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 sand filter 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246443  Operate a sand filter 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
13113  Operate a sand filter  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to assist in the operation of a sand filter. This competence will enable the learner to explain rapid gravity and slow sand filters and operate one type of sand filter. This will contribute towards the water purification process and maintain the quality of potable water available to consumers.

Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of:
  • Explaining the filtration process.
  • Controlling water flow.
  • Explaining the different types of filters.
  • Monitoring filter performance.
  • Performing backwashing process of a rapid gravity sand filter.
  • Explaining the unclogging of a slow sand filter.
  • Maintaining a sand filter. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • Communication at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Safety equipment:
  • Overalls, gloves, gumboots, safety shoes. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the filtration process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept "filtration" and how it applies in the operation of a sand filter is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of filtration processes are identified in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types refer but are not limited to sieves, surface filtration and depth filtration.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Components of a rapid gravity sand filter are described and explained in terms of their functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components refer but are not limited to valves, filter media, nozzles, under drains, pumps and air blowers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Components of a slow sand filter are described and explained in terms of functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Operating steps for rapid gravity and slow sand filters are described and explained in terms of their sequence. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Control water flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concepts of "inflow" and "outflow" are described in terms of water balance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Performance of filters is checked to determine blockages for corrective action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ways to balance inflow and outflow are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ways refer to but are not limited to water levels, constant head filters and constant rate filter.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the different types of filters. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Different types of filters refer to but are not limited to:
  • Slow sand filter, rapid gravity sand filter and pressure sand filter. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different components of filters are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of unclogging different types filters are explained to restore the filter to its operational status. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods of unclogging include but are not limited to removing dirty sand, backwashing using air and water.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Choices of filters are explained according to socio-economic determinants. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor filter performance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Turbidity of water is checked to determine the need for backwashing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Flow of water through the filter is checked to determine clogging. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Length of filter run is determined for backwashing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools are used to monitor the performance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools to monitor include but are not limited to logbook, turbidity meter, filter level and headloss meter.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform backwashing process of a rapid gravity sand filter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Steps for backwashing are listed and described in terms of work policies and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Steps for backwashing include but are not limited to:
  • Close inlet valve, close filter water valve, open drain valve, open air valve, start air blower, stop air blower, start backwash pump, stop backwash pump, close drain valve, open inlet valve and open filter water valve.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Time, duration and filter number are recorded in the logbook for operational use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sludge is disposed of in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain the unclogging of a slow sand filter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Steps of unclogging the slow sand filter are described in terms of work policies and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Steps of unclogging include but are not limited to:
  • Filter is drained, filter is allowed to dry, top sand layer is removed, filter is refilled, filter is allowed to ripen and filter is placed back to service.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Date of replacing filter into service is recorded for future use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sand is rewashed using equipment for storage purposes according to works policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Maintain a sand filter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sand depth is checked according to work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Valves are checked for leakage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Valves are lubricated in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sand condition checked using equipment for chemical treatment if necessary. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation..
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Rapid gravity filters.
  • Sand filters.
  • The purpose of sand filters.
  • Sludge disposal options.
  • Backwashing a rapid gravity filter.
  • Sand preparation.
  • Principles of sand filtration.
  • Potential problems with sand filters. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to clogging in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team by following instructions during shift handover and takeover. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by obtaining safety protective equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in connection to water quality. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written to brief team members for shifts. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using relevant safety protective equipment. 

    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 pertaining to sludge disposal. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 13113, "Operate a sand filter", NQF Level 1, 4 credits.

    Integrated assessment:

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment option:

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
  • Oral or written questions.
  • Observation. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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. ATTI NELSPRUIT (PTY) LTD 
    2. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    5. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    6. 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.