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: Chemical Operations |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
78528 | National Certificate: Chemical Operations | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Chemical Industries SGB | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report. | SFAP - Sub-framework Assignment Pending | |||
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 091/21 | 2021-07-01 | 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 |
48916 | National Certificate: Explosives Manufacturing Operations | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 120 | Complete |
58537 | National Certificate: Chemical Operations | 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 |
102156 | Occupational Certificate: Chemical Plant Operator | Not Applicable | NQF Level 04 | 487 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
This qualification addresses the training needs of learners wishing to progress beyond NQF Level 2 in chemical process operations. The competence obtained from this qualification provides the foundation needed to take responsibility for a significant process in the chemical operations industry. It also provides the basis upon which further related learning and career development can take place. Through the employment of competent operating personnel, employers and, in turn, the field and sub-field have confidence that this critical work in the industry is efficiently carried out. Social development and economic transformation are enhanced through efficient production. Career development and personal job satisfaction of operating personnel are facilitated through the learning process used to achieve the competency specified. Qualifying learners will: Rationale: This qualification is the third in a series of four qualifications aimed at people working in the chemical operations industry. The chemical processing industry is well established in South Africa and its success is dependent upon the efficient production of chemical products. A substantial number of people with applicable workplace-based skills and the correct theoretical foundation are needed to ensure that these production units in South Africa operate productively. Achieving this objective is supported directly by this qualification. Typical learners are operating personnel working in any of the processing plants found in the broad chemical, petrochemical, minerals processing, refinery, explosives, fertiliser and other related processing industries. The qualification makes provision for some specialisation in these fields. Competence in chemical process operations requires appropriate general, chemical specific, technical and other knowledge and its application, as well as expertise in operating production equipment and controlling a chemical process. This knowledge and expertise can form a basis for further learning particularly in the production/operational, engineering and supervisory aspects of chemical operations and similar industries in the chemical and other sectors. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
Recognition of Prior Learning: 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. Access to the Qualification: Access for learners with disabilities is dependent on the: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
The Qualification rules are as follows: Fundamental Component: The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in: All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory. Core Component: The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 59 credits; all of which are compulsory. Elective Component: The Elective Component consists of a number of specialisations each with its own set of Unit Standards. Learners are to choose a specialisation area and must choose Elective Unit Standards to the value of 25 credits from the Elective Unit standards listed under that specialisation so as to attain a minimum of 120 credits for this qualification. Chemical Industry specialisations (Learning Programme ID 66209): Learners wishing to complete this specialisation must select the following unit standard with 15 credits and any other unit standard from the other chemical specialisations to give a total of 25 credits for the Elective component: Mining and Minerals specialisations (Learning Programme ID 78903): Mineral Extraction and Refining: Learners are to choose Elective Unit Standards to the value of at least 25 credits from the list below: Sulphuric Acid Manufacturing: Learners are to choose Elective Unit Standards to the value of at least 25 credits from the list below: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Apply problem solving strategies in a process environment.
