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: 

Clean interior plants 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264178  Clean interior plants 
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  6 
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 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Utilise safety practices when cleaning interior plants.
  • Indicate the reasons why interior plants should be cleaned.
  • Identify the presence of pests or diseases on the plants.
  • Select the correct cleaning materials and equipment for plant cleaning.
  • Clean various types of interior plants and their containers.
  • Utilise knowledge of plant cleaning to conduct interior plant maintenance. 
    		•

    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 at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply health and safety practices when cleaning interior plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be used while cleaning interior plants is identified and described in terms of the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specific items of personal protective clothing and equipment that must be worn when using hazardous chemicals are described in context of the protection that they afford the worker. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The handling practices that must be adhered to when using hazardous chemicals are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The practices for the safe handling of toxic plant material are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The moving/transporting of plants/containers using safe lifting techniques are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of identifying any hazards in the workplace is explained in terms of the aim of preventing safety incidents from occurring. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Recognise the importance that plant cleaning has on the health and sustainability of plants in an office environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for cleaning the leaf surfaces of indoor plants are explained in terms of the benefits that this has on the health of plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity to follow the recommended cleaning schedules for the various indoor environments is explained in terms of the specific requirements of these areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The adverse effects that result from a lack of leaf cleaning are explained in terms of the impact that this has on a plant's pest and disease resistance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role that light plays in optimising the process of photosynthesis is described in terms of the essential need of chlorophyll to ensure the sustainability of the plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effects that a build up of dirt and dust on the leaf's surface is described in respect of the reduction of light that is available for photosynthesis and the impact that this in turn has on the sustainability of the plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of plant cleaning is explained in terms of the role that this function plays in maintaining the quality of an interior display. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the interior plant cleaning tools and equipment and demonstrate their correct usage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The range of cleaning materials used on indoor plants is identified and their uses are described in terms of the functions that each performs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The range of cleaning agents that remove dirt from the surface of leaves are described in terms of the benefits that they have in the promotion of healthy and aesthetically pleasing plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct use of the leaf cleaning equipment is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for inspecting and cleaning equipment before and after use are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the principles and practices of plant cleaning and their application in the pre-delivery preparation of indoor plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons why interior plants must be cleaned in accordance with the prescribed frequency are explained in respect to the necessity of maintaining their condition and quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of inspecting a plant for pest and diseases prior to cleaning is explained in terms of the prevention of further infestation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods and practices for inspecting a plant to ensure a thorough examination is conducted, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The remedial action for the control of pests and diseases is demonstrated as per the company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods and practices for cleaning a range of plants to maintain and enhance their appearance, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons for using a drip sheet when cleaning plants are explained in terms of the maintenance of a neat plant environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of altering the aspect of a plant is explained in terms of the effect that this has on its health and sustainability in an office environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The necessity of conducting a post cleaning inspection of the plants is explained in terms of maintaining quality standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The importance that plant cleaning plays is explained in terms of the gauging of the overall productivity of a plant maintenance technician. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The methods and practices for cleaning various plant containers are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the role that plant cleaning plays in maintaining the aesthetic value of plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of plant cleaning is explained in respect of the role that this plays in the maintenance of the aesthetics of an interior plant display. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of regular plant cleaning is explained in terms of the impact that this can have on a client's perception of the quality of service and maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The build up of dirt on the leaves of indoor is explained in respect of the effects this has on the health and vigour of indoor plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The adverse effects that the presence of dusty plants in an office environment is described in respect of the aggravation of the allergies to humans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The negative impact that poor plant maintenance is explained in terms of the influence that this has on the overall mood and moral of the office environment. 


    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, 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, 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 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:
  • Applying knowledge of plant cleaning to conduct interior plant maintenance. 
    		•

    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 the relocating and moving of indoor plants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the recommended cleaning schedules for the indoor plants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Noting the range of cleaning materials used on indoor plants and the appropriate selection of these. 
    		•

    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:
  • Relaying information on the frequency of plant cleaning and the particular reasons why this frequency is necessary. 
    		•

    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:
  • Recognising the adverse effects that a lack of leaf cleaning has on a plant's pest and disease resistance. 
    		•

    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  80786   National Certificate: Home-Care Practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  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.
     
    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.