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 QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Dyeing Machine Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101278  Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Dyeing Machine Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - FPMSETA (MAN) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  168  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Textile Wet Process Dyeing Machine Operator.

A Textile Wet Process Dyeing Machine Operator operates a variety of dyeing machines and programs to add colour to fibres, yarns, fabrics, garments or carpets. (Fibres, yarn, fabric, garments or carpet is hereafter referred to as the substrate).

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Operate textile dyeing machines to achieve continuous production.
  • Monitor production of substrate during textile dyeing processes according to specification within operator control.
  • Identify and attend to dyeing machine quality and waste control issues and complete administrative reports for management.
  • Apply all maintenance, safety and housekeeping standards.

    Rationale:
    In 2013, the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) industry accounted for about 14% of manufacturing employment and represented South Africa's second largest source of tax revenue. The industry facilitates an estimated 80 000 jobs and contributes around 8% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

    The domestic industry can be found mostly in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, with some activity taking place in Gauteng.

    Owing to technological developments that are closing the major product gaps, local textile production has evolved into a capital-intensive industry, producing synthetic fibres in ever-increasing proportions.

    In July 2007, Cabinet endorsed the first Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) that detailed key action and timeframes for the implementation of the policy. The textile sector was selected for support due to its strategic importance for its contribution to employment and the desire to retain the core capabilities that had been developed in the industry.

    The Clothing and Textiles Competitiveness Program (CTCP) was introduced in 2009 and is subdivided into the Competitiveness Improvement Program (CIP) and Production Incentive Program (PIP). Both CIP and PIP make provision for skills development, aimed at addressing the persistent skills deficits and mismatches that continue to hamper individual and technological development. This qualification will support the above national strategies.

    Two distinct target groups have been identified. Firstly, new entrants into the industry who have a school qualification or adults with limited basic schooling, and existing employees/operators who have been operating in the industry for a number of years without receiving appropriate recognition for the competencies acquired in the workplace and who are operating without the necessary underpinning knowledge.

    The textile industry is in a growth phase due to the ongoing support by government with new employment opportunities being created in specialised textiles. The replacement of an ageing workforce approaching retirement will create employment opportunities. The qualification is very well suited to promote employment in capital intensive sub-sectors in the textile industry in general.

    The qualification will contribute to improved productivity, efficiency and quality, increase labour stability, reduction in accidents, and the extended life of the production machinery and equipment.

