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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Noise Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58801  Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Noise Practice 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Sc/Mgt & Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
LG SETA - Local Government and related Services Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0695/12  2012-07-01  2015-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30   2019-06-30  

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:

This qualification is an entry-level qualification for those who are already working in environmental health, and wish to specialise in noise management. All Environmental Health Practitioners are registered with the Professional Board, and this qualification will contribute to ongoing professional development of Environmental Health Practitioners. It will provide career development opportunities, and opportunities for specialisation in the specific field of noise.

There is a scarcity of skills in this area in the country as a whole, with a reliance on expert consultants. In many cases, Environmental Health Practitioners lack the expertise to evaluate the quality of the reports they receive, and make judgements in this regard. There is a huge case load at present, with many investigations required, and too few people qualified to process them. This qualification will compliment the existing professional expertise, and allow for greater focus and efficiency in the field.

The qualification will also provide for a variety of learning pathways - some Environmental Health Practitioners will be able to achieve this qualification as part of their tertiary study, delivered by institutions. Some will be able to have their practical skills, developed on the job, recognised through an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process.

In particular, this qualification will be useful for:
  • Environmental Health Practitioners working in municipalities.
  • Noise control officers (who are not qualified EHP's).

    Recipients of this qualification will be able to:
  • Communicate in a variety of ways.
  • Use mathematics in real life and education, training and development situations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of sound and noise.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the impact of noise on communities.
  • Deal with noise infringements.
  • Provide noise-related input to municipal planning processes.

    Environmental Field Workers will carry out their role at all times:
  • Under the supervision of an available, qualified supervisor (Noise Control Officer).

    They will not take full responsibility for measurement and issuing of notices.

    Environmental Health Practitioners will carry out their role:
  • Under the broad direction of senior management.
  • In response to directives by senior management to investigate complaints.
  • As part of a specialist unit responsible for measuring, and reporting.

    Rationale:

    Currently Environmental Health Practitioners do not receive adequate training in noise management as part of their initial training in environmental health. Degree programmes have traditionally not looked at noise. With rapid urbanization, noise is becoming an issue, and municipalities are faced with a growing challenge in this regard. A significant part of the challenge is the lack of suitably qualified people.

    Noise pollution is about why noise has an effect on humans. People in Local Authorities who work in The Noise Control Division of Integrated Pollution Control Departments are involved in the well-being of people and the internal and external environment. There are three main work roles in Noise Pollution and Assessment within Local Government:
  • Field Workers (Assistant Environmental Health Practitioners).
  • Environmental Health Practitioners - the focus of this qualification. These skills would be added on to the Environmental Health Practitioner qualification which should already be in place.
  • Noise Control Officers.

    Field workers (Assistant Environmental Health Practitioners Level 3):

    There is a need for officers at the level of field workers within the local authority to assist in the handling of noise nuisances within the communities and to report to the noise officers.

    They apply the by-laws and facilitate issues between complainants and offenders where there is a noise nuisance. They are not involved in planning. They may issue an instruction for an investigation to be done by an expert. They need negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and good interpersonal skills. They work in response to complaints.

    Environmental Health Practitioners (Level 4):

    Historically Environmental Health Practitioners require a diploma or degree for appointment by the Local Authority, without, or with minimal qualifications or recognized competence in noise management. They were required to follow instructions and report to Noise Control Officers.

    Currently they identify problems that are in contravention to regulations including external pollution in the Local Authority, execute Noise Control Regulations and may give input into Local Government Policy. It was agreed that an FETC: Environmental Noise Practice would be an appropriate qualification to provide the necessary specialisation for the work in Noise Control Divisions of Integrated Pollution Control Departments.
    The recipient of this Level 4 qualification will be equipped to: conduct noise measurements, issue notices, look at town planning schemes and developments and request assessments by experts.

    The Certificate: Environmental Noise (Level 4) will provide the necessary specialisation for Noise Control Officers in Noise Control Divisions of Integrated Pollution Control Departments.

