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

Operate, maintain and provide technical support for on site sanitation systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260201  Operate, maintain and provide technical support for on site sanitation systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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
115965  Operate, maintain and provide technical support for on site sanitation systems  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to identify and explain the working principles of various on site sanitation systems (conservancy tank, septic tank, ventilated improved pit latrine (VIP), chemical toilet, pit latrine, bucket system, urine diversion system) and their application. The learner will also be able to provide on site sanitation maintenance services and technical support to customers. This competence will enable the learner to advise customers on the most appropriate sanitation system based on site conditions, cost, operation and maintenance requirements. This will contribute towards the sustainability of on site sanitation systems. Achieving this unit standard will enhance the employability of the qualifying learner in the water and sanitation sector and other related sectors.

Learners will be able to:
  • Explain different on site sanitation systems.
  • Advise community members regarding application for new on site sanitation systems.
  • Monitor the construction of on site sanitation system.
  • Operate and maintain on site sanitation system. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication and reading skills at NQF Level 2.
  • Knowledge of Wastewater Reticulation Systems, and basic brickwork, mathematical calculations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    On-site sanitation systems:
  • Conservancy tank, septic tanks, ventilated improved pit latrine (VIP), chemical toilet, pit latrine, bucket system, urine diversion.

    Site conditions:
  • Soil type, slope, size of available area, accessibility, access to water borne sewerage, water table, service levels of potable water supply, volume and nature of effluent.

    Problems:
  • Collapsed tank, ingress of water, inappropriate water service level, use of incorrect chemicals, soakpit failure, foreign objects, water table, soil conditions. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain different on site sanitation systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    On site sanitation systems are identified and classified in terms of their type and function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Suitability of on site sanitation systems are explained relative to site conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operational costs of each type of sanitation system are explained in terms of impact areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sanitation systems are contrasted for specific uses in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Elementary biological and chemical processes related to each on site sanitation system are explained in terms of the environmental impact. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Advise community members regarding application for new on site sanitation systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Site conditions are assessed in terms of suitability of different sanitation systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Recommendations for selecting a particular sanitation system are justified for the type of system and site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A report is compiled and forwarded to the relevant person in accordance with agreed protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Advice is provided to relevant personnel on most the positioning and requirements of the system. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements include resources, material, operation, maintenance and cost.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor the construction of on site sanitation systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The quality indicators for monitoring the construction are identified and explained in terms of building regulations and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Construction problems are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problems include any problems with the pedestal, seat, floor, hand washing facilities or drainage.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Structural faults are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Operate and maintain on site sanitation systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Resources and equipment are organised according to information detailed in request. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Communication needs are identified and communication established with users is appropriate to the identified needs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Communication includes direct contact and remote communication models.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The type of system is identified and the problem is evaluated according to data provided. Additional data is gathered as necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate remedial action is explained and taken in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Users are given appropriate advice to assist with the operation and maintenance of the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The site is cleaned and reinstated in accordance with workplace procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners completing this unit standard will have knowledge and understanding of:
  • Operation and maintenance costs and requirements of each on site sanitation system.
  • Chemical and biological processes of on site sanitation systems.
  • Evaluation of site conditions including soil type, slope, size of available area, accessibility, access to water borne sewerage, water table, service levels of potable water supply, volume and nature of effluent.
  • Quality indicators for the construction of on site sanitation systems.
  • Appropriate chemicals for each system.
  • Operation and maintenance problems including collapsed tank, ingress of water, inappropriate water service level, use of incorrect chemicals, soakpit failure, foreign objects, water table, soil conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

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

    Refer to the following Assessment Criteria:
  • Site conditions are assessed and recommendations are forwarded to relevant person.
  • The pedestal, seat and floor are checked, problems are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken.
  • Type of system is identified and problem is evaluated. 
    		•

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

    Refer to all Assessment Criteria. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

    Refe to the following Assessment Criteria:
  • Resources and equipment are organised based on information detailed in request. 
    		•

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

    Refer to the following Assessment Criteria:
  • Site conditions are assessed and recommendations are forwarded to relevant person.
  • Advice is provided to owner or user on most suitable position, resources, materials, operation, maintenance and costs.
  • The pedestal, seat and floor are checked, problems are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken.
  • Type of system is identified and problem is evaluated. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation.

    Refer to all Assessment Criteria. 

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

    Refer to the following Assessment Criteria:
  • Structural faults are identified and appropriate corrective action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    		•

    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.

    Refer to the following Assessment Criteria:
  • The quality indicators for monitoring the construction are identified and explained in terms of building regulations and standards. 
    		•

    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 115965, "Operate, maintain and provide technical support for on site sanitation systems", Level 3, 8 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64589   National Certificate: Community Water, Health and Sanitation Monitoring  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    2. ESKOM GENERATION - PALMIET PUMP STORAGE GRABOUW 
    3. MOTHEO SKILLS ENTITY ( PTY) LLTD 
    4. POWER SYSTEMS TRAINING, CAPE TOWN 


    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.