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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS) in order to address chemical safety in the workplace 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244061  Interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS) in order to address chemical safety in the workplace 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  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
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 
Learners who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this Unit Standard will understand the importance and practical application of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in a processing environment.

The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Understand the purpose and structure of MSDS.
  • Use MSDS to identify the main hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment.
  • Use MSDS to identify the correct response to hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment.
  • Use MSDS to describe the safe handling of a substance in a processing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence against numeracy and literacy at ABET Level 3 or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The typical context of this unit standard includes any processing environment, for example chemical-, minerals- or beverage processing.
  • Range statements, which are applicable to the Unit Standard title, Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria are found beneath the applicable assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and structure of MSDS. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Overall purpose and applications of relevant MSDS are defined/listed in accordance with workplace policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different sections of MSDS are identified and explained in accordance with every section's structure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A simple explanation is given of the purpose of each section of the MSDS. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The Hazardous Materials Labelling System is described in accordance with international specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Use MSDS to identify and describe the main hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The section in the MSDS describing the hazards associated with a substance is identified according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of human skin or eye contact with a material is explained by using a MSDS according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The impact of human inhalation or ingestion of a material is explained by using a MSDS according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Flammability and explosion hazards of a material are described by using a MSDS according to instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use MSDS to identify the correct response to hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Learners should demonstrate the ability to locate the correct MSDS and indicate the required response within a short time in a simulated or actual workplace situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The MSDS are located and the correct sheet is identified according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    First aid measures for a material are described by using a MSDS according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Fire fighting methods for a material are described by using a MSDS according to instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measures to address spills or emissions are described by using a MSDS according to instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Use MSDS to describe the safe handling of a substance in a processing environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Identification of a material is explained by using a MSDS according to workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Disposal methods for a material are explained by using a MSDS according to workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Handling and storage methods for a material are described by using a MSDS according to workplace instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Personal protection requirements for handling a material are described by using a MSDS according to workplace instructions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 1 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions is required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners understand and can explain:
  • The purpose and structure of MSDS.

    Qualifying learners can explain and demonstrate how to:
  • Use MSDS to identify and describe the main hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment.
  • Use MSDS to identify the correct response to hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment.
  • Use MSDS to describe the safe handling of a substance in a processing environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    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:
  • Applying knowledge of MSDS in order to address safety in the workplace.
  • Using MSDS responsibly to identify the main hazards as well as the safe handling of any relevant hazardous substance.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Use MSDS to identify and describe the main hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment.
  • Use MSDS to identify the correct response to hazards associated with a substance in a processing environment.
  • Use MSDS to describe the safe handling of a substance in a processing environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage himself and his activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Interpreting the basic information on the MSDS.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations during:
  • Reading and interpreting MSDS to ensure safety in the workplace.
  • Communicating effectively in the work environment regarding MSDS.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Understanding the applications of the MSDS.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Understanding the role of MSDS in the processing environment and the effect it has on the growth and development of the organisation, its customers and employees.

    Refer to 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 
    Supplementary Information:

    Chemical substance :
  • A chemical substance is any material substance used in or obtained by a process in chemistry. It can be an element, a compound, or a mixture thereof.

    Hazard:
  • A potentially damaging physical event, phenomenon or human activity that may cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation.

    Hazardous:
  • Hazardous means potentially dangerous, unpredictable and harmful.

    Inhalation:
  • The act of inhaling or breathing air or vapours into the lungs.

    Ingestion:
  • The act of taking a liquid or solid substance into the body by the mouth.

    Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS):
  • A MSDS is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66029   General Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  58951   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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.
     
    1. 4 TOPS ACADEMY 
    2. ATTI NELSPRUIT (PTY) LTD 
    3. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    4. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    5. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    6. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    7. URSIVOX (PTY) LTD 


    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.