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: 

Inspect, test and maintain earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258964  Inspect, test and maintain earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
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 
A learner credited with this unit standard will be able to inspect, test and maintain earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations in an electrical environment, thus contributing to the effective operation of electrical power systems. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The following knowledge, skills, attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Safety procedures.
  • Use and knowledge of electrical test equipment.
  • Basic safety procedures relating to tools and solvents.
  • Read and interpret drawings and diagrams.
  • General fault-finding principles.
  • Names and functions of protection components.
  • HV electrical induction awareness.
  • Relevant worksite procedures.
  • Isolating procedures (issuing of relevant work permit).
  • Dismantling and installation procedures.
  • Carry out resistance tests.
  • Job card procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Earthing and negative return systems may include, but are not limited to:
  • Surge arresters.
  • Earthing systems. (e.g. earth mat, AC earth leakage, DC earth leakage and negative return).
  • Interlocking.
  • Relevant drawings, symbols and diagrams.
  • A person who is to enter an electrical restricted access ways, must be certified.
  • Electrical restricted access ways refer to an access way to which entry is prevented by a barrier, which may only be opened or removed by an authorised person. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Communicate clearly and concisely without misunderstanding with relevant role players and complete relevant documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant documentation is completed correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation can include but are not limited, company-specific orders, company-specific documentation, time sheets, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Communications related to the inspection and maintenance of earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations are carried out effectively (Electrical control). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communications related to the inspection and maintenance of earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations can include but are not limited to 2-way radios, cellular phones, trunk radios, hand-held emergency telephones, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan to maintain earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Reliable centred maintenance planning periods/schedules, tools, equipment, spares, cleaning material, drawings and documents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Planning is done in conjunction with outage scheduling and/or maintenance programmes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The planning to maintain earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations can include but are not limited to outage schedules, manufacturer's specifications and requirements, other disciplines, control centres, associated equipment, operating history reports, failure rate, maintenance programs, plant availability, customer requirements, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Planning is integrated with other disciplines and associated equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Other disciplines and associated equipment can include but are not limited to protection testing, engineering operating, customer/client and control centers switchgear, surge arrestors, auxiliary equipment, transformer(s), etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Planning is arranged according to equipment history reports and failure rate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment history reports and failure rate can include but are not limited to manufacturer's specifications and requirements, other disciplines, control centres, associated equipment, operating history reports, failure rate, maintenance programs, plant availability, customer requirements, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Temporary electric supply from alternative sources is considered and identified and made available for use of equipment during maintenance where appropriate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Temporary electric supply can include but are not limited to standby plants, Eskom auxiliary supply, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare to maintain earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Electrical Safety Instructions (ESI), Engineering Instructions (EI), work permit systems; protective clothing; environment, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant equipment is effectively isolated and made safe to work on in accordance with statutory requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Statutory requirements can include but are not limited to Electrical Safety Instructions (ESI), Engineering Instructions (EI), work permit systems, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations are identified and required tools and equipment are selected and obtained before maintenance according to job requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools and equipment can include but are not limited to general tools, spares, materials, procedure sheets, scaffolding, ladders, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personal protective equipment is identified and selected used and site-specific procedures are adhered to throughout the maintenance process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal protective equipment can include but are not limited to safety overalls, gloves, goggles, hard hats, safety boots, safety harnesses, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Test equipment is identified, selected, inspected and checked for functionality and safety prior to maintenance tasks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Test instruments needed for maintenance can include but are not limited to various test instruments etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Maintenance task instructions are interpreted and sequence of operations is determined and communicated to work team members. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Maintenance task instructions and sequence of operations can include but are not limited to, job card procedures, engineering instructions, worksite procedures, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Appropriate drawings and documentation is obtained and made available prior to commencing maintenance task. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Drawings and documentation can include but are not limited to engineering drawings, worksite procedures, company specific instructions, inspection reports, maintenance and testing procedures, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Cleaning materials and equipment are identified and selected to meet job requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cleaning materials and solvents can include but are not limited to electrical cleaning solvents, lubrication greases, penetrating oils, rags, sand paper, waste material, paint, brushes, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Work area is checked for obstacles and safety hazards and corrective action is taken. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Obstacles and safety hazards can include but are not limited to minimum safe working clearances to other energized, apparatus or equipment, safe discharges of stored electrical potential (e.g. capacitors), etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Inspect and maintain earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mechanisms are maintained according to manufacturer's maintenance manuals and worksite specific standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manufacturer's maintenance manuals and site specific standards can include but are not limited to company specific instructions, job card procedures, manufacturer's maintenance manuals, worksite specific standards, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations are inspected using diagnostic techniques to determine faults, defective equipment and components and corrective maintenance is carried out according to maintenance procedure and site-specific standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Diagnostic techniques to determine faults, defective equipment and components can include but are not limited to defect history and operational/maintenance records, fault operations, malfunction, reported problems, infrared inspection results, mechanism failures, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tests carried out on insulating medium to determine internal faults and corrective action is taken in line with site requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tests carried out on insulating medium to determine internal faults can include but are not limited to insulation test, earth test, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Insulating mediums dielectric strength tests comply with manufacturer's specifications and company specific instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Insulating mediums dielectric strength tests can include but are not limited to specific standard dielectric test report, company specific insulation standards, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Personal protective equipment is used and site-specific safety standards are adhered to throughout maintenance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal protective equipment and site-specific safety standards can include but are not limited to overalls, safety boots, gloves, site-specific safe work procedures (e.g. localised switching arrangements), etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete the work task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Re-commissioning quality checks and tests are conducted after maintenance and necessary adjustments are carried out to meet company specific instructions and work-site standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All reports and documentation are completed and submitted to the designated personnel. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The completions of reports and documentation and submitted to the designated personnel which can include but are not limited to designated personnel, worksite procedures, company specific instructions, standards, test reports, function test results etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations are restored to serviceable condition in line with company specific instructions and applicable requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Confirming that all operational equipment that has been worked on is now set ready for service.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Post maintenance clean up process is completed safely and correctly according to industry standards, environmental requirements and site-specific standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Post maintenance clean-up process can include but are not limited to tools, equipment, oils, gasses, greases, lubricants, solvents, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All tools and equipment are checked, cleaned and returned for safe keeping according to worksite-house keeping procedures, and standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools and equipment can include but are not limited to general hand tools, specialised tools, testing equipment, maintenance equipment, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Defective equipment, waste material is disposed correctly of according to site-specific standards and environmental policies and requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defective and waste material can include but are not limited to solvents, waste, rags, scrap/defective parts, etc.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply at an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard, must be registered and accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Moderation of assessment will be done by the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be trained, qualified, certified and re-certified as an assessor in the OHTE/Substation division in accordance with the specific validation regulations relevant to the specific unit standard and registered with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • A broad understanding and knowledge of the utilisation of hand tools, measuring tools and specialised tools.
  • A basic understanding and knowledge of related legislation (OHSA).
  • A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of Electrical Safety Instructions (ESI) and Engineering Instructions (EI).
  • A broad understanding and knowledge of safety related standards and procedures (e.g. PPE).
  • A basic understanding and knowledge of environmental awareness.
  • A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of basic electrical drawings, diagrams and company instructions.
  • A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the different types of earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations and their components as well as the functions of such components.
  • A comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the inspection, testing and maintaining procedures and instructions with regard to earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Learner and societal development:

