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 floors using a single disc machine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243202  Clean floors using a single disc machine 
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  8 
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
12524  Operate a scrubbing/buffing and burnishing machine  Level 1  NQF Level 01  8   
12533  Buff, burnish and scrub hard and resilient floors  Level 1  NQF Level 01  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard are able to clean floors using a single disc machine.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Plan and prepare to clean floors using a single disc machine.
  • Buff floors.
  • Scrub floors.
  • Perform end of task duties after maintaining floors with a single disc machine. 
    		•

    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 standard:
    > Understand basic cleaning principles (Level 1). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to use a single disc machine to clean floors found in a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment.

    In the context of this unit standard:
  • Range of single disc machines includes but is not limited to high speed, low speed and dual speed single disc
    machines. For the purpose of this unit standard, the range excludes ultra speed burnishing machines.
  • Range of floors that could be cleaned includes, but is not limited to:

    > Hard floors including but not limited to quarry tiles, porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, stone, granite, marble, sealed concrete.
    > Resilient floors including but not limited to vinyl, sealed wood, linoleum, profiled rubber.
  • Range of cleaning methods includes, but is not limited to, buffing, the mop and buff method, interim cleaning, scrubbing. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare to clean floors using a single disc machine. 

    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 
    Personal protective equipment includes, but is not limited to, overalls, footwear, gloves and dust mask.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The floor to be cleaned and the appropriate method are identified in accordance with the scope of work, access and the cleaning specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Floors that could be maintained includes, but is not limited to:
  • Hard floors - quarry tiles, porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, stone, granite, marble, sealed concrete.
  • Resilient floors - vinyl, sealed wood, linoleum, profiled rubber.

    Methods includes, but is not limited to, buffing, mop and buff and scrubbing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct single disc machine is selected in accordance with worksite procedure and cleaning specification and a reason for the choice is given in terms of basic cleaning principles and the task to be completed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Single disc machines includes but is not limited to high speed, low speed and dual speed single disc machines. For the purpose of this unit standard, the range excludes ultra speed burnishing machines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct accessories are selected for the cleaning method in accordance with worksite procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Accessories includes but is not limited to pad driving disc, white, red, blue, brown and black pads, polishing and scrubbing brushes and extension cables.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The accessories are fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's operating instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reason why worn or damaged brushes or pads should not be used is explained in terms of the effect on the floor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Correct cleaning chemicals are selected for the identified tasks and reasons for the selection are explained in accordance with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Wet floor warning signs are placed correctly before starting in accordance with worksite procedures and the reasons for doing so are explained in terms of General Safety Regulations and basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Dry dirt, litter and wet sticky dirt are removed before using the machine in accordance with worksite procedures and three reasons for doing so are given in accordance with basic cleaning principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Buff floors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct method of buffing the identified floor is chosen in accordance with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Floors are dry buffed in accordance with worksite procedures and the reasons for dry buffing explained in terms of floor maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Floors are spray buffed in accordance with worksite procedures and the reasons for limiting the quantity of spray buffing chemical are given in terms of productivity and floor maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The heeling technique is used to buff out scuff marks in accordance with worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scuff marks includes but is not limited to, heel marks, trolley wheel marks, or marks caused by objects dragged over the floor.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Floors are cleaned using the mop and buff method in accordance with worksite procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The pad or brush is checked for build-up during the buffing procedure and the reasons for checking are given in terms of the life of the pad or brush, the life of the machine, productivity and effectiveness on the buffed floor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The single disc machine is operated, during the buffing process, in accordance with safe operating practices and manufacturer's instructions and the consequences of operating the single disc machine unsafely are explained in terms of injury to persons or damage to property. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safe operating procedures includes but is not limited to:
  • Machine's handle is adjusted to the correct height.
  • Power cable or cord is kept away from the rotating disc.
  • Handle switches are operated according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • The machine is well controlled during operation.
  • The machine is operated smoothly without being switched on and off continuously.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The need to be aware of keeping the rotating pad or brush away from items is understood in terms of the damage these items could cause. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Items that could cause damage includes, but is not limited to, broken, loose or uneven tiles, nails, furniture, shelving, fittings.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Scrub floors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The cleaning chemical is applied in accordance with the cleaning specification and worksite procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Application methods includes but is not limited to spraying, pouring or mopping the chemical on to the floor, or using a solution tank fitted to the single disc machine to feed the chemical on to the floor.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The floor is scrubbed using a single disc machine in accordance with cleaning specification, worksite procedures and General Safety Regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dirty cleaning solution is removed from the floor in accordance with worksite procedures and environmental principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Splash marks are removed from furniture, fittings, skirting boards, walls or adjacent areas, and the consequences of these remaining are explained in accordance with the worksite procedure, basic cleaning principles and customer service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The pad or brush is checked for build-up during the scrubbing procedure and the reasons for checking are given in terms of the life of the pad or brush, the life of the machine, productivity and effectiveness on the scrubbed floor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The single disc machine is operated, during the scrubbing process, in accordance with safe operating practices and manufacturer's instructions and the consequences of operating the single disc machine unsafely are explained in terms of injury to persons and/or damage to property. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safe operating procedures includes but is not limited to:
  • Machine's handle is adjusted to the correct height.
  • Power cable or cord is kept away from the rotating disc.
  • Handle switches are operated according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • The machine is well controlled during operation.
  • The machine is operated smoothly without being switched on and off continuously.
  • Keeping extension cable and floor mounted plugs dry.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of task procedures after maintaining floors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All floor surfaces cleaned are checked to ensure the level of cleanliness is in accordance with the cleaning specification and the worksite procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All waste generated during the maintenance of floor surfaces is disposed of in accordance with worksite procedures and environmental principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All equipment, consumables and chemicals used for cleaning of floor surfaces are removed, cleaned and stored in accordance with worksite procedures and manufacturer's instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems and damage identified during the cleaning of floors using a single disc machine are reported, and reasons for doing so are explained in accordance with worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problems and damage could include, but is not limited to, accidents and personal injury, damaged/missing equipment and/or personal protective equipment; insufficient or incorrect chemicals and/or consumables, staff problems, customer requirements, the cleaning schedule and broken, cracked or loose tiles.
     