    Noise Control Officers:

    The Level 5 certificate will build on the Level 4 certificate. Noise Control Officers in management positions who hold the Level 5 certificate also require a related tertiary qualification and registration with a professional council. They typically operate in Local Authorities as planners, supervisors and/or managers. Noise control is one of the core functions (KPA) for local government as defined in the new Health Act. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is also assumed that practitioners are already competent in:
  • Communications at NQF level 3 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 3 or equivalent.
  • Unit Standard: NLRD242891 - Apply communication, interpersonal and conflict management principles in Ward Committee functions, processes or similar competence.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    At present there are short courses offered by consultants and acoustic engineers, usually contracted by recognised institutions to do training in specific areas (measurement, for example). Apart from these short courses, Noise Control Officers learn from one another and from practical experience.

    This qualification provides for the formal recognition of skills that have been gained by short courses and/or experience of those already operational in the field.

    Access to the qualification:
  • Open. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

    To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 120 credits as detailed below.

    Fundamental Component:

    The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.
  • Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.
  • Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

    It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

    All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

    Core Component:

    The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 52 credits all of which are compulsory.


    Elective Component:

    The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 41 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 12 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of sound and noise.

    2. Demonstrate understanding of the impact of noise on communities.

    3. Deal with noise infringements.

    4. Provide noise-related input to municipal planning processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explanations provided of both sound and noise comply with scientific usage, and general understanding in the field.
  • The approach to dealing with noise nuisances is consistent with regulations and local municipal policy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The description of the impact of different types and classifications of noise accurately reflects an understanding of its impact on wellbeing in a variety of contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A range of noise infringements is investigated and managed in accordance with regulations and policy.
  • All procedures are thorough and meet requirements for valid evidence and processes under law.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Input promotes noise as an issue in planning considerations.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment should take place within the context of:
  • Given Quality Assurance policies, procedures and processes.
  • A guided and supported learning environment.

    Assessment will take place according to the detailed specifications indicated in the unit standards above.

    Over and above the achievement of the specified unit standards, evidence of integration will be required as per the following broad criteria, all within the context of an active learning environment.

    Assessors should note that the evidence of integration (as below) could well be presented by candidates when being assessed against the unit standards - thus there should not necessarily be separate assessments for each unit standard and then further assessment for integration. Well designed assessments should make it possible to gain evidence against each unit standard while at the same time gain evidence of integration.

    Assessment should be in accordance with the following general and specific principles:
  • The initial assessment activities should focus on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcomes expressed in the titles of the unit standards to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then the assessment can focus on each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Take special note of the need for integrated assessment.
  • Evidence must be gathered across the entire range specified in each unit standard, as applicable. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to prove that the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • All assessments should be conducted in accordance with the following universally accepted principles of assessment:
    > Use appropriate, fair and manageable methods that are integrated into real work-related or learning situations.
    > Judge evidence on the basis of its validity, currency, authenticity and sufficiency.
    > Ensure assessment processes are systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following information indicates international involvement in and commitment to noise control and noise management.

    The World Health Organisation.

    The WHO provides the following guidelines on noise and noise management:
  • Stages in Noise Management.
  • Noise Exposure Mapping.
  • Noise Exposure Modelling.
  • Noise Control Approaches:
    > Mitigation measures (Road traffic noise, Railway noise and noise from trams, Aircraft noise, Machines and Equipment, Noise control within the sound transmission path, Noise protection at the receiver's site ).
    > Precautionary measures (Land use planning, Education and public awareness).
  • Evaluation of Control Options.
  • Management of Indoor Noise:
    > Government policy on indoor noise.
    > Design considerations.
    > Indoor noise level control.
    > Resolving indoor noise problems.
  • Priority Setting in Noise Management:
    > Noise policy and legislation.
    > Examples of noise policies.
    > Noise emission standards have proven to be inadequate.
    >Unsustainable trends in noise pollution future policy planning.
    > Analysis of the impact of environmental noise.
    > Cost-benefit analysis.
    > Review of standard setting.
    > Enforcement of noise standards: Low-noise implementation plans.
  • Conclusions on Noise Management.

