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: 

Monitor and manage the cold chain in perishable produce exportation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243887  Monitor and manage the cold chain in perishable produce exportation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Utilise the logistical documentation to gauge compliance of the cold chain.
  • Explain the functions of the components that effect and maintain refrigeration for the cold chain.
  • Inspect and verify the condition of all refrigeration and associated cold chain equipment.
  • Inspect the various perishable products for conformity to the export temperature ranges and tolerances.
  • Monitor the cold chain handling processes.
  • Utilise temperature management practices to monitor the maintenance of the cold chain. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Mathematical Literacy and Communication at NQF Level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the logistical documentation that is used in the cold chain and describe the relevant sections that seek to ensure compliance to the regulations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The logistical documentation includes but is not limited to:
  • Shipping contracts, export notification, client standards, company export arrangements, pre-cooling certificates, (special shipments), carrying temperature instructions, transport documents, service level agreements, export certificates, loading/shipping documents, cleanliness document. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The function of a shipping contract and the provisions that must be incorporated, to ensure compliance with the regulations are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role of an export notification and the importance that it plays in confirming the intended contents of a consignment and their applicability to the cold chain is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The particular attention that must be paid to a client's specific standards for perishable products exportation and the procedures to implement these are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity to become familiarised with a company's export arrangements and the integration of the cold chain checks and verifications within these is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The items that must be inspected and verified prior to issuing a pre-cooling certificate are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The role of the carrying temperature instructions and the procedures for the confirmation and issuing of these are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The function of an export service level agreement and the parties that enter into this undertaking are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The requirements of a cleanliness document are listed and the processes that have to be followed before a certificate may be issued are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The function of the various conveyancing documents and the criteria that must be confirmed for each of these is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The documents include but are not limited to:
  • Transport documents, loading documents, shipping documents.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The prerequisite documentation that must be completed and validated, before an export certificate may be issued, are detailed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the operational requirements to attain an effective cooling cycle. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The operational requirements include but are not limited to:
  • Factors affecting the heat load, cooling cycle, minimum air velocity, positioning of anemometers, suction fans, types of refrigerants, RH (Relative Humidity), factors that effect RH, refrigeration coil sizing. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The optimum operation of the cooling cycle is described and the stages within the cycle that should be checked, as per the regulations or SOPs, are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various factors that affect the heat load in a cold store or container are detailed and the temperature management that is necessary to counteract these are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The factors include but are not limited to:
  • Infrastructure, insulation, product, air flow management, relative humidity management.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity to provide a minimum air velocity in the cooling cycle is explained and the methods to calculate the required air flow are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of correctly positioning the products to allow an even distribution of air flow, is explained and the positioning of anemometers to verify the distribution of air, is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operational checks that should be regularly conducted on the suction fans and cowlings, as per the regulations or SOPs, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The various types of refrigerants that are used for cooling or freezing, are detailed and the particular characteristics of each are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The temperature ranges of the most commonly used refrigerants are indicated and the applications of each type are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of maintaining the RH at the required level is indicated and the factors that effect the RH in a cold store or container are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The factors include but are not limited to:
  • Product heat load - specific and respiration, heat leakage, absorption from packaging, refrigeration coil.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The relationship between the refrigeration coil sizing and its effect on the RH of the circulating air is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply refrigeration management practices to maintain the cold chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The management practices include but are not limited to:
  • Set point temperature, variance of DATs(Delivery Air Temperature), RATs (Return Air Temperature), SATs (Space Air Temperatures), pulp temperature, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), CO2 recorders (Carbon dioxide), temperature recorders, relative humidity recorders, temperature recorders, recording and controlling probes. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedures for verifying the set point temperature, as per the regulations or SOPs, are described and the possible repercussions that may occur if the settings are not confirmed, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The maximum variance of the DATs within a cold store or container is indicated and the reasons why a greater variance may be experienced and the procedures to reduce this variance, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of achieving an even RAT is indicated and the reasons why a greater temperature variance across the return paths may be experienced and the procedures to equalise these, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need to identify uneven SATs within a cold store or container is indicated and the possible causes of these "hot spots" and the remedial actions to resolve these, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedures for determining the average pulp temperature of a consignment, as per the regulations or SOPs, are described and the reasons why uneven readings may be recorded in a consignment, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The operation of a RH recorder is explained and the positioning of the recorder in various storage and
    conveyancing situations are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The operation of a CO2 recorder is explained and the positioning of the recorder in various storage and conveyancing situations are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The function and operation of the various temperature recorders, with the typical positions where they would be installed or used are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The function of recording and controlling probes, with the positions where they would typically be installed are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Inspect and certify the cold chain equipment, infrastructure and instrumentation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Cold stores, depot facilities, containers, RRMTs, vessels, certify&verify, calibrate and sterilise. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various cold store documents and records that should be available for viewing and verification prior to the inspection are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The documents and records include but are not limited to:
  • Cold store registration, instrumentation calibration certificates, records of products handled, product
