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: 

Establish and manage a composting plant 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264240  Establish and manage a composting plant 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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
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:
  • Complete a feasibility study for building a composting plant.
  • Create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment.
  • Select suitable organic material for composting.
  • Add nutrients and activators for the efficient decomposition of the material.
  • Inspect the windrows and manage the watering and aeration processes.
  • Pasteurise the final product before use. 
    		•

    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 NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Conduct a feasibility study for the possible location of a composting plant 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The prerequisites that must be considered when selecting a site for a composting plant are explained in terms of the legislation that is applicable to these activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of selecting land that is in close proximity to a suitable source of organic material is explained in terms of the financial impact that transport costs will have on the viability of the operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The influence that the distance of the plant from the major markets for compost has, is analysed within the context of the financial viability of the intended location of the plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The influence that the availability of good infrastructure has on the viability of a plant is explained in terms of the roads and the availability of electrical power. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance that an adequate supply of river or borehole water has on the feasibility of establishing a composting plant is explained with regard to the essential need for water in the composting process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The influence that the prevailing wind may have on the positioning or feasibility of the composting plant, is explained within the context of possible problems if a neighbouring residence is in the path of the wind. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the health and safety requirements for a composting plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The stipulations of the OHS Act that refer to the provision of a safe working environment are explained in terms of the areas in which these are of particular importance to the compost production industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of ensuring that workers use the appropriate PPC and PPE when working in the composting site is explained in terms of ensuring that safety incidents are minimised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various safety signs that must be displayed in the workplace are listed and the positioning of these is explained in terms of maximising their visibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity to provide lock out stops for all potentially dangerous machinery with the appropriate signage to indicate the location of these, is explained in terms of compliance with the stipulations of the OHS Act and the prevention of injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The requirements for the inspection of the safety guards and equipment on the compost turning, shredding and chipping machinery, are described in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why the proximity restrictions around loaders and vehicle must be adhered to are explained in terms of the prevention of serious injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of holding regular safety training and awareness meetings is explained within the context of the positive role that training plays in the minimising of safety incidents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The procedures for the documentation of for all safety inspections and monitoring is described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor and manage the environment on a composting site to ensure that all forms of pollution are avoided. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The monitoring inspections of the leachate drainage to the containment dam/s and the storm water gullies are described in the context of preventing contamination of storm water outflows. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of continuously monitoring the odours that emanate from the windrows is explained with regard to initiating the preventative procedures to minimise the degree of objectionable odours that are wind borne. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The pest control measures and the procedures for monitoring the prevalence of flies and other undesirable insects, are described in terms of the placement and maintenance of fly traps and the use of pesticide applications to prevent infestations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The pest control measures and the procedures for monitoring the prevalence of rodents on the site are described in terms of the placement and maintenance of rodent bait traps around the plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of ensuring that that the litter handling procedures are adhered to is explained in terms of the separation and containment of the various waste materials for recycling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The ways in which preventative plant maintenance can reduce noise pollution is explained in terms of the condition of the silencers on the tractors and loaders. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Collect and prepare the organic material for composting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The various types of organic material that are suitable for decomposition are described in terms of their physical composition and density. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity of reducing large organic materials such as branches into smaller particles is explained in terms creating a proportionally larger surface area for the microbial agents to decompose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of reducing large organic materials are described in terms of using chipping and shredding machines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of achieving a homogenous mix of the different organic material is described in terms of the need to achieve the optimum aeration in the compost material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons why an activator and nutrients must be incorporated in the mix is explained in terms of the required carbon to nitrogen ratio and the presence of the microbial decomposition agents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The ideal width and height to build the windrows is explained in terms of the most efficient ratio of aeration to containment for the process of decomposition and to suit the windrow turning machines. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Monitor the decomposition process and regulate the watering and turning activities until the compost is complete. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of monitoring the three components of the decomposition process is explained with regard to the interdependence of these to sustain the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The differences between aerobic and anaerobic decomposition are explained in terms of the speed of decomposition and the unpleasant odours that are given off by the anaerobic process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of maintaining the ideal moisture level in the windrow is explained and the methods of measuring the water content in the material are described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role that oxygen plays in the aerobic decomposition process is explained with regard to the microbes usage of oxygen in the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessity of maintaining a "friable" texture and thereby the aeration in the windrow is explained in terms of the "breathing" that takes place with the inflow and usage of oxygen and the outflow of carbon dioxide. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The role that temperature plays in the decomposition process and in destroying pathogens is described and the ideal temperature range in which the microbial activity occurs is given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The methods of applying water to the windrow to maintain the required moisture content are described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of continually monitoring the temperature in the windrow is explained in terms of the temperature's indication of microbial activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The benefits of turning the compost material is explained in terms of the increased aeration and the integration of the outer layer with the inner material for further decomposition. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Prepare the compost for sale/use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedures for the screening the compost are described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons why the compost should be pasteurised before it is sold are explained in terms of the need to eradicate any remaining pathogens and the procedures to perform the pasteurisation are described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for the transference of the pasteurised material to the stockpiles and the bagging of the compost are described 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. 

    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:
  • Considering the availability of good infrastructure in the conducting of the feasibility study. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Monitoring and managing the pasteurising process. 
    		•

    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 water content of the compost material to the personnel for the application of additional water to the windrows. 
    		•

    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 difference between the aerobic and anaerobic decomposition of the material and the methods to correct the condition should the windrow become anaerobic. 
    		•

    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  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.
     
    1. Jobgrowers 


    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.