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: 

Operate a production process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244338  Operate a production process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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
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 
This unit standard is for people who work, or intend to work in a manufacturing process or similar environment. It will contribute towards the achievement of a National Certificate in a manufacturing process or similar environment at NQF Level 2. Equipment operated in this unit standard is against a set of specific instructions.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Prepare and start up equipment and/or process.
  • Operate manufacturing equipment and/or process.
  • Shut down manufacturing equipment and/or process.
  • Conduct post-manufacturing processes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that I have a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC) in Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities (NQF Level 1) or an equivalent qualification that included learning in Mathematics and Communication in English, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality, and relevant technology. They also assume that I am working towards my qualification as part of a learning programme, which integrates all the required unit standards.

    My learning time will increase if I do not have:
  • A relevant NQF Level 1 qualification.
  • Experience in a relevant field.

    My learning time will be decreased if I have experience in this field because:
  • My learning programme will be adjusted to build on what I already know.
  • I can apply to have that prior learning recognised. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Equipment: The term equipment used in this unit standard is described as a machine or apparatus that delivers a result or achieves a function in a manufacturing process or similar environment. Persons accessing this unit standard are required to show competence in the operation of at least 2 types of manufacturing/production/surface finishing equipment.
  • Manufacturing process: The term manufacturing process used in this unit standard includes but is not limited to processes applicable in for example, chemical manufacturing and metal processing.
  • Metal processing: The term metal processing used in this unit standard includes processes associated with the manufacturing/production/surface finishing of ferrous and non-ferrous materials and/or products for example, electro-plating, powder coating, anodising, hot dip galvanizing, wire and wire products, etc. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for start up. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Prepare for start up includes preparation of material, equipment and/or process in line with product and scheduling requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The status of the equipment is established and related documentation completed, according to company requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is checked to ensure correct settings and good working order, and process parameters are verified to be suitable for the production run. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Any faults within the operator's scope are repaired. System faults, and faults which are not the responsibility of the operator, are reported to the appropriate persons, as shown on the checklists or faultfinding guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Materials and consumables are checked to be available, of the correct type, quantity and quality, in accordance with documentation. Discrepancies are dealt with in accordance with company specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The preparation process is completed as per relevant company documentation. The documentation accurately reflects the status of each preparation stage, is signed off, and where and when required, the status of the preparation process is communicated to designated personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of thorough preparation and the consequences of poor preparation are described in terms of the effect on safety, quality of product, and productivity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Start equipment and/or process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn so that it protects the operator and prevents the product from being spoiled. All protective equipment is used as described in the maker's instructions, company policy and safety legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Production equipment and/or process is started as per equipment, product and/or process specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety parameters are applied and complied with, as per standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include but are not limited to work procedures, standard operating procedures, works instructions, job cards, quality procedures, safe working procedures and environmental procedures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Operating conditions of equipment are achieved, as per equipment, product and process specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate manufacturing equipment and/or process. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Operate manufacturing equipment and/or process includes:
  • Checking equipment while in operation, making minor adjustments where required.
  • Monitoring material flow and consumption of consumables and responding to deviations. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is operated safely, and production wastage is kept to a minimum. Every opportunity to rework non-conforming product is taken. Where there is waste, it is disposed of in line with standard operating procedures and environmental policies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is adjusted to achieve optimal performance, in line with manufacturer's recommendations and standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ingredients are added in the correct sequence and at the appropriate time for the product specifications and the production run. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    In-process checks are performed as and when required, and corrective action taken to ensure that product conforms to specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Product conforms to specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of out of specification product are explained in terms of cost to productivity and consumer satisfaction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Productivity includes impact of time and product wastage on product cost and profitability.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Any differences from normal equipment performance are noted and running adjustments made. Deviations or breakdowns, should they occur, are recorded and communicated to designated personnel, and the relevant corrective measures are ensured to have been taken before proceeding. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Shut down manufacturing equipment and/or process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is shut down safely and in the correct sequence, in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate documentation is completed in time and accurately, and meets company specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Storage receptacles used are fit for purpose, free of contamination, and correctly labelled, in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Product is checked for correct quantity, quality and physical appearance, and results are documented accurately. Deviations from specifications, should they occur, are recorded and either rectified or reported to the designated person, and corrective measures are ensured to have been taken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Product status is communicated to designate personnel in accordance with company specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct post-operating processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is checked for defects, and corrective action is taken where in the scope of the operator's work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Problems beyond the operator's scope of work are reported to designated personnel for corrective action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The cleaning of equipment ensures that it is free from contamination and ready for the next run, in line with standard operating procedures or site specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consequences of incorrect cleaning are explained with reference to contamination, product quality and productivity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Any problems or difficulties around shut down and cleaning of equipment are noted and solutions are developed to improve performance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hand over, quality and productivity documentation is completed accurately, as per company and legislation or regulation when this is applicable. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body that has jurisdiction over this field of learning. My assessor will be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.
  • I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.
  • I will be assessed in the workplace but I can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.
  • I can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Things I know and can explain:

    Names & functions of:
  • Technical support services.
  • Equipment.
  • Consumables.
  • Materials.
  • Production machinery and its component parts.
  • Safety equipment.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Applicable technical support services.
  • Types of defects/faults.
  • Properties input materials and consumables.

    Sensory cues:
  • Cues for different defects (what I see, hear, smell, feel), e.g. smell or appearance of degrading or burning materials, sounds made by faulty equipment or changing process conditions, visual cues to changing process conditions.

    Purpose of:
  • Pre-operational checks on equipment.
  • Supporting activities and functions.
  • Quality checks and procedures.
  • Safety checks.
  • Reporting incidents and conditions.
  • Liasing with process control personnel.
  • Cleaning and storing.
  • Production schedules.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Adherence to process parameters.
  • Implications of non-conformance.
  • Causes and responses to safety, quality, operations, output and maintenance.
  • Basic manufacturing process and sequence operation.
  • Implications and consequences of situations such as, e.g. poor quality, damaged or faulty equipment, allowing faulty processes to continue, delaying reports about changing conditions.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Equipment setting, adjusting and operating procedures.
  • Checking and monitoring procedures.
  • Communication procedures.
  • Recording and reporting procedures.
  • Quality and safety procedures.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Concepts of quality assurance related to this activity.
  • Basic scientific principles related to the process, the materials and the product, e.g. heat, change of state, mechanical movement, wear, hardness, pH, specific gravity, electrolysis.

    Relationships, systems:
  • The balance between production and cost reduction on the one hand, and quality and customer satisfaction on the other. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise and respond to problems/defects. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team group, organization or community:
  • Liaise with process control and maintenance personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage my activities and myself:
  • According to procedures, following regular, consistent methodical work patterns. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Collect information from the process and the products.
  • Classify the information and identify deviations from the norm. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Record and report information related to supporting activities and functions.
  • Respond to questions or requests for more details. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Recognise and explain the basic technology underpinning the equipment used in supporting activities and functions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Discuss and explain how supporting activities and functions contribute to the manufacturing process. 
    		•

    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:

    Determination of credits:

    Classroom learning: 40 hours.
    On-the-job learning: 80 hours.
    Self directed learning: 10 hours.
    Coaching required: 20 hours.

    Total: 150 hours. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58718   National Certificate: Metals Processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  65809   National Certificate: Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  58781   National Certificate: Production Technology  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  66449   National Certificate: Foundry Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2013-11-07  MERSETA 


    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.