    International Associations:

    The International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE) was founded in 1974. It is a worldwide consortium of organizations concerned with noise control, acoustics and vibration. The primary focus of the Institute is on unwanted sounds and on vibrations producing such sounds when transduced. I-INCE is the sponsor of the INTER-NOISE Series of International Congresses on Noise Control Engineering held annually in leading cities of the world. I-INCE also co-sponsors symposia on specialized topics within the I-INCE field of interest. The quarterly magazine Noise/News International is jointly published by I-INCE and the Institute of Noise Control Engineering of the USA (INCE/USA). In 1992, I-INCE instituted a program to undertake technical initiatives on critically-important issues of international concern within the I-INCE field of interest. This initiative has resulted in three reports and six ongoing Technical Study Groups.

    Draft Guidelines and Codes of Practice:

    What is evident is that many nations are confronting the issue of noise and noise management. This is supported from the number of national guidelines being published, as well as codes of practice issued. The following are samples, and is not intended to be comprehensive.

    Draft Scottish Noise Management Guide (October 24, 2005).

    Chapter headings in the Guide include:
  • Chapter 3: Local authority noise management framework.
  • Chapter 4: Delivering the noise service.
  • Chapter 5: Public awareness and education initiatives.
  • Chapter 6: Review of noise service.

    New Zealand: "Noise in the Workplace - Approved Code of Practice for the Management of".

    The purpose of this code is to provide practical guidance in meeting the requirements of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995. This process involves the identification and the management of noise hazards in the workplace. A consequence of proper control and management of the problem of excessive noise will be a reduction in the incidence of hearing loss arising from noise exposure in workplaces.

    Chapter headings in the Guide include:
  • Part 2: Noise Hazard Identification.
  • Part 3: Noise Hazard Assessment.
  • Part 4: Control of Noise Hazards.
  • Part 5: Protection Against Noise Hazards.
  • Part 6: Training and Education.
  • Part 7: Audiometry.
  • Part 8: Designers, Manufacturers and Suppliers Of Plant.
  • Part 9: Designers, Manufacturers and Suppliers Of Hearing Protectors.

    United States of America:

    Title: Examination of Noise Management Approaches in the United States.

    Abstract: This report is intended to serve as a reference document on noise management approaches used in the United States. Emphasis has been placed on identifying and evaluating the full range of techniques and measures which are available when selecting a noise management strategy.

    Broadening the range of choice is a first step in moving toward the resolution and prevention of noise/land use conflicts. Awareness of the available options is of critical importance when individual actors in an issue have limited unilateral power to achieve objectives.

    The first three chapters of the report provide background material designed to aid in the understanding of noise management issues. A brief description of the noise problem in the U.S. is given, followed by a discussion on conceptual approaches to noise/land use issues. Some basic concepts of sound and the measurement and assessment of noise are reviewed. In addition, the management application of noise descriptors, relating human responses to noise exposure levels, is examined. In Chapter III, a change is made from describing the noise environment, to describe the legal framework of statutory and cause law that shapes management policy. Chapters 4 through 6 are devoted to identifying and evaluating management approaches.

    International conference on noise:

    The INTER-NOISE Congresses are the largest international gathering of experts in noise control engineering each year. The INTER-NOISE Congresses have been held each year since 1972 at venues around the world. The Congresses include a large technical program consisting of papers and posters on all topics of noise control engineering. Papers summarizing these presentations are collected into a Proceedings document that is available for reference after the Congress. The Congresses also include an exhibition of the latest products and instrumentation for noise control engineering.

