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: Molten Glass Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
63349  National Certificate: Molten Glass Production 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHIETA - Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority  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  120  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 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
48434  National Certificate: Molten Glass Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  120  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
104990  Occupational Certificate: Glass Melt Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  160  Complete 
104822  Occupational Certificate: Glass Forming Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  324  Complete 
118083  Occupational Certificate: General Glazing Installer  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  160  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification is used as an introduction to molten glass production. This competence provides the foundation needed to take responsibility for a complete glass melting operation. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place.

On completion of this qualification learners will have a good foundational understanding of the scientific principles applicable to glass melting in order to more effectively operate and solve any problems in a glass melting plant. Learners will also be able to monitor and control a glass melting operation based on both general operating principles as well as workplace instructions and finally, learners will be able to address a range of workplace emergencies that they may encounter.

Through the employment of competent operating personnel, employers have confidence that the critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out.

Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient production, and career development and personal job satisfaction of operating personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified.

Rationale:

This qualification replaces Molten Glass Production NQF Level 3, ID 48434.

The other qualifications with some relevance to this industry are those aimed at the manufacturing, chemical operations, production and pharmaceutical industries. However, not one of these qualifications has enough relevance to molten glass production to be used as a basis for this qualification.

This qualification is for people working in molten glass production and who need to progress beyond NQF Level 2. The qualification reflects the common workplace-based and non-specific needs that learners require in molten glass production, before progressing to learning at a higher level. Typical learners are operating personnel working in a molten glass production environment.

The glass industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependant upon the efficient production of molten glass. Achievement of this objective is largely dependant upon 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 molten glass production requires appropriate general and glass specific knowledge as well as the practical application of this knowledge. Expertise in operating production equipment and controlling a 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 
It is assumed that learners are already competent in communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2.

Most learners accessing this qualification will be competent in operating a batch mixing facility as found in an integrated glass operation. They will also have expertise in operating equipment in a production or manufacturing environment and in the application of process related technologies in these operations.

When learners do not have this learning assumed to be in place, appropriate adjustments to the learning process are required.

Recognition of prior learning must be carried out in accordance with the policy and rules specified and used by the ETQA responsible for evaluation of people seeking RPL for a part of the whole qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. A learner wishing to be assessed towards this qualification may arrange to do so without attending any further training or education. The assessor and the learner will jointly decide on the most appropriate method to be taken. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
In the compulsory Fundamental Component of the qualification, a learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the 20 credits in the field of Communication plus 16 credits in the field of Mathematical Literacy.

The unit standards in the compulsory Core Component of the qualification reflect the skills and competencies needed for building expertise in glass melting. In the Core Component, the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in the total of 43 credits.

The Elective Component of the qualification requires the learner to select additional Unit Standards covering aspects such as related technologies, quality, safety, maintenance, teamwork and computer skills. In total the learner must demonstrate his/her competence in a minimum of 41 credits selected from the Elective component.

Elective Component: Choose a minimum of 41 credits; NLRD ID; Level; Credits:
  • Demonstrate understanding of electrostatic precipitator technology; ID 258077; Level 3; 6 Credits.
  • Perform visual inspection checks to identify glass defects; ID 258078; Level 3; 4 Credits.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the refractory materials, products and processes; ID 13974; Level 3; 5 Credits.
  • Identify and interpret instrument control loops; ID 244091; Level 3; 8 Credits.
  • Monitor critical control points (CCPs) as an integral part of a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system; ID 120239; Level 3; 6 Credits.
  • Apply elementary statistical process control principles; ID 244076; Level 2; 6 Credits.
  • Demonstrate understanding of a work permit system; ID 244078; Level 2; 3 Credits.
  • Perform and support maintenance functions; ID 244094; Level 3; 5 Credits.
  • Dismantle, assemble and install basic components in a process environment; ID 244095; Level 3; 6 Credits.
  • Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives (individuals and teams); ID 10981; Level 4; 12 Credits.
  • Conduct safety and health representation activities; ID 116518; Level 2; 3 Credits.
  • Capture numerical and text information on an electronic database; ID 114981; Level 2; 2 Credits.
  • Use a GUI based word processor to enhance a document through tables and columns; ID 119078; Level 3; 5 Credits.
  • Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to create and edit spreadsheets; ID 116937; Level 2; 4 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying technologies and operating principles used in glass melting, namely:
  • Understand glass chemistry relevant to a glass melting operation.
  • Monitor and control the glass melting process.
  • Respond to the emergencies that may occur in a glass melting operation.

