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: 

Operate mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment and control systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115960  Operate mechanical, electrical and hydraulic equipment and 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" 
2007-05-15  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
255983  Supervise the operation of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic control systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to explain the principles of fluid mechanics, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems. This competence will enable the learner to operate hydraulic/pneumatic, mechanical and electrical control systems in accordance with safe work practices. 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 action, and better understand the broader context of own work. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Calculations (NQF level 3) including fractions, percentages and conversions, literacy NQF3; knowledge of the operation of mechanical and electrical systems; knowledge of pumps, impellers and valves; knowledge of flow diagrams. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Various types of pumps
  • Centrifugal, positive displacement, axial

    Methods of varying speeds
  • Pulley sizes, gearing, AC/DC variable speed drives

    Various types of valves
  • Gate valves, butterfly valves, needle valves, spherical valves, sleeve valves, diaphragm valves and reflux valves.

    Liquids
  • Water and oil

    Input
  • Pump hours, pumping schedules, water demand etc.

    Methods for reducing high pressure
  • Isolating valves, scouring, activating pressure reducing valves etc.

    Hazardous chemicals
  • Chlorine, caustic soda and ferric chloride, sulphuric acid, fluorides etc.

    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 
    Explain the operating principles of mechanical equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Operating principles of various types of pumps, blowers and compressors are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of varying speeds on pumps are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Principles of lubrication are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Various types of valves and applications are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Types of gland seals are identified and their purpose and function are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Comply with a preventative maintenance plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Input for the preventative maintenance plan is documented and discussed with the relevant person. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The preventative maintenance plan is interpreted and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Preventative maintenance is completed by specified personnel in accordance with the plan and work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Mechanical outages and tasks are planned to minimise costs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Problems with maintenance tasks are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate electrical control systems and emergency procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Switching (on control panels) and isolating procedures on own works are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rescuing and revival of an electrocuted person is demonstrated in accordance with safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An emergency stop is demonstrated in accordance with work procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate isolation procedures of mechanical systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    High-pressure systems are isolated in accordance with own works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Low-pressure systems are isolated in accordance with own works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods for reducing high pressure to ensure a safe working environment when effecting repairs and maintenance are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Mechanical isolation for hazardous chemicals is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The prevention or rectification of turbining is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate start-up procedures of mechanical equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pre-start-up inspection is completed and recorded in logbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Start-up is completed and all variables are recorded in logbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Post start-up inspection and adjustments are completed in accordance with work procedures and recorded in logbook. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain the flow characteristics of liquids and compressed air. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Viscosity of fluids is explained and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Effects of temperature variation on fluids are explained and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The differences in behaviour between compressed air and liquids are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Laminar and turbulent flow in pipelines are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Operate hydraulic and pneumatic control systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hydraulic and pneumatic control valves are identified and their operation is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hydraulic and pneumatic flow diagrams, including components and purpose, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operation of hydraulic and pneumatic actuators is explained and components are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Function of pressure relief valves is explained and components are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Diagram of manual hydraulic pump is drawn, component parts are labelled and operation is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Operate hydraulic and pneumatic control systems in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated. 


    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 
  • Units of measuring flow.
  • Flow characteristics of fluids and compressed air.
  • Calculations of linear and circumferential speeds.
  • Preventative maintenance plan including purpose.
  • Calculation of flow measurements.
  • Compression of air and non compression of liquids (e.g. bicycle pump demonstration)
  • Cavitation including conditions and damage caused by cavitation.
  • Relevant sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Viscosity of fluids.
  • Causes of turbining and preventative methods.
  • Various sizes and compositions of packing materials and their applications.
  • 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).
  • The elements of fire (fuel, oxygen and heat) and the principles of extinguishing differently fuelled fires.
  • Applications of hydraulic and pneumatic control systems.
  • Rescue and revival of electrocuted persons.
  • 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.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Problems with maintenance tasks are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated.
  • Problems with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated. 

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

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 

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

    Assessment criteria:
  • Input for the preventative maintenance plan is documented and discussed with the relevant person.
  • Preventative maintenance is completed by specified personnel in accordance with the plan and work procedures. 

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

    Assessment criteria:
  • Problems with maintenance tasks are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated.
  • Start-up is completed and all variables are recorded in logbook.
  • Problems with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated. 

  • 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:
  • Problems with maintenance tasks are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated.
  • Problems with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems are identified and appropriate corrective action is demonstrated. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 255983, which is "Supervise the operation of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic 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  48910   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water Purification Processes  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. DINALEDI MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES 
    2. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (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.