    Countries have responded with their own legislation and guidelines for noise management. This in turn has lead to education and training with respect to noise.

    United Kingdom:

    In 1974 the UK established The Institute of Acoustics as a professional body for those working in acoustics, noise and vibration. It amalgamated the Acoustics Group of the Institute of Physics and the British Acoustical Society. The Institute of Acoustics is a nominated body of the Engineering Council, offering registration at Chartered and Incorporated Engineer levels.

    The range of interests of members within the world of acoustics embraces aerodynamics, architectural acoustics, building acoustics, electroacoustics, engineering dynamics, noise and vibration, hearing, speech, underwater acoustics, together with a variety of environmental aspects.

    The Institute works closely with other professional bodies in related fields, including CIEH, REHIS and IOSH and the Association of Noise Consultants.

    The Institute offers an education programme, comprising a postgraduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control and several Certificate of Competence courses.

    Through specialist Institute of Acoustics working groups, support is given to the development of legislation in these areas, and in UK, European and International Standards development. The Institute is a founding member of the European Acoustics Association (EAA), a member society of the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering (I-INCE) and a member of the International Commission for Acoustics (ICA).

    Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement:

    A five-day course which provides delegates with a basic knowledge of the methodology of environmental noise measurement, including the use and accuracy requirements of sound level meters and analysers. It enables them be aware of the significance of measurement data against the framework of standards and legislation for environmental noise.

    Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Risk Assessment:

    This Certificate course aims to provide a recognised course of education and training to enable persons to carry out workplace noise assessments in a competent manner, as required by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. It is designed to provide a background of basic acoustics combined with `hands on' practical experience of industrial noise measurements and associated assessment of workplace noise exposure.

    Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control:

    The Institute of Acoustics' postgraduate Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control has been run since 1975. It is usually studied on a part-time basis, over one year. The Diploma course was set up to provide specialist academic training for membership of the Institute of Acoustics and over the years the course has become well established as providing high level training in real-world practical acoustics. As a result, the Diploma is widely recognised as the leading specialist qualification for the professional practitioner in acoustics. It is recognised by a number of UK universities as providing partial exemption from their requirements for the award of MSc degrees.

    The normal minimum requirement for admission to the Diploma course is a degree in a science, engineering or construction-related subject or an Environmental Health Officer's Diploma.

    The elements making up the programme (as trained by the universities) are:
  • The General Principles of Acoustics Module.
  • Two Specialist Option Modules.
  • A Project.

    These elements may be taken individually, e.g. over a period of two years, but to gain the Diploma, students must pass all of them.

    The two Specialist Option Modules are chosen from:
  • Architectural & Building Acoustics.
  • Law & Administration.
  • Noise Control Engineering.
  • Transportation Noise.
  • Sound Reproduction.
  • Measurement & Instrumentation.
  • Vibration Control.

    Which options run depend upon the choices made by the students and the availability of suitable staff. However, the first four options are usually available.

    MSc in Acoustics and Noise Control:

    The MSc is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in environmental acoustics, whether in consultancy, local / central government or in research. The course also aims to provide employers with a supply of suitably qualified graduates.

    The programme is designed to take graduates with an engineering or numerate science degree and give them specialist skills and knowledge in environmental acoustics. Acoustics is currently a skills shortage area, so good graduates will be in a very strong position in the jobs market. Students have the option to transfer between MSc Environmental Acoustics and MSc Audio Acoustics after completing the first four modules, which for full time students will be at the end of Semester 1.

