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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Plan and implement a sampling program to monitor water quality 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115896  Plan and implement a sampling program to monitor water quality 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to plan and implement a sampling program, monitor the taking of samples, liaise with customers, guide samplers and complete reports. This competence will enable the learner to evaluate the care and storage of sampling equipment and field instruments. This competency will ensure water user compliance with national legislation and the protection of the water environment. The achievement of this unit standard will expand the skills base of the qualifying learner and make the person more effective in his/her tasks, more employable and will open up job opportunities in related fields. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Mathematical calculations at NQF level 3 including fractions, percentages and ratios
  • Literacy and communication NQF 3
  • Knowledge of sampling 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Sampling points
  • Raw water source (rivers, dams, boreholes, streams, springs, etc), water treatment plant (unit processes, final water, clarification and separation dam overflows, etc), distribution system (any reservoirs, pressure towers, consumers' taps, pump stations, fire hydrants, etc), industrial effluent (waste water effluent and fissure water)

    Sampler's preparation
  • Vehicle checklist, equipment checklist, valid driver's licence, safety equipment checklist

    Sampling equipment & field
  • Sample bottles, sterile containers, cooler box, ice packs, instruments disposable gloves, gas burner, paper towels, stopwatch, pH meter, chlorine test kit, dissolved oxygen meter, thermometer, conductivity meter, turbidity meter, sampling apparatus, secchi disk, communication equipment, waterproof marker, sampling record book, rope, bucket, maps and GPS 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan a sampling program. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Objectives of a sampling program are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sampling points in a system or source to be monitored are selected and appropriateness thereof is explained and recorded on sampling schedules. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Water qualities and properties to be analysed are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The maintenance of all sample sites is planned and monitored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Criteria for determining sampling frequency are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Frequency of sampling is determined in accordance with works procedures, legislative requirements, recognised guidelines and recorded sampling schedule. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Historic data is extracted from database for sample sites and evaluated for planning sample programme. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Checklist for sampling program is compiled. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare the implementation of a sampling program. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Route and transport is planned in a cost effective manner and organised in accordance with sampling schedule. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sample equipment and field instruments are assembled and checked and appropriate action is taken to replace damaged equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Field instruments are calibrated by specified personnel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sample containers are prepared and labelled in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Unsafe working conditions are identified and appropriate safety precautions are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Sampling points are located on a map / plant diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Sampler's preparation for sampling programme is checked and monitored and unsafe working conditions are discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor the collection of microbiological, physical and chemical samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sampler skills when taking microbiological, physical and chemical samples are evaluated and monitored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sampler skills for handling, storing, transporting and delivering samples are evaluated and monitored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use, calibration and storage of field instruments are evaluated and monitored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problem areas are identified and appropriate remedial action, including coaching or disciplinary action is taken. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Liaise with customers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Customers are treated in a polite and friendly manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Customer problem / request is identified and clarified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate action is taken to meet customer needs and feedback regarding the outcome and progress of the solution is given timeously. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Compile and complete reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cost of vehicles and sampling is calculated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cost data is compiled into a report and submitted to management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Logging of routine field data in appropriate database is monitored regularly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reports, including ad hoc samples, complaints and pollution investigations are complete, accurate and submitted in accordance with agreed time frames. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Sample database is updated regularly. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • 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 as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic water and wastewater microbiology.
  • Basic water and waste water chemistry.
  • Sample preservation methods.
  • Instances when the use of a camera would be appropriate.
  • Procedures to follow in dangerous or conflict situations.
  • Planning and preparation before leaving the workplace.
  • Works policies and procedures.
  • Representative samples (multiple samples and grab samples).
  • The importance of following up on outstanding laboratory results.
  • Basis for determining sample frequency (requirements for various water sources e.g. surface water, potable water, borehole water, and relationship to number of people supplied by specific source).
  • Objectives of a sampling program: fitness for use, evaluation of process efficiency, disinfection efficiency, adequate stabilisation, and water quality.
  • SABS specification 241.
  • Quality of Domestic Water Supplies (Volume 2) Sampling Guide (WRC TT117/99).
  • Communication with customers (written and oral).
  • Cost calculations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Sample equipment and field instruments are assembled and checked and appropriate action is taken to replace damaged equipment.
  • Problem areas are identified and appropriate remedial action, including coaching or disciplinary action is taken.
  • Customer problem / request is identified and clarified. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    Specific outcomes:
  • Plan a sampling program.
  • Prepare the implementation of a sampling program.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Reports, including ad hoc samples, complaints and pollution investigations are complete, accurate and submitted in accordance with agreed time frames. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Historic data is extracted from database for sample sites and evaluated for planning sample programme.
  • Unsafe working conditions are identified and appropriate safety precautions are explained.
  • Sampler skills when taking microbiological, physical and chemical samples are evaluated and monitored.
  • Sampler skills for handling, storing, transporting and delivering samples are evaluated and monitored.
  • The use, calibration and storage of field instruments are evaluated and monitored.
  • Problem areas are identified and appropriate remedial action, including coaching or disciplinary action is taken. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Integrated Assessment

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist among a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment Option

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
  • Oral or written questions
  • Observation
  • Evaluate reports and calculations 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48910   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water Purification Processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Elective  61669   Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Water, Health and Sanitation Facilitation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    2. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    3. ESKOM GENERATION - PALMIET PUMP STORAGE GRABOUW 
    4. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    5. POWER SYSTEMS TRAINING, CAPE TOWN 
    6. PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING (PTY) LTD 
    7. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    8. THOBOLOGO TRAINING & EDUCATION GROUP 


    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.