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: 

Cut, drill and punch, assemble and mechanically join structural steel work 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12253  Cut, drill and punch, assemble and mechanically join structural steel work 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
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 4  NQF Level 04  24 
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 
Performing mechanical cutting, drilling, punching, assembling and joining operations using hand tools, power tools and machines as used in the fabrication industry.

The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required by people in the field of engineering fabrication, which includes boilermaking, sheetmetal working, welding and vehicle body building. The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Fabrication (Light / Heavy) (NQF level 4) and related qualifications. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for cutting, drilling, punching, assembling and mechanically joining metals in engineering fabrication.

The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already learned to mechanically cut, drill and punch fabrication materials using powered machinery and to assemble and mechanically join sheet, plate, tube, pipe and steel sections. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
A general guide to the scope, context conditions, and level at which I am expected to perform.

The scope and level of this unit standard is determined by the ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes. Work is performed autonomously. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare for work activity. 
OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Interpret job instructions and determine sequence of operations
  • Select equipment and lubricants
  • Prepare machines for operation, including routine maintenance and pre-operational checks
    o Select and fit correct tooling
    o Replace worn tooling, if required
  • Set up machines
  • Identify materials and verify material characteristics
  • Select types of mechanical joining methods
  • Identify potential hazards and take preventative action 
  • OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Material types include low carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, aluminium alloys, copper alloys and plastics.
  • Section shapes include sheet materials, plate and structural sections.
  • Material thickness typically ranges from 0.4 to 100mm.
  • Mechanical cutting machines include guillotines, croppers, cut-off saws, drop saws, punches and notchers, jig saws, band saws and bevellers.
  • Power includes electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic with control systems being manual or computer operated
  • Mechanical joining includes self-secured joints, all types of fastenings, adhesives and sealants as used within the fabrication industry
  • All work practices must meet recognised codes of practice and documented safety procedures for personal, product and worksite safety, and must meet the obligations under current legislation 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Materials / components are cut, drilled, punched, assembled and mechanically joined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Correct machines and tools are selected
    2. Equipment is set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
    3. Correct consumables are selected
    4. Materials are identified
    5. Materials are properly prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
    6. Blade clearances conform to manufacturer's technical information
    7. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
    8. Cut edges conform to job specifications and worksite procedures
    9. Appropriate mechanical and assembly methods are identified and applied
    10. Appropriate calculations for joint allowances are made
    11. Jigs and fixtures are constructed according to job specifications
    12. Materials are assembled and mechanically joined according to job specifications and job instructions
    13. Non-conformances are identified and rectified
    14. Non-rectifiable non-conformances are reported to appropriate personnel
    15. Safe working practices are adhered to
    16. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

    Understanding confirmed :

    Explain and discuss
    1. Processes of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
    2. Equipment, functions, tools, parts and set up
    3. Materials - thickness and types
    4. Blade clearances
    5. Lubricants
    6. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
    7. Construction of jigs and fixtures
    8. Assembly and joining techniques
    9. Advantages and disadvantages of various joining methods
    10. Purpose of joint allowance
    11. Factors affecting joint integrity
    12. Causes of distortion and control methods
    13. Joint finishing
    14. Hazards
    15. Safety practices
    16. Reporting and documentation
    17. Fabricated component is produced to specifications 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform mechanical cutting, drilling and punching of materials. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Determine cutting parameters
  • Confirm blade clearances to achieve shearing
  • Cut, drill and punch materials to specifications
  • Dispose of waste materials
  • Store reusable material
  • Clean and restore work area 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Materials / components are cut, drilled, punched, assembled and mechanically joined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Correct machines and tools are selected
    2. Equipment is set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
    3. Correct consumables are selected
    4. Materials are identified
    5. Materials are properly prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
    6. Blade clearances conform to manufacturer's technical information
    7. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
    8. Cut edges conform to job specifications and worksite procedures
    9. Appropriate mechanical and assembly methods are identified and applied
    10. Appropriate calculations for joint allowances are made
    11. Jigs and fixtures are constructed according to job specifications
    12. Materials are assembled and mechanically joined according to job specifications and job instructions
    13. Non-conformances are identified and rectified
    14. Non-rectifiable non-conformances are reported to appropriate personnel
    15. Safe working practices are adhered to
    16. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

    Understanding confirmed :

