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: 

Remove Impurities in Diamond Gemstones through pressure boiling 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260409  Remove Impurities in Diamond Gemstones through pressure boiling 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
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 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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 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 useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to remove impurities in diamond gemstones through pressure boiling.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the equipment, tools and chemicals used to boil diamond gemstones under pressure.
  • Prepare to pressure boil diamond gemstones.
  • Pressure boil diamond gemstones.
  • Conduct post-pressure-boiling cleaning, checking and security activities.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for socio-economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Use a loupe to examine a diamond gemstone.
  • Removing impurities in diamond gemstones through boiling. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets.

    This unit standard applies to a person required to remove impurities by pressure boiling any diamond gemstones under minimal supervision. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the equipment, tools and chemicals used to boil diamond gemstones under pressure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment, tools and chemicals used for pressure boiling diamond gemstones are identified and their use is described in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose of pressure boiling is explained in relation to the processing and ultimate value of polished diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The safety, health and environmental protection equipment for pressure boiling activities are identified and their purpose explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The handling of equipment and chemicals are described in terms of safety, use of protective equipment and hazards of pressure boiling. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Note to assessors:
  • The chemicals used may differ from workplace to workplace and the formula used may be a trade secret. This has to be respected, but the candidate must be aware of the hazards and the properties of the solutions used to boil the gemstones in. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The hazards must include:
  • Handling of chemicals.
  • Inhalation of fumes.
  • Heating methods.
  • Pressure vessels.
  • Ventilation.
  • Handling hot equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Practices are explained to maintain work procedures in line with workplace specific requirements and applicable legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work procedures must include:
  • Good housekeeping.
  • Occupational health and safety in the workplace.
  • Protective equipment.
  • Care from spillage.
  • Fumes and eyes.
  • Storage requirements.
  • Display of hazard substance warnings.
  • Care of equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequence of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on occupational health and safety, equipment, products and productivity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to pressure boil diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and checked to be safe and is applied according to required standards of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The equipment to be used is checked to be clean and in good working order. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chemicals to be used are removed from storage area and distilled into suitable dispensing containers in readiness for use in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Diamond gemstones to be pressure boiled are extracted from the parcel and are kept separate from other diamonds. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The appropriate chemicals are selected and dispensed according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Fumigation equipment is checked and procedures are activated in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Pressure boil diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment is filled with the appropriate solutions and heated according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The diamonds to be boiled are inserted according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The diamonds are boiled at the required temperature and under the required pressure for the required time to defined standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defined standards will be found in the employer's:
  • Work specifications.
  • Parcel instructions.
  • Manufacturer's instructions.
  • Policies and Procedures.
  • Workplace safety requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Diamonds are inspected to determine whether pressure boiling has achieved the object of cleaning or removing impurities and corrective action is taken as appropriate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action may include:
  • Diamonds may be pressure boiled for longer periods.
  • Diamonds may be subjected to further chemical treatment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment is monitored during pressure boiling to ensure the correct temperature and pressure is maintained and that no leaks occur. Remedial action is taken in accordance with workplace specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The vessels are frequently checked for any leaks, fumes or defects during pressure boiling. Remedial action is taken according to workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Fumigation equipment is frequently checked for correct functioning and any defects are dealt with in accordance with workplace health and safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Occupational health and safety hazards are monitored during pressure boiling and remedial action is taken where necessary. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post-pressure boiling cleaning, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is removed from heating processes and diamonds are removed in accordance with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Heat sources are turned off or made secure according to workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamond gemstones are removed from equipment after pressure boiling, cleaned, inspected and kept separate from other diamonds, in accordance with workplace specifications. Remedial action required is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Housekeeping is exercised after boiling in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Checking protective clothing and equipment after use.
  • Inspection of pressure vessels and seals.
  • Safe handling of diamonds after pressure boiling.
  • Clean equipment and machinery.
  • Storage of hazardous chemicals.
  • Safe disposal of chemicals and solutions after pressure boiling.
  • Replace equipment into correct storage facilities.
  • Maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for after pressure boiling in accordance with the workplace security system. 


    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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with 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, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the properties of a diamond:
  • Understanding the effect of heat, pressure and chemicals on diamonds.
  • The interdependence of the components of the formulae, temperature and pressure in effecting the removal of impurities.
  • Importance of duration, pressure and temperature in cleaning diamonds.
  • Appreciating the activities of pressure boiling that can influence the value of diamonds.
  • Awareness of the damage to a diamond that can be caused by incorrect pressure boiling.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to boiling activities, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond boiling and use of pressure vessels.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
  • Adherence to fumigation protocols.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during boiling.
  • Importance of care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison between personnel in various functions. 
    		•

    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.

    Note:
  • The ability to administer the requisite formulae and the selection of appropriate chemicals and pressure vessels requires critical and creative thinking to solve problems. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability to follow instructions and report any non-compliance requiring remedial work indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the scope of the industry. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The evaluation of the impurity to be removed and whether to refer the diamond for further treatment or not indicates the ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability to assess the instructions to remove the impurity by pressure boiling indicates the ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability to apply chemical solutions, heat and pressure to remove impurities demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the processing of information and the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 
    		•

    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.

    Note:
  • The ability to effect improvement of a diamond gemstone by pressure boiling shows understanding against a set of related systems, which are dynamic in nature. 
    		•

    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 
    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64729   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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.