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: 

Prepare an impregnated scaiffe 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376512  Prepare an impregnated scaiffe 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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 
This unit standard is useful for learners who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to prepare an impregnated scaiffe.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the material, equipment and tools required to prepare an impregnated scaiffe.
  • Inspect a used scaiffe and identify its owner.
  • Clean the surface of a scaiffe for reuse.
  • Prepare the impregnated scaiffe for reuse.
  • Balance a cleaned and prepared impregnated scaiffe.
  • Conduct post refurbish-a-scaiffe activities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Select material, equipment and tools required to prepare an impregnated scaiffe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The material, chemicals, equipment, tools and their accessories required to prepare an impregnated scaiffe are identified according to their functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The chemicals used to prepare impregnated scaiffes are verified and their properties described in relation to polishing diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The handling of specific chemicals and the precautions in terms of fumes, spillage and corrosion are illustrated in line with good occupational health and safety practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of the scaiffe to be balanced, even, free from chips and gouges and clear of residue is explained in relation to the requirements for the polishing of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of the preparation of the surface of the scaiffe and its coating for polishing diamond gemstones is explained and the methods for doing this are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Housekeeping, safety practices in the workplace and care of equipment are explained in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequence of deviating from workplace practices while utilising specified tools and equipment are described in terms of potential impact on productivity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Inspect a used scaiffe and identify its owner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Used scaiffes are inspected to identify the owner, are marked for future identification and the preferences of the user are noted. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preferences of the user will be determined by one or more of the following:
  • Instructions received with the scaiffe to be prepared.
  • Records kept by the refurbishing operation.
  • Referral to the user.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Used scaiffes are inspected to determine whether they are safe to re-use in line with workplace specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Determination of whether scaiffes are safe to re-use must include:
  • Identification of the material the scaiffe is made out of.
  • Identification of the chemical/electrolysis process.
  • Assessing the thickness and evenness of the scaiffe.
  • Evaluating the anticipated thickness after preparation.
  • Checking that the scaiffe is not cracked or damaged.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Used scaiffes are inspected to determine the process of preparation to be applied. Appropriate action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures according to the extent and nature of the damage that exists on them. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Clean the surface of a scaiffe for reuse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and applied according to required standards of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Scaiffes are cleaned using the appropriate system of cleaning and checked to ensure that they comply with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cleaned scaiffes are checked to ensure that are flat and ready for impregnation, in line with workplace specific requirements. Remedial action is taken where necessary in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Occupational health and safety hazards are monitored during processes and remedial action is taken where necessary. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Prepare the impregnated scaiffe for reuse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and applied according to required standards of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cleaned, flat scaiffes are checked for suitability for chemical/electrolysis processing, according to the request of the user. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chemical baths, electrolysis systems and handling equipment are checked to be ready for impregnation before loading scaiffes into the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Scaiffes are secured in the appropriate loading systems and lowered into the impregnation equipment and times are recorded in line with workplace specific requirements, and the recommendations of the manufacturer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The scaiffes in process are frequently checked for any defects or irregularities during the process of impregnation. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The scaiffe is inspected after impregnation to ensure that the surface condition is in line with workplace specific requirements and meets the requirements of the user. Remedial action is taken, where necessary, to ensure surface blemishes have been removed and that the surface meets requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Balance a cleaned and prepared impregnated scaiffe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment used to balance a scaiffe is checked to ensure that it is set for balancing. Remedial action, where necessary, is taken in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The cleaned and prepared scaiffe is located in the balancing equipment according to workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The equipment is operated and the scaiffe is balanced according to specified requirements. Remedial action is taken to balance the scaiffe, where necessary, according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Where the balance is unable to be effected through normal remedial actions, then the scaiffe must be referred for machining. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Conduct post refurbish-a-scaiffe activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The cleaned, prepared and balanced scaiffe is labelled and protected for transportation to the user and handed over for despatch to the user in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Housekeeping, safety practices in the workplace and care of equipment are explained in line with workplace specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean the workplace of dust and loose particles.
  • Recycle or dispose of used chemicals.
  • Clean electrodes, where applicable.
  • Replace materials, equipment and tools into correct storage facilities.
  • Return any scaiffes needing machining to the appropriate holding facility.
  • Return any equipment needing maintenance to the appropriate workshop/facility.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Report that the scaiffes have been refurbished in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard 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 unit standard 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 with 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.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard 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 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the functioning of equipment:
  • Understanding the use and application of equipment used to impregnate scaiffes.
  • The implications of defects in equipment and the effect on processing of diamonds and the impact they have on value.
  • Awareness of the risk to a diamond that can be caused by non conforming equipment and accessories.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to boiling activities, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond boiling and use of pressure vessels.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
  • Adherence to fumigation protocols.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements.
  • Importance of care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison between personnel in various functions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking:

    Notes: The ability to inspect and identify whether scaiffes are safe for reuse, that residues and blemishes have been removed and to check and balance a scaiffe contributes to the problem solving ability. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community:

    Notes: The ability to accept and interpret work instructions correctly, to comply with security arrangements indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the structure of the organisation and with people outside the organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:

    Notes: The preparation of tools, chemicals and equipment prior to commencing impregnation of scaiffes and the monitoring of scaiffes and machinery during the process and the complying with good housekeeping practices indicates the ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:

    Notes: The ability to assimilate instructions, establish the preferences of the user and be accountable for the treatment of the scaiffes indicates the ability to collect, organise and evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:

    Notes: The ability to apply the tools and machinery for impregnating scaiffes, to examine the effects of impregnating scaiffes and to abide by safety and housekeeping standards demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 

    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 
    Terminology:

    Specified requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78843   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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.