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

Classify noise and verify noise measurement reports 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252420  Classify noise and verify noise measurement reports 
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 as environmental health practitioners charged with noise control. 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 enable noise control officers to distinguish between and classify different types of occupational and environmental noise. More specifically, they will understand the regulations that apply to noise, and how to deal with noise which raises ambient noise to unacceptable levels for their area of operation.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Classify noise in terms of legal descriptions and impact.
  • Identify and apply the regulations and standards that govern the limits and responses to different noise types.
  • Demonstrate understanding of, and verify noise measurements.
  • Demonstrate understanding of noise mitigation. 
    		•

    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:
  • Terminology: Hertz, Hz (frequency of the sound in units per second); decibels dB(A) (sound pressure); Leq value (equivalent sound pressure level-average over a 10 minute period). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Classify noise in terms of legal descriptions and impact. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Noise includes:
  • Occupational, environmental, ambient. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Occupational noise is described with reference to typical location, source, and nature, and the direct and internal relationship of the source to those affected by the noise. The description is consistent with occupational health and safety legislation and noise regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Location typically includes:
    > Indoors, business premises, factory.
  • Sources include:
    > Plant, machinery, tools, vehicles.
  • Nature:
    > Impulse or continuous.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of occupational noise is explained with reference to its environmental health and safety implications and the dangers of sustained exposure (to excessive levels of noise) at levels over 85 decibels (dB). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dangers include:
  • Hearing impairment; permanent hearing damage; causal factor for stress; rise in systolic blood pressure; causal factor in work accidents (masking hazards and warning signals, impeding concentration); synergistic action with other hazards to increase the risk of harm to workers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The description of ambient noise is consistent with municipal regulations and SANS tables, and includes reference to the relationship between disturbing noise and ambient noise, and the provisions for this in the regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Environmental noise is described with reference to the typical sources and nature of such noise/s, ambient noise levels, and the indirect and external relationship of those affected by the noise to the source. The description is consistent with environmental conservation legislation and applicable regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Sources include, within the premises or external to the premises:
    > Plant, machinery, tools, vehicles, road traffic, industrial, air traffic, music (night clubs); noise from outside that affects a business.
  • Nature:
    > Impulse or continuous; intermittent or random; either noise disturbance or noise nuisance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Different types of noise are isolated and classified in terms of their source, impact and description under law. Classifications of noise nuisances and/or disturbing noise is accurate and consistent with legal definitions contained in regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Impact includes:
  • Impact of occupational noise on environmental and ambient noise; impact of environmental noise on workplaces.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and apply the regulations and standards that govern the limits and responses to different noise types. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Noise types include:
    > Occupational, environmental, and ambient.
  • Regulations include:
    > Local, provincial, national. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of noise zones is explained with reference to own municipal regulations and limits for disturbing noise levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various codes relevant to noise definition and control are identified and described in terms of their scope, specific provisions and limitations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Noise includes:
    > Environmental, occupational and ambient noise.
  • Codes include:
    > Guidelines for noise environment issued by the SABS (aircraft, rail, road, land use speech and annoyance, noise impact assessments).
  • Provisions include:
    > Measurements and rating for land use; speech and annoyance; health annoyance; mitigation requirements; guideline on measuring equipment setup and placement; methodology for noise measurement; noise limits; community response; regulations for calibrations; penalties (fines, notices, legal proceedings).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Differences in provincial and municipal approaches are identified and explained with reference to the SANS codes and the particular circumstances of various provinces and/or municipalities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The regulations governing environmental noise are described with reference to impact on ambient noise levels for particular noise zones and contours. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Possibilities for the control and mitigation of environmental noise are explained with reference to engineering control measures, and/or planning provision. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control measures include:
  • Encapsulation; screening; acoustical properties of buildings; buffers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Possibilities for the control and mitigation of noise disturbance are explained with reference to engineering and/or administrative control measures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Measures include:
  • Engineering:
    > Modifications to reduce noise, use of absorbent materials.
  • Administrative:
    > Shift rest cycles, personal protective equipment, reduced exposure.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of, and verify noise measurements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of spectrum analysis in determining the source and frequency of noise and its impact is described with reference to the isolation of a particular disturbing noise source. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The components of a noise 'fingerprint' are described with reference to frequency measurement, sound pressure and Leq. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include:
  • Hertz, Hz (frequency of the sound in units per second); decibels dB(A) (sound pressure); Leq value (equivalent sound pressure level - average over a 10 minute period).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The logarithmic nature of decibels are described with reference to the measurement of two or more noise sources and their combined effect on ambient noise levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The function of measuring equipment is explained with reference to the measurement of sound pressure, the conversion of sound pressure to decibels, and the integration of noise over a specified time period. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes:
  • Impulse integrated sound level meter (type 1); special exposure meters.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of A-weighted measurements is described with reference to its strengths and weaknesses in determining noise levels harmful to the human ear. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Environmental noise is distinguished from occupational noise by reference to point of measurement of the noise, and particular considerations when measuring the noise. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Measurement:
    > At the boundary of the premises/property from which the noise originates.
  • Considerations include:
    > Meteorological and environmental conditions; distance from source; tonal character; time of day; duration.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Noise measurements are investigated in terms of their accuracy and adherence to procedures. Where there are indications of unacceptable deviance, tests are conducted to validate measurements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate understanding of noise mitigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A variety of materials for use in noise mitigation are identified and discussed in terms of their reflective and/or absorptive properties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different noise sources requiring mitigation are described in terms of their source, sound pressure, and nature. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Nature:
  • Impulse/continuous; intermittent/random; noise disturbance/noise nuisance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relationship between vibration and noise is described with reference to the properties of the source and the consequent impact on transmission. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relationship and interaction between different types of noise is discussed in terms of the impact on the workplace or external environment, and possibilities for mitigation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Noise includes:
  • Ambient, environmental, occupational.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application of different materials for purposes of mitigation is discussed in terms of their properties, suitability for the particular application, and cost effectiveness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Situations where noise impact is beyond available mitigation measures is identified, documented, and noted for future planning exercises. Recommendations are forwarded to appropriate authorities for incorporation in local government policy and planning regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Current efforts to mitigate noise are benchmarked against international approaches. Recommendations for future policy and regulations are consistent with international best practice. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION 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.
  • Basic physical science (as it applies to sound).
  • Basic understanding of meteorological principles.
  • Basic occupational and safety principles. 
    		•

    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 defining and identifying noise nuisances and disturbing noise, and solving problems between complainants and offenders. 
    		•

    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 resolve issues for the good of the community. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • Key task is to collect and organise information and present it; forms the basis of further proceedings. 
    		•

    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 and educating the community. 
    		•

    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 can be either oral or written.

    Definition of Terms:

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

    Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:
  • Logarithmic nature of decibels: Two noise sources of 50 dB does NOT equate to a combined noise level of 100 dB. 
    		•

    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.