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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Certificate: Power Plant Auxiliary Systems Operation

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
23677	National Certificate: Power Plant Auxiliary Systems Operation
ORIGINATOR
SGB Power Plant Operations
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	122	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0160/05	2007-08-07	2009-02-18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-02-18		2013-02-18

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
61549	National Certificate: Power Plant Auxiliary Systems Operations	Level 3	NQF Level 03	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Learners obtaining this qualification will be recognised on a national level in performing operational activities on power plant auxiliary systems/processes and related equipment as FIELD OPERATORS on all power utilities in South Africa. The qualification will ensure professionalism, proficiency and excellence in the operating of power plants on the entry level. It will also assist in changing perceptions on the status and functional levels of operators in the work place. The qualification will provide the operators with pride self worth and enhance their morale.

Worth to the employer will be manifested in the competence of the employee in terms of safe, sound and efficient operations performed by the operator. This qualification will provide for recognition of prior learning of existing operators` competence throughout the industry and allow credits to be obtained in cross- functional learning fields.
The qualification will provide the foundational requirements for mobility and vertical progression in various power utilities. (Fossil, hydro or nuclear)

A person acquiring this qualification will have skills, knowledge and behavioural competence in the following areas:

Energy conversion process understanding

Theories and application of mechanical, electrical and process instrumentation understanding

Regulatory knowledge (OHSA, Introduction to High Voltage Regulations, Permit to Work Systems)

Dangers of chemicals used on power plants understood

Planning skill

Organizing skill

Decision making

Big Picture thinking (micro level)

Process plant configuration

Process plant integration

Self management

Team work

Communication (written and verbal)

Problem solving

Process plant operation in one of Fossil, Nuclear or Hydro plant.

Rationale of the qualification

This qualification forms the foundation for Power Plant Operation in the Power Generation industry in South Africa and is therefore mandatory for all Power utilities.
This qualification is based on industry needs in building competences in the workplace for Power Plant Operations. The qualification therefore sets national standards for Power Plant Operators in Auxiliary Plant Operations.

This qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed within the functional areas that include nuclear, hydro and fossil power plants.

Other considerations in national interest addressed by this Qualification are:

Setting national standards of practice in this specific learning field

Building individual capacity in foundational Operating competence.

Ensure entry, progression and mobility into Life Long Learning in this specific learning field

Addressing Power Plant Operations Industry specific employment requirements.

Enhancing of professional competence on a national level

Providing an avenue of upliftment for the previously disadvantaged into this discipline

Providing a Qualification to be used in a learnership in this field.

Enhance social and economic development.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners should be competent in:

Communication and Language NQF Level 2

Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 2

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

This qualification will be achieved in part or in full through recognition of prior learning. (E.g. for those qualifications previously issued by the ESKOM AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES TRAINING BOARD (EAITB)), i.e. Power Plant Operator Certificate. (Currently been issued by the ENERGY SETA).

Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Level, credits and learning components assigned to the qualification in power plant auxiliary systems operation

This Certificate is made up of a planned combination of learning outcomes that has a defined purpose and will provide the learner with applied competence and a strong basis for further learning in Power Plant Operations.

The Qualification is made up of unit standards that are classified as fundamental, core and elective. Minimum credits required to complete this qualification is as follows:

Fossil Power Plant: 131

Nuclear Power Plant: 133

Hydro Power Plant: 122

This Qualification is made up of unit standards at NQF levels 2 to 4, with the qualification satisfying the requirements for registration at level 3.

The majority of unit standards relate directly to the purpose of the qualification with maximum portability between the various power generating utilities (Nuclear, Hydro and Fossil Power Stations).

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Solve problems through the application of mathematics in a variety of contexts.
2. Communicate effectively in the workplace.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of Power Plant Engineering concepts.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of occupational introductory requirements.
5. Operate Auxiliary Power Plant Systems.

Exit points for learners who do not complete the Qualifications:

Learners will be credited with Unit Standards in which they have proved competence.

