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: 

Take investigative samples for monitoring process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12067  Take investigative samples for monitoring process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2005-09-13  2008-06-11  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-06-11   2012-06-11  

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
255978  Take non-routine investigative samples for monitoring process in water and wastewater works  Level 4  NQF Level 04   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to take samples for process monitoring and investigative purposes and interpret data to accurately monitor water quality. The unit standard will expand the skills base of the qualifying learner and make the person more effective in his/her tasks and more employable which will open up job opportunities in related fields. This competence will enable the learner to do water quality sampling in various water environments. This will ensure that the water resources are accurately monitored in terms of water quality. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Numeracy NQF level 3;
Literacy NQF level 3;
Chemical and bacteriological sampling techniques and field tests NQF level 2;
Apply personal safety practices NQF level 2. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Sampling and measuring equipment:
Sample bottles, cooler box, ice block, gloves, blow torch, pH meter, chlorine test kit, dissolved oxygen meter, thermometer, conductivity meter, sampling apparatus, secchi disk, communication equipment.

Samples:
Final effluent, river, industrial effluent, potable water, seepages, beach, sludge, gas, borehole water.

Sampling techniques:
Depth, gas, solids etc.

Observations:
Litter, odour, colour, weather, flow, vegetation disturbance and wind direction. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Plan investigative samples and collect sampling and measuring equipment according to schedule 
OUTCOME NOTES 
Plan investigative samples and collect sampling and measuring equipment according to schedule and priorities. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Planning and prioritisation of tasks is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Appropriate sampling and measuring equipment is collected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Ad hoc samples are scheduled in accordance with requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Correct labeling procedure is explained and demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Indicate and locate sample positions on process diagram 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Sample positions are indicated on process diagram. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Physical sample positions are identified. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Records of sample positions are accurate and up to date. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Take samples for process monitoring in accordance with instructions 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Sample point is identified and types of sample are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Samples are collected in accordance with sample procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Observations at sampling point are recorded accurately. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Relevant field tests are conducted in accordance with sample procedures and recorded accurately on site. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Sampling techniques for bacteriological samples are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Procedures for taking bacteriological samples are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Sampling techniques for chemical samples are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Procedures for taking chemical samples are demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Samples are transported in accordance with work procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Take ad hoc samples 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Ad hoc sample point is located and recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Relevant sampling equipment is collected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Procedures and planning for collecting ad hoc sample are explained and demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Observations at ad hoc sampling point are recorded accurately. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Ad hoc samples are collected in accordance with sample procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Relevant field tests are conducted and recorded accurately on site. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Observations are reported to relevant person. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Ad hoc samples are transported in accordance with work procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Record samples taken in accordance with work policies and procedures 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Samples are recorded in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Records of samples and observations are accurate and up to date. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Samples are logged in at laboratory within specified time frames. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Sample results are tracked and the process for following up on outstanding results is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Maintain sampling and measuring equipment in accordance with work policies and procedures 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Sampling and measuring equipment is checked, cleaned and returned to the laboratory. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Problems with equipment are noted and appropriate corrective action is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
Interpret results received from laboratory in accordance with work policies and procedures 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Results are interpreted accurately and reasons for interpretation are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Interpretations are recorded accurately and reported. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Interpretations are acted upon in accordance with instructions. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation..
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Basic water and wastewater microbiology
  • Basic water and wastewater chemistry
  • Sample preservation methods
  • Sample storage for transportation methods
  • Basic water quality principles
  • Identification and preparation of sample bottles
  • Instances when the use of a camera would be appropriate
  • The importance of returning samples within specified time limits
  • The importance of logging in samples at laboratory
  • Procedures to follow in dangerous or conflict situations
  • Security procedures when entering dangerous or remote areas
  • Importance of planning and preparation before leaving the workplace
  • Procedures to follow in the event of a transport breakdown
  • Work policies and procedures
  • Different types of samples
  • Representative samples
  • The importance of the correct location of the sample point
  • The importance of following up on outstanding laboratory results
  • The importance of recording observations
  • Different sampling techniques for bacteriological, chemical and sludge samples 


  • Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Problems with equipment are noted and appropriate corrective action is explained. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Samples are logged in at laboratory within specified time frames. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Planning and prioritisation of tasks is explained.
  • Appropriate sampling and measuring equipment is collected.
  • Ad hoc samples are scheduled in accordance with requirements. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Take samples for process monitoring in accordance with instructions.
  • Take ad hoc samples.
  • Results are interpreted accurately and reasons for interpretation are explained. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All. 

  • 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.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All. 

  • UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 255978, which is "Take non-routine investigative samples for monitoring process in water and wastewater works", Level 4, 8 credits.

    Integrated assessment:

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment option:

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
    Oral or written questions
    Observation
    Product sample reports/log book 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  22672   National Certificate: Wastewater Process Control  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2008-06-11  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.