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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate understanding of, and apply principles to mitigate, transportation noise 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252387  Demonstrate understanding of, and apply principles to mitigate, transportation noise 
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  6 
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.

More specifically this standard recognizes the skill and knowledge required to provide input to planning for noise management, as well as advice with respect to noise reduction.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of transportation noise.
  • Discuss noise prevention and mitigation measures.
  • Provide input to planning to balance environmental, economic and political issues with respect to transportation noise. 
    		•

    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:
  • 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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate understanding of transportation noise. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Transportation noise includes:
  • Road, air, rail. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The significance of transportation noise in terms of nuisance and cost is described with reference to other types of noise impacting on environmental, residential and work settings, and the relative contribution to noise nuisance and/or disturbing noise. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cost includes:
  • Impact on property values; cost with respect to health/medical/productivity.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Component parts of transportation noise are identified and differentiated in terms of their significance, characteristics and particular challenges. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Transportation noise includes:
  • Road, air, rail.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors contributing to road transportation noise are identified and explained in terms of their individual and cumulative effect on environmental noise levels, as well as implications for planning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include:
  • Vehicle counts, un-muffled vehicles, road surface, gradient, speed, heavy vehicles, length and breadth of roadway, proximity to residential areas, deep seated roads, raised roads.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Procedures for measuring road transportation noise and determining Leq levels and statistical descriptors are explained with reference to specific calculations required and the relevant SANS codes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Calculations include:
  • L10 and Leq.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Noise-generation equations are balanced by the inclusion of noise attenuation due to intermediate obstructions, noise absorption by soft ground and/or barriers, and noise emitted by accelerating vehicles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The role of vehicle testing in reducing transportation noise is explained with reference measurement criteria and procedures for road traffic as contained in current legislation and regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Criteria include:
  • Exhaust; mufflers; tyres.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Factors contributing to air transportation noise are identified and explained in terms of their individual and cumulative effect on environmental noise levels, as well as implications for planning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include:
  • Aircraft counts, type of aircraft, control of aircraft (take-off, landing, routes, altitude), airport size, airport location.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Factors contributing to rail transportation noise are identified and explained in terms of their individual and cumulative effect on environmental noise levels, as well as implications for planning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include:
  • Train frequency, shunting yards, train horn/siren noise.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Time-activity data is used to extend the analysis to include the cost of noise damages to activities in commercial, industrial, and municipal areas. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Time limits include:
  • Airport limits; limits on the use of sirens (except in emergencies).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Legislation and regulations governing transportation noise are identified and explained in terms of their provisions and requirements for compliance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Regulations include:
  • Gauteng NC Reg 1999; Air Pollution Act; Environmental Conservation Act; R154; National Environmental Management Act; Aviation Act; Transport Act; Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Discuss noise prevention and mitigation measures for transportation noise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Strategies for dealing with highway noise are discussed in terms of their key features, effect on noise, and implementation challenges. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Strategies include:
  • Motor vehicle control, land use control, and highway planning and design.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of sound masking for less severe road noise is discussed in terms of its operation, advantages and limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Building insulation is discussed in terms of measures taken, their effectiveness in reducing noise, and the installation costs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Noise reduction measures possible on existing roads or on roads that are being rebuilt are discussed in terms of their application, cost and effectiveness. Relevant examples are provided of different options from own experience. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Noise reduction measures include:
  • Buffer zones; corridor development; planting vegetation; constructing barriers; installing noise insulation in buildings; managing traffic (including traffic flow); road surfaces; noise-reflection characteristics of the ground.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operation of noise barriers is discussed with reference to their typical construction, noise reduction as a function of height, length and breadth, shadow zones and limitations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Noise reduction measures possible on new roads are discussed in terms of their application, cost and effectiveness. Relevant examples are provided of different options from own experience. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Noise reduction measures include:
  • Location of the road (away from noise sensitive areas); below ground level construction; road gradient; road surface material.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Provide input to planning to balance environmental, economic and political issues with respect to transportation noise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of a long range perspective is explained with reference to zoning, town planning and infrastructure development. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Key committees and assessment teams are identified in terms of their importance for planning purposes, and the opportunity they present to influence planning decisions that impact on noise management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Membership of and relationships developed with planning bodies maximise opportunities for meaningful input with respect to noise management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Strategies for motor vehicle control, land use control, and highway planning and design are carefully prepared and assertively advanced at appropriate meetings to influence noise management decisions. Input is supported by accurate and relevant data with respect to the impact of noise on communities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Input into planning, policy and regulations is supported by up-to-date national and international information and examples of best practice which provide relevant case studies to guide planning at local authority level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Environmental issues are promoted to counter-balance expedient economic and/or political decisions, and ensure a proactive approach to noise related planning. 


    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. 

    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: Critical in identifying and applying materials to solve noise related problems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: Work is directed towards the public and the greater good of the community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: Essential in identifying and applying principles across a range of contests. 

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

    Note: Essential in identifying and applying principles across a range of contests. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: Important in working to influence decision making a council level. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: Critical in identifying and applying materials to solve noise related problems. 

    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: Noise and its impact, and noise management implies an understanding of the "big" picture and the impact of decisions on the broader community. 

    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.

    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.