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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Supervise the operation of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic control systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255983  Supervise the operation of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic control systems 
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  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
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
115960  Operate mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment and control systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person achieving this unit standard will be able to explain the need, broad working principles and uses of electrical mechanicals, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems. This competence will enable the learner to supervise the operation of hydraulic/pneumatic, mechanical and electrical control systems in accordance with safe work practices and recognize when they have failed. This will contribute towards keeping the works functioning in an efficient manner to ensure continuous service to the community. In acquiring this competence the qualifying learner will lay a good foundation for future learning and better understanding of the broader context of functioning of the plant. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 3.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical systems at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Liquids:
  • Water and oil.

    Control systems:
  • Mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic control systems.

    Hydraulic and pneumatic control valves:
  • Single action directional flow, double action directional flow, dump valves and orifice valves.

    Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators:
  • Double acting, single acting, single acting spring return. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Work with mechanical control equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need for clutches, brakes, governors, valves, drives and cables are explained in terms of operating principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Mechanical methods of varying speeds on pumps are explained for control purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Various types of control valves are identified and explained in terms of their applications in control systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control valves include but are not limited to pressure relief, vacuum relief and pressure sustaining.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain electrical control systems and demonstrate emergency procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need for electrical switchgear is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Switching (on control panels) on own works are demonstrated in accordance with safe working procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Isolation of electrical equipment on own works is demonstrated in accordance with lock-out procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The difference between isolation and emergency stop is explained in terms of their significance in order to prevent any potential accidents or damage to equipment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the flow characteristics of liquids and compressed air. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of viscosity is explained in terms of its relevance control systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects of temperature on the viscosity of fluids are explained in terms of difference in ability to control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The differences in behaviors between compressed air and liquids are explained in terms of their physical characteristics. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Operate hydraulic and pneumatic control systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and operation of hydraulic and pneumatic control valves is explained in terms of their ability to control the flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Components of controls systems are identified and discussed in terms of their functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Functions of pressure valves are explained identified and explained by means of a diagram. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pressure valves include but arte not limited to pressure relief valve, pressure sustaining valves and vacuum relief valves.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential problems associated with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems are identified and explained in order to take corrective action. 


    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 
  • Flow characteristics of fluids and compressed air.
  • Calculations of linear and circumferential speeds.
  • Preventative maintenance plan including purpose.
  • Compression of air and non compression of liquids (e.g. bicycle pump demonstration).
  • Relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Viscosity of fluids.
  • Causes of turbining and preventative methods.
  • The regulations pertaining to electricity.
  • Methods for extinguish electrical fires.
  • Principles of earth leakage.
  • Differences between AC and DC voltages.
  • The difference between low and medium voltage systems and related dangers.
  • Reasons for an electrical emergency stop (electrical and mechanical).
  • Important diagnostic variables and variable displays related to mechanical and electrical systems (e.g. voltage, amperage, oil levels, cooling water flow, inlet/outlet pressure and all instruments and gauges relevant to the plant).
  • Different types of switchgear and their standard switching and isolating procedures (limited to Star-Delta, direct-on-line, liquid starters and variable speeds-AC/DC).
  • Applications of hydraulic and pneumatic control systems.
  • Relevant work policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    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 to determine in which part of the control system the problem is most likely to exist. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, to ensure that electrical switchgear is serviced by qualified persons. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to ensure that those aspects of maintenance which are an own responsibility are properly carried out. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information pertaining to the maintenance of control systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation to communicate faults in control systems to those responsible for corrective action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by following correct procedures when working with hydraulic fluids and cleaning agents. 

    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 for complex control systems. 

    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 115960, "Operate mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment and control systems", Level 4, 10 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.
  • Observations and simulations.
  • Evaluation of calculations, diagrams and records. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61709   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    2. EMANZINI STAFFING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. ERWAT 
    5. KGWEBISWANO SUPPLIES & SERVICES 
    6. PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING (PTY) LTD 


    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.