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: 

Operate and maintain a wastewater reticulation system 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115907  Operate and maintain a wastewater reticulation system 
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 3  NQF Level 03  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 
2004-06-09  2007-06-09  SAQA 0954/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-06-09   2011-06-09  

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 undertake specific maintenance and operational tasks on a wastewater reticulation system. This competence will enable the learner to identify safety risks, implement appropriate safety procedures, identify the cause and scope of the breakdown in the wastewater reticulation system, communicate with customers, repair the problem and carry out preventative maintenance tasks. This competence will contribute towards the effective operation of wastewater services. Achieving this unit standard will enhance the efficiency of the qualifying learner and advance his / her own expertise and employability in water and other related sectors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Knowledge of pipes, associated fittings and valves, map reading, planning and report writing. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Safety risks
  • Confined spaces, gases, ladder and step safety, road works safety, high pressure water, lifting heavy items, rotating turning bars, engulfment

    Preventative maintenance procedures
  • Clean, check and maintain chambers and manholes, check legibility of markings, check pipeline components for vandalism, tampering and corrosion, check for evidence of blockages and surcharging, inspect and clean pipes, repair pipes.

    Legislation
  • OHS Act 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify cause and scope of faults in a wastewater reticulation system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reports of problems are evaluated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Response is initiated in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The geographic location of the problem is determined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The problem is located on site and its cause and scope are assessed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate action is explained and work tasks are communicated to team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safety risks are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Appropriate safety procedures are communicated and implemented. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Communicate effectively with customers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Customer needs are identified and appropriate action is taken within own scope of responsibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Complaints outside own scope of responsibility are referred to the relevant person. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Irate customers are dealt with in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Feedback is given to customers in line with work procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Complete repairs on wastewater rising mains. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    System is shut down and scoured n accordance with code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Damaged area is exposed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Repairs are completed in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    System is charged and checked for visible leaks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Trench is backfilled and area is re-instated in accordance with work procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Clear obstructions in a wastewater gravity system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    System is correctly plugged when necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Obstructions are removed in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cause of obstruction is identified and reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Worksite is re-instated in accordance with work procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Repair wastewater gravity system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Flow is controlled and damaged area is exposed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate repairs are completed in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Flow is restored, repaired section is checked, problems are identified and appropriate action is taken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Site is re-instated in accordance with work procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Conduct preventative maintenance procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assignment authority is obtained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Locations of scheduled tasks are identified on relevant drawing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problems are identified, scope is determined and tasks are completed in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Evidence of faults are verified and reported to relevant person. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Compliance with preventative maintenance codes of practice is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate contamination prevention methods in wastewater operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Potential causes of blockages in a wastewater system are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Local containment and appropriate removal of spillage is completed in accordance with works procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Local disinfection and cleanup techniques for wastewater spillages are completed in accordance with work procedures. 


    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 
  • Work policies and procedures including reporting procedures.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Site and engineering drawings.
  • Safe excavation and trenching.
  • Relevant sections of the OHS Act and safety procedures.
  • Controlled flow and low flow conditions.
  • The importance of maintaining a live wastewater system.
  • Importance of preventative maintenance.
  • The requirements of effective team leadership.
  • Sound environmental practices.
  • The difference between wastewater and storm water systems.
  • The impact of wastewater and storm water systems on the environment.
  • Methods of wastewater containment.
  • Safe methods of disposal of sewage waste. 

  • 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.

    Specific outcome:
  • Identify cause and scope of faults in a wastewater reticulation system.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Flow is restored, repaired section is checked, problems are identified and appropriate action is taken.
  • Problems are identified, scope is determined and tasks are completed in accordance with work procedures.
  • Potential causes of blockages in a wastewater system are identified and explained. 

  • 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
  • Identify cause and scope of faults in a wastewater reticulation system.
  • Complete repairs on wastewater rising mains.
  • Clear obstructions in a wastewater gravity system.
  • Repair wastewater gravity system.
  • Conduct preventative maintenance procedures. 

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

    Assessment criteria:
  • All 

  • 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 

    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 between 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
  • Direct observation 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48907   National Certificate: Wastewater Reticulation Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2007-06-09  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  60155   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. ERWAT 
    4. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    5. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    6. 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.