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: 

Understand basic cleaning principles 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243204  Understand basic cleaning principles 
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  15 
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
12511  Apply quality principles in everyday cleaning tasks  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   
12513  Plan and manage time in the workplace  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard are able to understand basic cleaning principles in a cleaning services environment.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Describe the purpose of organisations operating in the cleaning services industry.
  • Describe the essential components required for any cleaning task in a cleaning services environment.
  • Understand the principles of planning and preparing for a cleaning task.
  • Understand the principles of cleaning.
  • Understand the principles of performing end of task procedures after cleaning. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope of this unit standard is for any person who works or seeks work in a cleaning services environment.
  • In the context of this unit standard basic cleaning principles are in accordance with local and international best practice. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the purpose of organisations operating in the cleaning services industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for cleaning areas and items occupied or used by people are explained, in terms of the benefits of being in a clean environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of reasons for cleaning could include but is not limited to, removal of dirt, providing an environment that is healthy, hygienic, pleasant and/or safe, to recover valuable or re-usable materials, to protect surfaces from wear, to preserve the value of items or surfaces, to create or maintain a business image or appearance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The cleaning services industry is explained in terms of basic business principles and the opportunity to provide cleaning services commercially. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cleaning services that can be provided in the cleaning services industry are identified, and the activities of three are described in terms of commercial opportunity and basic business principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of cleaning services includes, but is not limited to, cleaning of buildings and other structures, carpet and upholstery cleaning, dry cleaning and laundry, car wash and valet, window and rope access cleaning, garden services.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need for people in an organisation providing cleaning services to be effective in performing cleaning tasks is explained in terms of providing customer service and basic business principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the essential components required for any cleaning task in a cleaning services environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The five essential components of cleaning are listed in terms of requirements to perform a cleaning task in a cleaning services environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range is staff, equipment, consumables, chemicals and time.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose and activities of staff employed in the cleaning industry are explained with reference to the importance of communication, teamwork, productivity, quality awareness and customer service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The term equipment is explained and three examples are given within a cleaning services environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to vacuum cleaners, single disc machines, automatic scrubber driers, sweeping machines, carpet cleaning machines, mopping and transport trolleys, window cleaning poles, ladders.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The term consumable is explained and three examples are given within a cleaning services environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited mop heads, mops, brooms, cloths, pads, brushes, scourers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The term cleaning chemical is explained and three examples are listed within a cleaning services environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of chemicals includes but is not limited to detergents, deodorisers, disinfectants, polishes, solvents, strippers, degreasers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The term time or time management is explained within a cleaning services environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes, but is not limited to planning, time allowed for a cleaning task in terms of a worksite procedure, meeting deadlines, good timekeeping, starting and finishing times.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand the principles of planning and preparing for a cleaning task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for planning and preparing for a cleaning task are explained in terms of the essential components required for any cleaning task in a cleaning services environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need to meet customer requirements is explained when planning and preparing for a cleaning task. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of customer requirements includes scope of work, access, cleaning specification, worksite procedure.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of planning and keeping to a plan is explained in terms of the successful completion of a cleaning task and customer service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need to be aware of safety requirements is explained when planning and preparing for a cleaning task. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of safety requirements includes, but is not limited to worksite procedures, cleaning specifications, equipment manufacturer's operating instructions, General Safety Regulations contained in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993), persona; protective equipment, handling of chemicals, materials safety data sheets, handling damaged items or equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of choosing the correct equipment, consumables and chemicals is explained in terms of the successful completion of a cleaning task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The principle confirming access to an area is explained in terms of customer requirements and the successful completion of a cleaning task. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand the principles of cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principles of cleaning are listed in accordance with industry best practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The basic principles of cleaning include, but are not limited to:
  • To protect the right of all to a healthy environment. (In terms of the Bill of Rights contained in the South African Constitution).
  • Clean from the furthest end to the entrance.
  • Clean from top to bottom.
  • Complete dry cleaning procedures before wet cleaning procedures.
  • Clean systematically.
  • Use colour coded cleaning methods.
  • Get optimum use from cleaning cloths and consumables.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for applying basic cleaning principles are explained in terms of the successful completion of the task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for doing a cleaning task correctly first time every time is explained in terms of basic business principles, and customer service. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Understand the principles of performing end of task procedures after cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The end of task principles are listed in accordance with industry best practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The range of end of task principles includes, but is not limited to:
  • All surfaces or items cleaned are checked.
  • All waste generated is disposed of in accordance with environmental principles.
  • All equipment, consumables and chemicals are removed, cleaned, checked and stored.
  • Problems and damage are identified and reported.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for checking surfaces or items cleaned is explained in terms of quality awareness and customer satisfaction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Types of waste are identified and the reasons for disposing of each type of waste correctly is explained in accordance with environmental principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The impact and dangers of chemical waste on human beings and the environment are explained in terms of environmental principles and General Safety Regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons for removing, cleaning, checking and storing equipment, consumables and chemicals after use is explained in terms of health, safety, security and longevity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons for replenishing consumables and chemicals and reporting damaged or faulty equipment is explained in terms of productivity and customer service. 


    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 the relevant ETQA in accordance with their published policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • General Safety Regulations contained in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993).
  • Bill of Rights contained in the South African Constitution as it applies to the right of all to a healthy environment.
  • Basic business principles.
  • Basic cleaning principles. 
    		•

    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 in a cleaning services environment by applying basic cleaning principles. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team in a cleaning services environment by applying basic cleaning principles during the performance of cleaning tasks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in a cleaning services environment by applying basic cleaning principles during the processes of planning, preparing, cleaning and checking the quality of cleaning tasks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information relating to surfaces, cleaning procedures, cleaning specifications and cleaning frequencies in a cleaning services environment by applying basic cleaning principles. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with customers using oral and/or written language skills in a cleaning services environment by applying basic cleaning principles during the performance of cleaning tasks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising the importance of understanding customer requirements and of meeting those requirements in a cleaning services environment by applying basic cleaning principles during the performance of cleaning tasks. 

    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 by applying basic cleaning principles in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally sensitive across a range of social contexts by applying basic cleaning principles and considering the customer whilst providing cleaning services. 
    		•

    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:
  • 12511, "Apply quality principles in everyday cleaning tasks", Level 1, 4 credits.
  • 12513, "Plan and manage time in the workplace'", Level 1, 4 credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:
  • Access refers to the authority to enter an area to clean without disturbing people in or near that area.
  • Cleaning services environment refers to anywhere where cleaning takes place.
  • Cleaning specification refers to the list of surfaces and items to be cleaned and the frequency of cleaning agreed.
  • Components refers to the elements required for effective cleaning to take place.
  • Environment (as in 'a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment') refers to buildings or structures that contain surfaces and/or items to be cleaned.
  • Frequency refers to the regularity or schedule of cleaning for specific items or surfaces.
  • Productivity refers to the ability of the next shift to commence its duties with equipment, consumables and chemicals that are sufficient and serviceable.
  • Scope of work refers to the areas in which cleaning tasks are to take place.
  • Worksite procedure refers to the method of cleaning an item or surface that has been identified. 
    		•

    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.