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: 

Starting the process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14797  Starting the process 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2002-10-09  2005-10-09  SAQA 0144/02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2006-10-09   2009-10-09  

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 
This standard is aimed at people who work or intend to work within a large process operation in the chemical or similar industry, and seek recognition for skills essential for controlling such a process.

Those learners who acquire the outcomes of this standard will know about and be able to start the process in a chemical industry.

For the purposes of this standard a process is understood to be a range of processes operated in an integrated manner to produce a product or products.

The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the start-up process
  • Start designated process
  • Achieve normal operating conditions
  • Communicate information concerning process start up
  • Correct abnormal process start up conditions 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence against the unit standards; Establish system start up conditions, Start up the system, Monitor and maintain system conditions, Collect and interpret non-routine information regarding system conditions, Shut down the system to a specified state, Contribute to the maintenance of a system, Respond to hazardous emergencies or equivalent.
  • Learners working towards the full qualifications will have demonstrated competence against the unit standards in the National Certificate in Chemical Systems Operations - NQF Level 3 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range statements, which are applicable to the unit standard titles, specific outcomes and assessment criteria are found beneath the applicable assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the start-up process 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The process for start-up is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The commissioning plan and its main stages are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Reasons for sequence and timing of each stage are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Logic protection sequence is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Appropriate documentation is obtained for start up. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Starting may include all sections of plant and equipment which are part of the process under the candidate's control.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Start designated process 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Safety, health and environmental requirements as stipulated in the standard operating procedures are identified and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Possible process excursions and acceptance tolerances are identified and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Appropriate authorisation is obtained for start up. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Process is commissioned according to start up procedures and the prevailing conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. A logical scanning routine is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Each stage is completed within a specified timescale for that part of the process and the prevailing conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Alarms are responded to within specified timescales and according to procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Standard operating procedures includes site operating instructions, instructions, orders, guidelines, policies, procedures and systems.
  • Conditions may include temperature, flows, pressures, levels and in all of the process under the candidate's control.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Achieve normal operating conditions 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Consequences for normal operating conditions not being achieved as scheduled, are identified and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Reasons for achieving conditions within time scale are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Safety, health and environmental requirements are followed and complied with. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Normal range of operating conditions and acceptable tolerances are explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. A logical scanning routine is used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Normal operating conditions are achieved within the defined time scale for the process and the prevailing conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Product is routed to specific destination as soon as quality specification is met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Alarms are responded to within specified time scales and according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Wastage is minimised according to requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Communicate information concerning process start up 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Reasons for recording accurate and unusual process readings are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Reasons for recording equipment conditions are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Consequences of not recording accurate readings are identified and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Information about the commissioning is recorded accurately and legibly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Significant readings on interconnected equipment is recorded and communicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Safety, health and environmental discrepancies are reported in the required manner according to site practices and time frames. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Abnormalities are reported to the appropriate person. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Correct documentation is used 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Information may include process conditions, process parameters, equipment and process status.
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
  • Abnormalities may include faults, instruments, mechanical, equipment, control valves, utilities and logic sequence.
  • Documentation may include standard operating procedures and permits.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Correct abnormal process start up conditions 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Potential hazards and critical stages during commissioning are identified, explained and clear and timely instructions are given to operators and consequences in delaying the actions to be taken are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Availability of standby equipment is assessed and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Appropriate responses to alarms are taken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Appropriate actions to other abnormalities in the range are described and where specific process conditions are not met, prompt action is taken appropriate to the problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Actions either rectifying or containing the problem are taken and correct draft required if assistance is sought. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Significant, unusual and unexpected findings are noted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Possible impact of abnormalities on other areas is identified and appropriate people are informed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Where specific process conditions are not met, prompt action is taken appropriate to the problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Logic protection sequence is explained and applied. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Educational Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA), will accredit providers offering learning towards this standard and will register assessors. They will also appoint the internal and external moderators. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Terminology and use of instrumentation.
  • Instrument processes and procedures used
  • Instrument diagrams and symbols
  • Measurement, instrumentation and equipment used
  • Fault finding and problem solving methods and techniques
  • Chemicals
  • Policies and operating procedures
  • An in depth understanding of terminology associated with appropriate equipment
  • A comprehensive understanding of operating principles of appropriate equipment
  • An in depth understanding of working principles of appropriate equipment
  • Names, characteristics and chemical reactions of materials to be processed
  • Rules, laws, regulations and statutory requirements
  • Procedures and quality measurement instruments relating to Quality Assurance 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made towards the start up process of a chemical plant. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team and organisation to conduct a start up process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively, while preparing the process for start up. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information on start up process of a chemical plant. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion, with regards to reporting and recording of information and abnormal conditions during the start up checks of the chemical process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others during preparing for start up. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating and understanding the chemical process as a set of related systems by identifying the impact of abnormalities in one part of the system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  22868   National Certificate: Chemical Process Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2005-10-09  CHIETA 


    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.