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: 

Identify, select and apply mechanical fasteners 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243782  Identify, select and apply mechanical fasteners 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by entry level learners in the field of engineering and are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the economy.

This unit standard will enable learners to identify, select and apply a range of mechanical fasteners used in engineering and will ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of mechanical fasteners used in engineering.
  • Prepare to apply mechanical fasteners.
  • Apply mechanical fasteners.
  • Complete the fastening process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Use hand tools.
  • Use measuring instruments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of mechanical fasteners used in engineering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different thread forms used for bolts and screws are identified and their application explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Thread forms must include:
  • Square.
  • Acme.
  • Vee-type.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The differences between metric and imperial threads are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different thread types are identified and measured using appropriate thread pitch gauge. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Thread types must include, but are not limited to:
  • Metric.
  • Imperial.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Locking devices used on mechanical fasteners are identified and their application explained in terms of engineering principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Locking devices must include, but are not limited to:
  • Lock washers.
  • Split pins.
  • Circlips.
  • Lock nuts.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Threaded mechanical fasteners and the tools required to tighten or loosen them are identified and described with reference to their applicable design. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Threaded mechanical fasteners must include, but are not limited to:
  • Machine screws.
  • Machine bolts.
  • Set screws.
  • Cap screws.
  • Stud bolts.
  • Nuts.
  • Self-tapping screws.
  • Thread cutting screws.
  • Drive screws.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to apply mechanical fasteners. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Task requirements are interpreted according to instructions and/or diagrams. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required personal protective equipment is selected, examined and used in a way that is consistent with its purpose, design and specified requirements. Personal protective equipment is used to ensure the safety of persons and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and mechanical fasteners required are selected and examined in accordance with task requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace is examined in accordance with specified requirements. Workplace hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences for occupational health, safety and production of not preparing to apply mechanical fasteners in line with specified requirements, and current legislation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences must include those for:
  • Interpreting task requirements.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Tools, material and equipment.
  • Examining the workplace and dealing with hazards.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply mechanical fasteners. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is used in a way that is consistent with its purpose, design and specified requirements. Personal protective equipment is used to ensure the safety of persons and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work related hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Mechanical fasteners are fitted and secured in line with specified requirements for sequence and current accepted best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements and promotes effective teamwork. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The tools are used in accordance with manufacturers' design and without injury to self and others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences for occupational health, safety and production of not applying mechanical fasteners in line with specified requirements, and current legislation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences must include those for:
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.
  • Fitting and securing the mechanical fasteners.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • Use of tools.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the fastening process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools selected are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned and free from hazards in accordance with specified requirements and housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The report on work performed complies with specified requirements for format, content, accuracy and distribution. The report is delivered within the agreed time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences for occupational health, safety and production of not completing the task in line with specified requirements, and current legislation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences must include those for:
  • Tools.
  • Housekeeping.
  • Reporting.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and. moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and. external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Relevant occupational health and safety requirements.
  • Understand and adhere to legal and site-specific requirements.
  • Identification and application of different thread forms used for bolts and screws.
  • The difference between metric and imperial bolts and screws.
  • Measure and identify different metric thread types using a thread pitch gauge.
  • Measuring and identifying different imperial thread types.
  • The locking devices for mechanical fasteners and their application.
  • Identification and knowledge of threaded mechanical fasteners and the tools required to tighten or loosen them. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret task instructions correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • The ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating effect. 
    		•

    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 
    Terminology:

    Specified requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act and Regulations, 1996 (Act 29/1996); and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Directives/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Site-specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Notes to assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Unit standard justification:

    Level:
  • Attribute: Skills.
  • Level: 2.
  • Justification: The skills required have some variety but are still fairly simple, e.g. identifying, selecting and applying mechanical fasteners.
  • Attribute: Procedures.
  • Level: 2.
  • Justification: Procedure known and familiar.
  • Attribute: Context.
  • Level: 2.
  • Justification: Contexts are repeatedly applicable and known.
  • Attribute: Knowledge.
  • Level: 3.
  • Justification: Relevant theoretical knowledge is required to be fully competent.
  • Attribute: Information processing.
  • Level: 3.
  • Justification: Interpretation of available information. In this case information is available but interpretation as apposed to basic processing thereof is required.
  • Attribute: Problem Solving.
  • Level: 2.
  • Justification: The candidate will only have to apply given solutions to known/familiar problems.
  • Attribute: Orientation of activities.
  • Level: 2.
  • Justification: Follows instructions.
  • Attribute: Application of responsibility.
  • Level: 2.
  • Justification: Under general supervision and quality control.
  • Attribute: Orientation of scope of responsibility.
  • Level: 2.
  • Justification: Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.

    Average level: 20/9 = 2.22.
    Actual level assigned: 2.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:
  • Activity: Classroom Teaching.
  • Hours: 24.
  • Activity: On-The-Job Training.
  • Hours: 12.
  • Activity: Mentoring required.
  • Hours: 0.
  • Activity: Other (Specify).
  • Hours: 0.
  • Activity: Total.
  • Hours: 36.

    Credits achieved: 36/10 = 3.6.
    Credits assigned: 4. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58269   National Certificate: Electro-Mechanics  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.