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: 

Utilise health and safety principles in horticulture 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264058  Utilise health and safety principles in horticulture 
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 2  NQF Level 02  3 
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:
  • Describe the implications that the health and safety legislation has on horticultural practices.
  • Recognise and be aware of potential hazards in the workplace.
  • Indicate the standard operating procedures that aim to minimise safety incidents.
  • Use chemical control substances safely.
  • Apply the principles and practices of good housekeeping. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • It is assumed that the learner is competent on Mathematical Literacy and Communication at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the health and safety legislation that pertains to the horticultural industry. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    The range includes but is not limited to:

    OHS Act (Occupational Health and Safety Act) Employers responsibilities, PPC (Personal Protective Clothing) PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Working environment, employees responsibilities, follow safety procedures, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), personal safety, safety of others. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • OHS Act (Occupational Health and Safety Act) Employers responsibilities, PPC (Personal Protective Clothing) PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Working environment, employees responsibilities, follow safety procedures, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), personal safety, safety of others. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The implications and impact of the OHS Act are described and explained in terms of its relevance in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Provisions of the Act are identified for their relevance in the horticultural industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An employer's roles and responsibilities to provide the necessary PPC and PPE for workers, are described within the context of the Act's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity for employers to provide safe working conditions for workers, is explained in keeping with the stipulations of the Act. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An employee's duty to adhere to safety precautions is explained in respect of the prevention of safety incidents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The duty of all employees to be constantly aware of the safety of co workers is described in accordance with their responsibility to ensure that the safety of others is not jeopardised. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify potential hazards in the workplace and indicate the correct procedures to follow for the prevention of a safety incident. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Hazard awareness, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), wet surfaces, underground cables, electrical mowers, edge trimmers, chainsaws, combustible fuels and materials, identifying any abnormal sounds, sight or smells from machinery. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of hazard awareness is explained in accordance with the objective of minimising safety
    incidents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons why a potential hazard must be immediately reported are listed and the appropriate reporting procedures are described in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hazards that wet and slippery surfaces may pose is explained and a description is given of the precautionary measures to be observed in order to avoid/prevent a safety incident from occurring. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The possible hazards that may be encountered when digging in the vicinity of underground cables are described in terms of the potential safety risk that these pose and the necessity of having these accurately indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The operation of electrically powered mowers and edge-trimmers are described in terms of the possible safety incidents that can result from misuse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The extreme hazards that can occur when operating chainsaws are described in terms of the injuries that can be sustained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of identifying any abnormal sound, sight or smell that may emanate from maintenance machinery is explained within the objectives of maintaining safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The dangers of combustible fuels are described within the context of their use in horticultural machinery. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Indicate the safe operating practices that are essential for the prevention of a safety incident. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • PPE, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), electrical lead-out cable "following" procedures, isolate power from cables, cable detectors, lifting techniques, combustible fuels, chainsaws, securing equipment on vehicles. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons why safety shoes/boots and glasses must be worn whilst mowing are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The cable "following" practices for electrically operated mowers and edge-trimmers are used in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods and procedures for safely locating underground cables are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The safe lifting techniques and practices for moving heavy objects are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The safety precautions and procedures that must be followed when working with combustible fuels are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The safety precautions and operating procedures that must be adhered to when working with chainsaws are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Practices for the loading and securing of tools and equipment on vehicles are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the principles and practices that must be applied to ensure the safe use and storage of hazardous chemicals. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, environmental protection practices.
  • Hazard classifications, degree of toxicidity, colour coding, symbols, application and dilution instructions.
  • Chemical handling procedures, return unused chemicals, consequences of non adherence to safety procedures. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various hazardous horticultural chemicals are identified and the safe handling practices for these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The responsible use of chemical agents is explained in terms of the necessity of adhering to the environmental protection practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hazard symbols and colour coding of control chemicals are identified in accordance with their classification and degree of toxicidity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of following the warning signage on all herbicide and pesticide containers is explained in relation with the prevention of a safety incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Various items of PPE to be used when applying herbicides and pesticides are identified and the description of the protection that they afford is given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The safe use of chemical applicators are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The necessity of returning any unused/surplus chemicals to the chemical store is explained in terms of the possible consequences that may occur if this is ignored. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain the positive contribution that good housekeeping has on the maintenance of health and safety in the workplace. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Aims and objectives, SOPs (Standard operating procedures), storage requirements, safety, productivity, reduce incidence of incidents. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons why various good housekeeping practices must be adhered to, are explained in accordance with the aims and objectives of maintaining safety in the horticultural environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The requirements for the storage of plants and plant material are described in terms of the practices that are necessary to maintain good housekeeping, as per the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The requirements for the storage of tools and equipment are described in terms of the practices that are necessary to maintain good housekeeping, as per the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The conditions and storage requirements for fertilisers are described in terms of the practices that are necessary to prevent a safety incident, as per the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The conditions and storage requirements for hazardous chemicals are described in terms of the practices that are necessary to prevent a safety incident, as per the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The benefits of utilising good housekeeping practices are explained in relation to the positive results that can be achieved in productivity within an organisation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The benefits of observing good housekeeping practices are explained in respect of the enhancement and maintenance of safety in the horticultural workplace. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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 accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    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:
  • Applying the safety precautions and procedures when working with hazardous chemicals.
  • Using the appropriate PPC in the workplace. 
    		•

    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 fellow workers in assessing the possible hazards in the workplace. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the safety procedures for the preparation to mow a lawn.
  • Preparing to apply pesticides and warning those on site of the timing. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Reading, understanding and following the safety precautions contained on the data sheet of pest control chemicals. 
    		•

    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 status of safety incidents for the period in review.
  • Relaying information regarding an identified hazard in the workplace. 
    		•

    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 effects that the misuse of control chemicals can have on the environment. 
    		•

    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 
    Assessors must:
  • Be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Hold an assessor certificate according to the current requirements.
  • Have experience or in depth knowledge of the horticultural industry, specifically as it relates to ornamental aspects. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  66429   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.
     
    1. Alvans Training Academy 
    2. Protea Agricultural Training Centre 
    3. Triple S Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 


    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.