    The content focuses on Environmental Noise Measurement where candidates will learn how to take reliable measurements of environmental noise, how to apply acoustic theory and knowledge of standard practice to work out what, where and how to measure. They will be given a practical test with a sound level meter as part of the assessment, and will be given the opportunity to obtain the Institute of Acoustics Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement. Details on content include:
  • Noise control:
    > Knowledge to select appropriate noise control options for realistic environmental noise scenarios, and to justify their selections.
  • Mathematics and Vibrations:
    > Competency at mathematics to understand how audio systems work.
  • Acoustics:
    > Fundamental understanding of the physics behind the behaviour of sound - sound; vibration; sound generation and propagation; measurement (time and frequency).
  • Transducers and sound reinforcement:
    > Design of appropriate transducers to transform electronic signals to acoustic waves; behaviour of these waves in rooms and outdoors; appropriate application of loudspeakers for music reproduction, sound reinforcement and public address.
  • Psychoacoustics:
    > Human auditory perception: pitch perception, localisation and masking and how these are used in perceptual coding and spatial audio; measuring human response to audio signals.
  • Digital signal processing:
    > Digital systems: transforming signals from analogue to digital representations and vice versa; manipulation of digital signals by filtering; exploration of convolution, Fourier transformation and filter design.
  • Numerical techniques:
    > Use of numerical techniques to understand complex mathematical systems; techniques including Boundary Element, Finite Element, Statistical Energy Analysis and geometric room acoustic models.
  • Room Acoustics:
    > Correct acoustical design to make the space comfortable to use and reproduced sound audible and intelligible; design of spaces for non-electronic sound sources.

    NEBOSH qualifications:

    The National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health is an independent awarding body attracting more than 20,000 candidates each year. NEBOSH was founded in 1979. Noise and noise management in treated as an aspect of Occupational Safety and Health.

    The NEBOSH Specialist Diploma in Environmental Management is a professional level qualification designed to develop the environmental management skills of health, safety and environmental practitioners and other suitable candidates. Candidates are required to hold the IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management (or equivalent qualification) and would benefit from relevant Health and Safety qualifications and would ideally have environmental experience in industry. Upon completion of the course, candidates are assessed by written examination and will also need to submit an environmental audit report within an agreed time limit.

    Topics Include:
  • Understanding of techniques for monitoring air, water, waste and noise emissions.
  • Understanding of environmental auditing in effective pollution control management.
  • Detailed knowledge of air pollution control, effluent treatment and disposal of hazardous waste and environmental noise control.
  • Selection of the best practicable environmental options using dispersion modelling.
  • Environmental impact assessment.
  • Risk assessment and cost benefit analysis.

    The Open University (UK)-T308:

    Environmental monitoring, modelling and control: This course is about strategies for controlling environmental pollution. By the end of the course learners are able to define and describe:
  • The principles and concepts of solid wastes management, noise control, air quality management and water treatment.
  • The computer modelling of environmental situations.
  • The economic assessment of projects.

    Noise, one of the course components, begins by reviewing basic concepts such as units, criteria and indices, legal and social control and planning. The technical aspects of noise control including prediction schemes and sound insulation of buildings, are important topics. There are case studies of public enquiries and of industrial noise.

    T308 is a Level 3 course, which makes intellectual demands appropriate to the final year of an honours degree. T308 is a compulsory course in the:
  • Diploma in Pollution Control.

    T308 is a specified course in the:
  • BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) Environmental Studies.
  • BSc (Hons) Technology.
  • BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences.
  • Advanced Diploma in Environmental Decision-Making.

    Switzerland:

    Swiss Acoustical Society: Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Akustik/Societe Suisse d'Acoustique (SGA/SSA).

    The Swiss Acoustical Society was established in 1971. The majority of the members are consultant engineers and practitioners, mostly in the field of environmental noise protection; only a small minority is doing research.

    The aim of the society is the promotion of acoustics in Switzerland by supporting studies and research in the area of acoustics, by exchange of experience between experts, by taking positions on questions of noise control legislation, and by strengthening the cooperation of acousticians over the language borders in this multilingual country.

    Four to five times a year the society's newsletter - bilingual in French and German - informs the members about news and topics on acoustics in Switzerland and abroad and covers lectures, courses, congresses, new publications, interesting web pages, and job offers. There is no formal education in Acoustics in Switzerland. Therefore the society offers to its individual members the possibility to pass an examination for the title "Akustiker SGA" and thereby provides proof of their qualifications in acoustics.

