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: Refractory Mason

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117335	Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Civil Engineering Construction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	540	Not Applicable	NQF Level 04	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		SAQA 12129/20	2020-07-30	2025-07-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-07-30		2029-07-30

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 Refractory Mason. A Refractory Mason builds and repairs high temperature/heat and corrosion resistant masonry structures, surfaces and vessels for industrial and commercial sites.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Prepare the working site for repairs and new refractory installations;

Install refractory bricks and ceramic fibre; and

Install monolithic refractory materials.

Rationale:
This is a Trade Qualification that meets the need from industry to revise and update the existing unit standards-based qualifications and to standardise training within the refractory environment. The Refractory Mason occupation is one of the 125 listed trades. Currently, there are two historical qualifications registered towards the trade (National Certificate: Refractories Installation, NQF Level 2 and National Certificate: Refractories Masonry, NQF Level 3) that do not meet the minimum requirements to enable a learner to qualify for a Trade Test as per the Trade Test Regulations, 2014, published under the Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act 97 of 1998).

There is no professional or industry body associated with the occupation Refractory Mason, but various industry sectors and companies (in the metal and chemical sector as well as ESKOM) had apprenticeship schedules registered against this trade. The needs of these sectors, as well as the construction sector, are reflected in this qualification, and therefore, all these sectors would benefit from it.

Prospective learners are school leavers from the technical vocational stream interested in building and construction-related work. Job opportunities would be available in a variety of sectors using high temperature/heat and corrosion resistant masonry structures. Qualified learners would benefit from increased possibilities of employment. A large number of people already working in this industry without any related formal qualification might also consider this as an opportunity to expand their scope of work and employment opportunities.

A trained and qualified artisan is required for the building and maintenance of high temperature/heat and corrosion resistant masonry structures, such as furnaces, tanks, and containers. These structures are an integral part of the production process for industrial and commercial sites including steel mills, pulp and paper mills, foundries, refineries, auto plants, incinerators, glass plants, and hospitals. Qualified Refractory Masons are of critical importance for economic growth and sustainability of the manufacturing industry in South Africa and abroad.

This qualification could also serve as a learning pathway for those employed as bricklayers in the construction industry to expand their field of expertise and employability and to progress to further learning opportunities and career progression into supervisory and managerial positions.

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 results or by 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 2 qualification with Mathematics.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skills and Work Experience Modules.

Knowledge Modules:

641303-000-00-00-KM-01, Orientation to the Refractories Environment, Level 2, 4 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-02, Basic Principles of Environmental and Health and Safety Issues Related To Refractories, Level 3, 10 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-03, Materials Handling (Basic Rigging) Principles, Level 3, 6 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-04, Basic Principles of Quality, Level 3, 6 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-05, Refractory Drawings, Level 4, 10 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-06, Basic Welding Methods, Level 3, 12 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-07, Refractory Bricks, Ceramic Fibre and Bonding Materials, Level 3, 40 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-08, Monolithic Refractories, Level 3, 40 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-KM-09, Anchor Systems, Level 3, 8 Credits.

The total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 136.

Practical Skill Modules:

641303-000-00-00-PM-01, Use and Care for Basic Hand and Power Tools Relevant to Refractory Installations, Level 2, 4 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-02, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 6 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-03, Set Up and Prepare Site for an Installation, Level 4, 13 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-04, Perform Basic Welding, Level 4, 15 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-05, Prepare and Replace Bricks And Blocks, Level 3, 12 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-06, Lay Bricks in Various Forms, Level 4, 52 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-07, Install Ceramic Fibre, Level 3, 4 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-08, Prepare for the Installation of Monolithic Refractory Materials, Level 4, 10 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-PM-09, Install Refractory Castables and Mortars, Level 3, 10 Credits.

The total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 126.

Work Experience Modules:

641303-000-00-00-WM-01, Working Site Preparation Processes for the Installation of Bricks, Level 4, 33 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-02, Working Site Preparation Processes for the Installation of Ceramic Fibre, Level 3, 15 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-03, Working Site Preparation Processes for the Installation of Monolithic Materials, Level 4, 22 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-04, Bricklaying Processes for the Maintenance and Installation of Walls, Level 4, 24 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-05, Bricklaying Processes for the Maintenance and Installation of Roofs, Level 4, 24 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-06, Bricklaying Processes for the Maintenance and Installation of Sides, Level 4, 24 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-07, Bricklaying Processes for the Maintenance and Installation of Cylindrical Structures, Level 4, 24 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-08, Ceramic Fibre Installation Processes, Level 3, 28 Credits.

