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: Industrial Water Plant Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102758  Occupational Certificate: Industrial Water Plant Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - EWSETA -Engineering 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  262  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-26  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
77163  National Certificate: Industrial Water Treatment Support System Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  128  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Industrial Water Plant Operator. An Industrial Water Plant Operator operates and monitors industrial plant to store, distributes and treats industrial water such as demineralisation, desalination, condensate polishing, chemical waste, environmental waste, cooling water, membrane technology and process water including water for human consumption, industrial use, wastewater treatment and fire fighting for sustainable industrial water production.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Inspect, evaluate, operate, control and report chemical, biological and physical unit processes and associated plant.
  • Conduct water sampling and quality test.
  • Check and report the level of performance of the plant and equipment.
  • Use information and communicative systems to operate industrial water treatment plant.

    Rationale:
    The socio-economic growth of the country and water being a scarce resource coupled with the ever-changing environmental landscape within the industrial water sector, require skilled and competent industrial water and wastewater treatment operators to operate industrial water treatment processes.

    The operators of water supply and wastewater facilities in the water industry require technical operating personnel that are properly trained to meet the ever-increasing challenges due to rapid industrialization and therefore there is industrial waste which requires specific competencies to address or prevent it.

    The industry is currently experiencing restructuring involving the introduction of sustainable practices, energy and resource efficiency, new green technologies, and clean water, which are all changes that require upgrading significant skills. This qualification will provide learners with requisite skills and competencies to cope with operating demands. It forms the basis for career pathing for those working or intending to work in the industrial water and wastewater sector.

    This qualification was developed with the full participation of major stakeholders such as ESKOM, CHIETA, FESTO, WISA, Department of Water and Sanitation, Independent consultants, skills development providers, Mining industry, academies and TVET colleges. 
    		•

    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 4 qualifications with Mathematics, Science and Communication. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 313201001-KM-01, Legislation, Regulations, and Water Quality, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 313201001-KM-02, Industrial Water Treatment, Level 4, 50 Credits.
  • 313201001-KM-03, Introduction to Water Systems Operations, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 313201001-KM-04, Sampling and Water Quality Tests, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 313201001-KM-05, Administration and Communications, Level 4, 8 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 89.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 313201001-PM-01, Operate an Industrial Water Treatment Plant and Evaluate Plant Performance, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 313201001-PM-02, Operate and Control Chemical Dosing Systems, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 313201001-PM-03, Conduct Industrial Water Treatment Tests, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 313201001-PM-04, Perform Non-routine Investigative Sampling, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 313201001-PM-05, Operate and Manage Waste Disposal or Water Treatment Equipment in all related Industrial Water Treatment Plants, Level 5, 25 Credits.
  • 313201001-PM-06, Perform Routine Preventative Maintenance on the Plant and Equipment, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 313201001-PM-07, Calibrate Basic Process Control Instrumentation and Online Analysers for Optimum Process Control, Level 3, 15 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 93.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 313201001-WM-01, Chemical, Biological, Technical and Physical Processes in an Industrial Water Treatment Plant, Level 4, 50 Credits.
  • 313201001-WM-02, Sampling and Testing Processes, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 313201001-WM-03, Calibration and Validation Processes, Level 4, 5 Credits.
  • 313201001-WM-04, Preventative Maintenance Processes on Industrial Water Treatment Plant Equipment, Level 3, 15 Credits.
  • 313201001-WM-05, Processes of Gathering and Recording Water and Plant related Information, Level 5, 5 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 80. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan, inspect, evaluate, monitor, operate, control and report industrial water treatment processes and associated plan.
    2. Explain water quality in terms of microbiological, physical and chemical characteristics.
    3. Identify and interpret relevant legislation, regulations and standards applicable in industrial water treatment.
    4. Plan, conduct sampling and analyse samples.
    5. Collect and compile information relating to plant operations and communication systems to operate industrial water treatment plant. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Draw and explain industrial water treatment plant layouts.
  • Explain industrial water treatment plant unit processes in terms of their purpose and functions.
  • Reflect on and apply applicable safety and environmental principles in own plant operations.
  • Conduct a plant inspection, record findings and suggest remedies, including faults and potential in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Evaluate scenarios in industrial water treatment and explain the various methods of monitoring and controlling the processes in own context.
  • Evaluate plant conditions and the level of performance using parameter analysis sheet to determine the current status.
  • Identify and describe scenario, planning steps to be followed to start-up, isolation (Lock-Out-Tag-Out) and shut-down of the process in own work context.
  • Correctly perform instructions, start-up, isolate (Lock-Out-Tag-Out), shut-down to operate plant and equipment according to safety requirements as well as standard operating procedures for optimal performance.
  • Calculate formulae, dosing rate of the different chemicals used in own plant.
  • Comply with health and safe working procedures and applicable regulations, guidelines and standards at all times.
  • Identify and list possible operational problems that could arise at an industrial water treatment plant thus causing plant failure and explain possible interventions required with examples.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain the chemical composition, ingredients, microbiological and physical constituents and other unwanted substances associated with the objectives of industrial water treatment, including applicable treatment methods.
  • Explain the purpose, sampling and chemical selection for jar testing including procedures to be followed, identify and describe equipment for jar tests in terms of their uses.
  • Explain the importance of, and methods for recording and reporting jar test results in accordance with operational requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain scenarios in the different industrial water treatment plant; identify the relevant legislation and regulations in terms of their principles and explain the influence of these in response to the case scenario in accordance with organisational operating procedures.
  • Explain the importance of the specification of standards used for assessing the quality of drinking water in terms of water quality criteria and guidelines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Indicate plant layout drawings, various sample points for sample collection purposes and justify the selected sampling points.
  • Explain various sampling methods and associated equipment used for sampling with examples.
  • Explain scenarios, procedures for safe handling, transporting and storage of samples with examples.
  • Describe different types of samples, the preservation method to be used for a specific sample with examples.
  • Identify and describe the various field tests during sampling with examples.
  • Conduct samples, laboratory analysis using appropriate equipment.
  • Record and report test results in accordance with organisational procedures, using a given analysis log-sheet.
  • Demonstrate a given case scenario, procedures to calibrate appropriate laboratory equipment including the adjustment of chemical feeders applicable to a specific plant process, and use the correct equipment and calibration solutions in accordance with work instructions for optimal water treatment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain scenarios, adversarial communication styles suggest ways on how to deal with their impact.
  • Identify and explain scenarios, possible communication barriers and suggest with examples, ways on how to overcome them.
  • Exhibit various communication systems and the explain type of information communicated in own work context.
  • Identify and describe the various communication methods used for recording and reporting purposes in own work context.
  • Simulate a shift hand-over displaying various communication skills, including the application of emotional intelligence and cultural diversity principles using language appropriate to socio-cultural sensitivities.