    Regarding the fields of acoustics SGA's members are interested in, noise control leads with building acoustics and room acoustics coming second. A majority of the members is interested in measuring technique, one third of the members list physical acoustics among their interests and one quarter name musical acoustics and electroacoustics. This priority is reflected in the choice of subjects treated at the society's events.

    SGA/SSA is member of the European Acoustics Association EAA, the International Commission of Acoustics ICA and the International Institute of Noise Control Engineering I-INCE.

    New Zealand:

    The NZQA has one unit standard related directly to noise control, at Level 3: "Demonstrate knowledge of hearing conservation in the workplace".

    There is a Diploma qualification offered at Level 6.

    NZIM Diploma in Health and Safety Management - Level 6.

    The Diploma in Health and Safety Management aims to provide current practical and realistic health and safety information.

    The course is designed for people whose area of responsibility within industry or government includes health and safety. This may include, but are not restricted to, safety coordinators, risk advisers, occupational health nurses, human resource managers, training officers, engineers, production supervisors, union officials and insurance personnel.

    Programme content includes Management Integrating Health and Safety; Safety and other relevant Compliance Legislation; Employee Health, Welfare and Wellbeing; Employee Development through Training and Involvement; Specialised Workplace Health and Safety Management (of which Noise Management is a part); Hazard Risk Management; and Accident and Incident Management.

    The stated Learning Outcomes of the Diploma indicate that successful learners will be able to apply their Noise Management competence:
  • Critically assess the effectiveness and value of workplace health and safety within their own organisation.
  • Identify and prioritise health and safety training to facilitate responsibility fulfilment within their organisation.
  • Use essential 'minimum standard' concepts to respond strategically to workplace health and safety management.
  • Develop skills and behaviours which add value to existing skills and knowledge.
  • Work openly and positively toward the evaluation and development of workplace health and safety projects.
  • Initiate practical systems management and strategies to address health and safety issues.
  • Generate positive attitudes towards health and safety and its management within the organisation.

    Australia:

    In Australia, there appear to be few courses devoted entirely to acoustics; rather it is seen as complementing a wide range of subjects. Advice to those at school is to have a broad range of background subjects at secondary school with a knowledge of basic mathematics and some skills in computing essential (computers are used in all aspects of the design, measurement, and data analysis in acoustics).

    While not all people working in acoustics have extensive formal qualifications, some basic training is necessary. Projections in Australia suggest that there will be an increasing demand for people with formal qualifications in the acoustics work force, rather than the "self-trained" workers who have only done a few short courses during their career. Learning should place an emphasis on basic physics and mathematics and include an understanding of wave-motion, basic computing and some electronics and instrumentation. Courses which include a study of optics and electromagnetic theory are useful, as many of the basic ideas and laws developed in these areas are directly transferable to acoustics. Individuals may wish to complement these studies with areas such as architecture, the life sciences including biology or psychology and/or an arts subject like music.

    Candidates are advised to extend their studies after obtaining a basic degree and undertake additional work towards a Masters or even a Doctoral degree in acoustics. A number of Universities include acoustics among the areas offered for such training. The following list indicates some types of Faculties and the kind of research topics which may be undertaken.

    Mechanical Engineering: Research into the effects of vibration in various structures, production of turbulent sound from flowing fluids, active noise control.

    Physics: Interaction of sound with materials, basic properties of acoustic materials, behaviour of musical instruments.

    Biology: Communication between living organisms by means of sound, effects of noise on the behaviour of marine and land-based animals - including man.

    Psychology: Problems of speech and hearing and the intelligibility of communication.

    Africa:

    There is little or no published evidence of comprehensive approaches in Africa to noise control and noise management, apart from South Africa. The isolated examples that appear are in relation to international airports.