641303-000-00-00-WM-09, Monolithic Refractories Installation Processes, Level 4, 84 Credits.

The total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 278.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Prepare the working site.
2. Install refractory bricks.
3. Install ceramic fibre.
4. Install monolithic materials.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Provide accurate and complete descriptions of safe working procedures, safety precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required for the given task (installation of bricks, ceramic fibre, or monolithic materials).

Interpret instructions for a given task and identify and mark the working area according to the specific requirements.

Complete a risk assessment for the given task and determine work sequence and schedule permit to work procedures specified.

Position materials and equipment to be used for the given task selected correctly and safely.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Provide accurate and complete descriptions of safe working procedures, safety precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required for the installation of refractory bricks.

Cut bricks for building specific structures correctly to size applying safety practices and techniques and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Lay bricks for building specific structures (including different bonds and arches) correctly, levelled and without any open joints applying safety practices and techniques and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Clean equipment and tools, and dispose of waste while applying safety practices and techniques and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Provide accurate and complete descriptions of safe working procedures, safety precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required for the installation of ceramic fibre.

Measure, mark and cut ceramic fibre correctly with the minimum waste while applying safety practices and techniques and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Position ceramic fibre correctly and secured using appropriate clips or fasteners while applying safety practices and techniques and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Provide accurate and complete descriptions of safe working procedures, safety precautions and Personal Protective Equipment required for the given task.

Install anchoring systems correctly at appropriate dimensions while applying safety practices and techniques and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Mix, install and cure castable materials correctly for the given task while using appropriate equipment safely and correctly.

Clean equipment and tools, and dispose of waste while applying safety practices and techniques and using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment:
Skills development providers 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.

External Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment conducted through the relevant 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 integrated assessment will be conducted through a trade test as prescribed under section 26 D of the Skills Development Act and defined in the Trade Test Regulations. It will be conducted through an evaluation of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an assessor registered by the National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). The assessment will take place over a minimum of 2 days.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Training for Refractory Masons forms part of vocational education and apprenticeship systems in many countries. In many instances, the training is not presented in a single qualification but made up of training packages consisting of theory and practical while workplace experience is not part of the qualification, but a requirement before a Trade Test is conducted. Comparability was done with the qualifications from Canada and India due to best practices.

Canada:
In Canada, Apprenticeship Training and Curriculum Standards documents were developed under either the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act (TQAA) or the Apprenticeship and Certification Act, 1998 (ACA). As of April 8, 2013, the Ontario College of Trades is responsible for the development and maintenance of the standards for Trade Code: 401A Brick & Stone Mason (which incorporates Refractory Mason). The duration of the Apprenticeship is three years. However, the standards only specify knowledge and practical standards (with a duration of two years), offered by institutions and not on the job/workplace learning, and is outlined below.

This Apprenticeship Trade Code: 401A Brick & Stone Mason is also offered by the Ontario College of Trades. All modules include theory and practice.

Level 1:
S0511, Tools and Equipment.
S0512, Material and Safety Equipment.
S0513, Engineering/Building/Safety Code.
S0514, Worksite Preparation.
S0515, Acclimatize Worksite.
S0516, Clean & Disassemble Site.
S0517, Wall System Accessories.
S0518, Morta.
S0519, Masonry Unit Preparation.
S0520, Job Layout.
S0521, Structural Masonry.
S0522, Non-Structural Masonry.

Level 2:
S0523, Tools & Equipment.
S0524, Material & Safety Equipment.
S0525, Engineering/Building/Safety Code.
S0526, Temporary Masonry Supports.
S0527, Wall System Accessories.
S0528, Grout.
S0529, Mortar.
S0530, Masonry Unit Preparation.
S0531, Job Layout.
S0532, Structural Masonry.
S0533, Non-Structural Masonry.
S0534 Waterproof Below Grade Masonry.

Level 3:
S0511, Tools & Equipment.
S0512, Material & Safety Equipment.
S0513, Engineering/Building/Safety Code.
S0514, Temporary Masonry Supports.
S0515, Wall System Accessories.
S0516, Mortar.
S0517, Masonry Unit Preparation.
S0518, Morta.
S0519, Structural Masonry.
S0520, Non-Structural Masonry.
S0521, Fireplace & Chimney.
S0522, Restoration Masonry.