    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 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 
    This qualification has been compared with similar qualifications including courses and/or training programmes from Australia and the United Kingdom (UK). The countries were chosen as having a best practice on water and wastewater treatment processes or control processes considering their approach to produce clean water that is essential for good health and safe to drink, as well as treating wastewater both from domestic and industrial so that it is safe to return to the environment.

    Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF):
    NWP30101 Water Industry: Certificate III in Water Operations.

    The Certificate III in Water Operations provides industry-focused training in monitoring and coordinating treatment processes to protect public health and the environment and learners are required to complete the mandatory on-the-job component for each module. The qualification compares favourably in terms of the scope and content although it is unit-standard-based, however learners are provided with theoretical, practical skills and knowledge to work autonomously in field and operational areas of the water supply and wastewater treatment industry.

    United Kingdom (QCA):
    City and Guilds Level 3 VQR in Water Engineering.

    The City and Guilds offers this qualification at an Apprenticeship level. The qualification provides learners with competencies that qualify them to pursue a number of pathways, namely, water networks, in constructions operations, leakage, distribution control and water supply and waster operations. The competencies covered in this qualification compare well with the South African qualification.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares well with the countries searched in that a substantial degree of similarities exist in terms of the occupational and competency standards even though this qualification combines both water and wastewater process operations. This qualification and its associated modules is comparable to the Australian and the United Kingdom qualifications in terms of model, levels, scope and range of competencies covered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Water Care, Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Water Care, Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
  • In order to qualify for the external summative assessment learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including foundational learning competences.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    Physical Requirements:
  • Medical surveillance or physical fitness in line with operational requirements.

    Legal Requirements:
    The following legal requirements which include, but not limited to, must be completed by the learner in order to support the successful implementation of the Industrial Water Plant Operator occupational qualification:
  • Chlorine Awareness.
  • Material Data Sheet.
  • Basic Fire fighting.
  • First Aid Level 1.
  • Safe Lifting Practice.
  • Electrical Hoist Operation.
  • Self-sustained Breathing Apparatus.
  • Working at Heights.
  • Confined Space Entry.
  • Working near Water Bodies.
  • Atmospheric/Gas Testing.
  • Dipotherine Splash kit Training (acid burn).
  • Fatigue Management.
  • Safe-handling of Chlorine.
  • Electronic pallet jack.

    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 website.
  • The curriculum title and code is Industrial Water Plant Operator: 313201001.

    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.
     
    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.