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: 

Startup a fossil fired power generating unit from a control room 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255895  Startup a fossil fired power generating unit from a control room 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Power Plant Operations 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  55 
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 is for people involved in starting a fossil fired power generating unit from a control room. a person credited with this unit standard can co-ordinate and perform preparation activities, startup the plant, monitor startup conditions, control loading requirements, control inventory and optimise the energy conversion processes of a power generating unit. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • The person is able to listen, question, observe, describe accurately and align with the sender's need.
  • The person is able to understand and respect peoples values and beliefs, as well as those of the organisation and manages his/her actions in line with the above.
  • The person is able to understand his/her own development requirements.
  • The person knows the concept, terms and theory of the specified technical field covering maths, engineering science, electrical trade theory, power plant theory or electro technology.
  • The person is able to understand the company's vision and manage his/her actions in line with it.
  • Specific organisation safety standards.
  • Basic first aid.
  • Fire fighting.
  • Specific emergency preparedness.
  • Communication.
  • Problem solving and decision making.
  • Environmental awareness.
  • Organisation understanding. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Any type of fossil fired power generating unit.
  • Controlled from a centralised control room.
  • Startup from fully isolated to maximum continuous rating (MCR). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare plant for startup (Plant processes and control room). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Legitimacy of instruction for return to service is confirmed according to specific plant administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tasks are assigned to relevant and or applicable staff to enable required events to happen according to startup plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Plant preparation progress is monitored to verify compliance with the planning schedule. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Out of normal conditions as reported are reacted upon according to operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Plant parameters are checked and necessary control room operations are performed during the preparation of the plant in accordance with operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Preparation of plant as performed by staff is verified by reviewing completed documentation with the relevant configuration control procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Completed documentation is processed according to administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Plant conditions are communicated according to administrative procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Startup plant from a control room. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Warning, purging, firing synchronsing and loading of the unit to base load conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Legitimacy of instruction for startup is confirmed according to administrative and workplace requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Plant conditions are assessed to determine startup requirements according to plant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-start checks are performed according to operating procedures and administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Recommissioning tests are performed according to relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Startup performed according to relevant operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Startup conditions are communicated according to administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor startup conditions (During all specific outcomes on this unit standard). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Plant startup conditions are monitored and communicated according to relevant operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Out of normal conditions are identified, reported, analysed and most appropriate action taken according to relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Out of normal conditions communicated are followed-up according to specific operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Loading of production unit. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    From base load to maximum continuous rating. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Legitimacy of loading instructions are confirmed according to specific plant administrative and regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pre-loading conditions are met according to specific plant requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Loading performed according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Production capabilities and design specifications are maintained during loading according to technical specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Production process parameters are communicated according to specific plant administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Inventory Control. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Primary fuel, secondary fuel, water, lubricant and waste. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Material and resources required for startup are verified to be available according to procedural requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Inventory availability is maintained according to specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Inventory status is recorded and communicated according to administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Optimise startup conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    On completion of startup. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Plant capability and/or efficiency is assured by optimising relevant startup conditions according to operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Plant capability and/or efficiency conditions are communicated according to administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Out of normal conditions as reported are followed up according to administrative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety and regulatory requirements are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fossil fired power generating units, startup requirements and conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Procedural and process analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Communication processes and practises facilitated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Process integration and interrelation analysed with regards to plant performance during variations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Process chemistry applied. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Water and steam cycle.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Regulatory requirements interpreted and applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Operating parameters and technical specifications managed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Out of normal/emergency conditions and actions assessed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Routine activity management defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Steam generation principles explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Electrical energy generation process illustrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Electrical reticulation comprehended. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    High voltage, low voltage, integrated network, radial feed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Electrical network control comprehension. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Combustion process/principles are appraised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    Thermo dynamic principles/process evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    Energy management requirements analysed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Plant, performance, efficiency, loss control, resource management.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    Terminology, concepts, definitions and abbreviations associated with controller functions are known and understood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    Trends/incidents/operating history recalled. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    Control system configuration and protection integration explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Binary, analogue.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    Material and structural characteristics fundamentals understood. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Strength, composition, conductivity, material fatigue.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
    Human resource development practises understood. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Coaching, monitoring, competence assessment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
    Leadership practises explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Interactive competencies, management competencies, leading competencies.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation:
  • Evaluation of documentation and registration thereof according to SAQA requirements.

    Moderation:
  • Standard generating group Fossil Power Plant Operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Objectively recognise what is happening in or across situations with people, plant and materials.
  • The direct impact of decisions and actions is recognised and the effects on plant and people in the direct work environment are anticipated.
  • The most appropriate action is decided upon after problems were recognised, analised and the options evaluated.
  • The person can listen, question, observe, describe accurately and align with the senders needs.
  • The person can order resources, ideas, events, people and plant to enable required events to realise at organisation and system level.
  • The energy flow through the conversion process is known and the key conversion process concepts are understood.
  • The theory of application of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation plant components and their interrelation to the plant are known and understood.
  • Interrelated plant processes and safety equipment are operated and controlled safely and efficiently.
  • Relevant documentation is completed accurately and processed correctly according to operating procedures, service notifications and authorisation requirements.
  • The trends/incidents related to the specific plant are understood.
  • The concepts, terms and theory of the specified technical field as for the prescribed subjects are known at N3 Level.
  • Operation of the plant is controlled to stay within the set limits for environmental impact.
  • Process chemistry fundamentals applicable to process plant and the implications of operating outside of chemical specifications are known and understood.
  • The relevant regulatory requirements are known, understood and complied with, and subordinates are trained and controlled in their adherence to the Regulations.
  • The Organisation's purpose, values it subscribes to and it's vision are known and staff are led in accordance with this.
  • The computer is utilised to manage/control the plant processes and analise plant and conditions.
  • Production targets are met by planning, organising, leading and controlling of staff, and effective working relationships are created by motivating and influencing their behaviour. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization, and community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information. 

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

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    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 
    The following references to assessment tools to be made throughout this unit standard:

    1.
  • Preparation of steam generator, turbo generator and auxiliaries for startup.
  • Purging of steam generator and warming of turbine.
  • Primary and secondary firing control.
  • Pressure and temperature raising and control.
  • Steam generator and turbo generator controls and interfaces with unit controls.
  • Monitoring through alarm identification and responses, trend identification and analysis. Big picture understanding, out of normal conditions identification and follow-up actions, data recording and reporting.
  • Selection of auxiliaries.
  • Loading requirements and conditions.
  • Production capabilities and design specifications.
  • Specific procedure knowledge and adherence.
  • Inventory requirements and control.
  • Thermodynamic and combustion process understanding.
  • Optimising and efficiency.
  • Safety and regulatory procedure adherence.
  • Out of normal conditions identification and follow-up actions.
  • Data recording and reporting.

    2.
  • Priority setting during startup.
  • Environmental pollution understanding and control.
  • Mechanical, electrical and instrumentation equipment understanding.
  • Process chemical understanding.
  • Incident understanding.
  • Energy conversion process understanding.
  • Operating philosophy understanding.

    Terminology used in this unit standard is consistent with the following:
  • Electricity Supply Industry in South Africa.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

    A candidate will be regarded not yet competent should the safety of people, plant and materials be jeopardised during any stage of the assessment on any criteria of this unit standard.

    Occupational Role:
  • Power Plant Controller. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61570   National Diploma: Power Plant Process Control Operations  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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. MPUMELELO TRAINING 


    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.