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:

Plaster surfaces

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261657	Plaster surfaces
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building Construction
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction			Building Construction
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 3	NQF Level 03	12
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
9970	Apply plaster to surfaces	Level 3	NQF Level 03	15

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in the field of building and civil construction. Learners should be able to perform duties in plastering surfaces.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:

Select and maintain materials, tools and equipment for specified plastering work.

Prepare work areas for plastering.

Batch and mix plaster.

Apply plaster to various types of surfaces.

Install mouldings and repair damaged plaster.

Implement emergency safety procedures when required.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:

Communication at NQF Level 2.

Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

Stated with Specific Outcomes/Assessment Criteria to which they apply. The typical scope of the unit standard includes:

Surfaces include but are not limited to walls (straight, curved and inclined), ceilings, beams, columns (round, square, rectangular and of irregular shape), door and window openings including arches.

Plastered surfaces to be both wood and steel float finished.

Prefabricated mouldings include but are not limited to gypsum plaster mouldings and expanded plastic forms.

Plaster finishes include but are not limited to smooth, rough, decorative and splatter types.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Select and maintain materials, tools and equipment for specified plastering work.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Materials, tools and equipment properties, purposes, and applications are described according to their purpose.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Materials, tools and equipment are selected for specified tasks (fit-for-purpose).

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Materials, tools and equipment are checked against manufacturers' specifications and criteria contained in work plans, in order to implement corrective action if any defective or faulty materials, tools and equipment do not meet prescribed requirements.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Prepare work areas for plastering.

OUTCOME RANGE

Specifications are not limited to drawings.

Environmental issues include but are not limited to sun, relative humidity, wind, etc.

Built-in items include but and not limited to cupboards, baths, basins, doors, furniture, fixtures, fittings, electrical switch covers, waste water outlets, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Work areas are identified, measured and set out according to specifications provided.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Work tasks are communicated and agreed to according to specified procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Areas are identified for batching and mixing plaster in order to meet requirements for proximity to specific work areas/transport.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

A planned sequence of work takes into account co-ordination requirements with other trades operating on site and all relevant Health and Safety and environmental issues.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Before commencing plastering activities all other works, existing structures, surfaces and built-in items are accurately identified and temporarily protected against damage.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Batch and mix plaster.

OUTCOME RANGE

Unsuitable materials for exterior work include but are not limited to agricultural lime, lime-wash, gypsum-based products, etc.

Requirements include but are not limited to workability, cohesion, water retention, etc.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Unsuitable materials are identified and removed before mixing.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Plaster mixes are batched according to specifications and work requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Batch sizes are checked to ensure that mixes are used before stiffening.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Mixing is done in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Plaster quality is ensured to meet specified requirements.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Apply plaster to various types of surfaces.

OUTCOME RANGE

Surfaces include but are not limited to walls (straight, curved or inclined), ceilings, beams, columns (round, square, rectangular or of irregular shape), door and window openings (including arches).

Surfaces must be straight and even, free of bumps/hollows/tool marks, etc. within specified tolerances and limits for, for example, strength, bonding, cracks, texture, accuracy, etc.

Surfaces include but are not limited to reveals and sills, door and window openings, arches, ceilings and beams, board ceilings, etc.

Materials include but are not limited to base and gypsum coats for board ceilings, the use of scrim tape over joints and securing of clout nails.

Corners include but are not limited to internal and external corners.

Quality criteria include but are not limited to clean and sharp finishing.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Substrate suction/absorption rates and preparation are assessed in terms of quality criteria and corrective action to be taken, if necessary, before commencing plastering in accordance with specified procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Made-up plaster mixes are assessed in terms of suitability of materials and quantity relative to specifications provided, and whether corrective action is to be taken, if necessary, before commencing plastering in accordance with specified procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Plaster thicknesses are made to comply with specified tolerances and limits.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Correct tools are used to form horizontal and vertical joints, chamfers and corners according to specified quality criteria.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

All required surfaces are plastered, using the correct tools, equipment and materials.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Install mouldings and repair damaged plaster.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

In-situ plaster mouldings are run in accordance with the requirements indicated on drawings and stated in specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Prefabricated mouldings are prepared and fixed according to specifications provided.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Plaster skirtings are formed according to specifications provided.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Wall cracks are cut out, filled with mortar and finished according to specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Damaged plaster is identified, cut out, removed and repaired with plaster mortar according to specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Roughcast plaster on walls is repaired to match existing plaster finishes.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

Adherence to all relevant legal requirements, Health and Safety Regulations and manufacturers' requirements is demonstrated.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6

Implement emergency safety procedures when required.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Specified procedures for the identification of emergencies are promptly and correctly followed.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Injuries are promptly reported to all relevant persons.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Adherence to specified procedures for reporting and recording injuries is demonstrated.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Specified procedures related to injuries and possible claims in terms of the Workmen's Compensation Act, are followed.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Incident reports are written and delivered to relevant authorities in accordance with specified procedure.

