procedures
  • Sharing and communicating information related to start-up and initial product movement
  • Attending to special requests from clients related to volumes, product type, flow rates, tank switching, displacements, etc. 
    		•

    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 the information with regard to:
  • Operations notices
  • Operating pressures and flow rates
  • Operations policies, procedures and instructions related to the start-up of the pipeline network
  • Operating systems displays
  • Log sheets, handover books and checklists 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication
    Learners can communicate information effectively with relevant role-players by utilising various communication systems regarding the:
  • Start-up and initialisation of product movement
  • Reporting of sub-standard conditions related to the start-up and initial product movement
  • 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:
  • Remotely control and monitor the pipeline equipment during the pipeline network start- up
  • Obtain or extract relevant data during the pipeline network start-up
    Communication media 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems
    Learners can understand the importance of the start-up and initial product movement. 

    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.

    Start-up refers to the initialising of product movement

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

    Activity - Hours
    Theory - 80
    Self-directed learning - 3
    On-the-job learning - 240
    Assessment - 11
    Total - 334
    Credits achieved : 33 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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  59769   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Pipe-Fitting  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    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.