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: 

Remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243197  Remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12530  Remove spots from carpets  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   
12531  Remove spots from upholstery  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard are able to remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery found in a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Plan and prepare for removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery.
  • Remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery.
  • Identify and report stains found on carpets and upholstery.
  • Perform end of task procedures after removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at ABET Level 3.
  • The Unit standards:

    > Understand basic cleaning principles (Level 1).
    > Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment (Level 1). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. It is expressly stated that the range of spots and spillages excludes blood, body fluids and other waste that requires specialist knowledge to remove.
  • In the context of this unit standard the chemicals referred to are those recommended by manufacturers for use on carpets and upholstery. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare for removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Carpets could include, but is not limited to, any soft floor covering made of natural and/or synthetic fibres.
  • Upholstery could include, but is not limited to, any fabric, or padded fabric covering the frame of furniture and fittings in buildings, motor vehicles, aircraft and boat interiors. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is used in accordance with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for using personal protective equipment are explained in terms of General Safety Regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of protective clothing includes, but is not limited to, overalls, safety shoes, gloves and dust mask.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Spots and spillages to be removed from carpets and upholstery are identified in accordance with the scope of work, access and the cleaning specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of spots and spillages could include, but is not limited to beverages, food, and pets' waste. These could be dry or wet. It is expressly stated that the range of spots and spillages excludes blood, body fluids and other waste that requires specialist knowledge to remove.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct method for removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery is chosen in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and the worksite procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Correct equipment, consumables and chemicals are selected according to the type of spot and spillage and the type of carpet and upholstery to be cleaned, and reasons for the selection are explained in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations and the worksite procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of equipment, consumables and chemicals could include, but is not limited to, vacuum cleaners, buckets, brushes, scrapers, sponges, cloths, and specific chemicals used to remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The colour fastness of the carpet and/or upholstery is tested and the importance of confirming colour fastness is explained in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Each spot and spillage is removed from carpets and upholstery using the correct method in accordance with the worksite procedures and basic cleaning principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of correct methods could include, but is not limited to:
  • Blotting liquid spillages with an absorbent towel or cloth.
  • Solids removed by scraping and collecting.
  • Chemicals are diluted and used correctly in accordance with manufacturer's instruction and the worksite procedure.
  • Containment of spot technique.
  • White absorbent towel or cloth to verify removal of spots and spillages.
  • Successful chewing gum removal technique.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for removing spots and spillages as soon as possible after they occur is understood in terms of staining carpets and upholstery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for removing cleaning chemical residue from carpets and upholstery is explained in terms of its re-soiling effect. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reasons for resetting the pile or nap on certain upholstery fabrics is explained in terms of its effect on the appearance of the furniture or fitting. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and report stains on carpets and upholstery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The difference between a spot and a stain on carpets and upholstery is explained in terms of carpet cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Stains are identified and reported in accordance with the worksite procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for reporting a stain are explained in terms of customer satisfaction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of repeated, unsuccessful efforts to remove stains are described in terms of damage to a carpet or upholstery. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of task procedures when removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The quality of spot and spillage removal is checked, and the reasons for doing so are explained, in accordance with worksite procedures and basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All waste generated during the removal of spots and spillages is disposed of in accordance with worksite procedures and environmental principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All equipment, consumables and chemicals used for the removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery are removed, cleaned and stored in accordance with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems and damage identified during the removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery are reported in accordance with worksite procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of problems and damage could include, but is not limited to, damaged/missing equipment and/or personal protective equipment; insufficient or incorrect chemicals and/or consumables, staff problems, customer requirements, the cleaning schedule, shrinkage, wicking or browning of carpets, worn or torn fabric.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution or provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be a constituent assessor registered with the relevant ETQA.
  • Both internal and external moderation of the assessment will be quality assured by the relevant ETQA in accordance with their published policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic cleaning principles applicable for the removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery.
  • The use of cleaning chemicals applicable for the removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems that may occur during the removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery such as making adjustments to the cleaning schedule when an area scheduled for cleaning is being occupied. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a cleaning team when removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when planning, preparing, cleaning and checking the quality of removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect organise and evaluate information when choosing the correct method to remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery by using oral and/or written language skills when reporting. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by disposing of waste correctly and the use of equipment, chemicals and processes in removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set if related systems by recognizing the importance of planning before removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large by:
  • Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities by implementing environmental cleaning methods.
  • Being culturally sensitive across a range of social contexts by considering the customer during the removal of spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standards:
  • 12530, " Remove spots from carpets ", Level 1, 4 credits.
  • 12531, " Remove spots from upholstery ", Level 1, 4 credits.

    Supplementary information:

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:
  • Access refers to the authority to enter an area to remove spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery without disturbing people in or near that area.
  • Carpet fibre refers to natural and synthetic materials used in the manufacture of carpets. Those that contain a mixture of both are called blended carpets.
  • Chemical residue refers to dry or wet chemical that has been left on or in the surface after the cleaning process.
  • Cleaning services environment refers to anywhere where cleaning takes place.
  • Cleaning specification refers to the list of items to be cleaned and the frequency of cleaning agreed.
  • Colourfastness refers to the ability of a fabric or fibre to retain its colour during the cleaning process.
  • Containment of spot technique refers to the method of working form the outside of the spot being cleaned to its centre.
  • Environment (as in 'a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment') refers to buildings or structures that have carpets and/or upholstery with spots and/or spillages that need to be removed.
  • Frequency refers to the regularity or schedule of removing spots and spillages from carpets and upholstery e.g. as required, within an hour of the spot occurring, weekly etc.
  • Nap refers to the short raised fibres on some upholstery fabrics (e.g. velvet).
  • Pile refers to the cut or uncut loops on some carpet and upholstery materials.
  • Scope of work refers to the areas in which cleaning of carpets and upholstery is to take place.
  • Spot refers to a deposit of dirt or spillage that can be removed from carpets and upholstery.
  • Stain is a deposit of dirt or spillage that cannot be removed from carpets and upholstery.
  • Worksite procedure refers to the method of cleaning a carpet or upholstery that has been identified and agreed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57937   General Education and Training Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  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.