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: 

Start up equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14810  Start up equipment 
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 2  NQF Level 02  18 
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 operating within a chemical industry.

Those learners who acquire the outcomes of this standard will know about and be able to start up and operate equipment to specified state, pertaining to the chemical industry.

For the purpose of this standard the following is understood as equipment:
  • A machine or apparatus that which delivers a result or achieves a function in a chemical process.
  • A machine that is operated independently or in combination with other units in a chemical process.
  • Equipment is generally operated in the field but remote control may be used.

    The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Establish conditions for and start up designated equipment
  • Achieve and maintain normal operating conditions
  • Communicate information concerning operating conditions
  • Correct abnormal equipment operating conditions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Learners accessing this standard will have demonstrated competence against the unit standards or the equivalent; Maintain health, hygiene and safety in a chemical environment, Describe chemical process operations and related process chemistry used in the chemical industry and Demonstrate an understanding of quality principles used in the chemical industry.
  • Learners working towards the full qualification will have demonstrated competence against the unit standards in the National Certificate in Chemical Operations - NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range statements 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 
    Establish conditions for and start up designated equipment. 

    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. Reasons for sequence and timing in start up and the consequences of not adhering to it are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Reasons for operating equipment according to specified tolerances are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Appropriate authorisation is obtained for start up. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Equipment is started up according to standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Non conformities in the start up process are responded to in accordance with standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Each stage for the start-up is completed within a defined time frame for the specific type of equipment and the prevailing conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Standard operating procedures will include site operating instructions, instructions, orders, guidelines, policies, procedures and systems
  • Safety, health and environmental requirements will be as prescribed in the standard operating procedures
  • Tolerances are deviations from the standard operating conditions
  • This unit standard is limited to a minimum of 6 pieces of equipment listed: dryers, strippers, cooling towers, mixers, fans, conveying equipment, positive displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps, positive displacement compressors, filters, vessels, heat exchangers.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Achieve and maintain normal operating conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Reasons for achieving normal operating conditions within given time frame are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Safety, health and environmental requirements are followed and complied with according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Consequences of incorrect operating conditions are identified, and listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Wastage is minimised in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Specified conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Each stage of the start-up is completed within a defined time frame for the specific type of equipment and the prevailing conditions (this is a repeat of outcome 1.7). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Non conformities in the start up process are responded to in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Operating conditions are monitored and reccorded according to standing operating procedures 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating conditions may include quality, temperature, flows pressures, line obstruction and noise levels
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Communicate information concerning operating conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Method of recording and location of equipment records are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Communication channels to be used are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Process-variables to be measured and acceptable standards are identified, listed and explained and reasons for recording unusual process readings are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Readings on interconnected equipment are recorded and communicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Safety, health and environmental discrepancies are reported in the required manner according to site practices and time frames. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written
  • Process-variables include pressure measurement, volumetric level measurement, flow measurement and temperature measurement.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Correct abnormal equipment operating conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Potential hazards during equipment operation and action to be taken are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Consequences for failing to take appropriate action are described according to requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Action is taken appropriate to the problem in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Appropriate responses to alarm conditions are explained and taken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Significant, unusual and unexpected findings are noted and reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Possible impact of abnormalities on other areas is identified and appropriate people are informed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Abnormalities may include electrical, leaks, mechanical, line obstruction and pump cavitation.
     


    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
  • A comprehensive understanding of place or position (layout) of the plant equipment and utilities
  • An all rounded understanding of first line maintenance procedures and problem solving
  • A comprehensive understanding of fault diagnostics and team work (who is responsible for what)
  • An in depth understanding of organogram results of non-conformance
  • 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 equipment start up conditions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team and organisation to conduct equipment start up, activities and to communicate equipment conditions. 

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

    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 equipment start up. 

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

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

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  22866   National Certificate: Chemical Equipment Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2005-10-09  Was CHIETA 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.