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: 

Decontaminate a trauma or crime scene 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
377781  Decontaminate a trauma or crime scene 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Hygiene and Cleaning 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
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
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 
Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to clean and decontaminate a crime or trauma scene. It involves decontamination, cleaning and handing over the scene in a manner that does not pose a risk to lives or property of those involved.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Prepare to clean and decontaminate a scene.
  • Clean and decontaminate a scene.
  • Inspect, close, handover and release a scene. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Reference to a scene includes both crime and trauma scenes. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to clean and decontaminate a scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Scenes are described in terms of types. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of scenes may include but are not limited to: biologically contaminated, violent crimes, death, homicide, suicide or accidental death, chemically contaminated, clandestine methamphetamine lab, anthrax animal decay, mould, asbestos, fire damage, flooding, natural or man caused disasters etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Access clearance of a scene is explained in terms of the legal requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Access clearance includes but is not limited to related permits, police clearance, access authorisation and Occupational Health and Safety of the scene.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Time line of scene clean up events is explained within a legal and safety framework. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal and safety framework include but is not limited to: police clearance, access to the scene, authorisation to continue with cleaning process, municipal by-laws, national healthcare acts and environmental requirements and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment is selected in terms of the substance or type of waste to be removed or cleaned. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment includes but is not limited to personal protective wear, tools, materials, extraction vacuums, signs, barriers, cleaning materials, consumables and disposable items such as refuse bags, water-resistant coveralls, rubber boots and protective goggles or face shields
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The hazards and risks associated with the cleaning and decontamination of the scene are explained in terms of health, safety and environmental effects on people and property. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and risks may include but is not limited to:

    Persons in contact with hazardous and bio hazardous waste such as body fluids, excretions, secretions, blood, body parts. Contaminated or risky areas such as chemical, electrical, physical or biological hazards, working in confined and polluted environmentally unsafe areas, cross contamination, spread of disease and illness, injury to staff, environmental contamination and inhalation of noxious gasses.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Clean and decontaminate a scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A scene is evaluated to determine possible cleaning and decontamination options. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cleaning and decontamination options may include but are not limited to: cleaning and decontamination in a systematic order using correct equipment, chemicals, consumables and application to clean all surfaces.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A scene is cleaned and decontaminated in accordance with relevant industry work-site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential medico- legal and cultural or religious risks are described in accordance with the handling of human and/ or animal waste. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Medico-legal risks may include the removal of body parts; fluids by family members for religious or cultural purposes, risks may include the family wanting to remove the same for religious or cultural purposes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consequences of non-adherence to operational requirements are explained in terms of the impact on health, safety and the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences of non-adherence may include, but are not limited to: Legal implications, contamination and spread of illness and or disease, environmental impact if waste is not disposed of in a safe and responsible manner, incidents and possible injury to staff.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Close, handover and release a scene. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Waste is disposed of in accordance with the legal framework and work-site procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Disposal includes but is not limited to: collection, handling, bagging and marking of items.
  • Legal framework may include but is not limited to the Occupational Health Safety Act
  • Work-site procedures may include but are not limited to staff exposure, accidents and injuries.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment, consumables, personal protecting wear and chemicals used for cleaning a scene are cleaned and/or disposed of and/or stored in accordance with work-site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work is inspected to ensure that all evidence and contamination of the event has been removed and the scene restored to its pre incident standard. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evidence may include but is not limited to blood, fluids and waste.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Inspections are conducted to ensure that all staff discarded clothing and personal protective wear correctly upon completion and that no injury were sustained during the process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Injury could include but is not limited to: cuts, bruises, abrasions, inhalation, and exposure to biological and or other hazards.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Handover and release of the scene is done using a check-list to confirm that the standard of cleaning meets work-site requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Close, handover and release of the scene may include but not limited to: Assessment of job to be done, task outcome, equipment malfunction, insufficient equipment, extension of scope of work, damage to property, referral of staff in relation to post traumatic stress, removal of barriers and reporting.
     


    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 training provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and Safety knowledge.
  • Legal and site-specific requirements. 
    		•

    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:
  • When the learner identifies sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organization or community:
  • When the learner is able and willing to accept and interpret work instructions correctly.
  • When the learner communicates with other team members, the client and superiors in a positive manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
  • When the learner decides what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and ensure available thereof.
  • When the learner communicates to fellow workers his/her intentions and assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the methods of oral and/or written presentations:
  • When the learner communicates with team members, the client and superiors.
  • When the learner reports hazards and sub-standard conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others:
  • When the learner adheres to safety, health and environmental requirements.
  • When the learner understands the principles of high pressure cleaning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • When the learner understands the negative influences of dirty surfaces to the efficiency and aesthetic qualities of work and recreational sites.
  • When the learner understands that failure to identify hazardous conditions and use protective clothing and equipment can lead to death and injury. 
    		•

    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  36233   National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    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.