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 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 ETQA 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 ETQA or by 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 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.

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

Qualifying learners understand and can explain:

Hazards of working with cement, cement extenders, aggregates, admixtures and sand/cement mixes.

How to work safely with cement and plaster.

Setting out and batching plaster mixes.

Different types of cement, cement extenders, workability improvers and their correct application.

Characteristics and selection of appropriate cements, fine and coarse aggregates and additives (including bonding agents) and gypsum-based skim coats.

Unsuitable materials for exterior work (e.g. agricultural lime, lime-wash, gypsum-based products, etc).

Preparation of surfaces, estimating and controlling rates of suction/absorption.

Properties of fine aggregates and their effect on the workability and cohesion of fresh plaster.

The role of bonding agents and their correct use.

Plaster production processes, including material selection, batching and mixing of plaster by hand and in a mechanical mixer, and cleaning and maintenance of mixers.

Rules of best practice for plaster, sand-cement mortar and gypsum plaster.

Blending different aggregates (sands) to improve grading.

When to use additives (e.g. hydrated builder's lime).

Mix proportions for plaster and skim coats.

Factors affecting strength of plaster.

The importance of cement/water ratios and their effect on the strength of plaster.

Compaction of sand/cement plaster and curing.

Estimating quantities of batched mixes.

Consequences of incorrect batching, poor mixing and over-batching.

Consequences of "retempering" or adding extra water to a plaster mix that has stiffened.

Consequences of plastering walls in full sun and/or exposing plastered surfaces to drying wind conditions.

Relevant sections of the National Building Regulations and SABS Codes (e.g. 0400).

Special precautions to be taken when plaster has to be applied very thinly or built up to a thick layer.

Problems resulting from applying plaster either too thinly or too thickly.

Scaling of drawings.

Symbols used on drawings.

Types and uses of working drawings.

Finishing off plaster surfaces by striking off, floating and trowelling.

All relevant legal requirements, Health and Safety Regulations and manufacturers' specifications.

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 when:

Implementing corrective action to remedy defective or faulty materials, tools and equipment and ensuring adherence with all legal requirements, Health and Safety Regulations and manufacturers' specifications.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:

Tasks are agreed and allocated in accordance with specified procedures.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:

When taking corrective action to remedy defective or faulty materials, tools and equipment while also ensuring adherence with all legal requirements, Health and Safety Regulations and manufacturers' specifications adhering to safety requirements for handling materials and equipment corrective action is required prior to commencing with plastering work, in accordance with specified procedures ensuring that plaster applications/thicknesses comply with prescribed tolerances and limits.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:

Work areas are to be correctly identified, measured and set out according to specified parameters.

Substrate preparation and suction/absorption rates are evaluated in terms of stated criteria.

Made-up plaster mixes are checked to ensure suitability of materials and quantity relative to specifications provided.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:

Specific reference to specified procedures for communicating work methods and tasks prompt reporting of injuries to all persons concerned and recording details of those injuries writing and delivering incident reports to relevant authorities.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:

Ensuring that batch sizes deliver quantities of plaster which will be used before stiffening commences, all in accordance with industry best practice standards and Health and Safety Regulations.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:

Correct materials, tools and equipment must be selected as fit-for-purpose relative to each specified task.

Health and Safety Regulations apply to every on- and off-site situation.

Incident reports are delivered to relevant authorities according to specified procedures.

Areas identified for batching and mixing plaster meet requirements for proximity/transport to specific work areas.

Planned sequence of work takes into account co-ordination requirements with other trades as well as all relevant environmental issues.

Unsuitable materials are accurately identified.

Horizontal and vertical joints, chamfers and corners are formed using the correct tools and according to specified quality criteria.

All plastering applications incorporate the correct use of tools, equipment and materials.

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 9970, "Apply plaster to surfaces", Level 3, 15 credits.

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Elective	65409	National Certificate: Building and Civil Construction	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	CETA

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.

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