    Qualifying against the new curriculum standard due to its multi-skilling nature and structure of learning will increase job security and improve employability in this occupation as well as in related operational activities. In addition, the qualification will also assist towards qualifying for career advancement, particularly into a supervisory or artisanal role. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Level 1 with Communication.
    Or
  • 3 years' workplace experience in a Textile Wet Processing Department. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 715401001-KM-01, Textile Wet Process Dyeing Technology, Level 2, 24 Credits.
  • 715401001-KM-02, Textile Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 715401001-KM-03, Applied Numerical Literacy in the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 715401001-KM-04, Applied English Literacy for the Textile Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 715401001-PM-01, Load, start, stop, control, and off-load textile dyeing machines, Level 2, 40 Credits.
  • 715401001-PM-02, Patrol and monitor dyeing machines continuously to ensure machines are running smoothly, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 715401001-PM-03, Inspect textile dyeing products for visible defects and take corrective action, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 715401001-PM-04, Maintain workplace standards for machine condition, safety and housekeeping, Level 2, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 62.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 715401001-WM-01, Textile dyeing operations, Level 2, 40 Credits.
  • 715401001-WM-02, Textile dyeing process, Level 2, 14 Credits.
  • 715401001-WM-03, Textile dyeing quality and production standards, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 715401001-WM-04, Workplace productivity and safety standards, Level 2, 6 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 66. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Accurately interpret typical textile dyeing recipes identifying all specified requirements.
    2. Prepare textile dyeing machines and equipment to comply with requirements for the specific textile product.
    3. Operate textile dyeing machines whilst ensuring optimisation of the production process.
    4. Execute and motivate correct textile dyeing production methods to produce dyed textile to customer specifications.
    5. Monitor textile dyeing processes to identify typical textile dyeing faults and take corrective action or report via the appropriate channels.
    6. Apply key safety requirements related to chemicals, dyes and textile dyeing hazards.
    7. Fulfil all necessary administrative duties in the dye house. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Recipe requirements for a textile dyeing process are identified and selected according to customer or company specific specifications.
  • Chemicals used in the textile dye house, their functions and safety considerations are named and described.
  • Chemicals and dye liquors are handled and stored in a safe manner ensuring prevention of incidents and accidents.
  • Chemicals and dye liquors are measured and prepared using appropriate methods to recipe specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Cleaning procedures are explained and applied using correct cleaning agents and cleaning methods.
  • Wet dyeing machine maintenance checklists are explained and applied to determine work readiness of the machine.
  • The substrate and dye liquors are loaded and quantities of each are checked to ensure availability for the production run.
  • Wet dyeing machines pre-start requirements are listed and applied in machine preparation activities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Safety checks are conducted before start up to ensure safe and correct running of dyeing machines.
  • Correct start up procedures are implemented to ensure the optimal and safe operation of the dyeing machines.
  • Standard operating procedures are followed during operation to ensure safety of personnel and quality of product.
  • Substrate is off-loaded implementing safe standards and according to job specification.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Patrolling and monitoring sequences are executed and the importance of following these processes is explained.
  • Dyeing machines are inspected at regular intervals to ensure the entire operation is running optimally.
  • Products are checked at specified intervals to ensure quality and to minimise production of rejects.
  • Sampling procedures and readings of tests such as temperature, pH levels, viscosity are applied and reasons for such sampling and readings are explained.
  • Standard operating procedures dealing with spillages, waste and effluent are applied to ensure safe working conditions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Consequences of product faults along with their origins are explained.
  • Corrective actions are grouped into actions under operator control or actions outside of operator control and the appropriate responses are described.
  • Product sample faults are visually identified and analysed to determine the appropriate corrective action or notification of a supervisor.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Material Safety Data S heet (MSDS) requirements are achieved and explained.
  • Personal protective equipment types, usage and care are identified, explained and correctly used during all textile dyeing processes.
  • Machine safety components such as guards, safety valves, emergency stops, sensors are identified, their functions explained and checked to ensure the correct settings or proper function.
  • Chemical and dye safety procedures, hazards and risks are explained and procedures are followed when working with chemicals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • All information pertaining to the production run is recorded and reasons for doing so are explained.
  • Downtime and reasons are recorded ensuring all significant details are adequately summarised.
  • Non-conformance reports are completed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Dyeing Machine Operator has been compared to National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector in India and applicable units from the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate) (LMT20107) of the Australian Government and Industry Skills Council.

    The Indian National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector focus on specific jobs in a dyeing department to run different dyeing machines efficiently so as to get maximum output with minimum defects giving due importance to safety and environmental aspects. The four (4) National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector which focus on specific processes in Textile Wet Process Dyeing, where the responsibility varies according to the specific machine used in dyeing process are:
  • TSC/Q5201: Jigger Machine Operator.
  • TSC/Q5202: Soft Flow Dyeing Machine Operator.
  • TSC/Q5203: Package Dyeing Machine Operator.
  • TSC/Q5205: Dyestuff and Chemical Preparation Operator.

    The South African qualification covers all processes from stock dyeing, yarn dyeing, hand dyeing, jigger dyeing, beam dyeing, pad-batch dyeing, jet dyeing, winch dyeing, and garment dyeing which are separated in the Indian national occupational standards.

    The content of the number of National Occupational Standards covers compulsory occupational standards such as shift hand-over, operating machinery, machine cleaning and maintenance, working in a team, health and safety in the workplace, compliance with standard operating procedures, conformity to production and quality standards, completion of administration/reporting records, communication with supervisors and so forth.