    South African legislation provides clear guidelines for noise management, and this is reflected in the different municipalities and their policies and regulations. There is a move to develop unified national strategies and approaches to the management of noise in South Africa.

    Existing education and training initiatives:

    OAITC and UNISA have developed short certificate courses, centering on environmental science and environmental management, to provide tuition for persons who have an interest in the environment. These short courses will be useful for:
  • People whose function in the workplace is to undertake environmental audits and or assessments.
  • Engineers who wish to include environmental considerations in their development planning.
  • People practicing waste management.
  • Environmental impact assessors.
  • Occupational and environmental hygienists.
  • Environmental, health and safety officers.
  • Any person whose work involves environmental and ecological assessments.

    Learners successfully completing the short courses will gain credits towards UNISA's National Diploma in Environmental Science and Environmental Management.

    Environmental Science & Environmental Management: NQF Level 5.

    Companies and individuals may elect to choose individual modules or the entire learning programme.

    Module 1: Environmental management systems.
    Module 2: Environmental aspects and impacts.
    Module 3: Waste disposal and waste management.
    Module 4: Occupational and environmental noise.
    Module 5: Environmental chemistry and industrial ecology.
    Module 6: Environmental legislation.
    Module 7: Toxicology.
    Module 8: The Kyoto Protocol and the Clean Development Mechanism.

    Conclusion:

    It is clear that noise and noise management is viewed as an increasingly important part of planning and development in the future. There are many examples of qualifications at tertiary level, but an obvious need also for access to these qualifications.

    This qualification will provide access to the field, and enable people in local government in particular, to play a vital and informed role in noise management. It provides for immediate skills needs in the sector, as well as progression into more specialist roles. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The following information shows the location of this qualification in terms of other qualifications within the field:
  • The first steps to qualifications in noise control include unit standards at Level 3. The intention is to progress up the career path to a Degree at Level 6.
  • Candidates working in noise control are required to hold a Diploma or Degree: Environmental Health. The first noise related qualification is the FETC: Environmental Noise. This qualification can be used by persons in other areas of environmental health to extend or further their careers.
  • Successful learners can then progress to a National Certificate: Environmental Noise Level 5 to provide the specialised knowledge and skill necessary to work in Noise Control Divisions of Integrated Pollution Control Departments.
  • There are horizontal articulation possibilities with Occupational Health qualifications at Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Providers offering learning towards this qualification or the component unit standards must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to moderation principles and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    1. Assessors must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA; and
    2. Be in possession of a relevant qualification in environmental noise at NQF Level 5 or higher. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  244590  Describe and explain sound generation and propagation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  244593  Identify and deal with a noise nuisance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  244602  Apply processes and procedures for dealing with alleged noise infringement in a specific Local Authority  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  244615  Conduct noise measurements to validate a complaint  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  244614  Describe and explain the physical, emotional and psychological impact of noise on social well being  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Core  244597  Distinguish between and classify different types of occupational and environmental noise  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  244598  Investigate and approve applications for public events from an environmental noise perspective  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  244601  Provide input and guidance to local government departments with respect to noise, and noise-related planning requirements  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  12154  Apply comprehension skills to engage oral texts in a business environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  12155  Apply comprehension skills to engage written texts in a business environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  12417  Measure, estimate & calculate physical quantities & explore, critique & prove geometrical relationships in 2 and 3 dimensional space in the life and workplace of adult with increasing responsibilities  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  12153  Use the writing process to compose texts required in the business environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  116492  Interact ethically in multicultural contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  9533  Use communication skills to handle and resolve conflict in the workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  14927  Apply problem solving strategies  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  119676  Apply the skills of customer care in a specific work environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  110000  Generate information and reports for internal and external use  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  110023  Present information in report format  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Elective  119342  Apply knowledge of ethical principles, standards and professional conduct in public sector management and administration  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 


    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.
     
    NONE 


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