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: 

Cut screw threads and install threaded pipe systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253496  Cut screw threads and install threaded pipe systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
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
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10786  Cut screw threads by means of a thread-cutting machine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are required to cut screw threads by means of a thread cutting machine in order to install threaded pipe systems.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Discuss threaded pipe fittings and the thread cutting process.
  • Explain the application of the thread cutting machine and prepare to cut screw threads.
  • Cut screw threads by means of a thread cutting machine.
  • Assemble and install threaded pipe and pipe fittings.
  • Care and store equipment.

    It also reflects the understanding of:
  • Pipe components and pipe systems.
  • The operation of the plant or engineering system where applicable.

    This unit standard would be assessed in the context of:
  • A plant or engineering system within the workplace or a structured training environment.
  • The fitting or fabrication of pipes in any process controlled environment.
  • Fluid flow systems related to utilities other than domestic systems.

    The skills, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the Exit Level Outcomes required for the National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Pipe-Fitting) at NQF Level 2 or 3. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already learnt to:
  • Work safely.
  • Use hand tools, measuring instruments and assemble mechanical components.
  • Perform basic mathematical calculations at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes and assessment criterion, determine the scope and level of this unit standard.

    However for the purpose of assessment, the cutting of screw threads and the installation of threaded pipe systems include but are not limited to the following environment contexts:
  • Manufacturing and Engineering (Metals, Plastics, Tyre and Rubber, Electrical Power Generation, Automotive Manufacturing).
  • Chemical and Petrochemical.
  • Mining.
  • Transport (Maritime, Road, Rail and Aviation).
  • Civil Engineering and Construction.
  • Food and Beverages.
  • Other engineering-related industry sectors.

    Threaded pipe fittings include but are not limited to elbows, tees, couplings, plugs, swages and unions and also includes the use of specialised pipe-fitting tools, namely pipe-cutters and pipe-reamers.

    The learner should be able to:
  • Work autonomously with minimal supervision and according to worksite and manufacturer specifications and occupational safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Work in a workshop, plant or underground environment with varying levels of light, space and safety risks.
  • Work is carried out in a team environment.

    Legislative requirements:
  • Relevant Acts: example: Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SABS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines` Directives.

    Work-site practices refer to:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Discuss threaded pipe fittings and the thread cutting process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Screwed or threaded fittings are described and explained according to manufacturers' specifications and design. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Screwed or threaded pipe-fittings are identified (elbows, tees, couplings, plugs, swages and unions).
  • Application includes the function and operation of screwed or threaded components.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The applications and the distinct features and characteristics of various types of pipe systems and/or components are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discuss and explain incidents and problems related to the installation of threaded pipe system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Installation procedures are discussed and explained in terms of worksite practice and manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Trouble shooting certain conditions during start-up and operations are discussed and explained in terms of worksite practice and manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The application and function of a thread cutting machine is explained according to manufacturers' specifications and design. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Application includes identification of components.
  • Description of the range of functions and its operation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The safe use of the thread cutting machine is explained in terms of legislative and work-site requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Possible injury to the operator and those working in the vicinity.
  • Preventative measures applied.
  • Damage to equipment.
  • Loss of production time through breakdowns.
  • Refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act), 1993.
  • The explanation of how to deal with safety hazards is consistent with best practice.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The terminology used when explaining and discussing screwed/threaded pipe fittings and the use of a thread-cutting machine, is in keeping with manufacturers' specifications and worksite practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the application of the thread cutting machine and prepare to cut screw threads. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Planning and preparation for the thread cutting process is explained, in accordance with work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required personal protective equipment is selected, examined and used in a way that is consistent with its purpose, design and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools, material and equipment are selected, examined and transported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace is examined in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The thread-cutting machine is prepared in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Provision of coolant, threading dies, pipe reaming, bevelling and cutting attachment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences for health, safety and production, of not preparing to cut screw threads by means of a thread cutting machine in line with specified requirements and current legislation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Permission.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Tools, material and equipment.
  • Workplace examination.
  • Hazardous and sub-standard conditions.
  • Prepare the thread cutting machine.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Cut screw threads by means of a thread-cutting machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The screw cutting procedure is explained according to task instructions and working pipe drawings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Risks associated with cutting threads by means of thread cutting machines are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The thread cutting process is in line with specified requirements for sequence and tolerances and is consistent with accepted best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Personal protective equipment is used so that the safety of persons and equipment is ensured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work related hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Positioning and securing work piece.
  • Selecting speed.
  • Coolant.
  • Thread de-burred.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Interaction with fellow workers is positive and promotes effective teamwork. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The tools and equipment are used in accordance with manufacturers` design and task instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools and equipment include pipe reamer and cutting attachments, threading die-sets, thread pitch gauges, thread tape and hand tools.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The consequences for health, safety and production of not cutting threads by means of a thread cutting machine in line with specified requirements and current legislation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.
  • Thread cutting process.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Install screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Installation includes identifying non-conforming components, removal, repair and installation of components and parts and confirming pressure retention at specific and predetermined pressures.
  • Problems include non-conforming components. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings are installed according to operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings are tested for conformance within operational requirements and according to manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Operational requirements include correct pressure retention at predetermined pressure and meeting flow control criteria (functionality, flow-rate, pressure regulation, etc).
  • Checking for compliance may include pressure-testing and commissioning.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work area is restored to a safe and serviceable condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All work is performed safely with due care for self, fellow workers, machines, equipment, materials and environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings condition is recorded and reported. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:
  • System is confirmed to be isolated.
  • Screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings are handled according to specifications.
  • Screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings are inspected and non-conformances identified.
  • Requirements for the installation procedure are determined.
  • Screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings, consumables, parts and/or components are selected to meet operational requirements and safety standards.
  • Existing screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings are checked for conformance with manufacturer specifications.
  • Work records are completed and processed.
  • Work is carried out in a safe manner in accordance with schedules and manufacturer specifications. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Care and store tools and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The selected tools, material and equipment are cleaned and stored in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned and free from hazards in accordance with specified requirements and good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A report on work performed is compiled and complies with specified requirements for format, content, accuracy and distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The report is submitted within the agreed time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences for health, safety and production of not completing the thread cutting process in line with specified requirements and current legislation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Tools, material and equipment.
  • Good housekeeping practices.
  • Reporting.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant ETQA who has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.
  • The learner can be assessed in the language of his/her choice although s/he has to report incidents or conditions to someone else. The learner will be assessed on his/her ability to report in the language commonly used in his/her working environment.
  • The learner will be assessed in the workplace but s/he can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.
  • The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names & functions of:
  • Types of screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings.
  • Types of thread cutting machines and related components.
  • Threaded dies and other tooling.
  • Auxiliary components.
  • Tools and equipment used in the installation process.
  • Quality concepts.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Typical faults and defects of screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings.
  • Applications of screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings.
  • Screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings-tools used.
  • Characteristics of different types of screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings.