    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety in the workplace as well as in the whole environment.
  • Being a team player in the work environment and in society.
  • Communicating effectively in the work environment and in society.
  • Their responsibility for the safety and well being of fellow workers and society at large.
  • Being environmental sensitive. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in the ability to follow instructions, regulation when working alone or in a work team, whilst ensuring the safe execution of work activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organise and critically evaluate information related to inspection, testing and maintenance of Earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively with relevant role-players when receiving or giving instructions to fellow workers, and in the recording and reporting of information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environmental and the health of others during inspection, testing and maintenance of earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations to ensuring that all safety and environmental conditions are considered. 

    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 
    Supplementary information:
  • This unit standard can be assessed in a workplace environment, or in a training or educational environment if simulated equipment response and examples can be provided, or in a combination of both environments.
  • Performance in relation to the elements must comply with current legislation, especially the OSH Act and their subsequent amendments, electricity supply industry codes of practice and documented procedures as well as Electrical Safety Instructions (ESI) and Engineering Instructions (EI). A full list of current legislation and industry codes is available from the SETA.
  • Reference to terms, procedures, and specifications in this unit standard may be taken as including documented procedures and specifications relevant to the workplace in which assessment is carried out.
  • Performance in relation to the elements must comply with Industry operating regulations for high-voltage systems (Electrical Safety Instructions (ESI) and Engineering Instructions (EI)).
  • All work practices shall meet documented industry maintenance standards, including the quality management requirements, company specific instructions and the documentation of activities, events, and decisions.
  • The range of this unit standard is limited to carrying out diagnostic testing and applying preventative maintenance and replacement repairs where necessary on earthing and negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substations.

    Specified Requirements:

    Legal:
  • SANS/SABS.
  • OHS Act and its extensions.
  • Electrical Safety Instructions (ESI).
  • Engineering Instructions (EI).

    Terminology:
  • Earthing system on 3-kV DC traction substations means = a complete installation comprising one or more earth electrodes, earth conductors and earth bars as required.
  • Negative return systems on 3-kV DC traction substation means = the return circuit from electric rolling stock wheels to the substation via the traction rail or rails.

    The following terms and abbreviations relate to this unit standard:
  • OHSA: Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • HV: High-Voltage.

    Specific Site:

    Specific to a discipline or an industry:
  • Work site policies and procedures.
  • Company specific instructions. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  72051   National Certificate: Electrical Engineering  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.
     
    1. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    2. MSC ARTISAN ACADEMY 


    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.