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: 

Conduct sampling for water and wastewater treatment processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246464  Conduct sampling for water and wastewater treatment processes 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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
12042  Demonstrate chemical and bacteriological sampling techniques and field tests  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons who are tasked with sampling and conducting field tests. The qualifying learner will be provided with knowledge and skills to conduct field tests and sampling techniques for chemical and microbiological tests.

Learners will be able to take samples of water and wastewater and carry out associated field tests. The learner will be able to interpret this data and document it accurately onto a collection list. This competence will equip the learner with sampling skills, which underpin his/her ability to participate meaningfully in the testing process and prepare the learner for horizontal articulation to a Sampler qualification at NQF Level 2.

Learners credited with this unit standard are capable of:
  • Identifying and describing sampling points.
  • Preparing for sampling.
  • Performing chemical sampling.
  • Performing microbiological sampling.
  • Carrying out associated field tests.
  • Explaining the collection of samples from auto-samplers.
  • Preparing for hand over of samples. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • Apply personal safety practices NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Sampling equipment:
  • Container (bucket, bottle, sterilised containers for micro), rope, automatic sampler (composite and sequential) and burner for microbiological samples.

    Report/reported:
  • Verbal, written, ticked sample roster.

    Responsible person:
  • Laboratory, person who will transport samples to laboratory.

    Associated Field-tests:
  • pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and residual chlorine.

    Irregularities:
  • No sample, broken auto-sampling equipment etc. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and describe sampling points. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Terminologies relating to sampling are explained within context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sampling terminologies refer but are not limited sampling point, sample preservation, grab sample, routine sample, prosecution sample and random sampling.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons for sampling points are explained to ensure water and wastewater quality compliance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A map or Geographic Positioning System (GPS) is used to identify a sampling point. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for sampling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of sampling bottles are identified in terms of their use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Use of sampling bottles refer but is not limited to chemical, microbiological and sanitary.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sample bottles are prepared for different uses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sampling bottles labels are checked in accordance to work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The significance of sterilisation of microbiological bottles is explained in relation to sampling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Sampling equipment is selected and checked in accordance with the task requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Sampling equipment is checked for possible damages to inform corrective action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform chemical sampling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chemical sampling techniques are identified and described in terms of their application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Chemical sampling techniques refer but are not limited to sample scoop, tap sampling, boreholes and open body (e.g canal).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chemical sampling techniques are applied for testing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Use of intermediate sample scoop is demonstrated with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of rinsing the sample bottle with the sample liquid is explained in a given context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Instances when the sample bottle would not be rinsed are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reasons why sample bottles should be filled to the top are explained in accordance with industry standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Standards refer to ISO 5667/5.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform microbiological sampling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Microbiological sampling techniques are identified and described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Microbiological sampling techniques refer but are not limited to tap sampling and open body (e.g canal).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Microbiological sampling techniques are applied in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of preservation and timely delivery of samples is explained to maintain representivity of samples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Carry out associated field tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment to carry out field tests is identified and selected in accordance with the task requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of field test equipment is demonstrated in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Test results are collated and reported for future use. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain the collection of samples from auto-samplers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methods for collecting samples from auto-samplers are described in accordance with the manufacture's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods for collecting sample refer to but are not limited to: Continuous sampling, composite and sequential sampling.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Possible irregularities are identified and reported in terms of work policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Prepare for hand over of samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information relating to sampling is collated and prepared for hand over purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Samples to be handed over are prepared in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance for preparing hand over documentation is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of completing a control sheet is explained in accordance with work policies and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control sheet refers to electronic and hard copy documentation according to work policies and procedures.
     


    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:
  • Basic water and wastewater microbiology.
  • Basic water and wastewater chemistry.
  • Different sampling techniques.
  • Different sampling localities on water and wastewater works and rivers.
  • Knowledge of the importance of sterilisation techniques in bacteriological sampling.
  • Sample preservation.
  • Sample storage for transportation.
  • Basic water quality principles.
  • Knowledge of different types of samples (composite, grab, continuous) and when they would be applicable.
  • Safe storage of chemicals.
  • Basic knowledge of Microbiological and chemical tests for water and wastewater samples. (pH, COD, OA, BOD, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, alkalinity, phosphates, total hardness, suspended solids, total solids, settled solids, dissolved solids, volatile acids, faecal coli, total coliforms, E-coli, total plate count, turbidity, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and free chlorine).
  • Knowledge of inherent dangerous insects and snakes.
  • Awareness of health risks associated with water sampling and precautions that can be taken to minimise such risks.
  • Awareness of the dangers of falling into the stream being sampled.
  • Awareness of security risks especially at night or in lonely places. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when conducting tests. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team by identifying responsible persons who transport samples and working with others in a laboratory. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by compiling a list of samples and labelling the sample bottles in accordance with work requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to sampling. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation in relation to test results. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using the correct field test 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 when conducting field tests. 

    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 12042, "Demonstrate chemical and bacteriological sampling techniques and field tests", Level 2, 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.
  • Product sample reports, log book, test results. 
    		•

    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 
    Elective  77163   National Certificate: Industrial Water Treatment Support System Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Elective  60349   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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. CADDIS TRADING CC 
    3. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    4. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    5. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    6. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    7. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    8. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    9. 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.