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: 

Maintain pipe systems and pipe components 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253577  Maintain pipe systems and pipe components 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
13218  Maintain pipe systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners in the field of engineering require the skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard.

The learning outcomes in this unit standard also contribute to the exit level outcomes required for related NQF Level 3 qualifications.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Identify and discuss pipe systems and related components.
  • Plan and prepare for pipe systems maintenance.
  • Maintain, repair, remove, replace and set up pipe systems.
  • Maintain and care for tools and equipment.

    It also reflects the understanding of the operation of the plant or engineering system where applicable.

    This unit standard would be assessed in the context of:
  • A plant or engineering system within the workplace.
  • Any process controlled environment.
  • Fluid flow systems related to utilities other than domestic systems.

    The skills, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the Exit Level Outcomes required for the National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Fitting): NQF Level 2, where the context is pipe-fitting. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for machine and equipment maintenance in the engineering area.

    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already learned to assemble mechanical components, static seals, and sling loads safely. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes determine the scope and level of this unit standard.

    However for the purpose of assessment, pipe systems and/or components include but are not limited to the following environment contexts:
  • Manufacturing and Engineering (Metals, Plastics, Tyre and Rubber, Electrical Power Generation, Automotive Manufacturing).
  • Chemical and Petrochemical.
  • Mining.
  • Transport (Maritime, Road, Rail and Aviation).
  • Civil Engineering and Construction.
  • Food and Beverages.
  • Other engineering-related industry sectors.


    Pipe components include but are not limited to various types of:
  • Flanges.
  • Pipe fittings and sockets.
  • Packing, gaskets and seals.
  • Includes specialised pipe-fitting tools, namely, pipe-cutter, pipe-reamer, beam clamps, pipe t-square, fit-up clamps, flange spreaders, portable band-saw, power drives and power bevellers.

    Dismantling and assembly methods play an important role in assessing competency in this learning unit standard:

    The learner should be able to:
  • Work autonomously with minimal supervision and according to worksite and manufacturer specifications and occupational safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Work in a workshop, plant or underground environment with varying levels of light, space and safety risks.
  • Work is carried out in a team environment. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and discuss pipe systems and related components. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    This outcome covers the knowledge required in order to identify and explain:
  • Basic flow and process control principles.
  • Classifications and types of pipe systems and/or components.
  • Applications (pipe-types, packing and seals, flange-types, pipe joining methods).
  • Distinct features and characteristics of various types (reasons for failure of flanged joints).
  • Accommodation for expansion and contraction.
  • Maintenance and repair (lateral end clearances, parts renewal, assembly procedures, calculations).
  • Troubleshooting techniques (Reduced capacity or pressure; losses after starting; system inefficiency). 
    		•
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pipe components and equipment include but are not limited to:
  • Flanges.
  • Pipe fittings and sockets.
  • Packing, gaskets and seals.
  • Specialised pipe-fitting tools, namely pipe-cutter, pipe-reamer, portable band-saw, power drives and power bevellers, beam clamps, pipe t-square, fit-up clamps, flange spreaders.

    Understanding confirmed:

    Respond to `what if` and `why` questions related to:
  • The basic principles and maintenance of pipes and pipe systems.
  • The basic principles of fault finding and repair of pipe systems.
  • Sealing components and their purposes.
  • Reasons for using pipe supports and hangers.
  • The reasons for proper storage techniques.
  • Implications of thermal expansion.
  • The implications of not following safe working procedures.
  • Lubrication techniques.
  • The selection of components and why.
  • The importance of continuously checking the quality of work against the requirements of the job.
  • The health, safety and environmental issues pertaining to pipe system maintenance.
  • What tools and equipment to use and why.
  • Steps to take to limit waste.
  • What consumables, lubricants and cleaning agents are used and why.
  • The importance of caring for and storing system maintenance tools and equipment.
  • Explain the implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes and making decisions inappropriate to the task. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The classifications and types of pipe systems and/or components are identified and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The applications and the distinct features and characteristics of various types of pipe systems and/or components are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Discuss and explain incidents and problems related to pipe system and/or components maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance and repair procedures are discussed and explained in terms of worksite practice and manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Trouble shooting certain conditions during start-up and operations are discussed and explained in terms of worksite practice and manufacturers' specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The terminology used when explaining and discussing pipe systems and/or components, is in keeping with manufacturer and worksite norms and standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare for pipe systems maintenance. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Planning and preparation includes reading and understanding task instructions engineering drawings and breakdown scheduling, identification of the equipment to be maintained, obtaining maintenance schedules and manufacturer specifications for specific equipment to be maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The pipe systems and/or components are inspected and assessed for its work requirements in terms of maintenance, repair and/or removal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The planning and preparation for maintenance repair and/or removal of the pipe systems and/or components is explained, in accordance with work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Site and equipment are prepared for pipe system and/or components maintenance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maintenance equipment and resources are correct for the task, available on site by the agreed time, and checked for serviceability in accordance with regulatory and worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources include personnel requirements, tools, equipment, vehicle/s for transport and mechanical handling, support materials, applicable documentation and personal protective equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Where required, handling space is cleared, potential obstructions are removed and personnel are notified, prior to the maintenance, repair and/or removal task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Pre-operational checks are carried out on removal and securing equipment, in accordance with work instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:
  • Applicable system is identified for closing down and confirmed.
  • Appropriate pipe system is isolated in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  • System is depressurised following manufacturer specifications.
  • Provisions for working in a hazardous location are implemented to regulatory and worksite procedures.
  • Working principles of components are accurately explained.
  • Differential flow or pressure is determined and recorded.
  • Components requiring service are identified and removed without damage to the system or component. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Maintain pipe system and/or pipe components. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • The term "Maintain", includes identifying non-conforming components, removal, repair and installation of components and parts and confirming pressure retention at predetermined pressure.
  • Problems include non-pressure retention, non-conforming components, leaks, wear and damage, broken seals. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pipe system and/or components are maintained in compliance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Where maintaining pipe systems includes dismantling and/or remanufacture, allowance must be made for thermal expansion on re-assembly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The pipe system and/or components are tested for conformance within operational requirements and according to manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Operational requirements include the meeting of flow control criteria (functionality and flow-rate).
  • Checks for compliance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work area is restored to a safe and serviceable condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All work is performed safely with due care for self, fellow workers, machines, equipment, materials and environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The condition of the pipe system and/or components is recorded and reported. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:
  • Applicable system is identified for closing down and confirmed.
  • Appropriate pipe system is isolated in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
  • System is depressurised following manufacturer specifications.
  • Provisions for working in a hazardous location are implemented to regulatory and worksite procedures.
  • Working principles of components are accurately explained.
  • Differential flow or pressure is determined and recorded.
  • Applicable consumables, lubricants and cleaning agents are acquired in the required quantities.
  • Components requiring service are identified and removed without damage to the system or componen.
  • Removed components are serviced using appropriate tools and equipment.
  • Maintained components are replaced without damage to the component or system. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Care for and store tools and equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Tools and equipment include absorbent material, hand tools and cleaning equipment, fluids, lifting equipment and tackle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The proper care and storage procedures for tools and equipment in accordance with work site practices and specifications are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work area is restored to a safe and serviceable condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools, equipment, lifting equipment and tackle are stored in accordance with manufacturer's specification and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Malfunctioning tools and equipment is reported and the necessary arrangements for the repair thereof is made according to accepted worksite practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Completion of maintenance/service is confirmed and verified.
  • Visual plant care inspection is carried out to manufacturer specifications.
  • System performance is confirmed to meet operational requirements.
  • Work is carried out in a safe manner in accordance with schedules and manufacturer specifications.
  • Problems are reported to appropriate personnel.
  • A clean and tidy work environment is maintained.
  • No delays are caused as a result of poor planning for performing pipe system maintenance and identifying problems.
  • System and equipment condition report is accurate, clear and processed.
  • Applicable health, safety and environmental procedures are adhered to.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant ETQA which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The assessor will be registered and have a technical qualification in this learning area.
  • The learner can be assessed in the language of his/her choice although s/he has to report incidents or conditions to someone else. The learner will be assessed on his/her ability to report in the language commonly used in his/her working environment.
  • The learner will be assessed in the workplace but s/he can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.
  • The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Pipe systems and pipe components.
  • Consumables, lubricants, cleaning agents used.
  • Equipment on which maintenance is performed.
  • Associated tools and equipment.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Typical system defects.
  • End users of the system.
  • Strength of materials.
  • Sealing components.