    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 relevant ETQA.
  • Both internal and external moderation of the assessment will be quality assured by relevant ETQA in accordance with their published policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic cleaning principles applicable to cleaning floors using a single disc machine.
  • The use of cleaning chemicals applicable to cleaning floors using a single disc machine. 
    		•

    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 might occur during the cleaning of floors using a single disc machine 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 cleaning floors using a single disc machine. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively during the processes of planning, preparing, cleaning and checking the quality of cleaning floors using a single disc machine. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information relating to surfaces, cleaning procedures, cleaning specifications and cleaning frequencies during the cleaning of floors using a single disc machine. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when cleaning floors using a single disc machine 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 a single disc machine, equipment, chemicals and processes whilst cleaning floors using a single disc machine. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising the importance of planning before cleaning floors using a single disc machine. 

    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 cleaning of floors using a single disc machine. 
    		•

    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 Standard 12533, 'Buff, burnish and scrub hard and resilient floors', level 1, 10 credits.
  • Unit Standard 12524, 'Operate a scrubbing/buffing or burnishing machine', level 1, 8 credits.

    Supplementary information

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:
  • Access refers to the authority to enter an area to clean floors using a single disc machine without disturbing people in or near that area.
  • Build-up refers to the combination of chemical and dirt that collects in and on the pad or brush during spray buffing or scrubbing.
  • Cleaning services environment refers to anywhere where cleaning takes place.
  • Cleaning specification refers to the list of floors to be maintained and the frequency of cleaning agreed.
  • Environment (as in 'a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment') refers to buildings or structures that contain floors to be cleaned using a single disc machine.
  • Frequency refers to the regularity or schedule of cleaning of floors using a single disc machine e.g. daily, weekly, monthly etc.
  • Heeling technique refers to a method of tilting the machine to concentrate the full weight of the machine on a small section of the pad or brush to increase its cleaning action.
  • Mop and buff refers to a method of applying chemical solution to a floor, and after allowing it to dry, buffing the floor with a single disc machine.
  • Scope of work refers to the areas in which cleaning of floors using a single disc machine is to take place.
  • Scrubbing refers to the method used to remove ingrained dirt from hard and resilient floors.
  • Worksite procedure refers to the method of cleaning floors using a single disc machine 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
    Elective  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.