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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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Medical Equipment Maintenance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58495  National Certificate: Medical Equipment Maintenance 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Engineering 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification is aimed at people who work or intend to work within the medical industry or healthcare environment, and who seek recognition for essential skills in maintaining medical equipment.

Recipients of this qualification know about and are able to maintain medical equipment to contribute towards safe and correct functioning of this equipment.

The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that people are able to demonstrate the competencies required to work to pertinent standards relating to medical equipment.

People credited with this qualification are able to:
  • Apply problem solving skills to maintain medical equipment.
  • Maintain medical equipment.
  • Apply scientific and engineering skills to maintain medical equipment.
  • Communicate maintenance information for medical equipment.
  • Comply with relevant legislation in maintaining medical equipment.
  • Comply with accepted work ethics and good practice when maintaining medical equipment.

    Rationale:

    The Department of Health in South Africa has identified that medical equipment used in hospitals has serious consequences to the user and patient if not maintained correctly. It is envisaged that people who maintain this equipment will need to be registered by law in order to ensure the professional conduct of practitioners, and to hold them accountable for the work they conduct. This qualification provides a learner with all the skills and knowledge required of a medical equipment maintainer and may be seen as a pathway towards registration.

    The majority of the candidates applying for this qualification are likely to be working in the medical equipment industry or healthcare environment in either the public or private sectors. This qualification will give them the opportunity to demonstrate the balance between their practical skills and the essential knowledge acquired to maintain medical equipment and be registered as a candidate professional engineering technician.

    There is a critical need in the health sector to identify and develop people who are able to conduct the essential operations associated with efficient and safe maintenance of medical equipment. This will lead to competence in the field of work and thereby add quality and value to the sector and improve the standards of healthcare in the country. It will also lead to learners understanding how the work they do fits into the greater engineering industry relevant to the healthcare sector. 
    		•

    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.
  • Basic sciences at NQF Level 4.
  • Knowledge of the following engineering practices at NQF Level 4:
    > Safe working practices.
    > Basic knowledge of electrical engineering theory.
    > Basic knowledge of mechanical engineering theory.
    > Selecting, using and caring for engineering tools and equipment.
    > Reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
    > The ability to function as an artisan in a relevant discipline.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through recognition of prior learning in terms of the defined exit level outcomes, but assessors must take full responsibility for assessing the exit level outcomes.

    Evidence can be presented in various ways, including international and/or previous local qualifications, products, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. All such evidence will be judged in accordance with the general principles of assessment described above and the requirements for integrated assessment.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open bearing in mind learning assumed to be in place. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply problem solving skills to maintain medical equipment.

    2. Maintain medical equipment.
  • Range: Candidates will be assessed against at least one of the following categories, dependent on their area of work:
    > Mechanical equipment.
    > Electro-medical equipment.
    > Respiratory and anaesthesia equipment.
    > Medical imaging equipment.

    3. Apply scientific and engineering skills to maintain medical equipment.

    4. Communicate maintenance information for medical equipment.
  • Range: Information will be communicated to all relevant personnel both horizontally and vertically.

    5. Comply with relevant legislation in maintaining medical equipment.

    6. Comply with accepted work ethics and good practice when maintaining medical equipment.

    This qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 4, 5.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 6.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 2, 6.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 4.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 2, 3.
  • Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome/s 1, 5, 6.

    Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:

    > Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
    > Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
    > Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
    > Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Variances from medical equipment specifications are identified in a methodical manner that includes all areas of performance.
  • Causes of faults are identified and actions taken, to prevent similar problems in the future, are appropriate to the symptoms.
  • The operation of machines is described in terms of the process of enhancing human performance.
  • Alternative solutions to problems are identified that provide similar results.
  • Solutions identified are efficient in terms of cost, time and reliability.
  • Logical procedures are followed to correct all identified variances.
  • Variances are corrected in accordance with recognised clinical engineering procedures or codes of practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Application and operation of medical equipment are described in the clinical environment.
  • Policies for maintenance work are sourced and confirmed for applicability with relevant sources.
  • The work area is prepared for the relevant activities in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Defects are identified from user reports and test procedures.
  • Tools and test equipment used are appropriate to the type of medical equipment.
  • Faults are identified through logical fault finding procedures.
  • Medical equipment is repaired, maintained and calibrated in accordance with manufacturer specifications and relevant policies.
  • Equipment performance and safety inspections are completed according to relevant check lists and specifications before returning equipment to use.
  • Accurate equipment history is captured and recorded for future reference for a time period relevant to equipment type maintained and legal policies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Work functions required in maintaining medical equipment are explained in terms of quality in engineering practice.
  • Engineering risks are identified in terms of the potential impact for each risk on safety and performance of medical equipment.
  • Actions to improve work functions are identified and analysed in terms of available options.
  • Different types of materials used in medical equipment are explained in terms of their properties and potential uses.
  • Fabrication principles for fabrication of required components are explained in terms of functions and accuracy.
  • Electrical circuits are tested and repaired in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  • Flow characteristics are explained in terms of engineering principles related to the medical equipment to be maintained.
  • Measurements and related procedures are explained in engineering terms.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Maintenance reports are generated from relevant data in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • Information included in the report is in accordance with the relevant needs of target audiences.
  • Documents and recommendations are generated in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Methods of communicating maintenance information are suited to the work context.
  • Communication is clear, unambiguous and at an appropriate level for designated target audiences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Medical equipment maintenance activities are planned in accordance with workplace legislative requirements.
  • Authorisation to conduct activities is obtained in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • Potentially hazardous conditions are identified and reported in accordance with workplace requirements.
  • Deviances from acceptable standards are identified and reported to the relevant stakeholder in accordance with statutory requirements and manufacturer specifications.
  • The consequences of omitting procedures are explained in terms of potential risks and liability.
  • Maintenance activities are completed within agreed timeframes. The importance of completing activities in these timeframes is explained in terms of customer service and work interruptions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Professional conduct is explained in accordance with relevant acts, codes of conduct and practice as it relates to maintaining medical equipment.
  • Maintenance of medical equipment is conducted in accordance with relevant acts.
  • Recognised clinical engineering principles are adhered to in order to preserve patient and public safety.
    > Range: Clinical engineering principles include all aspects of making equipment safe for the operator and patient.
  • Maintenance tasks are conducted economically and safely.

