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: 

Use chemicals in cleaning procedures 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12517  Use chemicals in cleaning procedures 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Personal Care 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2006-02-14  2007-02-21  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-02-21   2011-02-21  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
243203  Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners working towards this standard will be learning towards the full qualification, or will be involved in or working within a cleaning services environment. Qualifying learners understand the basic chemistry of chemicals used in daily cleaning. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners accessing this standard will have completed the unit standards Handle and store cleaning chemicals and Identify surfaces, soilage and its cleaning procedures.
The learner has the speaking and listening ability equal to an ABET Level 1 Com 101 standard and/or any other communication skill that will enable him/her to confirm the knowledge and skills required by this unit standard. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • 1. The scope of this unit standard is the identification and usage of chemicals for any cleaning operation in the pharmaceutical-, hospital, domestic-, commercial and food production areas.
  • 2. In the context of this unit standard, chemicals includes detergents but not solvents.
  • 3. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, very repetitive and familiar, no generation of new ideas is needed and the person has no responsibility for the learning of others.

    RANGE STATEMENTS THAT REFER TO ASSESSMENT CRITERIA IN THIS UNIT STANDARD

    1. Soil and dirt refer to, but is not limited to loose dirt, dust, litter, wet sticky dirt, paint, glue, watermarks, lime scale, oil, protein-based soils and scuff marks. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand there is a chemistry side to any cleaning job. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Realizes that there are different categories of chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the categories of chemicals using the pH scale. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Handles different chemicals correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the importance of handling chemicals safely and according to work-site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains the three basic performing abilities of a chemical according to physical, bacteriological and odour cleaning abilities. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify soils and cleaning chemicals, in order to remove the soils. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Identifies soils and dirt according to dirt and soil types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the reasons for identifying soil and dirt before cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Explains the two most common soil types. Acidic / alkaline. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Selects the correct chemical for the removal of the soil type. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains why the chemical is chosen. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the principle of an acid detergent cleaning an alkaline soil and an alkaline detergent cleaning an acid soil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Dilutes the chemical according to work-site and chemical supplier recommendations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the reasons for dilution of chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Explains the reasons for using a dilution or a chemical in its neat concentration. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Comply with safety rules and regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Wears protective clothing and uses protective equipment when handling cleaning chemicals. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the reasons for wearing protective clothing and using protective equipment when handling chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Selects correctly labelled containers for decanting of cleaning chemicals. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the reasons for using correctly labelled containers to decant chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Identifies symbols on chemical containers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the symbols on chemical containers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Decants cleaning chemicals into labelled containers according to safety and work-site specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the importance of correct decanting procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Explains the meaning and interpretation of safety signs on labels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains the meaning and reason for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Reports accidents and spillages of chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains the correct reporting procedure in case of an accident or spillage no matter how minor. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Correctly dispose of wastewater and perform end of task duties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Identifies waste products correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains why certain products are classified as waste. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Identifies waste disposal area and methods of disposal. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Identifies the waste product and the correct area and method of disposal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains the reasons for disposing of chemical waste in the particular manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the impact and dangers of chemical waste on human beings and the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Identifies and solves problems within his/her scope of work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Stores chemicals. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Explains the value of inspecting his/her work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains the reasons for carrying out the correct procedure for the first time according to quality and productivity principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Explains the conditions that need to be applied when storing chemicals. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. An assessor accredited by the Services SETA ETQA will assess the competency.
    2. Assessment procedures will be supplied to the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
    3. All assessment activities must be fair so that all candidates can have equal opportunities.
    4. Assessment will be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
    5. Questions and answers must determine the theoretical knowledge.
    6. Direct observation, preferably in the workplace, or as a second choice in simulated conditions are preferred.
    7. A practical demonstration of competencies is required in this unit standard.
    8. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication that may be verbal or any other agreed upon method.
    9. Internal Moderation
    10. External Moderation 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made. Evident in:
  • Correctly dispose of wastewater and perform end of task duties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Evident in:
  • Comply with safety rules and regulations.
  • Correctly dispose of wastewater and perform end of task duties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in:
  • Comply with safety rules and regulations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Evident in:

    - Understand there is a chemistry side to any cleaning job.
  • Identify soils and cleaning chemicals, in order to remove the soils.
  • Comply with safety rules and regulations.
  • Correctly dispose of wastewater and perform end of task duties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities. Evident in:
  • Understand there is a chemistry side to any cleaning job.
  • Identify soils and cleaning chemicals, in order to remove the soils.
  • Comply with safety rules and regulations.
  • Correctly dispose of wastewater and perform end of task duties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 243203, which is "Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment", Level 1, 8 credits.

    1. Above the floor surfaces refer to glass, Formica, wood, veneer, stainless steel, resin, painted surfaces, granite, plaster, wallpaper, sealed wood, brass, ceramic, metal and plastic.
    2. Detergent refers to a synthetic cleaning agent other than solvents that is useful in the physical removal of soils.
    3. Hard floor surfaces refer to but are not limited to concrete, terrazzo, marble, quarry tiles, terracotta, ceramic, porcelain, slate, wood, concrete, steel, and grids.
    4. MSDS refers to Material Safety Data Sheets
    5. Soft and upholstered surfaces refer to leather, Moss, curtaining, sponge screens, blinds, and carpets.
    6. Resilient floor surfaces refer to vinyl, cushioned vinyl, asphalt, marmoreal and profiled rubber.
    7. Solvent refers to a substance that is used to solubilise dissolve other materials. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  23853   GETC: Domestic Services  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Core  20173   National Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-02-21  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.