    Explain and discuss
    1. Processes of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
    2. Equipment, functions, tools, parts and set up
    3. Materials - thickness and types
    4. Blade clearances
    5. Lubricants
    6. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
    7. Construction of jigs and fixtures
    8. Assembly and joining techniques
    9. Advantages and disadvantages of various joining methods
    10. Purpose of joint allowance
    11. Factors affecting joint integrity
    12. Causes of distortion and control methods
    13. Joint finishing
    14. Hazards
    15. Safety practices
    16. Reporting and documentation
    17. Fabricated component is produced to specifications 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform assembly and mechanical joining of materials . 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Assemble materials
  • Mechanically join materials
  • Construct jigs and fixtures
  • Perform site erection and layout
  • Correct distortion
  • Carry out finishing 
  • OUTCOME RANGE 
    Erection includes scaffolding or stagging, safe use of cranes 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Materials / components are cut, drilled, punched, assembled and mechanically joined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Correct machines and tools are selected
    2. Equipment is set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
    3. Correct consumables are selected
    4. Materials are identified
    5. Materials are properly prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
    6. Blade clearances conform to manufacturer's technical information
    7. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
    8. Cut edges conform to job specifications and worksite procedures
    9. Appropriate mechanical and assembly methods are identified and applied
    10. Appropriate calculations for joint allowances are made
    11. Jigs and fixtures are constructed according to job specifications
    12. Materials are assembled and mechanically joined according to job specifications and job instructions
    13. Non-conformances are identified and rectified
    14. Non-rectifiable non-conformances are reported to appropriate personnel
    15. Safe working practices are adhered to
    16. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

    Understanding confirmed :

    Explain and discuss
    1. Processes of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
    2. Equipment, functions, tools, parts and set up
    3. Materials - thickness and types
    4. Blade clearances
    5. Lubricants
    6. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
    7. Construction of jigs and fixtures
    8. Assembly and joining techniques
    9. Advantages and disadvantages of various joining methods
    10. Purpose of joint allowance
    11. Factors affecting joint integrity
    12. Causes of distortion and control methods
    13. Joint finishing
    14. Hazards
    15. Safety practices
    16. Reporting and documentation
    17. Fabricated component is produced to specifications 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply quality checks. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Inspect and measure cut, drilled and punched materials for compliance to job specifications
  • Inspect and measure assemblies and mechanical joints for compliance to job specifications 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Materials / components are cut, drilled, punched, assembled and mechanically joined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Correct machines and tools are selected
    2. Equipment is set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
    3. Correct consumables are selected
    4. Materials are identified
    5. Materials are properly prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
    6. Blade clearances conform to manufacturer's technical information
    7. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
    8. Cut edges conform to job specifications and worksite procedures
    9. Appropriate mechanical and assembly methods are identified and applied
    10. Appropriate calculations for joint allowances are made
    11. Jigs and fixtures are constructed according to job specifications
    12. Materials are assembled and mechanically joined according to job specifications and job instructions
    13. Non-conformances are identified and rectified
    14. Non-rectifiable non-conformances are reported to appropriate personnel
    15. Safe working practices are adhered to
    16. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

    Understanding confirmed :

    Explain and discuss
    1. Processes of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
    2. Equipment, functions, tools, parts and set up
    3. Materials - thickness and types
    4. Blade clearances
    5. Lubricants
    6. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
    7. Construction of jigs and fixtures
    8. Assembly and joining techniques
    9. Advantages and disadvantages of various joining methods
    10. Purpose of joint allowance
    11. Factors affecting joint integrity
    12. Causes of distortion and control methods
    13. Joint finishing
    14. Hazards
    15. Safety practices
    16. Reporting and documentation
    17. Fabricated component is produced to specifications 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Identify, document and rectify non-conformances and report non-rectifiable problems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Materials / components are cut, drilled, punched, assembled and mechanically joined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Correct machines and tools are selected
    2. Equipment is set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
    3. Correct consumables are selected
    4. Materials are identified
    5. Materials are properly prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
    6. Blade clearances conform to manufacturer's technical information
    7. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
    8. Cut edges conform to job specifications and worksite procedures
    9. Appropriate mechanical and assembly methods are identified and applied
    10. Appropriate calculations for joint allowances are made
    11. Jigs and fixtures are constructed according to job specifications
    12. Materials are assembled and mechanically joined according to job specifications and job instructions
    13. Non-conformances are identified and rectified
    14. Non-rectifiable non-conformances are reported to appropriate personnel
    15. Safe working practices are adhered to
    16. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

    Understanding confirmed :

    Explain and discuss
    1. Processes of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
    2. Equipment, functions, tools, parts and set up
    3. Materials - thickness and types
    4. Blade clearances
    5. Lubricants
    6. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
    7. Construction of jigs and fixtures
    8. Assembly and joining techniques
    9. Advantages and disadvantages of various joining methods
    10. Purpose of joint allowance
    11. Factors affecting joint integrity
    12. Causes of distortion and control methods
    13. Joint finishing
    14. Hazards
    15. Safety practices
    16. Reporting and documentation
    17. Fabricated component is produced to specifications 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Record information on work done. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Materials / components are cut, drilled, punched, assembled and mechanically joined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Correct machines and tools are selected
    2. Equipment is set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
    3. Correct consumables are selected
    4. Materials are identified
    5. Materials are properly prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
    6. Blade clearances conform to manufacturer's technical information
    7. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
    8. Cut edges conform to job specifications and worksite procedures
    9. Appropriate mechanical and assembly methods are identified and applied
    10. Appropriate calculations for joint allowances are made
    11. Jigs and fixtures are constructed according to job specifications
    12. Materials are assembled and mechanically joined according to job specifications and job instructions
    13. Non-conformances are identified and rectified
    14. Non-rectifiable non-conformances are reported to appropriate personnel
    15. Safe working practices are adhered to
    16. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