All the modules specified for Apprenticeship Trade Code: 401A Brick & Stone Mason, are also reflected in the curriculum for the Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason. The Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason is slightly broader as it also incorporates basic welding.

India:
India has a Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) for a Refractory Technician of two years' duration at NSQF Level 5 (7112.0300) developed by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Passing out the training program, the trainee is awarded a National Trade Certificate (NTC) by NCVT, which is recognised worldwide.

This qualification is offered by the Industrial Training Institute in India. The broad components covered related to the trade are categorised in four semesters each of six months' duration. The contents of the semesters are outlined below.

Semester I:

Apply safe working practices.

Comply with environment regulation and housekeeping.

Interpret and use a company and technical communication.

Demonstrate basic mathematical concept and principles to perform practical operations.

Understand and explain basic science in the field of study, including a simple machine.

Read and apply engineering drawing for different application in the field of work.

Understand and apply the concept in productivity, quality tools, and labour welfare legislation in day-to-day work to improve productivity and quality.

Explain energy conservation, global warming and pollution and contribute to day-today work by optimally using available resources.

Explain personnel finance, entrepreneurship and manage/organise related task in day-to-day work for personal & societal growth.

Utilise basic computer applications and the internet to take benefit of IT developments in the industry.

Perform basic workshop operations using suitable tools for fitting, riveting, drilling etc. observing suitable care and safety.

Perform forging, piercing, bending, riveting, punching and edge cutting operation.

Perform sheet metal work.

Perform checking and measuring components with a precision instrument.

Make different fit of components for assembling observing the principle of interchangeability and check for functionality.

Perform Arc welding process.

Perform gas cutting and welding process.

Use proper taps and dies for making internal and external threads on solid metal and pipes.

Perform a basic electrical measurement.

Identify the various types of refractories.

Identify the major forms and sources of pollution and control techniques in refractory industry.

Practice operation and maintenance of various fuel handling plant.

Semester II:

Identify the different raw material and handling.

Ensure quality control.

Demonstrate the manufacturing processes.

Identify the different grain size, mixing machine - operation and adjustment and checking the consistency of mixed material.

Perform operation and monitoring of moulding and pressing (manual/hydraulic).

Practice on drying bricks and dryers.

Identify the different temperature measuring instrument and maintenance.

Ensure proper loading/ unloading, drying schedule, firing schedule and inspect the finished product.

Perform the operation and maintenance of kiln and waste utilisation.

Semester III:

Demonstrate the basic application of monolithic refractory.

Perform brick cutting and joining.

Perform fitting of the scaffold.

Perform gunning, ramming and patching.

Demonstrate the energy conservation followed by industry.

Perform basic computer operation.

Perform the method of packaging in refractory.

Perform installation and repair brickwork.

Semester IV:

Perform opening, repair, testing, checking of the vibrator and identify the physical defect.

Identify the parts of furnaces.

Ensure skill in the model workshop/fields.

Create a report observing heating chart.

Construct refractory lining.

Prepare technical report and documentation as per industrial need.

Demonstrate operational function and maintenance of supporting tools and machines.

With the exception of modules 9, 18, 19 and 28 -30, specified for the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) for Refractory Technician (7112.0300), offered by the Industrial Training Institute in India, all modules are also reflected in the curriculum for the Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason. The Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason is broader than the CTS for Refractory Technician as it is not limited to kilns as specified in module 31.

Conclusion:
Generally, the Occupational Certificate: Refractories Mason compares well with the Canadian and Indian qualifications in terms of the content of the practical and knowledge components. The Indian qualification does not require any additional work experience as a pre-requisite for a Trade Test, and the entire Apprenticeship is therefore, one year shorter than the Occupational Certificate: Refractory Mason. The Canadian qualification also compares well with this qualification in terms of duration.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Bricklayer, NQF Level 4.

Vertical Articulation:

National Certificate: N4 Engineering Studies, NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
In order to qualify for the external integrated summative assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience including Foundational Learning Competence.

Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

The curriculum title and code is: 641303-000-00-00: Refractory Mason.

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

SAQA ID 60812, Bricklayer (Refractory), ESKOM.

SAQA ID 60819, Bricklayer (Refractory and/or Chemical) - Explosives.

SAQA ID 96235, Refractory Mason.

SAQA ID 6088, Refractory Mason - Metal.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):

National Artisan Moderating Body (NAMB).

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.

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