    Sensory cues:
  • Sensory cues (what I see, hear, smell, feel) utilised for identifying screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings-related defects and non-conformances and the causes thereof.

    Purpose of:
  • Preparing site and equipment for installation process.
  • Installing screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings.
  • Quality checks and procedures.
  • Reporting problems.
  • Identification of wear patterns on components.
  • Pressure testing.
  • Sealing and/or locking on completion.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of non-conformance.
  • Causes of and implications of not applying the correct hanger and/or support.
  • Causes and responses to common problems.
  • Thread cutting procedure.
  • Installation sequence and process.
  • Implications and consequences of situations such as, e.g., using poor quality, damaged or faulty equipment in the installation process, delaying reports about problems in work area.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Ensuring system is safe.
  • Identifying component defects.
  • Cutting screw threads using a thread cutting machine.
  • Installing screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings components.
  • Pressure testing.
  • Quality checks and procedures.
  • Reporting procedures.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards.
  • Applicable company policies and procedures.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable mechanical theory relating to the cutting of screw threads and the installation of screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings, e.g. torque, pressure.
  • Applicable mathematical concepts.

    Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship of screwed or threaded pipes and pipe fittings and correct installation, to the production process. 
    		•

    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:
  • The ability of the candidate to identify sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
  • The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations:
  • The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • The use of science and technology is evident in this unit standard (application of coolant, cutting speed and cutting force of the threading dies, thread pitch, use of a motorised machine, power and torque, etc). 
    		•

    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:
  • The ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating effect. 
    		•

    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 10786, "Cut screw threads by means of a thread-cutting machine", Level 2, 2 credits.

    The motivation for this amendment is to integrate the competencies of using a thread-cutting machine with the installation of threaded pipe systems and fittings.

    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 assessments at title level are unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure 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, directness, authenticity, sufficiency, openness and consistency.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Credits may be obtained by applying to an accredited/approved training provider/institution in order to have prior learning recognised in lieu of past work experiences. Past experience must relate to the specific outcomes contained within this unit standard. The ensuing assessment of candidates seeking recognition of prior learning should not be so onerous as to deter them from doing so. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65129   National Certificate: Diesel Electric and Electric Fitting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  59689   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.