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: 

Mechanically cut, drill and punch fabrication materials. 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12239  Mechanically cut, drill and punch fabrication materials. 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
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 2  NQF Level 02  10 
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 
I am capable of:
Performing mechanical cutting, punching and drilling operations using hand and foot operated powered equipment and hand held power tools.

The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in the field of engineering fabrication, which includes boilermaking, sheetmetal working, welding and vehicle body building. The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Fabrication (NQF level 2) and related qualifications. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This unit standard has been designed as the start of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for cutting, drilling and punching metals in the fabrication field.

The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already learned to apply safe work practices, to select, use and care for hand tools and to select, use and care for measuring equipment. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
A general guide to the scope, context conditions, and level at which I am expected to perform.
The ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes determine the scope and level of this unit standard. Work is performed under supervision. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare for work activity 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Interpret job instructions and determine sequence of operations
Select equipment and lubricants
Prepare equipment for operation, including routine maintenance and pre-operational checks
Select and fit correct tooling
Replace worn tooling, if required
Verify material properties with supervisor
Prepare material for cutting, drilling and punching operations
Identify potential hazards and take preventative action 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Materials include low carbon, alloy and stainless steels, aluminium alloys and copper alloys
Section shapes include sheet materials, plate and structural sections.
Plate thickness typically ranges from 0.4 to 12mm
Profile sections include channels, beams, angles sections and bars ranging from 0,4 to 12mm
Hand and foot operated power-cutting operations include power saws, notchers, guillotine, punch and shear machine, pedestal drills, punch croppers
Hand held power tools include jig saws, drills, angle grinders and pencil grinders
Tooling replacements include changing drill bits and replacing punch and dies of cutting tools 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
How will I be able to judge if I am capable? How will I be assessed? Evidence which will show that I have mastered the skill

Results achieved
1. Cut, drilled and punched metals comply with job specifications
Indicators
1. Equipment and tools are set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
2. Safe working practices are adhered to
3. Materials are prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
4. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
5. Non-conformances are identified and reported
6. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

Understanding confirmed
Explain and discuss
1. Equipment, tools, functions, parts, and set up
2. Applicable theory
3. Metals - thickness and types
4. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
5. Safety practices
6. Hazards and their prevention
7. Reporting work outcomes 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Cut, drill and punch metals 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Confirm blade clearances, drill speeds and feeds
Cut, drill and punch materials to specifications
Dispose of waste materials
Store reusable material
Clean and restore work area 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
How will I be able to judge if I am capable? How will I be assessed? Evidence which will show that I have mastered the skill

Results achieved
1. Cut, drilled and punched metals comply with job specifications
Indicators
1. Equipment and tools are set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
2. Safe working practices are adhered to
3. Materials are prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
4. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
5. Non-conformances are identified and reported
6. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

Understanding confirmed
Explain and discuss
1. Equipment, tools, functions, parts, and set up
2. Applicable theory
3. Metals - thickness and types
4. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
5. Safety practices
6. Hazards and their prevention
7. Reporting work outcomes 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Apply quality checks on cut, drilled and punched material 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Inspect and measure cut materials
Identify and report non-conformances 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Defects include burrs and metal fatigue 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
How will I be able to judge if I am capable? How will I be assessed? Evidence which will show that I have mastered the skill

Results achieved
1. Cut, drilled and punched metals comply with job specifications
Indicators
1. Equipment and tools are set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
2. Safe working practices are adhered to
3. Materials are prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
4. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
5. Non-conformances are identified and reported
6. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

Understanding confirmed
Explain and discuss
1. Equipment, tools, functions, parts, and set up
2. Applicable theory
3. Metals - thickness and types
4. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
5. Safety practices
6. Hazards and their prevention
7. Reporting work outcomes 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Recognise and report problems 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
How will I be able to judge if I am capable? How will I be assessed? Evidence which will show that I have mastered the skill

