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 standard operating procedures to control a process from a panel or computer interface 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244106  Use standard operating procedures to control a process from a panel or computer interface 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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
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 the application of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during all phases of process cycle. The term "standard operating procedure" is under certain circumstances or generally replaced by terms such as "work instructions", "work practices", "workplace instructions", "workplace procedures", "best manufacturing practice" and "good manufacturing practices" (GMP). These terms can be used interchangeably with SOPs as required.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Apply SOPs to establish start-up conditions in a process.
  • Apply SOPs in starting up a process.
  • Apply SOPs to achieve normal operating conditions after start-up.
  • Apply SOPs in correcting abnormal conditions.
  • Apply SOPs in shutting down a process.
  • Apply SOPs in emergency conditions.

    This will ensure that the SOPs are applied in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices in a processing environment. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where knowledge of SOPs 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 3 or equivalent, including communication and mathematical literacy, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    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 SOPs to establish start-up conditions in a process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Preparations are made for process start-up according to SOPs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations include but are not limited to:
  • Identifying equipment and material inside equipment for start-up.
  • Explaining process-variables to be measured and the tolerance for each of the process-variables.
  • Informing appropriate personnel of start-up.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Checks and tests preceding start-up are completed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Checks and test include but are not limited to:
  • Function checks on loops, alarms, over rides, interlocks.
  • Verification checks on status of plant and equipment involved.
  • Checks on availability of utilities and confirmation of process line-ups.
  • Informing appropriate personnel when all checks and test are completed.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discrepancies are communicated to relevant parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Discrepancies include but are not limited to faults, instruments, mechanical, equipment, control valves, utility and logic sequence.
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Abnormal pre start-up process conditions are rectified according to SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The appropriate personnel are informed that start-up is about to begin. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Appropriate documentation is obtained for start-up. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply SOPs in starting up a process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for start-up sequence and timing as well as the consequences of not adhering to it are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Conditions before start-up are clearly defined and verified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    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 4 
    Specified product or process conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Non-conformities in the start-up process are responded to in accordance with standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    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 3 
    Apply SOPs to achieve normal operating conditions after start-up. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The parameters defining "normal operating conditions" are clearly defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to address potential deviations in accordance with SOPs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Potential deviations include but are not limited to potential hazards, potential process deviations, potential product deviations and alarm conditions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specified product and process conditions are achieved within a given time frame. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A start-up report is completed once normal conditions are established. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply SOPs to correct abnormal operating conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Deviations from normal operating conditions are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Abnormal operating conditions are communicated to relevant parties in accordance to SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to address process deviations in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to address product deviations in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Specified product and process conditions are achieved within a given time frame. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Abnormal conditions are reported in accordance with normal operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply SOPs in emergencies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Emergency conditions are assessed in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate initial response is taken to address the emergency. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The nature, location and scope of the emergency are reported to all relevant parties in accordance with SOPs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reports may be made to supervisor, emergency team, fire department, team members.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to address emergency conditions in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An incident report is completed in accordance with SOPs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Apply SOPs in shutting down a process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for shutdown sequence and -timing as well as the consequences of not adhering to it are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Conditions to be achieved after shutdown are clearly defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    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 4 
    Specified product and process conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Non-conformities in the shutdown process are responded to in accordance with SOP. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A process is isolated as required by the shutdown instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Effects and consequences of substances left in equipment at shutdown are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
  • 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.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 4 or higher qualification, 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 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    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:
  • Taking appropriate corrective action to correct operating conditions.
  • Identifying potential problems or abnormal conditions and indicating corrective action.
  • Taking the appropriate action to respond to emergency conditions.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Apply SOPs in starting up a process.
  • Apply SOPs to achieve normal operating conditions after start-up.
  • Apply SOPs in emergencies.
  • Apply SOPs in shutting down a process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Informing relevant parties of start-ups and shutdowns.
  • Informing relevant parties of impact of deviations on other areas.
  • Informing relevant parties of abnormal conditions.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Apply SOPs to establish start-up conditions in a process.
  • Apply SOPs to correct abnormal operating conditions.
  • Apply SOPs in emergencies.
  • Apply SOPs in shutting down a process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage himself and his activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Completing checks and tests for process start-up.
  • Achieving specified product and process conditions within a given time frame.
  • Shutting down a process according to SOPs.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Apply SOPs to establish start-up conditions in a process.
  • Apply SOPs to achieve normal operating conditions after start-up.
  • Apply SOPs to correct abnormal operating conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Clearly defining conditions before start-up.
  • Assessing the impact of deviations on other areas and informing appropriate people.
  • Responding to non-conformities in the shutdown process in accordance with SOPs.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Apply SOPs in starting up a process.
  • Apply SOPs to achieve normal operating conditions after start-up.
  • Apply SOPs to correct abnormal operating conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Informing relevant parties of start-up.
  • Communicating key process information and discrepancies to relevant parties.
  • Completing a start-up and an incident report.
  • Communicating with relevant people regarding process conditions.

    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:
  • Applying SOPs responsibly during the control of a process.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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  61949   Further Education and Training Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  78529   Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  80306   Further Education and Training Certificate: Electronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.