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: 

Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9748  Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
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 4  NQF Level 04  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2005-04-13  2008-04-13  SAQA 0859/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-04-13   2012-04-13  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
256618  Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons required to analyse samples by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). A person credited with this unit standard can:-
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to ICP-OES
  • Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Sciences, Communications and Mathematics at ABET Level 4 or equivalent
  • Determine the mass of a substance
  • Perform measurements using volumetric glassware
  • Relevant health, safety and environmental standards
  • Proficiency at preparing sample solutions for instrumental analysis
  • Computer Literacy 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical E 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge relating to ICP-OES. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Quantify analyte concentrations prepared samples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to ICP-OES. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Hazards and risks pertaining to the ICP-OES determination are identified and explained with reference to team health and safety and environmental impact. The appropriate preventive measures are described in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and risks must include:
  • Plasma Light Radiation
  • Hazards of chemicals and fumes
  • Waste disposal.
  • Radio Frequency Shielding
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The basic principle of Inductively Coupled Plasma is explained with reference to the specific analyses performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The principal components of the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and auxiliary equipment are identified and their primary functions are described in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment and principal components must include:
  • Radio frequency generator
  • Torch
  • Gas supply system
  • Peristaltic pump
  • Nebulizer
  • Spray chamber
  • Drain
  • Spectrometer - simultaneous /sequential
  • Instrument software
  • Vacuum system
  • Cooling system
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The impacts of wavelength, analyte concentration, flow-rate and gas supply is explained with reference to obtaining optimal emission. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The relevance of internal standard, matrix matching and ionisation effects are explained with reference to preparation of standard and sample solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The purpose of the determination is explained in terms of customer requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The consequences of non-compliance with specified requirements are explained with respect to personal and team health and safety, impact on the environment, production, quality, costs and lost time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Quantify analyte concentration in prepared samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The required personal protective equipment is available, operational, fit for purpose, maintained and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The calibration standards are prepared and are appropriate with respect to sample matrix and concentration range for the particular sample solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The prepared samples are identified, verified and the analyte concentration is measured in accordance with specified requirements and quality control procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Data is processed and results reported in accordance with specified requirements within agreed turnaround times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Common problems are identified and their effect on the process are explained and/or dealt with. Appropriate preventive or corrective actions are described in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Identified common problems must include:
  • Inconsistent sample delivery related to pump and/or tubing
  • Nebulizer blockage and/or failure
  • Incorrect gas pressure and flow rate
  • Signal instability
  • Analyte concentration falls outside calibration range
  • Incorrect matrix matching
  • Insufficient flushing time
  • Contamination
  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Insufficient instrument warm-up time
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Equipment is maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment to be maintained must include:
  • Peristaltic pump
  • Vacuum pump
  • Air filters
  • Tubing
  • Nebulizer
  • Spray chamber
  • Torch
  • Gas supply system
  • Cooling system
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Work is conducted to meet health, safety and environmental standards in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Health, safety and environmental issues must include:
  • Housekeeping
  • Waste disposal
  • Storage
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate`s performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Report writing
  • 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.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to identify technical problems, sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The candidate is required to maintain the link in the process in order to achieve production, health, safety and environmental targets. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The candidate is required to prioritise and integrate the various activities in order to meet the set targets. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to collect and evaluate information from numerical data and/or physical observations in terms of specified requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and / or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.
  • Note: The candidate is required to accurately and clearly conveys information to relevant personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The candidate is required to use equipment responsibly to avoid environmental pollution and to safeguard team healt. 
    		•

    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.
  • Note: The candidate is aware of his/her role in the organization in terms of social, economic and environmental impact. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 256618, which is "Quantify analyte concentrations in prepared samples by means of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)", Level 4, 12 credits.

    Terminology
    Specified Requirements

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

    Legal
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991)
  • Regulations
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SABS and other Standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines` Directives
  • Material Safety Data Sheets

    Site Specific
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks
  • Working Guides 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58952   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-08-05  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.