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 operating instructions to control process plant conditions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244084  Use operating instructions to control process plant conditions 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
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 
Learners who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this Unit Standard will understand how to use operating instructions and understand the process operating principles during all stages of an operation.

The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in starting up a process.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve normal operating conditions.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in shutting down a process.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in correcting abnormal conditions.

    This will ensure that the control of a processing operation is performed in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where knowledge of process control in a process environment is needed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • National Certificate Chemical Operations NQF Level 2 or equivalent, including communication and mathematical literacy, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The context of this unit standard includes a complete process, from the point of receiving a commodity raw material to the point of supplying a commercially saleable product.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of cognitive skills and offers a considerable choice of solutions. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in starting up a process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for start up sequence and -timing are explained and an explanation is given of the consequences of not adhering to it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A process is started up according to SOPs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    SOP requirements include that operating conditions be continually monitored and recorded and that authorisation be obtained for start up.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specified conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Non conformities in the start up process are responded to in accordance with standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Key process information and discrepancies are communicated to relevant parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
  • Process information includes pressures, levels, flows and temperatures.
  • Discrepancies include process, mechanical, electrical, safety and environmental aspects.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve normal operating conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to address potential hazards in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to correct process deviations in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to correct alarm conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Impact of deviations on other areas is assessed and appropriate people are informed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Deviations may include product, pressures, levels, flows, temperatures or electrical and mechanical abnormalities.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    .A start up report is completed once normal conditions are established. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in shutting down a process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for shutdown sequence and timing are explained and an explanation is given of the consequences of not adhering to it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A process is shut down according to SOPs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    SOP requirements include that operating conditions be continually monitored and recorded and that authorisation be obtained for shutdown.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specified conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Non conformities in the shutdown process are responded to in accordance with SOP. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A process is isolated as required by the shutdown instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Effects and consequences of substances left in equipment at shutdown are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Key process information and discrepancies are communicated to relevant parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
  • Process information includes pressures, levels, flows and temperatures.
  • Discrepancies include process, mechanical, electrical, safety and environmental aspects.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in correcting abnormal conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Potential process problem areas are identified as applicable to own workplace and the processing industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Potential problems or abnormal conditions are identified and corrective action indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Corrective action is taken in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Abnormalities are communicated to relevant parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
  • Abnormalities include process, mechanical, electrical, safety and environmental aspects.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 3 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an assessor with at least three years experience in a process operation will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and can apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
  • In starting up a process.
  • To achieve normal operating conditions.
  • In shutting down a process.
  • In correcting abnormal conditions. 
    		•

    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:
  • Identifying and responding to potential problems or abnormal conditions.
  • Suitable corrective action is taken to correct a range of process deviations and hazards in accordance with SOPs.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in starting up a process.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve normal operating conditions.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in correcting abnormal conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage himself and his activities responsibly and effectively:
  • By applying SOPs to process operations.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • By applying SOPs to process operations.

    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:
  • SOPs are read and interpreted.
  • Communicate effectively regarding corrective actions to be taken.
  • Impact of deviations on other areas is assessed and appropriate people are informed.
  • Reports are completed.

    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:
  • Staring up, operating and shutting down a process operation.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in starting up a process.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve normal operating conditions.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in shutting down a process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by:
  • Understanding that a process and plant cannot function 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.

    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:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Standard operating procedures; The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58537   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-06-17  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  78528   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  63349   National Certificate: Molten Glass Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 
    Core  61971   National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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.