    Sensory cues:
  • Sensory cues (what I see, hear, smell, feel) utilised for identifying problems during system maintenance.

    Purpose of:
  • Sealing components.
  • Individual components in the system.
  • Making system safe.
  • Following maintenance schedules.
  • Interpreting instruction.
  • Adhering to system maintenance principles.
  • Adhering to safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Signing off the task instruction.
  • Reporting non-conformances, incidents and problems.
  • System earthing.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of overlooking system maintenance.
  • Implications of thermal expansion.
  • Acquiring required lubricants, consumables and cleaning agents.
  • Performing system maintenance.
  • Implications of not adhering to safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Making pipe system safe.
  • Causes and responses to common problems.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Making system safe.
  • Servicing components.
  • Performing visual inspections.
  • For minimising wastage.
  • Identifying problems.
  • Identify and select required components.
  • Reporting on system operation.
  • Handling and storage of components.
  • Isolation technique and procedure.
  • Posture during hand tool usage.
  • Applying pressure.
  • Communication procedures.
  • Applicable recording and reporting procedures.
  • Applicable safe working procedures.
  • Applicable quality assurance procedures.
  • Removing and replacing defective components.
  • System earthing, regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards.
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation.
  • Applicable company policies and procedures.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Different pressures/flows.
  • Different types of materials have different expansion rates.
  • Equipment operating principles.
  • Equipment maintenance fundamentals.
  • Associated engineering principles.
  • Pressure, temperature and volumetric rules of physics (Thermodynamics).
  • Pipe disassembly, assembly.
  • Inspecting for wear and damage.
  • Flange-face seating.
  • Determining pipe system flow and pressure criteria.
  • Documenting and reporting fundamentals.
  • Earth leakage concept.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship between maintained system and the production process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Related to the maintenance of pipe system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team:
  • Interact with colleagues and team members in order to acquire required consumables, lubricants and cleaning agents. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage my activities and myself:
  • Apply the correct procedures and techniques for performing system maintenance.
  • Manage resources and my time. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Interpret information off job instructions to maintain correct system.
  • Make decisions based on that information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Report condition of system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Understand and explain the purpose of system maintenance to the production process.
  • Justify my actions as appropriate. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 13218, "Maintain pipe systems", Level 2, 20 credits.
  • This unit standard replaces "Maintain pipe systems; SAQA ID: 13218".
  • The term "maintain" is defined as inspect, determine faults, assess requirements for repair, remove, replace, repair, adjust, re-align, seat components, reassemble and install and test.
  • The title has also been amended in order to align itself with the competencies contained within the Mechanical Engineering: Pipe-fitting qualifications.
  • Excludes hangers, concrete inserts, shoulders, supports and clamps.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general 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 assessments at title level are 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, directness, authenticity, sufficiency, openness and consistency.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Credits may be obtained by applying to an accredited/approved training provider/institution in order to have prior learning recognised in lieu of past work experience. Past experience must relate to the specific outcomes contained within this unit standard. The ensuing assessment of candidates seeking recognition of prior learning should not be so onerous as to deter them from doing so. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59750   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Pipe-Fitting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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.