SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Leather Tanning Machine Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101675	Occupational Certificate: Leather Tanning 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	154	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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
58227	National Certificate: Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Manufacturing Processes	Level 2	NQF Level 02	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Leather Tanning Machine Operator.

A Leather Tanning Machine Operator receives hides from the beam house and performs tanning, re-tanning and dyeing procedures to achieve the desired qualities and characteristics of the leather as per customer specifications.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Prepare chemical liquors for the various stages of the leather tanning, re-tanning and dyeing processes in the dye house.

Operate a drum to process hides in the leather tanning, re-tanning and dyeing process through the various stages of the process.

Monitor the operation of the drum and the various chemical stages of the leather tanning, re-tanning and dyeing process.

Rationale:
According to information available from the International Trade Centre (ITC), leather is one of the world's most widely traded commodities. The trade in leather and leather products is worth more than US$ 60 billion per year and is predicted to grow even further.

Trade in hides and skins, and semi-processed tanned leather goods are a lucrative business. African countries have 15% of the world's cattle and 25% of its sheep and goats, but produce only 14.9% of global output of hides and skins, 8% of bovine hides and 14% of sheep and goat skins. Exports of hides and skins have fallen in recent years to below 4%, yet leather is ranked very high as an export commodity in several African countries. The countries' tanning capacity has fallen from 9.2% to 6.8%. At the same time, the livestock population has jumped about 25% over the last decade, faster than the world trend.

The ITC, with financial support from the Netherlands, launched its Integrated Leather Sector Export Development Programme for support to the leather manufacturing industry and to boost exports whereby the entire continent stands to benefit.

Successful development of the sector could help reduce poverty in rural areas. As a labour-intensive industry, it is an important source of employment. Employment will be dependant on well skilled operators in these rural areas. The production of hides/skins is dependant on Leather Tanning Machine Operators after going through the beam house operation process. Possible learners could be school leavers, adults not in employment, not in education or in training.

A Blueprint for the African Leather Industry is a report commissioned by the UN Industrial Development Organization and jointly prepared by the ITC, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Common Fund for Commodities. It identifies Africa's potential and makes recommendations to players in the supply chain - governments, the private sector and international organizations. The report is the outcome of the "Meet in Africa 2002" meeting that brought together 25 African experts in Tunis. Information from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, on the leather manufacturing industry in South Africa shows that hides, skins and leather are by-products of farming stock and wild animals bred primarily for meat consumption and are mainly recovered from slaughterhouses and farms. Because the leather industry depends on the recovery of hides and skins of the farming stock and wild animals, availability of raw material directly depends on the size of the animal population, the take off ratio and the weight/size of the hide/skin recovered.

The quality of South African hides has been positively influenced by the rise in the number of feedlots operating in the meat industry, with animals thus spending less time in the open veldt. These hides are rated to be superior to other sub-Saharan African and most Asian hides, but inferior to most hides from Australia, Argentina, the United States (US) and Europe. Their relatively small size renders them just marginally suited for upholstery and automotive leather. However, over 60% of South African hides are regarded as suitable for automotive leather.

The Motor Industry Development Program (MIDP) was introduced to support the leather manufacturing industry. The key component of the MIDP with regards to automotive upholstery is that it contained an import-export complementation scheme. Export of stitched leather seat covers responded positively to this incentive and increased the demand for local hides and skins.

The raw skins, hides and leather industry are also an important earner of foreign exchange through the export of raw leather and tanned leather. The industry exports mainly to Europe (Italy, Turkey and Germany) and to Asia (Japan, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong and China).

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

Adult Education and Training (AET) 3 with 3 years of experience in the leather tanning, re-tanning or dyeing department.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and, Practical Skill Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

715501002-KM-01: Leather Tanning, Re-tanning and Dyeing Process Technology, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715501002-KM-02: Leather Tanning Process, Level 2, 3 Credits.

715501002-KM-03: Leather Neutralising Process, Level 2, 3 Credits.

715501002-KM-04: Leather Re-tanning Process, Level 2, 3 Credits.

715501002-KM-05: Leather Dyeing Processes, Level 2, 3 Credits.

715501002-KM-06: Leather Fat-liquoring Process, Level 2, 3 Credits.

715501002-KM-07: Leather Dye Fixing Process, Level 2, 3 Credits.

715501002-KM-08: Basic Leather Production and Manufacturing Concepts, Level 2, 6 Credits.

715501002-KM-09: Applied Numerical Literacy in the Leather Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.

715501002-KM-10: Applied English Literacy for the Leather Industry, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 36.

Practical Skill Modules:

715501002-PM-01: Interpret the chemical recipe and mix tanning, re-tanning or dyeing liquors accordingly, Level 2, 17 Credits.

715501002-PM-02: Process hides through the various tanning, re-tanning or dyeing stages by operating a drum, Level 2, 10 Credits.

715501002-PM-03: Ensure the quality of tanned, re-tanned or dyed hides by thorough monitoring of the specific stage of the process, Level 2, 15 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 42.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

715501002-WM-01: Chemical preparation for various leather tanning, re-tanning and dyeing processes, Level 2, 20 Credits.

