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: 

Maintain landscape and sportsturf irrigation systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264041  Maintain landscape and sportsturf irrigation systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
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
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 person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Repair all types of irrigation piping.
  • Install an outlet onto irrigation pipe systems.
  • Programme and maintain irrigation controllers.
  • Draft an annual irrigation schedule.
  • Service and maintain an irrigation pump system.
  • Service and maintain automatic irrigation valves.
  • Service and maintain pop-up and shrub-mount sprinklers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Conduct a preventative maintenance inspection on an irrigation controller. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why an annual irrigation schedule should be drafted are explained according to the seasonal needs of the irrigated areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The data that should be included in the annual irrigation schedule is listed in terms of meeting the specific water requirements of the irrigated areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures to verify that the programmes in the controller correspond with the irrigation schedule are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The methods of testing and verifying that the controller is activating its stations are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedures for the testing and verifying that the rain sensor is operating correctly are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for testing and verifying that the pump start circuit is activating the pump on demand are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The necessity of examining the condition of the 24-volt lightning arrestors is explained in terms of the protection that they give to the controller and solenoid valves according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct preventative maintenance inspection and repair the irrigation pumping system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of following all safety precautions when working with pumps is explained in terms of the isolation of all power to the pumps when maintenance tasks are performed according to procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures to lubricate the pump and motor components are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures to regulate shaft cooling via the gland packing, or the replacement of the packing if required, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of ensuring that the motor cowling is kept clean and free of debris is explained in terms of maintaining a positive airflow past the motor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of testing and verifying that the pressure switch and pressure tank are operating correctly are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures for testing the pressure tank's pre-charge pressure, and the recharging of the tank if necessary, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The methods of testing and cleaning the inlet and discharge filters on the pump's manifolds are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct preventative maintenance inspection and repair the solenoid valves. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods of testing and verifying that the solenoid valves are operating on demand from the controller are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods of testing a solenoid when it is not activated by the controller are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of testing the solenoid valve's control cables and locating a cable fault are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for jointing solenoid cables with waterproof cable joints are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedures for stripping and repairing a solenoid valve are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The occasions when a solenoid valve requires "choking" is described and the procedures to reduce the pressure to the optimum are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct preventative maintenance inspection and repair the sprinklers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedures for the testing, height adjustment and servicing of pop-up cone sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures for testing and servicing shrub-mounted cone sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for the testing, height adjustment and servicing of rotary gear drives or impact pop-up sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for testing and servicing rotary gears drive or impact shrub-mounted sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of extending the risers of shrub sprinklers with PVC and galvanised steel piping are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Maintain various types of underground piping and install an irrigation outlet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The characteristics of the major types of pipes that are suitable for direct burial are described in terms of their pressure ratings and their general uses in irrigation systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The types of fittings that are compatible with the major types of piping are described in respect of their method of jointing and their ability to be self supporting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of effecting a repair on different types of piping are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for the installation of an outlet onto a variety of different types of piping are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education and 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 qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education and 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 and Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, 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, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification 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 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each specific outcome and must be assed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Ensuring that all the power has been isolated before conducting any maintenance on a pump. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in verifying that the solenoid valves are operating from the controller. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the testing procedures when examining a pressure tank. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Drafting an annual irrigation schedule. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting on the condition of the various components in an irrigation system and suggesting the maintenance schedule for the system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the basic operation of a low voltage electrical circuit and the methods of conducting fault finding on the solenoid cables. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  66429   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  73109   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  66649   National Certificate: Landscaping  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.