SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Occupational Certificate: Glass Melt Operator

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
104990	Occupational Certificate: Glass Melt Operator
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA
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	160	Not Applicable	NQF Level 03	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0425/24	2018-12-07	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
63349	National Certificate: Molten Glass Production	Level 3	NQF Level 03	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide the learning and development, so that the learner is equipped with the necessary knowledge, practical skills and work experience to be a Glass Melt Operator.

A Glass Melt Operator will be able to produce molten glass using batch plant and furnace, machinery and equipment and perform related operations with due cognisance of health, safety and environmental requirements. The qualifying learner will know the functioning and operating requirements for the batch plant and furnace, machinery and equipment to achieve production targets. A qualified learner will be able to:

Operate, monitor and control glass melt operations.

Rationale:
This qualification is for people working in Molten Glass Production. The qualification reflects the common workplace-based and non-specific needs that learners require in Glass Melting Production, before progressing to learning at a higher level. Typical learners are operators working in a Glass Melt Production environment.

The Glass Industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependent upon the efficient production of molten glass. Achievement of this objective is largely dependent on the competence, recognised by this qualification, of the people who operate glass melting equipment. An adequate number of people with these skills are needed to ensure that the production units in South Africa operate productively.

Competence in Glass Melt Production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of this knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling the melting process are further requirements for competence. This knowledge and expertise can form a basis for further learning, particularly in the production/operational, engineering and supervisory aspects of glass production and similar industries in the chemical and other manufacturing sectors.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

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:
NQF Level 1 qualification with Communication and Mathematics.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules:

718102-001-00-00-KM-01, Safety, the workplace and the environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.

718102-001-00-00-KM-02, Glass production, Level 3, 48 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 56.

Practical Skill Modules:

718102-001-00-00-PM-01, Work safely and respond to emergencies, Level 2, 8 Credits.

718102-001-00-00-PM-02, Operate, monitor and control the batch plant, Level 3, 20 Credits.

718102-001-00-00-PM-03, Operate, monitor and control the furnace, Level 3, 20 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 48.

Work Experience Modules:

718102-001-00-00-WM-01, Workplace batch plant operations, Level 3, 28 Credits.

718102-001-00-00-WM-02, Workplace furnace operations, Level 3, 28 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 56.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conduct start-and end-of-shift procedures and perform operational checks, identify non-conforming items and assess potential risks using knowledge of equipment specifications and operational standards as well as of electrical, electronic, hydraulic and mechanical systems.
2. Operate monitor and control the batch plant, perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
3. Operate monitor and control the furnace, perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
4. Identify operational and environmental hazards; assess and eliminate risks; and control, minimise and report such hazards while meeting production and output requirements.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The start-of-shift and end-of-shift activities are completed according to all site-specific standards.

Operational checks of the equipment's systems and components are conducted according to the original equipment manufacturers and site-specific requirements.

All relevant documentation is completed according to site-specific standards.

The purpose of all the checks, precautionary measures and documentation is explained.

All answers to questions include the correct use of relevant names and terms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

The prescribed sequence of operations is performed safely and effectively.

Equipment is operated within the original equipment manufacturers and site-specific operating parameters.

Any equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements are identified and reported.

Changes in the working environment or conditions are identified, assessed and reported.

Human-machine interfaces are operated in a healthy, safe and effective manner.

The purpose of the equipment operations and the role of these operations in the glass melt process is described and explained accurately.

Applicable production targets for the equipment have been met.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Applicable production targets for the equipment have been met.

The prescribed sequence of operations is performed safely and effectively.

Equipment is operated within the original equipment manufacturers and site-specific operating parameters.

Any equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements are identified and reported.

Changes in the working environment or conditions are identified, assessed and reported.

Human-machine interfaces are operated in a healthy, safe and effective manner.

The purpose of the equipment operations and the role of these operations in the glass melt process are described and explained accurately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Hazards that could affect health, safety, the environment and production targets are identified, assessed and reported.

The concepts of hazard elimination, control and minimisation are explained and examples of each are given.

The importance of compliance with legal and procedural requirements is explained.