2. Apply safety and environmental protection procedures in the workplace. 3. Manage and control chemical process operations in a process environment. 4. Maintain quality in a processing environment. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: While performing integrated chemical process operations, qualifying learners can: Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by: Responding to emergencies in a processing environment: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Monitoring and controlling quality assurance practices: Refer to all Exit Level Outcomes. Applying operating procedures: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Controlling variables impacting on chemical process operations: Refer to all Exit Level Outcomes. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by: Working in a coordinated team during processing operations: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcomes: Co-ordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area, internal and external operations; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by: Using operating instructions to control process plant conditions: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome: Implementing the steps to solve operating problems in a process plant: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Applying quality procedures in a process environment to maintain product quality: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by: Monitoring operational parameters: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Collating and sorting product quality data: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Monitoring and interpreting product quality data and data obtained from product analysis: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Managing records, reports and stock: Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by: Recording and interpretation of instrument readings: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Preparing and presenting reports: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by: Working according to health and safety regulations: Controlling technologically advanced production equipment according to operating procedures: Working and interpreting technologically advanced instrumentation and computer systems: Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by: Monitoring and controlling quality assurance practices: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Adjusting equipment and machinery while taking cognisance of the downstream impact: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by: Maintaining and applying safety practices in the production environment: Maintaining and applying quality practices in the production environment: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): Performing core operating functions: Evident in Exit Level Outcome(s): Performing specialised computer functions: Refer to the following Exit Level Outcome(s): |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
1.1 Statistical process control is performed in a process environment. 1.2 Instrument control loops are identified and interpreted in accordance with specified requirements. 1.3 Operating problems in a process plant are addressed in accordance with specifications. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: 2.1 Emergencies in a process environment are responded to in accordance with specified requirements. 2.2 The work permit system is explained and applied in accordance with organisational requirements. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: 3.1 The principles of chemistry and physics are explained in relation to a processing environment. 3.2 Operating instructions are used to control process plant conditions. 3.3 Statistical process control is performed in accordance with specifications. 3.4 Solid-vapour and liquid-vapour separation processes are explained with examples. 3.5 Plant is monitored in a process environment in accordance with specified requirements. 3.6 Process and instrument diagrams are read and interpreted in accordance with code of practice. 3.7 Instrument control loops are identified and interpreted in accordance with specifications. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: 4.1 On-site analysis of process materials is conducted in accordance with requirements. 4.2 The quality of products is maintained in a production environment. 4.3 Statistical process control is performed in accordance with specifications. Integrated Assessment: The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner 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 |
National Certificate: Chemical Operations was compared with the German Berufschule chemical operations qualifications, the NVQ from Britain, 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. Good international comparability, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 1 to NQF Level 4, were found in the Australian and British qualifications. Both local and international qualifications place high emphasis on safety with a range of unit standards relating to hazards, emergencies and environmental protection included. The Chemical Operations Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The compulsory problem solving, quality control and operations content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably. An extensive international comparability was done which included the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Britain, European Community Chemical Operator Project and relevant African countries. United States of America: In the USA training for chemical process operators is generally considered as on-the-job training with some specialised multi-media and simulator-training modules offered by private providers. However a small number of technical colleges offer certificate programmes, which are very similar in design to the Chemical Operations NQF Level 3 and 4 qualifications. Germany: The German two year "Produktionsfachkraft Chemie" (Chemical Production Specialist) qualification was used as basis for the development of the NQF Level 1 and NQF Level 2 Chemical Operations qualifications. Our NQF Level 3 qualification was designed to deliver continued training in external operations as required by the chemical industry in South Africa. The Australian and British qualifications registered respectively on the AQF and the NVQ were also used as benchmarking partners. A comparison of the qualifications was undertaken and the best practice points were used in the generation of the South African qualification's unit standards, including similar core qualification structures and progressions from NQF Level 1 to NQF Level 4. Britain: A comparison with the British qualification was included, because the British chemical industry is very well developed and the NVQ is an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An Internet search revealed that The City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Petro-Chemical Manufacture provides for the following areas of specialisation: Controlling Process Operations and Technical Support. The qualification contains compulsory core units consisting of safety, teamwork, work handover and a choice of seven elective units from two separate groups. Three units must be chosen from Group, A which contains the operational units: preparing, controlling, maintaining, restoring and completing complex processing operations and quality management. Four units must be chosen from Group B which contains units ranging from cleaning and preparing equipment, SHEQ, problem solving, risk assessment, energy efficiency and quality control. Australia: The Australian processing industry is of a similar size and sophistication as the South African industry. For this reason a comparison with the Australian qualification was included, as well as the AQF being an educational structure comparable to the NQF. An internet search of the AQF revealed that the Australian Certificate III in Process Plant Operations contains five compulsory core units on communication, safety, emergencies, and work procedures. It allows the learner to choose elective unit standards to specialise in the following steams: Chemical and Oil, Hydrocarbons Extractions and Hydrocarbons Transmission. The qualification is made up of 21 units of competence, of which 16 have to be chosen from operations and support domains that are comparable to what is required for the local qualification, e.g. operate and monitor a range of complex processing equipment, OHS, quality maintenance and problem solving. Africa: African countries with processing facilities (including SADC countries) were searched for applicable qualifications or training programmes, but no relevant qualifications is offered in any of these countries. New Zealand: Research in the NZQA showed that a Level 2 Certificate in Energy and Chemical Plant Operations (Process Operation) and a similar Level 4 Process Operation qualifications are registered. There are no Level 3 qualifications in Process operations registered on the NZQA. Both local and international qualifications place high emphasis on safety with a range of unit standards relating to hazards, emergencies and environmental protection included. The Chemical Operations Qualification compares well with the best international qualifications and training programmes offered. The compulsory technical content incorporated in the qualification will serve to support qualifying learners to make better informed, autonomous decisions within a more compact timeframe than international learners and will increase transportability of the qualification considerably. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification is the third in a series of four chemical operations qualifications and it will allow the learner a vertical progression from the NQF Level 2 qualification. The qualifying learner may progress into a NQF Level 4 supervisory internal process controller role in the chemical operations industry.
