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: 

Provide input and guidance to local government departments with respect to noise, and noise-related planning requirements 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252378  Provide input and guidance to local government departments with respect to noise, and noise-related planning requirements 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Sc/Mgt & Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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 
This unit standard will be useful for people working in local authorities and charged with noise control, as appointed Noise Control Officers. They facilitate the generation of policy, develop procedures, apply the by-laws, ensure that issues between complainants and offenders are resolved, and initiate further action where this becomes necessary, including notices and legal proceedings.

This unit standard will recognize the knowledge and essential skills required to protect noise sensitive areas, and ensure that longer term planning considers the impact of noise and provides for the mitigation of noise where possible.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Contribute to strategic policy documents dealing with noise control.
  • Develop and maintain noise management systems.
  • Establish mechanisms for planning around sound and noise.
  • Provide input to planning from a noise perspective. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Communication and maths literacy at NQF Level 4, or equivalent competence.
  • Competence equivalent to that described in the National Certificate: Environmental Noise, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular Specific Outcomes or Assessment Criteria.

    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • The Noise Control Officer validates and gives approval to the noise assessment. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Contribute to strategic policy documents dealing with noise control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key provisions of the Environmental Conservation Act are identified and explained in terms of implications for policy development at local authority level, and powers granted to local authorities for noise control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    New and proposed legislation is identified and described in terms of its rationale, key provisions, and implications for noise control at local level. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    New and proposed legislation includes:
  • Concept papers; Bills; legislation at referencing stage.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The provisions of the SANS codes are described and explained with reference to their origin, purpose, authority and implications for noise management at local authority level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Local authority by-laws are checked for alignment with national legislation and provincial regulations promulgated under the Act. Changes, where indicated, improve local authority provisions for noise control. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations include:
  • National (R154); Gauteng regulations; Western Cape regulations; Free State regulations, by-laws.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Input from local level into provincial and national processes is based on consultation with relevant stakeholders, reflects local experience, and is likely to enhance national and provincial noise control. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Develop and maintain noise management systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of noise management systems is explained with reference to available information and its use in support of effective planning and the proactive management of noise. The explanation includes the consequences of an unplanned approach. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different approaches to noise management nationally and internationally are described in terms of their key features, strengths and weaknesses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The design of the local authority noise management system complies with the principles of best practice, and provides for information as input into key noise control documents, as well as in response to complaints. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documents include:
  • Environmental impact analyses; various reports related to noise and noise control.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Areas are demarcated and rated in terms of noise level to establish suitable noise climates for specific areas, and control the impact of noise on persons living or working in the area. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Demarcations include:
  • Homogenous land users; supplementary control areas; noise generators (main roads, rail, airports, industrial); noise sensitive areas (hospitals, schools, tertiary institutions, residential areas).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Guidance provided at local authority level into the planning of areas and/or infrastructure is consistent with the noise management information system. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Establish mechanisms for planning around sound and noise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Own role as an appointed noise control officer is described with reference to duties, responsibilities and authority as specified in legislation and regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Duties and responsibilities include:
  • Research, policy development, investigation, advocacy, information sharing, sensitization, litigation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The concept of legal noise zones is explained with reference to the SANS codes, municipal regulations, land use management schemes and environmental management frameworks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Environmental Noise Impact Assessments (ENIA) are described in terms of their purpose, how they are developed, and their impact on zoning, rezoning, noise mitigation, and new developments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different municipal departments involved in planning are described in terms of their roles and responsibilities for the management and/or mitigation of noise. Departments are included in forums and discussions on noise management. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Departments include:
  • Environmental Management (collate reports); Development Planning; Roads and Transport; Electricity (power plants).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Local systems and structures for information sharing about noise are identified and/or established, and utilised to maintain own currency on noise issues, and to contribute to the knowledge and insight of others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    External professionals operating in noise management are identified and rated in terms of their expertise and potential contribution. Approved professionals are involved where appropriate in local authority noise management initiatives. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Professionals include:
  • Acoustic engineers; architects; legal advisors; city planners.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Contact established with other local and provincial authorities promotes noise management at a broader level and facilitates uniformity of approach in terms of current legislation, regulations and by-laws. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Provide input to planning from a noise perspective. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Planning input includes:
  • Development plans for residential areas; new airports, roads, highways, railways. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different documents for which planning input is required are identified and described with reference to the purpose of the document, its source, and the nature of the contribution from a noise perspective. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documents include:
  • Application for new developments (Annexure); consent use application (zoning); SDP (site development plan) - recommendations at early stages; building plan; ENIA-external document (from acoustic engineer); scoping report; mitigation design.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Evaluation of planning documents and noise impact assessments determines the impact of the planned development on current noise zones, and compliance with current legislation, regulations and by-laws. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Oversights or exclusion of information in reports and recommendations are highlighted, together with the implications and/or consequences of the information gaps from a noise perspective. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measures taken to address planning shortfalls with respect to noise sensitive areas or noise mitigation are in line with municipal regulations and policies, and own scope of authority. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Measures include:
  • Environmental noise impact assessments; expert investigations; long term projections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Responses to documents are consistent with national, provincial and municipal forward planning, and local authority noise management system. Proposals or recommendations show consideration of existing and future noise zones and protect noise sensitive areas. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Responses include input into:
  • Building design; plant placement; mitigation of noise; noise barriers; infrastructure development.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Responses are based on accurate and up to date knowledge of acoustical materials, and their mitigation effects, and current approaches to city planning and noise management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Responses, including approval or rejection, are submitted in the required format, and within stipulated timeframes. Responses comply with current legislation, regulations, and SANS codes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Research information and inputs are documented and stored securely, and available on request to authorised persons in the event of disputes. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Accreditation Options: Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation Option: The moderation requirements of the relevant ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the Specific Outcomes in terms of the stipulated Assessment Criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the Specific Outcomes, to the standards described in the Assessment Criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, Assessment Criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard:
  • Physical science (as it applies to sound).
  • Understanding of meteorological principles.
  • Occupational and safety principles.
  • Principles of town planning.
  • Principles of environmental impact assessments, with particular reference to noise (SANS 0328). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: Important in anticipating future noise infringements and their possible impact on others, and solving problems around planning and mitigation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: Whole role is played out in a community context; operates as a member of a team, and must plan for the good of the community. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: Must be meticulous in reviewing documents and providing carefully considered input; staying up to date with developments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: Key task is to collect and organise information and provide input; forms the basis of planning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: Core skill-communicating with planners and policy makers with respect to noise and noise mitigation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: Understanding the impact of sound and noise, and presenting this information to others requires an ability to use science and technology. 
    		•

    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.
  • Note: Core to role in noise management-understanding that the sounds people make affect those around them and may come to be viewed as unwanted sound, or noise. 
    		•

    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 
    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each Specific Outcome, or groups of Specific Outcomes.
  • Make sure that evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the Assessment Criteria.
  • The Assessment Criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be Assessment Criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • Assessment may be written or oral; it is likely to make use of case study material.

    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59325   National Certificate: Environmental Noise Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  LG SETA 


    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. Avenida (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.