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: 

Clean above the floor surfaces 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12523  Clean above the floor surfaces 
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 
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
243199  Clean above the floor surfaces  Level 1  NQF Level 01   

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 are able to vacuum clean surfaces above floor level surfaces in a commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, food handling, domestic and health care cleaning environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
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 for anyone who needs to clean above the floor surfaces in office and general areas (excluding kitchens, production equipment and the like.
2. In the context of this unit standard, items not to be cleaned typically include office equipment such as fax machines, computers and other electronic office tools. Assessor should under all circumstances refer to cleaning specification which would act as primary authority on items to be cleaned.
3. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, repetitive and familiar, no generation of new ideas are required. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare for cleaning above the floor surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies the surfaces to be cleaned. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Wears the correct protective clothing. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains why it is necessary to wear the correct protective clothing. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Selects the correct equipment and chemicals for the task at hand. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why the equipment and chemicals are suitable for the task at hand. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Dilutes the chemicals to be used to the correct ratio. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the importance of adhering to the correct chemical dilution ratios. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Identifies the most appropriate and correct plug points for electrical equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why only allocated plug points may be used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10 .Explains the consequences of using the wrong plug points. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains his / her scope of work. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Assess the area to be cleaned and plan cleaning activities. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Assesses the state of the area to be cleaned. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why the area must be assessed before cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3 .Systematically works his / her way through the tasks at hand. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Cleans from the furthest end of the area towards the exit. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why one must work from the furthest end of the area towards the exit. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Cleans from the top to the bottom of the area to be used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains why one must work from top to bottom. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Completes dry cleaning activities before wet cleaning activities. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why dry cleaning must be completed before wet cleaning starts. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Completes the tasks within the allotted time limit. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains why it is important to complete the task within the time allowed for it. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Lists the items not to be cleaned. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Clean furniture, partitions and fittings. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Uses the correct methods of cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Replaces the furniture correctly after cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Straightens portraits, pictures and mirrors on walls. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Vacuums upholstered furniture and partitions. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains how these surfaces can be cleaned in the shortest possible time. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explain why no papers not placed in dustbin may not be thrown away 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the reason for replacing all stationary on desk as it was found prior to cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains why furniture moved through the cleaning process must be replaced. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explain why upholstered furniture needs to be vacuumed. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Clean telephones, ashtrays, waste-paper bins and desk lamps. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Cleans telephones with damp cloth and disinfectant 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why telephones must be disinfected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Cleans and washes the ashtrays. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Empties waste-paper bins, wipe out and wash if there is sticky dirt inside. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why ashtrays and dustbins must be washed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Cleans desk lamps according to work site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains why hot globes on desk lamps must not be cleaned. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Check the quality of cleaning above the floor surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Checks all areas cleaned to ensure that these are cleaned properly and that all areas listed in the scope of work have been cleaned. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Reports broken and out of place items. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains how the reporting procedure works on site in case of broken / misplaced items. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4 .Removes all equipment, chemicals and consumables used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Replaces all plugs pulled out of sockets during cleaning. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Switches off the lights when leaving the area. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Secures the facility upon leaving. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Cleans cleaning equipment, and checks whether these are in a serviceable condition. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Reports faults on cleaning equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains why it is important to report faults on cleaning equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Stores away all cleaning equipment, chemicals and consumables. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains why equipment, consumables and chemicals must be stored away at the end of the shift. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Explains why it is important to ensure that all the work is done in accordance with the standard before leaving the facility. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Explain the standard of work applicable to the facility. 


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 
On completion the learner can understand and apply the knowledge as described in the assessment criteria of all the outcomes. 


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:
  • Prepare for cleaning above the floor surfaces.
  • Assess the area to be cleaned and plan cleaning activities.
  • Check the quality of cleaning above the floor surfaces. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Evident in:
  • Check the quality of cleaning above the floor surfaces. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Evident in:
  • Prepare for cleaning above the floor surfaces.
  • Assess the area to be cleaned and plan cleaning activities.
  • Clean furniture, partitions and fittings.
  • Clean telephones, ashtrays, waste-paper bins and desk lamps.
  • Check the quality of cleaning above the floor surfaces. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in:
  • Check the quality of cleaning above the floor surfaces. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Evident in:
  • Clean furniture, partitions and fittings.
  • Clean telephones, ashtrays, waste-paper bins and desk lamps. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities. Evident in:
  • Prepare for cleaning above the floor surfaces.
  • Assess the area to be cleaned and plan cleaning activities.
  • Clean furniture, partitions and fittings.
  • Clean telephones, ashtrays, waste-paper bins and desk lamps.
  • Check the quality of cleaning above the floor surfaces. 

  • UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 243199, which is 'Clean above the floor surfaces', Level 1, 4 credits.

    Correct methods of cleaning typically includes the following:

    1. Cloths folded in squares to ensure optimum use, and never sopping wet.
    2. Chemicals to be sprayed onto the cloth, not onto the furniture.
    3. Cleaning motions to be based on the physical form of the object used. Example: If the desk is rectangular, then the cleaning motions will similarly be rectangular and not circular. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  23853   GETC: Domestic Services  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  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.