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of glass chemistry relevant to a glass melting operation.

    2. Monitor and control the glass melting process using relevant problem solving methods and standard operating procedures.

    3. Apply emergency procedures in a glass melting operation.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    Each critical cross-field outcome was considered in terms of its applicability to each of the specific outcomes for each unit standard. Where it was found to be applicable, the nature of the skills being developed was specified by the working group and captured in the standard.

    Critical cross-field outcomes are assessed per unit standards and are part of all exit level outcomes. Critical cross-field outcomes have been addressed by the exit level outcomes as follows:

    While involved in glass melting operations, qualifying learners can:

    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Solving problems experienced with the glass furnace, its ancillary systems and the quality of materials used or produced in the process.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Assessing emergency conditions and addressing equipment failure and serious injury effectively.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Keeping co-workers informed of the condition of the glass melting operation.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Addressing emergencies in a coordinated way together with team members.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.

    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Systematic organisation of glass properties and their impact on molten glass operations.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Systematic monitoring and controlling of a glass furnace, its ancillary systems and the quality of process materials.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Logical assessment and addressing of emergency conditions.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Systematic organisation of glass properties and their impact on molten glass operations.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Systematic monitoring of a glass furnace, its ancillary systems and the quality of process materials through data collection.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Systematic collection of information to assess an emergency condition.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.

    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Communicating glass properties in appropriate scientific language and formulae.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Capturing data collected during the monitoring process accurately.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Verbally communicating emergency conditions clearly and drafting a written report.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.

    2.Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding glass and furnace properties and its impact on the environment.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Controlling the melting process within safety and environmentally safe parameters.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Limiting the impact of emergencies on people and the environment.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Understanding the impact of molten glass properties on the furnace operations and the final product produced.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Controlling material and furnace conditions in order to ensure that only quality products are produced.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Being prepared to address emergencies effectively to minimise impact on people, equipment and ultimately company viability.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3.

    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Accumulation and grasp of scientific knowledge in the community.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 1.
  • Efficient plant operation to maintain employment levels in local community.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 2.
  • Effective handling of emergencies at home and in local community.
    > Evident in Exit Level Outcome 3. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level outcome 1:
  • The properties of the raw materials used in the glass production process are explained in terms of accepted scientific principles.
  • Heat and heat transfer principles are explained in terms of relevance to glass melting and as applied in a glass melting furnace.
  • Molten glass properties are explained in terms of their relevance to a glass melting furnace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level outcome 2:
  • The glass furnace and its ancillary systems are monitored and controlled as per standard operating procedure requirements.
  • Quality standards of materials entering and leaving the glass furnace is monitored and controlled in accordance with specifications.
  • Problems experienced with the glass furnace and its ancillary systems or the quality of process materials are solved using a basic problem solving methodology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level outcome 3:
  • Emergency conditions are assessed and communicated as per standard operating procedure requirements.
  • Equipment failure and serious injury to personnel are addressed in such a way as to minimise further impact on human life, equipment and the environment.
  • Plant and equipment is shut down or returned to normal running conditions in accordance with standard operating procedures.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of this qualification.

    Appropriate methods and tools must be used to assess practical, foundational and reflexive competence of the learner in all the exit level outcomes listed above, as well as to determine a learner's ability to solve problems, work in a team, organize him/herself, use applied science, and understand the implications of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems. Such an assessment process will determine development of the whole person, and the integration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Assessors should develop, conduct, and ensure integration of, assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods against the unit standards that make up the qualification. Combinations of applied, foundational and reflective competencies, including critical cross-field outcomes, should be assessed wherever possible.

    Moderators should ensure that assessment is valid, consistent and integrated into work or learning, and that there is sufficient and authenticated evidence of learner competence against the whole qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared against qualifications originating from the NVQ in Britain, SVQ in Scotland, the German Berufsschule and the Australian and New Zealand Qualifications Frameworks. African countries with manufacturing facilities (including SADC countries) were scanned for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications are offered in any of these countries.

    A comparison with the British qualifications is particularly valuable since they also lead a European Community (EC) pilot project to establish a benchmark glass manufacturing qualification for the EC. It is therefore important to note that the current British qualifications have the following similarities to the South African qualification:
  • Both have separate qualifications to address glass melting and glass forming.
  • Both have a core molten glass chemistry module.
  • Both have a core glass furnace operations module.