    The Indian National Occupational Standards have components referring to knowledge and understanding, as well as workplace requirements and organizational context. However, there is no reference to the practical skills that the learner will acquire.

    Credits and duration have not been determined and no comparison could be performed. The National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector is at NQF Level 4.

    Performance criteria, which will serve the purpose of assessment for different textile dyeing machines have been developed consisting of performance criteria with assigned marks proportional to its importance.

    Units from the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate) (LMT20107) covers various generic aspects related to occupational safety, general working practices such as teamwork, computer operation, productivity, sustaining process improvements and competitiveness. It also includes aspects related to generic machine operation such as machine safety, materials handling, product quality, minor machine maintenance, changeover activities, raw material identification and description, fault finding and access and use of textile production information. The units specifically relating to dyeing machine operations are:
  • LMTTX2010B: Load and operate dyeing equipment.
  • LMTTX2015B: Handle and prepare chemicals, dyes or other substances used in textile production.

    The Australian units LMTTX2010B: Load and operate dyeing equipment and LMTTX2015B: Handle and prepare chemicals, dyes or other substances used in textile production apply to the preparation of dye mix, loading fabrics or yarn, operations, monitoring and unloading of materials in a dye house. Dyeing may be conducted at the raw material stage before spinning, weaving or knitting, at the hanking stage after yarn has been spun or at the final fabric production stage.

    This qualification covers compulsory units such as operating machinery, machine cleaning and maintenance, working in a team, health and safety in the workplace, compliance with standard operating procedures, conformity to production and quality standards, completion of reporting records, communication with supervisors and so forth. The qualification includes knowledge aspects related to procedures and guidelines for safe operation of dyeing equipment; typical fault conditions and related fault finding procedures; dyeing principles; machine and tank minor maintenance and repair techniques; technical specifications manuals; quality standards and practices; OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures; workplace practices; recording and reporting practices. It includes skills aspects related to check safety equipment and evacuation procedures; handle dangerous chemicals; correctly use personal protection equipment; report any faults; accurately measure quantities for dye mix; select and use the correct liquid and solids measuring instruments and equipment; prepare yarn or fabric for dyeing; recognise, rectify and report faults or problems; clean machines and tanks as required; check machine maintenance records; confirm compliance to operational specifications; read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material; maintain accurate records; communicate within the workplace; sequence operations meet specifications; clarify and check task-related information; carry out work according to OHS practices.

    Entry requirements are not specified in the Australian Qualification. Therefore it is unclear whether the prerequisites would in fact refer to entry level requirements or other prerequisites.

    No credits or weighting of skills and knowledge are specified in the Australian units, neither is the duration. Therefore no comparison could be made.

    The Australian qualification is set at Level 2 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), whereas the South African qualification is set at NQF Level 2 on the South African National Qualifications Framework.

    The Australian qualification specifies assessment in the Evidence Guide. In addition the document mentions that assessment may occur "on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment" and it may be "assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units".

    Conclusion:
    The content of these qualifications regarding the skills and knowledge needed by an operator of a dyeing machine are similar and covers various dyeing contexts and processes. It can be concluded that these qualifications compare well and that the South African qualification is on par with the requirements of the National Occupational Standards for the Textile Sector as well as the Certificate II in Textile Production (Intermediate) (LMT20107). 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • SAQA ID: 67409; National Certificate: N2 Technical Dyer/Printer/Finisher. Level 2, 40 Credits.
  • SAQA ID: 57900; National Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging, Level 2, 126 Credits..

    This qualification articulates horizontally with qualifications currently in the registration process:
  • Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Printing Machine Operator.
  • Occupational Certificate: Textile Wet Process Finishing Machine Operator.

    This qualification articulates vertically with:
  • SAQA ID: 67531; National Certificate: N3 Technical Dyer/Finisher, Level 3, 40 Credits.
  • SAQA ID: 67532; National Certificate: N3: Printer/Finisher, Level 3, 40 Credits.
  • SAQA ID: 57899; National Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging, Level 3, 128 Credits. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.