The generic knowledge and expertise enables the learner to progress horizontally in a range of other manufacturing operations or to develop a career where knowledge of chemical operations is necessary. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
N/A |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
This qualification replaces the following qualifications:
|
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 244241 | Apply knowledge of chemical reactions in a processing environment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Core | 244086 | Apply quality procedures in a process plant | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Core | 244092 | Demonstrate understanding of solid-vapour and surface based separation processes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 10 |
Core | 244091 | Identify and interpret instrument control loops | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
Core | 244098 | Perform statistical process control in a process environment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
Core | 244093 | Read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 4 |
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 | 114981 | Capture numerical and text information on an electronic database | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 2 |
Elective | 244078 | Demonstrate understanding of a work permit system | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 259622 | Describe the functions of the workplace health and safety representative | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 3 |
Elective | 119744 | Select, use and care for engineering hand tools | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 8 |
Elective | 10255 | Select, use and care for power tools | Level 2 | NQF Level 02 | 5 |
Elective | 244088 | Act as the Safety Watcher during the performance of maintenance activities | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 244108 | Apply safety, health and environment protection procedures in a process plant | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
Elective | 244096 | Conduct on-site analysis of process materials | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 10170 | Demonstrate understanding of employment relations in an organisation | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 244090 | Demonstrate understanding of the principles of kinematics in physics | 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 | 263577 | Monitor and control a crystallisation process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263636 | Monitor and control an electrowinning process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263617 | Monitor and control pyrite processing within a sulphuric acid production plant | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263454 | Monitor and control the base metal leaching process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263576 | Monitor and control the cobalt production process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263634 | Monitor and control the conversion of platinum group metal salts into final metal products | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263497 | Monitor and control the manufacturing of ammonium nitrate based explosives | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263619 | Monitor and control the manufacturing of explosives accessories | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263515 | Monitor and control the manufacturing of initiating devices | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263574 | Monitor and control the manufacturing of propellants | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263575 | Monitor and control the manufacturing of small arms ammunition | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263594 | Monitor and control the nickel production process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263614 | Monitor and control the Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) recovery process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263595 | Monitor and control the platinum group metals preparation process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263618 | Monitor and control the Platinum Group Metals purification process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263615 | Monitor and control the platinum group metals separation process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263854 | Monitor and control the platinum group metals supporting processes | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263495 | Monitor and control the production of chemicals in a chemical process plant | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263635 | Monitor and control the pyrite roasting process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263616 | Monitor and control the sulphuric acid production process | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 15 |
Elective | 263475 | Operate packaging equipment used in an explosives manufacturing environment | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 8 |
Elective | 244094 | Perform and support maintenance functions | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 5 |
Elective | 116936 | Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based database application to work with simple databases | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 3 |
Elective | 116940 | Use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based spreadsheet application to solve a given problem | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 6 |
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 |
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. |
LP ID | Learning Programme Title | Originator | Pre-2009 NQF Level |
NQF Level | Min Credits | Learning Prog End Date | Quality AssuranceFunctionary |
NQF Sub-Framework |
66209 | National Certificate: Chemical Operations | Generic Provider - Field 06 | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 120 | CHIETA | OQSF | |
78903 | National Certificate: Chemical Operations: Mining and Minerals | Generic Provider - Field 06 | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 120 | MQA | OQSF |
PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: |
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. |