Learners who complete individual Unit Standards, but do not complete this Qualification retain their credits, however, should the substance of the unit Standard change in future the validity of the credit(s) towards the Qualification may be reviewed.

Learners who change their provider before completing the Qualification may transfer their credits to the new provider/learning site.

Critical cross-field outcomes:

This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes, as detailed in the assessment criteria for each exit level outcome and within the unit standards associated with each exit level outcome:

Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Organising and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral/written persuasion.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Learning programmes directed towards this qualification will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:

Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.

Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

Exploring education and career opportunities; and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1.1 Problem solving strategies are appropriate to the problems at hand.
1.2 Solutions derived are appropriate to the problems.
1.3 Problem solving approach is communicated in a clear and structured manner using appropriate terminology.
1.4 Solutions are validated in terms of the problem situation.
1.5 Technology is used effectively to assist in problems solving as required.

2.1 Language is applied to accommodate workplace requirements.
2.2 Communication is clear and structured as per the situation at hand.
2.3 Media used for communications contributes to effective communication.
2.4 Communication barriers are identified and addressed as appropriate to the situation.

3.1 Knowledge is demonstrated of the application of power plant engineering concepts within the context of plant operations.
3.2 Applications of knowledge are suited for problem solving on process plant.
3. Explanations provided of Power Plant Engineering concepts are consistent with established literature and engineering conventions.
3.4 Applications of knowledge contribute towards the safe and effective operation of plant processes.

4.1 Organisational understanding is demonstrated to an extent that the employee can function effectively in the workplace.
4.2 Safety principles are applied in a holistic manner that protects plant and people.

5.1 Plant operations are performed safely and efficiently according to operating standards.
5.2 Out of normal emergency conditions are identified and acted upon using Power Plant Engineering Principles.
5.3 Interrelation of Auxiliary Systems are interpreted and contextualised within Power Generation.
5.4 Principles of teamwork are applied according to operational requirements.

Note: Learners will be regarded "not yet competent" should they jeopardise the safety of people/plant during any stage of the assessment.

Integrated Assessment

The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflective competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to achieve all exit level outcomes of the qualification as per the rules specified. Applicable critical cross field outcomes must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies. Assessment methods and tools used must determine the whole person`s development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.

Certain exit level outcomes are measurable and verifiable through assessment criteria assessed in one application.

Applicable assessment tools to assess the foundational, reflective and practical competencies within the power plant operations environment.

A detailed portfolio of evidence is required of the practical, foundational and reflective competencies of the learner.

Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired by recognition of prior learning (RPL) through any form of learning.

Unit standards associated with this qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross -field outcomes. During integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, foundational and reflective competencies.

Formative assessment

Assessment criteria for formative assessment are described in the various unit standards. Formative assessment takes place during the process of learning and assessors should use a range of appropriate assessment methods and tools that assess competence holistically. These methods include but are not limited to the following:

On-the-job observations

Role-play and/or simulations

Knowledge tests, exams, case studies, projects, logbooks, workbooks

Verbal report backs (presentations)

Portfolios of evidence (RPL)

Working in teams (360 degrees evaluations)

Scenario sketching

Incident reports

The assessment tools and methods used by the assessor must be:

Fair, not to hinder or disadvantage the learner in any way,

Valid, to measure what is intended to measure,

Reliable, consistent and delivers the same output across a range of learners and assessors

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is carried out at the end of each meaningful competence level achieved by the learner. A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, foundational and reflective competencies of the learner.

Assessors and moderators

Work place assessors should develop and conduct integrated assessments by using appropriate methods and techniques. Moderation to be done according to laid down requirements.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification is based on a study conducted by ESKOM on various European countries with leading power producers. The German model (with minor changes) was adopted as the basis for this qualification. Operator qualifications after this were registered under the manpower-training act and accredited by the ESKOM and Allied Industries Training Board (EAITB). This qualification was further developed to meet the SAQA requirements for registration.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to pursue different careers in the power generation industry. The level of flexibility within the range of elective utilities (hydro, nuclear, fossil and electrical control) will allow the individual to pursue further learning within those development areas.