    Assessment Principles:

    Assessment should be in accordance with the following general and specific principles:
  • The initial assessment activities should focus on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Where assessment at the broader level is unmanageable, then the assessment can focus on each assessment criterion, or groups of assessment criteria.
  • Evidence must be gathered across the entire range specified in each Exit Level Outcome, as applicable. 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 prove that the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • All assessments should be conducted in accordance with the following universally accepted principles of assessment:
    > Use appropriate, fair and manageable methods that are integrated into real work-related or learning situations.
    > Judge evidence on the basis of its validity, currency, authenticity and sufficiency.
    > Ensure assessment processes are systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared to qualifications within various countries and it has been found that South Africa and Japan are the only countries that have a legal requirement for certification of practitioners to maintain medical equipment. Many countries investigated were found to use the terms "Bio-medical engineer" and "Clinical engineer" as interchangeable, but these terms do not always mean the same thing. It should be noted that the word "engineer" is often used to describe a practitioner other than a registered engineer. Other countries have requirements for medical equipment maintainers, and the related qualifications for these practitioners have been compared to this qualification as follows:

    USA:

    Practitioners in America are required to achieve a two-year bio-medical qualification prior to being allowed to maintain medical equipment. That qualification includes electrical and computer engineering, as well as anatomy and physiology and is comparable to this qualification. America has progressive qualifications building on their two-year programme that lead to a diploma and degree in clinical engineering. Training in specific medical equipment is provided by equipment manufacturers, and practitioners are required to undergo specific training prior to being employed to work with or on specific equipment.

    China:

    There are no specific regulations for medical technicians in China, but in order for a person to be recognised as competent to work on medical equipment, they should have graduated from university with a three year engineering programme with elective subjects in clinical engineering. This equates to NQF Level 6 and above, and is beyond the scope of this qualification. Medical companies are required to have a certain number of specialised technicians in order to obtain a trading license for dealing with medical equipment.

    Europe:

    Practitioners responsible for maintaining medical equipment have a range of qualifications that they may apply for in the UK, starting with EMME (Level 2) Safety Testing of Medical Electrical Equipment, then progressing to EMBC (Level 3) Biomedical Equipment Maintenance Practice, where after specialisation may be identified in one of ventilation equipment, anaesthetic equipment or defibrillator equipment. Training towards these qualifications is provided by workplace training institutes and higher education providers. The range of qualifications is more specific than the South African qualification and does not provide the same broad aspects covered in this qualification. Student exchange programmes between Europe and South Africa have identified equivalence at NQF Level 6 and above in this field.

    The European community is currently engaged in harmonising training programmes and regulations relating to health technology. This qualification can further be compared to the European standards once this is completed.

    Australia:

    80-95% of Australian medical equipment practitioners are at the associate or technician level. Generic engineering qualifications are obtained from various engineering training institutions and candidates then migrate into the medical equipment maintenance field. Registration with a joint professional engineering body is on a voluntary basis. The balance of medical equipment practitioners are at a higher level, and beyond the scope of this qualification.

    Africa:

    Kenya and Nigeria have training programmes equating to NQF Level 5 that lead to qualifications in medical equipment maintenance. Ghana has a qualification in bio-medical engineering, which is beyond the scope of this qualification. SADC countries mostly send candidates to South Africa for training in medical equipment maintenance, and it is anticipated that this qualification will be adopted by them in its entirety. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:
  • ID 49061: National Certificate: Master Craftsmanship (Electrical), NQF Level 5.
  • ID 49059: National Diploma: Master Craftsmanship (Electrical), NQF Level 5.
  • ID 22950: Advanced Technical Diploma: Applied Mechanical Engineering Manufacturing, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 22425: National Certificate: Engineering and Related Design, NQF Level 5.
  • ID 49746: National Certificate in Measurement, Control and Instrumentation, NQF Level 5.

    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications:
  • ID 49060: National Degree: Master Craftsmanship (Electrical), NQF Level 6.
  • ID 16428: National Diploma: Engineering: Mechanical, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Providers offering learning towards achievement of any of the outcomes that make up this qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a memorandum with the relevant ETQA.
  • Internal moderation of assessment must take place at the point of assessment with external moderation provided by the relevant ETQA in conjunction with the healthcare sector, according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • External Moderators are appointed to assess practical work in accordance to the criteria of the relevant sector according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Registration of assessors is delegated by the Higher Education Quality Committee to the Higher Education providers responsible for delivering learning programmes. The following criteria are specified for assessors concerning the technical aspects of the qualification:
  • Registration with ECSA and at least 5 years practical experience in a clinical engineering environment.
  • Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to balance the conflicting requirements of the interests of the learner, the provider and the employer. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.