    temperatures, DAT and RAT records, RH records.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various cold store inspections and the procedures for conducting these, as per the regulations and SOPs, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The inspected items include but are not limited to:
  • Structure, vapour barrier, cargo protection, refrigeration capacity, temperature controlling devices, temperature sensing devices, RH recording equipment, pallet handling equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various depot facility inspections are listed and the procedures for conducting these, as per the regulations and SOPs, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The facility inspections include but are not limited to:
  • Stacking areas, stacking heights, repair bays, wash bays.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various container inspections, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The container inspections include but are not limited to:
  • Valid safety plate, registration ID number, traceability, food safety - physically clean, chemically clean, biologically clean, structure, cooling unit, temperature recorders RH recorders.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The various RRMTs pre-load checks, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The pre-load checks include but are not limited to:
  • Overall condition, insulation, pre cooling, temperature recorders.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The various documents that should be provided prior to the pre-loading inspections of vessels are detailed and the relevance of each of these is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The documents include but are not limited to:
  • Calibration certificates, logs of previous shipment, records of cold chain maintenance, records of cleaning and deodorising.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The various pre-loading inspections of vessels and the procedures for conducting these examinations, as per the regulations and SOPs, are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The vessel pre-loading inspections include but are not limited to:
  • Pre-cooling of decks, structural maintenance, cleanliness, deodorization of shipping spaces, cooling system maintenance, calibration of temperature control systems, calibration of temperature recording systems, maintenance of temperature logging systems.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The inspection, verification and certification procedures for the various measurement and recording equipment, as per the regulations and SOPs are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The inspection, verification and certification procedures include but are not limited to:
  • Recorders, probes, thermometers, relative humidity indicators.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The necessity of calibrating and sterilising all the measurement and recording equipment, as per the regulations and SOPs is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct an inspection of perishable products for loading approval. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The inspection criteria include but are not limited to:
  • Demonstrate various sampling methods, product types, environment, temperature, types of stowage, temperature measuring instruments, confirm temperature to requirements, special request, apply product temperature tolerances, inspect condition of related items, report and document non conformities. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various cold chain sampling methods are demonstrated and the necessity of selecting as broad a spectrum of possible temperature variations within a consignment is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct use and operation of the various temperature measuring instruments is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The inspection methodologies that are used to test and confirm the temperature of each particular perishable product group, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for monitoring and evaluating cargo handled under the environmental (ambient) conditions, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedures for accommodating special requests within the established inspection processes, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The application of specific product temperature tolerances, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures for inspecting the various associated items that are related to a consignment, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The items include but are not limited to:
  • Condition of product packaging, marking requirements, related documentation, ambient and hygienic conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The procedures for the reporting and documentation of non conformities that are found in an inspection, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply temperature management practices for the maintenance of the cold chain. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The management practices include but are not limited to:
  • Temperature regime and settings for products, equipment, report deviations, non-conformity instructions on remedial actions, communicate and advise, monitor loading/shipping process per SOP; risk prevention, install probes and or recorders, complete documentation and application of service level agreements. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedures for checking the temperature regime and settings of the various equipment and the suitability to the specific product to be carried, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The various equipment includes but is not limited to:
  • Container, rail, vessel, terminal, vehicles.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures and documentation necessary for reporting deviations and non-conformities of the various inspected items, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for advising the carrier of the remedial action to be taken for the non-conformities, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The monitoring of the loading/shipping processes, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance that risk prevention plays in off loading, loading and temperature monitoring processes is explained and the methods of minimising incidents are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for the installation of probes and or recorders where necessary, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures for the completion of all relevant documentation and the application of service level agreements, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Supervise and monitor the cold chain handling processes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The processes include but are not limited to:
  • Confirm manifest, compare against booking instructions, loading instructions/details, carrying temperature instructions, application of temperature instructions, processes of terminal temperature, monitor the en route processes, verify temperature readings versus the prescribed settings, gauge non-conformity, communicate remedial actions. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedures for the confirmation of a manifest and the comparison against the booking instructions, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures for inspecting the loading, against the loading instructions, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purpose of the carrying temperature instructions is defined and the procedures to confirm their application are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures to monitor the en route processes and the verification of the temperature readings versus the prescribed settings, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedures for gauging possible non-conformity and the manner in which the remedial actions should be communicated, as per the regulations and SOPs are described. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Ensuring that all the components in the cold chain are tested and verified before perishable produce is introduced into a cold store. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the establishment and adoption of new cold chain protocols. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Coordinating the examination of the cold chain environment and equipment with the proposed loading and shipping schedules. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Documenting all information gathered while conducting the cold chain examinations and analyse the data to evaluate the effectiveness of the cold chain management procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting any discrepancies in the maintenance of the cold chain to all the affected parties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Utilising information and communication technology to monitor the on board cold chain status and effect any remedial action should this be necessary. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58348   National Certificate: Perishable Produce Export Technology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.