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

Identify and apply insulation methods and materials for pipes and pipe systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253634  Identify and apply insulation methods and materials for pipes and pipe systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
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 
People credited with this unit standard are able to to:
  • Identify the various types of insulation materials used on pipe installations as the various methods of applications.
  • Explain the properties of the various insulation materials.
  • Explain the importance of and reasons for providing insulation for pipes.
  • Apply insulation material to pipes.

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

    This unit standard would be assessed in the context of:
  • A plant or engineering system within the workplace or a structured training environment.
  • 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): NQF Level 3 or 4. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Ability to use basic hand tools used in the pipe-fitting environment as required for applying insulation materials to pipes. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    For the purpose of assessment insulation material includes but is not limited to:
  • Fibreglass, polystyrene, polyurethane, rubber, non-drip tape, mineral fibres, polyethylene foam, phenolic foams and insulated panels, polyethylene, aluminium, chromadek, galvanised sheet metal, stainless steel, plastic laminated foil, coated felt, plaster and rubber based paint.
  • Forms of insulating material include rigid and flexible insulation, fibrous, cellular, particulate, sheet, blocks, sections. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify insulation methods and materials used for pipes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of using insulation on pipes to be insulated, their advantages and limitations and the importance of preventing moisture from entering the insulation materials is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various forms of insulation materials are identified and their thermal, mechanical and acoustical properties are discussed in terms of effectiveness, using the principles of science and technology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Various insulation methods are discussed and the importance of using economically optimum insulation thicknesses is explained according to industry practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes the influence of environmental conditions on the surface finish of insulated components is explained and specific finishes for particular applications discussed.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare insulation the pipe. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Planning and preparation includes reading and understanding task instructions engineering drawings and breakdown scheduling, identification of the pipes and/or pipelines to be insulated, obtaining maintenance schedules and manufacturer specifications for specific items to be insulated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The pipe systems and/or components are inspected and assessed for its work requirements in terms of insulation procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The planning and preparation for insulation the pipe systems and/or components is explained, in accordance with work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Site and equipment are prepared for pipe system and/or components insulation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Insulation equipment and resources are correct for the task, available on site by the agreed time, and checked for serviceability in accordance with regulatory and worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Resources include personnel requirements, tools, equipment, vehicle/s for transport and mechanical handling, support materials, applicable documentation and personal protective equipment.
  • Required amount and type of material is ordered and deliveries arranged to meet time schedules.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Where required, handling space is cleared, potential obstructions are removed and personnel are notified, prior to the pipe insulation task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Pre-operational checks are carried out on removal and securing equipment, in accordance with work instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:
  • Applicable system is identified for closing down and confirmed. Permit to work is required where applicable.
  • Appropriate pipe system is isolated in accordance with manufacturers' specifications.
  • System is depressurised following manufacturer specifications.
  • Provisions for working in a hazardous location are implemented to regulatory and worksite procedures.
  • Insulation method and process are accurately explained.
  • The correct application method of insulation material for various applications is selected and the method is described.
  • Components requiring insulation are identified and removed without damage to the system or component. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Insulate pipes and/or pipelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The implication of damaging the insulation materials is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Insulation materials is applied in accordance with specified instructions by the suppliers and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The insulated areas are finished off according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The jointing methods of prefabricated insulating panels are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of incorrect selection and application of insulation material are listed and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The work is completed and a report is presented accordance with company regulations. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Any person wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, who may appoint a moderator to be present at the assessment. The assessor must be registered with the relevant ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Insulation materials.
  • Pipe systems and pipe components.
  • Consumables, lubricants, cleaning agents used.
  • Equipment on which insulation is performed.
  • Associated tools and equipment.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Typical system defects.
  • End users of the system.
  • Properties and strength of insulation materials.

    Sensory cues:
  • Sensory cues (what I see, hear, smell, feel) utilised for identifying problems during and after insulation process.

    Purpose of:
  • Making system safe.
  • Following installation procedures.
  • Interpreting instruction.
  • Adhering to system insulation principles.
  • Adhering to safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Signing off the task instruction.
  • Reporting non-conformances, incidents and problems.
  • System de-pressurisation.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Consequences of incorrect selection and application of insulation material.
  • Implications of overlooking system maintenance.
  • Implications of thermal expansion.
  • Consequences of incorrect selection and application of insulation material.
  • Performing system maintenance.
  • Implications of not adhering to safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Making pipe system safe.
  • Causes and responses to common problems.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Making system safe.
  • Insulation procedure.
  • Performing visual inspections.
  • For minimising wastage.
  • Identifying problems.
  • Identify and select required components.
  • Reporting on system operation.
  • Handling and storage of components.
  • Isolation technique and procedure.
  • Posture during hand tool usage.
  • Applying pressure.
  • Communication procedures.
  • Applicable recording and reporting procedures.
  • Applicable safe working procedures.
  • Applicable quality assurance procedures.
  • Removing and replacing defective components, regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards.
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation.
  • Applicable company policies and procedures.

    Theory: Rules, principles, laws:
  • Different types of materials have different expansion rates.
  • Equipment operating principles.
  • Equipment maintenance fundamentals.
  • Associated engineering principles.
  • Pressure, temperature and rules of physics (Thermodynamics).
  • Determining pipe insulation requirement and selection.
  • Documenting and reporting fundamentals.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship between maintained system and 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:
  • Select correct insulation and vapour barrier materials and methods for particular application. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage myself and my activities responsibly and effectively:
  • Selecting required type and quantity for specific installation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Present oral or written report on conclusion of installation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • By understanding the processes involved.
  • Science and technology related to heat loss and heat gain. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Understanding the impact of incorrect selection and application of insulation and vapour barrier material on product and people. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Learner and societal development:
  • Understanding the heat and moisture flow through structures and its prevention and/or limitation. 
    		•

    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 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 experience. 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  59750   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Pipe-Fitting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.