    The differences are as follows:
  • The proposed South African molten glass qualification includes emergency procedures and problem solving unit standards in its core, the NVQ has no further core standards.
  • A variety of additional Unit Standards addressing molten glass manufacturing aspects are included in the elective component of the South African qualification.
  • The British qualification prefers a variety of mechanical, business and soft skill unit standards in its elective portfolio. These were considered of secondary importance by South African stakeholders.

    The other participants in the EC project, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Romania, have been amongst the world leaders in glass manufacturing for many years. Although the Czech Republic and Romania are in the process of adopting and converting the British formal qualifications to their own requirements, "glass institutes" which form part of their higher education system train "glass technicians" (diploma and degree courses) whereas "glass artisans" are trained as a fitter and turner speciality course aimed at the building and maintenance of glass furnace ware.

    The German Berufsschule offers a two year course (certificate) consisting of an in-depth theory component and a detailed mechanical (dismantle, assemble and set-up) component. This is similar to the "glass artisan" route followed by Romania and the Czech Republic. Most of these Berufsschüle also offers courses in glass sculpture which favours the more artistic approach to glass than the approach relevant to the South African industry.

    Finally, worldwide training is provided by glass furnace suppliers to companies using their technology and equipment. Although these courses cover a range of operational aspects, they lack the depth and integrated approach required for a qualification in this field.

    In Summary:

    Good international comparability, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 2 to NQF Level 3, were found with the Australian, New Zealand, British, Scottish and German qualifications. However, the international qualifications have a variety of mechanical, business and soft skill electives supporting their core, whereas Unit Standards with an in-depth focus on glass manufacturing were seen as a higher priority in the proposed South African molten glass qualification.

    The Molten Glass Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The additional operational content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact time frame than international learners. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification does not form part of a qualification suite but will allow the learner a vertical progression from the National Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing, ID 58955 at NQF Level 2, preferably obtained in a glass batch mixing environment. The qualifying learner may progress to a NQF Level 4 supervisory role in the glass manufacturing field.

    There are no direct horizontal articulation possibilities due to the focussed technical nature of the training in this field; however a number of the Unit Standards are duplicated in a range of other manufacturing and processing qualifications making access easier. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone moderating the assessment of learners against this Qualification must be registered as a moderator with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited or recognised as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQAs (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. 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.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    In order to assess this qualification, the assessor needs:
  • Well developed interpersonal skills.
  • Assessors to meet the requirements of the generic assessor standards.
  • Competence against the unit standard "Conduct outcomes-based assessments".
  • Detailed documentary proof of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and/or experience gained at an appropriate level in the work concerning the production of molten glass. This must meet the relevant ETQA policies and guidelines. The subject matter expertise of the assessor can be established through the recognition of prior learning.
  • Registration with, or recognition by, the relevant ETQA as specified through an appropriate memorandum of understanding. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 48434, "National Certificate: Molten Glass Production", Level 3, 120 credits.

    Range Statements:

    This qualification addresses the theoretical knowledge required by learners in glass melting operations.

    Knowledge relating to glass melting includes process specific technology, communication, mathematics, applied science, and SHEQ.

    This qualification may be applicable to other manufacturing operations, while concepts are applicable to a range of metallurgical melting operations. This is subject to its acceptance by appropriate subject matter experts. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  244108  Apply safety, health and environment protection procedures in a process plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  258075  Demonstrate understanding of the scientific principles applicable to glass melting  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  258076  Monitor and control the production of molten glass  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  244085  Respond to emergencies in a process environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  244087  Solve operating problems in a process plant  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  244084  Use operating instructions to control process plant conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed 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  119457  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  119467  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  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  244076  Apply elementary statistical process control principles  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Elective  114981  Capture numerical and text information on an electronic database  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Elective  116518  Conduct safety and health representation activities  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  244078  Demonstrate understanding of a work permit system  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Elective  116937  Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to create and edit spreadsheets  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  13974  Demonstrate an understanding of the refractory materials, products and processes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  258077  Demonstrate understanding of electrostatic precipitator technology  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  244095  Dismantle, assemble and install basic components in a process environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  244091  Identify and interpret instrument control loops  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
    Elective  120239  Monitor critical control points (CCPs) as an integral part of a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Elective  244094  Perform and support maintenance functions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  258078  Perform visual inspection checks to identify glass defects  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Elective  119078  Use a GUI-based word processor to enhance a document through the use of tables and columns  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  10981  Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives (individuals and teams)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.