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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Mow and de-thatch grassed areas 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264255  Mow and de-thatch grassed areas 
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  5 
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:
  • Supervise the safe mowing and de-thatching of grassed areas.
  • Select the appropriate equipment for the mowing and de-thatching of various sites.
  • Monitor the preventative maintenance on mowing and de-thatching equipment. 
    		•

    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 
    Implement and monitor safety procedures in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The necessity of using the personal protective clothing and personal protective equipment when mowing or carrying out maintenance tasks is explained according to company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of integrating the safety aspects from the operator's manuals into the company's safety procedures is explained in terms of ensuring that all possible safety hazards are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for the inspection of the safety guards and equipment on the mowers, scarifiers and de-thatching machinery is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    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 5 
    The procedures for the documentation of for all safety inspections and monitoring is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Monitor and maintain the quality of mowing to the prescribed standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of checking the height adjustments of mowers before operators begin mowing is explained in respect of the maintenance of a uniform cut. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role that the bottom-blade to cylinder tolerance has on the effective cutting of a cylinder mower is described in terms of the evenness and quality of cut. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures to check the sharpness of a bottom-blade and cylinder are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The occasions when the double cutting of grassed areas is required is explained in terms of the specific usage of the turf and for thatch control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The situations when grass clippings must be removed after mowing, are described within the context of the maintaining a residue free surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The positive effects that regular cutting has on the quality of the grass surface, is described in terms of the leaf density and texture that is achieved. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor the effectiveness of the scarifying and de-thatching operations to minimise the build-up of thatch in turfgrass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role that scarifying performs in the maintenance of turf grass areas is described in terms of the seasonal removal of thatch and dead plant matter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role that de-thatching operations perform in the maintenance of turf grass areas is described in terms of the regular thinning and reduction of thatch from within the turf. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The function of verticutting is described with regard to the positive contribution that it has on thatch control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of conducting scarifying operations into the wind is explained in terms of minimising the dust that the operators have to contend with. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of keeping to a regular dethatching program is explained in terms of maintaining a healthy area of turfgrass. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor the preventative maintenance tasks that are carried out on the mowers and de-thatching machinery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The sequence and schedule of preventative maintenance checks that must be performed, are described in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of verifying that the essential mower and de-thatching items have been inspected by the operators in their preventative maintenance checks are explained in terms of upholding the standards and minimising machine downtime. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role that the operators servicing sheets play in analysing the maintenance needs for the mowers, is explained in terms of the pre-emptive forecasts that are derived. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of reporting any defects or damages to the mechanic/manufacturer is explained in terms of the positive effect that this has on minimising future downtime. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons why defective mowers and de-thatching machinery should not be used until they have been repaired are explained in terms of ensuring operator safety and the prevention of irreversible damage to the unit. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The necessity of monitoring the manner, in which the mowers and de-thatching equipment are lubricated and cleaned, is explained with regard to the prevention of turf soiling from excess grease and oil. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures for the documentation of all major maintenance tasks that have been conducted on the mowers and de-thatching equipment is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The storage conditions and environment that will ensure that mowers and de-thatching machinery are adequately protected are described in regard to the need to ensure that these remain in prime condition. 


    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. 

    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 health and safety procedures when scarifying a grassed area. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing the mowers for a seasonal change in the height of cut. 
    		•

    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 adjustments that have to be made to mowers that have to cut the grass on a specific site. 
    		•

    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 role that de-thatching plays in inhibiting both fungal and insect activity in the grassed areas. 
    		•

    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
    Core  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.