715501002-WM-02: Hide tanning, re-tanning and dyeing processes, Level 2, 30 Credits.

715501002-WM-03: Monitoring of drum operation and leather tanning, re-tanning and dyeing process quality, Level 2, 26 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 76.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Produce a tanned, re-tanned or dyed hide/skin to company standards by operating a drum whilst complying with safety and company standards.
2. Identify and handle a range of hide and skin according to type, substance and consistency to conform to quality standards.
3. Mix chemicals for a range of liquors used in the re-tanning and dyeing process.
4. Interpret and apply the indicators on the tanning, re-tanning and dyeing process sheet or recipe.
5. Apply basic calculations to the tanning, re-tanning and dyeing procedures in the tan/dye/re-tan house.
6. Comply with safety and health standards and requirements in the tanning, re-tanning and dyeing process.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The work instruction is correctly interpreted and information is applied in the tanning, re-tanning and dyeing operation to meet the set standard for the product.

The purpose of the operations and tanning, re-tanning and dyeing processes are explained.

The causes, dangers and prevention of tangling of hides/skins during the liming process are explained.

Hide/skins are processed to crust state by operating a drum.

The operations of a drum such as stopping the full drum with the door in the right place and opening and closing the drum door are demonstrated.

The hides/skins are checked at intervals during the process.

Sound housekeeping procedures are applied to ensure a safe and hygienic working area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Hides/skins which are heavy are handled with dexterity.

Various types of hides and skins are correctly identified.

Substance differences are identified.

Hides and skin are correctly weighed and weight is accurately recorded.

Hides and skin are correctly and safely handled to avoid accidents and injury.

Sections of hide and skin are correctly identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

A chemical recipe for a liquor used in the tanning, re-tanning and dyeing process is correctly interpreted.

All items on the recipe are identified and correct quantities determined.

Thermometers are accurately used at the appropriate stages in the process.

The pH of the solution is determined using the appropriate indicators.

The correct amounts of reactants and raw materials are determined by using the correct measuring equipment.

Measuring equipment is used accurately and tared when necessary.

Chemicals and liquors are handled and stored in a safe manner ensuring the prevention of incidents and accidents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The time line of the process and accurate timing are applied.

The recipe indicators such as temperature, process conditions, and pH, are accurately applied.

The sequence order of addition of chemicals is applied to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

The quantity of substrate to be used is calculated.

The amount of chemicals required is calculated.

The calculation of chemicals required is rechecked.

Calculations used in the tan, re-tan and dye house such as add, subtract, multiply and divide simple numbers and percentages, volume and counting are accurately completed.

Volumes and weights of chemicals are verified by applying correct measuring skills.

Digital displays on digital scales are understood and analogue scales are read.

Recording of measurements is accurately completed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

The guard covers of the machines are checked to ensure they are in the correct position.

Personal protective clothing is worn.

Safety stops are used to ensure the machine stops during an emergency.

Sound housekeeping is applied in order to ensure a safe working environment.

The working area is cleaned with hot water and detergent.

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 Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (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: Leather Tanning Machine Operator has been compared to two international qualifications.

Australia:
The Australian Certificate II in Leather Production - MST20316 is registered at Level 2 and is a comprehensive standards-based qualification with compulsory and elective unit standards. Certificate II reflects vocational outcomes for those performing a limited range of technical and operational tasks within a production environment. This qualification is typically used to develop skill and knowledge in the operations of a hide, skin and leather processing enterprise, or an enterprise involved in the production of leather goods. As is the case with many standards-based qualifications, these compulsory unit standards relate to generic skills and knowledge related to teamwork, quality, safety, maintenance and productivity, whilst those aspects related to the leather processing and operation of machines are categorised as elective unit standards. The result is that the learner can acquire a plethora of unit standards and still not be competent in operating the relevant machines or conducting the relevant operations in the specific leather process. The qualification encompasses the full range of processes in leather processing and does not focus on a limited range of leather processing aspects. Some multi-skilled roles can be accommodated in this qualification due to the elective component.

New Zealand:
The New Zealand qualification, National Certificate in Hide Processing (Level 2) (Ref: 0717), focusses only on the fleshing component of hide/skin processing with limited reference to other leather processes.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded that the Occupational Certificate: Beam House Machine Operator compares favourably with the international offerings in terms of content.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification articulates horizontally with the following registered qualifications:

Occupational Certificate: Footwear Closing Production Machine Operator, Level 2, 130 Credits.

Occupational Certificate: Footwear Cutting Machine Operator, Level 2, 130 Credits.

This qualification articulates horizontally with the following occupational qualifications currently being developed:

Occupational Certificate: Beam House Machine Operator, Level 2, 134 Credits.

Occupational Certificate: Leather Finishing Machine Operator, Level 2, 154 Credits.

This qualification articulates vertically with the following registered qualifications:

National Certificate: Manufacturing, Level 3, 122 Credits.

National Certificate: Meat Processing, Level 3, 120 Credits.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:
In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

The curriculum title and code is: Leather Tanning Machine Operator: 715501002.

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Part Qualifications:
None.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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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.

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