Other articulation fields could be the following:

Certificate in occupational directed Education Training and Development NQF 4.

Certificates in Electrical Network Control NQF 4.

Certificate in Power Plant Operation NQF 4(Nuclear, Hydro and Fossil).

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant SETA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant SETA.

Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant SETA according to the SETAs policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between SETAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline.

Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.

A learner wishing to be assessed for this Qualification can only be assessed through an accredited assessment provider/centre.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

The assessor must be:

Competent in the standard at which the assessment is conducted.

At least one year on the job experience.

Registered with the relevant SETA.

NOTES

This qualification has been replaced by qualification 61549, which is "National Certificate: Power Plant Auxiliary Systems Operations", Level 3, 120 credits.

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	13962	Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of The Organisation	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	13963	Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding Towards Occupational health and safety Regulatory Requirements	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	13961	Demonstrate Knowledge and Use of Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	10195	Apply Engineering Principles and concepts in a Power Generation Process Plant	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Core	10585	Describe bearing types, designs and application theories associated with process plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	10582	Describe lubrication methods and applications associated with process plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	14036	Describe plant instrumentation and process measurement used on Power Generation plant	Level 3	NQF Level 03	3
Core	10613	Describe power transmission designs and application theories associated with process plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	3
Core	10587	Describe the working principle of compressed air systems associated with process plant	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	10598	Differentiate between valve designs and application theories associated with process plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	1
Core	10488	Interpret liquid transfer theories in a process plant	Level 3	NQF Level 03	3
Core	14038	Interpret the operation of internal combustion engines used in power plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	3
Core	114463	Operate Cooling Water Systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	11
Core	13957	Operate Fire Extinguishing System	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Core	11893	Operate Fossil Fired Steam Generator Water and Steam Systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	11
Core	13713	Operate Support Plant Water Supply Systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	1
Core	13703	Perform operational communicational activities	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Fundamental	8968	Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	9010	Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Fundamental	9013	Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Fundamental	8969	Interpret and use information from texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	9012	Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8973	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	7456	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8970	Write texts for a range of communicative contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Elective	114464	Operate nuclear reactor building air lock system	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Elective	14037	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of heat exchange equipment used in a process plant	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Elective	13704	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Hydro power generation concepts and theories	Level 3	NQF Level 03	15
Elective	10522	Interpret solid transfer system theories in a process plant	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Elective	114462	Operate bulk flue gas conditioning systems on fossil fired steam generators	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Elective	114458	Operate bulk fuel oil systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	8
Elective	14217	Operate Bulk Lubrication Oil Systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Elective	114456	Operate coal handling systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	11
Elective	114465	Operate Compressed Air Systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	8
Elective	12096	Operate Demineralised Water Systems on Fossil Power Plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Elective	12023	Operate hydrogen production plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	9
Elective	114459	Operate liquid petroleum gas systems on fossil power plants	Level 3	NQF Level 03	1
Elective	13712	Operate nuclear liquid waste monitoring and discharge systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	4
Elective	13711	Operate nuclear support plant gas production and supply systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	3
Elective	114455	Operate nuclear support plant steam production system	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Elective	13959	Operate nuclear support plant system chlorination system	Level 3	NQF Level 03	1
Elective	114469	Operate Nuclear Support Plant Water Supply Systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	1
Elective	13726	Operate support plant compressed air systems	Level 3	NQF Level 03	8
Elective	11957	Operate Waste Handling Systems Associated with Power Plant Processes	Level 3	NQF Level 03	16
Elective	13708	Apply engineering principles related to the operation of demineralisers and ion exchangers in nuclear power generating plant	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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.

1.	ESKOM HENDRINA POWER STATION - OPERATIONS