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: 

Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243203  Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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
12515  Identify surfaces, soilage and its cleaning procedures  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   
12517  Use chemicals in cleaning procedures  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   
12518  Handle and store cleaning chemicals  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard are able to use chemicals in the cleaning services environment.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the action of cleaning chemicals during a cleaning process.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the use of cleaning chemicals on a range of surface types.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how cleaning chemicals remove the different types of dirt.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the correct handling of cleaning chemicals.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the correct storing of cleaning chemicals. 
    		•

    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 uses cleaning chemicals in the cleaning services environment.
  • In the context of this unit standard cleaning chemicals refers to detergents, deodorisers, degreasers, polishes, strippers, solvents. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the action of cleaning chemicals during a cleaning process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of the pH Scale is explained and an example of a chemical is given that fits each of the pH Scale's three categories. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    pH Scale categories includes, acidic. Alkaline and neutral.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The actions of cleaning chemicals are explained within the cleaning process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of chemical actions includes but is not limited to removal of dirt, removal of odours and removal of micro organisms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reason for a chemical to have contact time with the dirt on a surface is explained in terms of the cleaning process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons for the dilution of chemicals is explained in terms of the cleaning process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the use of cleaning chemicals on a range of surface types. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Range of surface types includes, but is not limited to hard and resilient floors, carpets and above the floor surfaces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A range of hard and resilient floors, carpets and above the floor surfaces are listed within a cleaning context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Hard floor surfaces could include, but is not limited to quarry tile, porcelain tile, ceramic tile, concrete, marble, sealed wood.
  • Resilient floor surfaces could include, but is not limited to, cushion vinyl, vinyl, linoleum, profile rubber.
  • Above the floor surfaces could include but is not limited to glass, wood, stainless steel, wall paper, aluminium, plastic, granite, melamine, ceramic and upholstered surfaces.
  • Carpets refers to textile floor coverings including but not limited to natural, synthetic and blended fibres.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cleaning chemicals that can be applied to a range of surfaces are listed in terms of the pH category and worksite procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons why a chemical from the correct pH category must be used, is explained in terms of its effect on the surface. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of how cleaning chemicals remove the different types of dirt. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The range of dirt is listed in terms of the types of dirt and the pH category. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of dirt includes, but is not limited to:
  • Dry dirt - dust, litter and loose dirt.
  • Wet / sticky / attached dirt - spillages, finger marks, body fat in shower cubicles, spots on carpets and upholstery, lime scale build-up in toilets and urinals.
  • Scuff marks - any marks caused by foot or other traffic over hard and resilient floors, and on walls and furniture.

    Range of dirt categorised in accordance with the pH Scale:
  • Acidic dirt.
  • Neutral dirt.
  • Alkaline dirt.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for identifying the type of dirt before cleaning are explained giving two reasons of how cleaning chemicals remove dirt. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reason why acidic dirt can be removed by using an alkaline chemical is explained and an example given of where this is applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reason why neutral dirt can be removed by using a neutral chemical is explained and an example given of where this is applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reason why alkaline dirt can be removed by using an acidic chemical is explained and an example given of where this is applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reasons why a chemical from the correct pH category must be used, is explained in terms of the effect on the dirt. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the correct handling of cleaning chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of correct personal protective equipment when handling chemicals is explained in accordance with basic cleaning principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of personal protective equipment includes, but is not limited to, overalls, aprons, masks, gloves, footwear.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for chemical containers to be labelled correctly is explained in accordance with General Safety Regulations, basic cleaning principles and manufacturers' instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The meaning and interpretation of danger symbols on labels is explained and two examples given in accordance with General Safety Regulations and manufacturers' instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons for having access to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical is explained in terms of General Safety Regulations and basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Potential hazards when working with chemicals are described and two examples given in terms of injury or health. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Potential danger of mixing different chemicals is described in terms of their reaction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of dangerous mixtures of chemicals includes but is not limited to acid mixed with chlorine, solvent mixed with chlorine, acid mixed with alkaline chemicals.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons for reporting an accident or spillage is explained in terms of General Safety Regulations. 


    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 using cleaning chemicals.
  • General Safety Regulations in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993). 
    		•

    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 when using cleaning chemicals by dealing with spillages. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team by ensuring stocks of chemicals are replenished. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when using chemicals in a cleaning services environment by ensuring chemicals are used and stored correctly and safely. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information relating to surfaces, dirt, chemicals, cleaning procedures, when using chemicals in a cleaning services environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using oral and/or written language skills when reporting accidents or spillages when using chemicals in a cleaning services environment. 

    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 ensuring chemicals are used and stored safely in a cleaning services environment. 

    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:
  • 12517, "Use chemicals in cleaning procedures", Level 1, 4 credits.
  • 12518, "Handle and store cleaning chemicals", Level 1, 4 credits.
  • 12515, "Identify surfaces, soilage and its cleaning procedures", Level 1, 4 credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:
  • Acidic chemicals have pH values in the range below 5 on the pH Scale.
  • Acidic dirt includes but is not limited to oily dirt and spillages such as fruit juice.
  • Alkaline chemicals have pH values in the range higher than 9 on the pH Scale.
  • Alkaline dirt includes but is not limited to lime scale, calcium, salts and cement residues.
  • Cleaning services environment refers to anywhere where cleaning takes place.
  • Contact time is the time required for the chemical to effectively react with the dirt.
  • Neutral chemicals have pH values in the range between 5 and 9 on the pH Scale.
  • Neutral dirt includes but is not limited to milk and most foodstuffs.
  • pH category refers to the acid, neutral or alkaline value of the chemical.
  • Worksite procedure refers to the method of cleaning an item or surface 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 
    Elective  80786   National Certificate: Home-Care Practices  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.