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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 UNIT STANDARD: 

Operate and maintain specific irrigation systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116066  Operate and maintain specific irrigation systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Primary Agriculture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Primary Agriculture 
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 
A learner achieving this Unit Standard will be able to, under supervision, efficiently irrigate a variety of crops, using a specific type of irrigation system. He will also be able to carry out relevant basic operational and maintenance procedures.

Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in irrigation and will be able to operate in a plant production environment implementing sustainable and economically viable production principles.

They will be capacitated to gain access to the mainstream agricultural sector, in plant production, impacting directly on the sustainability of the sub-sector. The improvement in production technology will also have a direct impact on the improvement of agricultural productivity of the sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner attempting this unit standard will show competence against the following unit standards or equivalent:
  • NQF 1: Operate and maintain irrigation systems.
  • NQF 2: Utilise and perform minor repairs and maintenance tasks on implements, equipment and infrastructure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Whilst range statements have been defined generically to include as wide a set of alternatives as possible, all range statements should be interpreted within the specific context of application.

    Range statements are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Perform pre-start up inspection applicable to the relevant irrigation system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to routine pump/motor/filter maintenance (grease/oil/cleaning), checking if water available in rivers, dams, canals, etc., checking for water leaks, differences in pressure, valve status (open/closed). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to identify whether there is sufficient water available is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rivers, dams, canals, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to check oil levels and grease pumps is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to identify and clean in-line filters and pumps, frog catchers, etc. is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    In-line filters, pumps and valves are checked to ensure they are in good working condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to identify and report defects in pre-start up inspection is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Valves cannot open/close, pumps visibly defective, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Pumps are fully primed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform start-up and shut down procedures applicable to specific irrigation system. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to monitors revs, amps, kW, flow and pressure readings, checking for leakages, identifying motor/pump defects (noisy bearings), etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pump is started/shut down in stages according to prescribed procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ability to indicate the correct motor/pump working characteristics is demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Indicating the correct amps/working pressure, flow rate, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pressure control valves opened/closed according to prescribed norms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Unexpected problems identified and corrective action taken. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Unusual pump vibration/bearing noise, leakages - pump/motor immediately shut down - problem reported to supervisor.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    In-field valves opened/closed and flow rate set according to schedule. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    In-field pressure measured and corrected if required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Pressure of in-line filters checked and remedial action [cleaning of filter] taken. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Irrigate crop according to given guidelines. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to standard operating procedures such as fixing, repairing and reporting of non-conformance of equipment. Quality checks can include but are not limited to checking the irrigation system for leakages, overlapping, dry spots and blocked nozzles, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality checks of relevant irrigation systems are performed and corrective actions are taken according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Irrigation cycle for designated area/block is started and completed on time, as prescribed for the specific crop. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Regular monitoring of operational parameters are carried out. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Blockages, leaks, pressure drops, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Care and maintenance of equipment and tools used during irrigation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to pipes, pressure gauges, nozzles, pliers, filters, flow gauges, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Filters are flushed/cleaned as per operating instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools are cleaned, maintained and stored according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defective tools and/or equipment, problems and unusual events are reported to the supervisor. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established assessment principles.

    It will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the qualifying learners are working. These activities and tools may include an appropriate combination of self-assessment and peer assessment, formative and summative assessment, portfolios and observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are assessed.

    The specific outcomes must be assessed through observation of performance. Supporting evidence should be used to prove competence of specific outcomes only when they are not clearly seen in the actual performance.

    Essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in its own right, through oral or written evidence and cannot be assessed only by being observed.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a qualifying learner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, then thy should not be assessed as competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values.
  • 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 or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person is able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of:
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Tools and equipment used during irrigation.
  • Attributes of all tools and equipment used e.g. pumps, pressure gauge, valves, etc.
  • Auditory perceptions of non-conformance of e.g. pumps.
  • Visual perceptions of non-conformance e.g. smoke coming from pumps.
  • Implications of not reporting defective equipment and tools.
  • Implications of mist spray, over- and/or under irrigation, over- and/or under pressure of pumps.
  • Routine irrigation system operational and maintenance procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems relates to all specific outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Self-development relates to all specific outcomes. 

    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
    Core  48975   National Certificate: Plant Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  66429   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  50227   National Certificate: Rooibos Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.
     
    1. Balemi Consulting Pty Ltd 
    2. Bumunhu Services Providers Cc 
    3. Call D5 Trading and Projects Pty Ltd 
    4. Calvin Projects Managements PTY LTD 
    5. Cedara College of Agriculture 
    6. ELSENBURG AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE 
    7. Escay Catering and other Services 
    8. Green Zone 
    9. Heedmorine Training 
    10. Ikhwezi Drakensburg Rural & Urban Development Chamber 
    11. Impact Plus Training Consultants 
    12. KayDee Project Management Cc 
    13. Kgopane Trading Enterprise 
    14. Kimbali Holdings 
    15. KMK Training Services (PTY) Ltd 
    16. Knowledge For Ever 
    17. Leruo ke Matla Training and Enterprise Development Services 
    18. Maishamalema Development Training 
    19. Mananthatshema Skills Dev. Centre 
    20. Mathapuso Construction and Projects 
    21. Matotomana Training & General Trading 
    22. Mobile Agri Skills Development and Training NPC 
    23. Mogaladi Business Enterprise 
    24. Montshepetsa Bosui Farming & Training Cnt 
    25. Morwa Agri-development cc 
    26. Mpontshe Training 
    27. Mvas-4 Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    28. Mvelo Consultant 
    29. National Institute For The Deaf - NID 
    30. Netimm Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Nophelo Training Centre 
    32. Novi General Services 
    33. Peritum Agri Institute 
    34. Phezukomkhono Training Services 
    35. Phophi Na Tshikaho Trading Enterprise 
    36. Protea Agricultural Training Centre 
    37. SA Entrepreneurship Skills Development And Training (Pty) Ltd 
    38. Sekhukhune FET College - Central Office 
    39. Selipha Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    40. Setlakala Business Development 
    41. Siyafundisa I Africa 
    42. Siyasanga Training Centre 
    43. Suidwes Beleggings Eiendoms Beperk 
    44. TALANA AGRI ACADEMY 
    45. The Skills Development Hub (Pty) Ltd 
    46. Thuto Boshwa Skills Development Services 
    47. TM Mashwara and Projects 
    48. Toeprint Events 
    49. Tompi Seleka Agricultural College 
    50. TPN Training and Recruitment cc 
    51. Tripple R Training Provider 
    52. Two-a-Day Group (Pty) Ltd 
    53. Vari Holdings (Pty)Ltd 
    54. Yazini Leadership Consultants 


    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.