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: 

Vacuum clean dry surfaces 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12526  Vacuum clean dry 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  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2006-05-30  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
243201  Vacuum dry surfaces  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

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 a variety of dry 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 any person who needs to vacuum a variety of dry surfaces with different vacuuming accessories. This unit standard is not applicable to vacuuming hazardous dust in an industrial environment e.g. in the mining industry, battery manufacturing etc. or to vacuuming of specialised areas like Clean Rooms in hospitals, computer installations, and pharmaceutical and food factories etc. where the particle counts are controlled within certain specifications.
2. A vacuum cleaner in the context of this unit standard can be a dry vacuum cleaner, a wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner, a backpack vacuum cleaner, a drum vacuum cleaner or an upright vacuum cleaner. The use of a central vacuuming system requires similar competencies to those detailed in this unit standard, but there are additional procedures.
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 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. Vacuum cleaner accessories can include extension cables, nozzles, pipes, flexible hoses and filter bags.
2. Surface types includes, but is not limited to, hard floors, resilient floors, carpets, upholstered surfaces, skirting, curtains, and blinds.
3. Litter refers to, but is not limited to paperclips, rubber bands and any unwanted items that are big enough to be seen and that can be picked up by hand.
4. Reporting of faulty equipment can be verbal, written or in some other agreed method. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare vacuum cleaning equipment and accessories. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies and prepares a serviceable vacuum cleaner and the correct accessories. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why a serviceable vacuum cleaner and the correct accessories are selected and prepared. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Chooses the correct filtration system on a vacuum cleaner for dry vacuuming applications. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the reasons for choosing the correct filtration system on a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains the safety procedures when using a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the consequences of bad filtration on the indoor air quality (IAQ). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the airflow through the vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains the difference between a through-flow and a by-pass motor. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why liquids cannot be vacuumed using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a through-flow motor. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Prepare to vacuum a dry surface. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Plans the vacuuming procedure for the area taking the following into account: safety requirements, the vacuuming schedule and disturbance to people in the area. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains how the vacuuming procedure was planned. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains the reasons for using different accessories to vacuum different surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Identifies the types of litter that can block and/or damage a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Picks up litter. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Vacuum a dry surface. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Chooses the correct plug points according to work-site procedures for maximum cable reach. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why certain plug points are never used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains what factors one considers when choosing plug points. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Vacuums a floor surface and an above the floor. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains the reasons for vacuuming and removing dry soil from surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Cleans and/or replaces vacuum bags and/or filters. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains why vacuum bags and/or filters need to be cleaned or replaced. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Inspects the quality of his work by using a systematic checking procedure. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Identifies and solves problems within his scope of work procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains how blockages in the vacuum cleaner can be identified and cleared according to work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains the consequences of blockages in a vacuum cleaner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains the value of inspecting his work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Explains why he must do the job right first time. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Perform end of task procedures after vacuum cleaning dry surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Disposes of waste according to work-site procedures and environmental requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why waste is disposed of according to work-site procedures and environmental requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Cleans and stores vacuuming equipment. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains the reasons for cleaning vacuuming equipment and accessories before storage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Reports faulty vacuuming equipment and/or accessories. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the reporting procedure for faulty vacuuming equipment and accessories. 


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 to vacuum a dry surface.
  • Vacuum a dry surface. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Evident in:
  • Prepare to vacuum a dry surface. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. Evident in:
  • Prepare to vacuum a dry surface.
  • Perform end of task procedures after vacuum cleaning dry surfaces. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations. Evident in:
  • Perform end of task procedures after vacuum cleaning dry surfaces. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Evident in:
  • Prepare vacuum cleaning equipment and accessories.
  • Prepare to vacuum a dry surface. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities. Evident in:
  • Prepare to vacuum a dry surface. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 243201, which is "Vacuum dry surfaces", Level 1, 4 credits.

    Applicable standards:
    The maintenance of textile floor coverings, 1993. SABS Code of Practice. Doc. 0245: 1993.

    DEFINITION OF TERMS WITHIN THIS UNIT STANDARD

    1. Allergen: Refers to an organism or microorganism that may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
    2. Clean Rooms: Are rooms where the particle counts are controlled within certain specifications according to the classifications of Clean Rooms Clean Rooms are typically found in pharmaceutical and micro-electronic manufacturing environments.
    3. Resilient floor surfaces: Can include vinyl, cushioned vinyl, asphalt, linoleum and profiled rubber.
    4. Hard floor surfaces: Can include terrazzo, quarry tiles, terracotta, ceramic, slate, wood, concrete, granite, porcelain and marble.
    5. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Refers to the extent to which the filtration system in the vacuum cleaner filters out dust, allergens and microorganisms. A typical vacuum cleaner required for vacuum cleaning dry surfaces should filter particles down to 1micron in size.
    6. Quality: Is doing something to a standard first time. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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 
    Elective  36233   National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    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.