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: 

Perform routine maintenance tasks on plastics manufacturing equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119174  Perform routine maintenance tasks on plastics manufacturing equipment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
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 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
In order for me to perform effectively in the field of plastics manufacturing, I will be able to:
  • Carry out regular checks on production machinery, complete routine maintenance activities and update maintenance records as required.

    I will also know and understand:
  • The importance of routine maintenance, how this is achieved and the importance of adhering to workplace procedures in respect of machinery maintenance.

    I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any volume plastics manufacturing process, eg
  • Injection moulding
  • Blow moulding
  • Various kinds of extrusion
  • Variations of thermoforming
  • Rotational moulding
  • Calendaring
  • Compression and related moulding processes
  • Reaction injection moulding
  • Polymer composites fabrication processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and resin injection.
    The volume production process also includes the regeneration of recycled materials and the manufacture of intermediate products such as sheet, profiles, compounds and master batches.

    The skill, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 3. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits for this unit standard assume that I have a National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 2 or an equivalent qualification. They also assume that I am working towards my qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates all the required unit standards.

    This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for machinery care and maintenance in a manufacturing setting.

    My learning time will increase if I do not have:
  • A relevant NQF 2 qualification
  • Experience in a relevant field

    My learning time will be decreased if I have experience in this field because:
  • My learning programme will be adjusted to build on what I already know
  • I can apply to have that prior learning recognised 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.
  • The work reflected in this unit standard is normally performed semi-autonomously under minimal supervision. The work will be guided by relevant worksite procedures, manufacturers' specifications and safety, health and environmental legislation. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Carry out routine checks on production machines and operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Machinery is limited to manual, semi-automatic and automatic stand alone production process machinery
  • Routine refers to observing machinery operation during the normal operating cycle
  • Checks include fluid levels, wear and tear, sharpness, leaks, damage to cables, pipes and hoses, connections and fittings, tooling, safety devices and switches 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts)
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform routine maintenance activities. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Routine maintenance activities include greasing, lubrication and replacement of consumables such as fluids, air filters and blades. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Update maintenance records. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Alert appropriate personnel to any identified problems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Appropriate personnel includes supervisory and/or maintenance personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment, and
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard.
     

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Respond to questions and explain issues related to performing routine maintenance on a production machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Machines are maintained as specified and as agreed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Required documentation is completed and stored appropriately. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Checking of equipment and equipment operations is performed at specified intervals. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consumables are replaced according to worksite procedures and equipment specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Any problems are immediately referred to appropriate personnel according to worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reports and records are accurate, clear and processed in a timely manner. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work is performed safely with due care for self, fellow workers, equipment, materials and the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    A clean and tidy workplace is maintained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Explanations and responses to questions demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts related to performing routine maintenance and the basic principles which underpin it. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concepts and principles include:
  • Routine checking - what to look for and why
  • Consumables and their role in maintenance
  • Routine maintenance activities
  • The implications of delaying routine maintenance or not performing it properly
     


  • UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • To obtain credits I must be assessed. The assessment will be based on evidence that I produce. My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:
    > How my assessment is moderated
    > How I can appeal against the outcome of the assessment
  • Any institution or company which offers learning that will enable me to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • My assessment against this standard should meet all the requirements of established principles. It should include practical assessment activities, which are appropriate to the contents of this unit standard. These activities should include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations, etc.
  • I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.
  • I will be assessed on all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. The specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and practical evidence. My assessment will not only be based on observation but also on other evidence which I compile into a portfolio of evidence. I cannot be assessed only through a written or oral test.
  • The specific outcomes and essential knowledge will be assessed in relation to each other. If I am able to explain the items which fall under the heading of essential embedded knowledge, but am unable to perform the specific outcomes, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'. Similarly, if I am able to perform tasks described under the specific outcomes, but cannot explain or justify them in terms of the fundamental concepts, principles and practice relevant to the level of the unit standard that underpins my skill, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'.
  • I will also be assessed on my ability to apply the principles and techniques related to the critical cross-field outcomes, not only in terms of what I can demonstrate, but also in terms of what I know and can discuss.
  • My assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and even in conjunction with my assessment for the qualification as a whole. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate
    Names and functions of:
  • Machinery
  • Moving parts
  • Consumables
  • Basic concepts of preventative and routine maintenance

    Purpose of:
  • Routine maintenance
  • Performing regular equipment checks

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
  • Of indicators, gauges and alarms

    Processes and events:
  • Inspection, ie checking
  • Routine and preventative maintenance

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Not performing routine and preventative maintenance
  • Not detecting reduced performance

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Checking
  • Routine maintenance
  • Safety
  • Documentation

    Sensory cues:
  • Sensory cues (what I see, hear, smell, feel) that indicate reduced performance or that equipment is about to fail

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation
  • Applicable company policies and procedures
  • Equipment specifications

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Basic mechanical and electrical principles
  • Basic machine theory, e.g. hydraulics and pneumatics
  • Basic measurement related to gauges and indicators

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship between performing regular routine maintenance and production efficiencies 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Related to the optimal functioning of production machinery. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Interact with appropriate personnel when detecting problems with machinery. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Perform activities in a regular and consistent manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Gather information when performing routine checks, document information and report to appropriate personnel as required. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Report on activities undertaken. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Understand and explain basic mechanical and electrical principles as they relate to reduced performance and the routine maintenance activities performed. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Explain how regular routine maintenance positively impacts on machinery functioning and production efficiencies. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    My assessor will be registered and have a plastics manufacturing qualification at NQF 4 or higher. My assessor should also be active in the industry and be familiar with the materials, machinery, products and level of technology in which I have contextualised my skills and knowledge. 

    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  49449   National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  79407   National Certificate: Polymer Compound Manufacturing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.
     
    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.