Consequences of not complying with legislative, health, safety and environmental requirements are described.

Machine-specific emergencies and how they should be dealt with are accurately described according to the site-specific guidelines.

All equipment and safety checks as well as equipment operations comply with the relevant occupational, health, safety, environmental, legislative and site-specific requirements.

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 to issue this qualification. The external Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The external assessment will consist of an evaluation of records and questioning by a registered assessor, using specified assessment criteria requirements.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The international comparability study conducted, specifically focused on identifying occupational standards or qualifications used in other countries that might contain indicators of best practice that could be used for comparison to or in the development of the Glass Melt Operator qualification at Level 2.

The qualification was compared against qualifications originating from the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Britain, Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) in Scotland and the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks.

African countries with manufacturing facilities (including Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries) were scanned for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries.

Britain:
Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA) Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Glass Processing Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF):

Maintain Health and Safety within the Glass Processing Environment.

Communicating and Working with others in the Glass and Related Working Environments.

Locate, Handle and Position Products, Materials or Components in Glass Processing.

Check the quality of products in Glass Processing.

Store glass products and related materials.

Prepare and Operate machinery/Tools in Glass Processing.

Prepare and Assemble Products and Materials in Glass Processing.

Process Glass Products by Removing Materials.

Scotland:
SVQ 2 Glass Manufacturing:

Maintain Health and Safety within the Glass Manufacturing Working Environment.

Maintain the Health and Safety of Individuals Minimise Injury to Individuals and Damage to Property in an Emergency.

Communicate and Work with Others in Glass Manufacturing.

Obtain and Provide Information Develop and Maintain Good Working Relationships.

Prepare and Operate Equipment/Machinery/Tools in Glass Manufacturing.

Prepare Equipment/Machinery/Tools for Operations.

Operate the Equipment/Machinery/Tools.

Handle Materials or Components in Glass Manufacturing.

Locate Materials of Components.

Handle and Position Materials or Components.

Minimise the Wastage of Resources.

Check the Quality of Product in Glass Manufacturing.

Check the Specifications of a Product.

Detect a Variation in the Quality of a Product.

Prepare Products and Materials for Processing.

Prepare Glass Raw Materials for Manufacturing Operations.

Prepare Glass Raw Materials.

Batch Glass Raw Materials.

Control the Flow of Glass Raw Materials Through the Melting Process.

Monitor the Supply of Glass Raw Materials into the Melting Process.

Control the Flow of Melted Glass.

Control the Operating Conditions within the Melting Process in Glass Manufacturing.

Control Melted Glass

Monitor the Supply of Melted Glass.

Control the Transfer of Melted Glass.

New Zealand:

The New Zealand qualification has the Glass melting process as a part of the full Glass production process and not as a full stand-alone qualification.

Certificate in Glass Container Manufacturing with strands in Forming Operations, Finished Product Operations, Batch and Furnace Operations and Mould Maintenance

Batch and Furnace Operations Strand

Operate and monitor glass raw materials storage, handling and batching equipment to maintain furnace operation and carry out analytical tests for batch and glass quality.

Maintaining supply of raw materials to the furnace and making adjustments to supply according to job and quality requirements.

Rectifying routine problems within own scope and reporting systems.

Applying knowledge of the operation and control of a glass furnace.

Conclusion:
Good international comparability, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from Level 2 to Level 3, were found with Britain, Scotland and New Zealand qualifications. The Glass Melt Operator Qualification compares favourably with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The additional operational content incorporated in this qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact time frame than international learners.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:
This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications:

National Certificate: Glass Forming Level 3.

Vertical Articulation:
This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:

Occupational Certificate: Glazier, Level 4.

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 standards by means of statements of results and work experience records including Foundational Learning Competence.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
Meets physical and legislative requirements.

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: Glass Melt Operator 718102-001-00-00:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the National Learners Records Database (NLRD):

This is not a trade qualification.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA).

Part Qualifications related to the Occupational Certificate: Glass Melt Operator, Level 3, 160 Credits:

718102-001-00-01, Glass Batch Plant Operator, Level 3, 112 Credits.

718102-001-00-02, Glass Furnace Operator, Level 3, 112 Credits.

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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