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: 

Apply safety and infection control principles in the workplace 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243639  Apply safety and infection control principles in the workplace 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forensic Science 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
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 
This unit standard is intended for learners who need to adhere to health and safety principles, within a work environment. Learners will learn how to deal with workplace hazards and unsafe situations by following workplace policies and procedures, as well as the relevant legislation in order to limit the spread of infectious diseases and prevent hazardous situations occurring in the workplace. The competencies include knowing how to prepare the workplace in a safe manner when handling chemicals and human remains that may be contaminated with infectious diseases.

People credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Apply safety procedures in the workplace.
  • Apply handling methods in line with safety principles.
  • Explain the possible risks and impact of communicable diseases that may be contracted in the workplace.
  • Implement measures to prevent infection and contamination in the workplace.
  • Handle potentially hazardous chemicals. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The term "protocols" refers to protocols governing vaccination as prescribed by the Centre for Disease Control and World Health Organisation.
  • The term "workplace" refers to an environment where biological materials are handled. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply safety procedures in the workplace. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Safety procedures include security and emergency procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Procedures which influence the safety of a working environment are explained in order to ensure compliance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures: safety, security and emergency procedures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Workplace hazards and unsafe situations are identified in order to establish the potential risk. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards: chemical and biological hazards, structural and situational hazards.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Workplace policies and procedures pertaining to emergencies are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Emergencies: including but not limited to accidents and fire.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Incidents are assessed in order to establish whether documentation and reports should be completed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Completed means the completion in the prescribed format. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply handling methods in line with safety principles. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Handling methods refer to handling of items, objects, persons and biological materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Preparation methods are applied in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation methods include disinfection methods, clearance - of obstacles or hazards - methods, preparation of equipment and work area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Handling techniques are demonstrated in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Handling techniques may refer to: lifting, carrying and placement and working with mechanical aids.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the possible risks and impact of communicable diseases that may be contracted in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of vaccination protocols is explained in terms of its impact in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The most common infections which may be contracted in the workplace are described and matched with vaccinations where available. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Vaccinations include but are not limited to: Hepatitis A and B, Meningococcal/Neisseria Meningitis, Pneumococcal Meningitis, Anti-tetanus, BCG.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Alternative vaccination and preventative treatment protocols for post-exposure prophylaxis are explained as a means of limiting the spread of infectious diseases. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Alternative protocols may include immunoglobulins, anti-microbials.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of regular health screening for communicable disease is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    High risk communicable diseases are explained in terms of potential hazards and risks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    High risk communicable diseases includes but is not limited to: HIV, TB, Hepatitis, Creutzfeldt Jacob's Disease, Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers, Meningitis, Rabies, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Currently notifiable conditions are listed and reported in accordance with Chapter 11 of the National Health Act No 61 of 2003. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Implement measures to prevent infection and contamination in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Precautionary measures and personal hygiene practices are explained in accordance with current legislation and prescripts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The uses of personal protective clothing and equipment are described in terms of its effect in preventing contamination. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protective clothing and equipment include but are not limited to latex gloves, cut resistant gloves, mask, goggles, respirator, impervious apron, protective footwear.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Prescribed procedures and actions to be taken are described in the event of accidental breach of defences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Breaches include but are not limited to: splashes, sharp trauma, falls, lesions on employee, inhalation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potentially infectious or contaminated waste is identified to inform handling and disposal methods. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Handle potentially hazardous chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of safety instructions is explained in terms of their influence on the handling of chemicals. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety instructions include labels and manufacturer's guidelines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Types of potentially hazardous chemicals are identified in terms of their characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of hazardous chemicals include formalin, pure alcohol, phenolic cleansers, sodium hypochlorite etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Handling methods of potentially hazardous chemicals are explained in order to minimise the potential hazard. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of hazardous chemicals include formalin, pure alcohol, phenolic cleansers, sodium hypochlorite etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Characteristics of potentially hazardous chemicals are identified to determine storage requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The uses of personal protective clothing and equipment are described in terms of its effect in preventing potential risks when handling chemicals. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protective clothing and equipment include but are not limited to latex gloves, cut resistant gloves, mask, goggles, respirator, impervious apron, protective footwear.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Potentially hazardous chemicals are identified to inform handling and disposal methods. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • 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 conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Legal and Specified Requirements include and are contained in one or more, but not limited to the following documents:

    > Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No: 85 of 1993).
    > Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Act no: 103 of 1993).
    > Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act 1973 (Act No: 78 of 1973).
    > National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No: 107 of 1998).
    > Hazardous Substances Act and its Amendments (Act No 15 of 1973).
    > National Health Act 2003 (Act No: 61 of 2003).
    > Municipal Bylaws.
    > Health, safety and environment agreements.
    > Managerial instructions.
    > Codes of Practice.
    > Standard Task Procedures.
    > Risk Assessment Procedures.
    > Working Guides. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving is covered in that a learner must be able to identify potentially hazardous and dangerous situations in the workplace and work out how to prevent these occurring. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners are required to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to OHS issues to maintain a safe environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners are required to communicate about OHS issues using a variety of communication methods. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners are required to see the world as a set of related systems in that, when they are problem solving in a potentially hazardous situation, they are required to consider others and the impact on the environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of the learner that in order to participate as responsible citizens in the community in terms of potentially hazardous situations that may impact on the community at large. 

    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 
  • The term "prophylaxis" in this context means preventative measures.
  • Biological materials includes but is not limited to blood, gametes and human tissues. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65609   National Diploma: Allied Health Therapies  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30   
    Core  58183   National Diploma: Forensic Pathology Support  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.