SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Quantify analyte concentrations in samples by means of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9749	Quantify analyte concentrations in samples by means of X-Ray Fluorescence 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	9
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
256615	Quantify analyte concentrations in samples by means of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry	Level 3	NQF Level 03	9

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard is for persons responsible for analysing samples by means of x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. A person credited with this unit standard can:

Prepare samples for quantitative X-ray Fluorescence analysis

Quantify analyte concentration in 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

Determine the mass of a substance

Relevant health, safety and environmental standards

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.

This competence applies to quantitative x-ray fluorescence analyses of briquettes or fused beads in any industry where this is required.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Quantify analyte concentration in samples by means of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Prepare samples for quantitative X-ray Fluorescence analysis.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Quantify analyte concentration in samples.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Prepare samples for quantitative X-ray Fluorescence analysis.

OUTCOME RANGE

Must include one of the following prepared samples:

Briquettes

Glass beads

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Hazards and risks pertaining to the preparation of samples for X-ray Fluorescence analysis 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 2

2. Equipment required for the preparation of samples is identified and their functions are described in accordance with specified requirements. The equipment is used and maintained in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

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

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. Reagents required for the sample preparation are identified and their function explained in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. The physical characteristics of the prepared sample are in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

6. Work is conducted to meet health, safety and environmental standards in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Range: Health, safety and environmental issues must include:

Housekeeping

Waste disposal

Storage

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.

OUTCOME RANGE

Must include analysis of one of the following prepared samples:

Briquettes

Glass beads

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The basic principle of X-ray fluorescence is explained with reference to the analyses performed.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The principal components of the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and auxiliary equipment are identified and their primary functions are described in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Principal components must include:

Sample changer

Tube

Carousel

Cooling system

Vacuum system

Gas supply system

Instrument software

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Equipment is examined, verified, used and maintained in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. Instrument is corrected for drift and quality control procedures are applied in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. Samples are sequenced, appropriate programme selected and analyte concentration is determined in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

6. Data is recorded and results reported in accordance with specified requirements within agreed turnaround times.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

7. Common problems are identified and their effect on the process are explained and/or dealt with. Appropriate preventive or corrective actions are briefly described.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Identified common problems must include:

Power failure

Sample stuck in carousel

Vacuum leak

Interruption to flow of cooling water

Incorrect gas pressure and flow rate

Analyte concentration falls outside calibration range

Incorrect matrix matching

Contamination

Temperature fluctuations

Insufficient instrument warm-up time

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8

8. 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 health.

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 256615, which is "Quantify analyte concentrations in samples by means of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry", Level 3, 9 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

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	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
Elective	50040	Further Education and Training Certificate: Optical Manufacturing Processes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MERSETA

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.

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