    Understanding confirmed :

    Explain and discuss
    1. Processes of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
    2. Equipment, functions, tools, parts and set up
    3. Materials - thickness and types
    4. Blade clearances
    5. Lubricants
    6. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
    7. Construction of jigs and fixtures
    8. Assembly and joining techniques
    9. Advantages and disadvantages of various joining methods
    10. Purpose of joint allowance
    11. Factors affecting joint integrity
    12. Causes of distortion and control methods
    13. Joint finishing
    14. Hazards
    15. Safety practices
    16. Reporting and documentation
    17. Fabricated component is produced to specifications 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Apply safe working practices and discuss issues related to safety of self, fellow workers. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Apply safe working practices and discuss issues related to safety of self, fellow workers, machines, equipment, materials and the environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Safe working practices include use of appropriate personal protective equipment, safe material handling, applicable housekeeping practices and identification and prevention of hazards in the working environment 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Materials / components are cut, drilled, punched, assembled and mechanically joined. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Indicators:

    1. Correct machines and tools are selected
    2. Equipment is set up to work safely and without damage to work piece or equipment
    3. Correct consumables are selected
    4. Materials are identified
    5. Materials are properly prepared for cutting, drilling and punching operations
    6. Blade clearances conform to manufacturer's technical information
    7. Materials are cut, drilled or punched according to specifications
    8. Cut edges conform to job specifications and worksite procedures
    9. Appropriate mechanical and assembly methods are identified and applied
    10. Appropriate calculations for joint allowances are made
    11. Jigs and fixtures are constructed according to job specifications
    12. Materials are assembled and mechanically joined according to job specifications and job instructions
    13. Non-conformances are identified and rectified
    14. Non-rectifiable non-conformances are reported to appropriate personnel
    15. Safe working practices are adhered to
    16. A clean and tidy work environment is maintained

    Understanding confirmed :

    Explain and discuss
    1. Processes of mechanical cutting, drilling and punching
    2. Equipment, functions, tools, parts and set up
    3. Materials - thickness and types
    4. Blade clearances
    5. Lubricants
    6. Cutting, drilling and punching defects
    7. Construction of jigs and fixtures
    8. Assembly and joining techniques
    9. Advantages and disadvantages of various joining methods
    10. Purpose of joint allowance
    11. Factors affecting joint integrity
    12. Causes of distortion and control methods
    13. Joint finishing
    14. Hazards
    15. Safety practices
    16. Reporting and documentation
    17. Fabricated component is produced to specifications 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the MERSETA ETQA, which has the jurisdiction over this field of learning. My assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.

    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 in the workplace but I can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were produced outside of the workplace.

    I can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits, or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names & functions of:
  • Tools, equipment, machines
  • Lubricants
  • Assembly components
  • Personal protective equipment

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Types of machines, equipment, tools
  • Types of materials
  • Non-conformances
  • Lubricants
  • Types and strength of materials
  • Types of mechanical joining methods
  • Hazards
  • Distortion
  • Shearing force

    Purpose of:
  • Dimensional correctness, tolerance and finish conformity
  • Purpose of lubricants
  • Purpose of and techniques for treating edges mechanically
  • Calculations
  • Mechanical joining methods
  • Assembly methods
  • Correct identification of assembly components
  • Safety procedures
  • Quality checks
  • Reporting / recording procedures

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Effect of mechanical cutting processes on material characteristics
  • Process of preparing material prior to cutting
  • Implications of incorrectly constructing jigs and fixtures
  • Implications of using incorrect assembly and mechanical joining methods
  • Implications of ignoring hazards, distortions
  • Implications of incorrect selection of assembly components
  • Implications of defective tools and equipment

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Set up procedures for mechanical cutting machines
  • Assembly and mechanical joining procedures
  • Construction of jigs and fixtures
  • Performing calculations
  • Safety procedures
  • Quality procedures
  • Recording and reporting procedures

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable basic cutting theory covering properties and characteristics of materials
  • Principles of assembly and mechanical joining

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of the capacity of machines to material types, thicknesses and shapes to be cut 


  • Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Identify hazards and take preventative action
  • Recognise problems while assembling and mechanically joining materials and respond appropriately
  • Recognise and correct distortions 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work together with others:
  • Co-ordinate efforts of workgroup
  • Coach and guide workgroup members 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • Plan sequence of operations based on job instructions and set up equipment appropriately 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information;
  • Inspect cut materials and identify non-conformances
  • Ongoing monitoring of assembly and joining processes 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Give clear instructions and guidance to assistants
  • Provide feedback on progress of work to appropriate personnel
  • Record outcome of work 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Apply principles of material properties, characteristics and strengths
  • Use international standards to determine backmarks, landings, pitches 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Understand and explain the relationship between capacity of machines and materials thickness, types and shapes to be cut
  • Understand and explain the role of the assembly and mechanical joining of materials in the engineering fabrication industry 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58721   Further Education and Training Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  22871   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication (light or heavy)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2007-08-16  MERSETA 
    Elective  50560   Further Education and Training Certificate: Small Craft Construction  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2009-08-31  Was MERSETA 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.