Results achieved
1. Cut, drilled and punched metals comply with job specifications
Indicators
1. Equipment and tools are set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
2. Safe working practices are adhered to
3. Materials are prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
4. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
5. Non-conformances are identified and reported
6. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

Understanding confirmed
Explain and discuss
1. Equipment, tools, functions, parts, and set up
2. Applicable theory
3. Metals - thickness and types
4. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
5. Safety practices
6. Hazards and their prevention
7. Reporting work outcomes 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Report outcomes of work done 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
How will I be able to judge if I am capable? How will I be assessed? Evidence which will show that I have mastered the skill

Results achieved
1. Cut, drilled and punched metals comply with job specifications
Indicators
1. Equipment and tools are set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
2. Safe working practices are adhered to
3. Materials are prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
4. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
5. Non-conformances are identified and reported
6. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

Understanding confirmed
Explain and discuss
1. Equipment, tools, functions, parts, and set up
2. Applicable theory
3. Metals - thickness and types
4. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
5. Safety practices
6. Hazards and their prevention
7. Reporting work outcomes 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Apply safe working practices and discuss issues related to safety 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Apply safe working practices and discuss issues related to safety of self, fellow workers, machines, equipment, materials and the environment 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Safe working practices include use of personal protective equipment, including appropriate eye protection, spats, gloves, overalls and apron 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
How will I be able to judge if I am capable? How will I be assessed? Evidence which will show that I have mastered the skill

Results achieved
1. Cut, drilled and punched metals comply with job specifications
Indicators
1. Equipment and tools are set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
2. Safe working practices are adhered to
3. Materials are prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
4. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
5. Non-conformances are identified and reported
6. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

Understanding confirmed
Explain and discuss
1. Equipment, tools, functions, parts, and set up
2. Applicable theory
3. Metals - thickness and types
4. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
5. Safety practices
6. Hazards and their prevention
7. Reporting work outcomes 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the MERSETA ETQA, which has the jurisdiction over this field of learning. My assessor will be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.
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 in the workplace but I can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were produced outside of the workplace.
I can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits, or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
Things I know and can explain

1. Names & functions of:
  • Cutting, drilling and punching equipment
  • Measuring equipment
  • Tools
  • Personal protective equipment

    2. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Material - types, sections, thickness, properties, characteristics
  • Common defects
  • Hazards
  • Sectional dimensions
  • Profile identification

    3. Purpose of:
  • Mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
  • Material preparation
  • Quality checks
  • Safety checks

    4. Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of using incorrect tools and equipment
  • Implications of not identifying hazards
  • Sequence of pre-operational checks
  • Implications of not preparing workpiece before cutting, drilling or punching
  • Implications of using damaged tools
  • Implications of ignoring cutting, drilling and punching defects
  • Implications of not reporting non-conformances
  • Implications of not using appropriate personal protective equipment

    5. Procedures and techniques:
  • Set up procedures for mechanical cutting, drilling and punching equipment
  • Preparation of materials
  • Safety procedures
  • Quality procedures
  • Maintenance procedures
  • Reporting procedures
  • Safe handling of materials

    6. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards, including company specific safety regulations

    7. Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable theory covering properties and characteristics of metals
  • Applicable theory covering safety precautions

    8. Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship between material thickness and machine setting 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    1. Identify and solve problems
  • Recognise problems while mechanically cutting, drilling or punching metals and respond appropriately
  • Identify and report non-conformances
  • Identify potential hazards and take preventative action 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    1. Work together with others
  • Participate in efforts of workgroup 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    1. Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • Plan sequence of operations based on job instructions and set up equipment appropriately 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    1. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
  • Inspect and measure cut, drilled and punched materials and identify non-conformances 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    1. Communicate effectively
  • Report outcome of work 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    1. Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • Understanding of properties of materials 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Explain the role of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching in the fabrication process 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  22869   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  MERSETA 
    Core  58722   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.