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

Control propellant manufacturing processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116009  Control propellant manufacturing processes 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2007-09-18  2009-06-17  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-17   2013-06-17  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
263574  Monitor and control the manufacturing of propellants  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for a person who works in an explosives manufacturing environment who has the responsibility of controlling a propellant manufacturing system in order to produce propellants.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of propellant manufacturing processes control,
  • Prepare to control propellants manufacturing processes,
  • Control propellants manufacturing processes,
  • Perform end of propellant controlling procedures. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills, knowledge and understanding on:
  • Propellant manufacturing processes.
  • Understanding of the behaviour, performance and uses of explosives.
  • Understanding of occupational health, safety and environment legislation relevant to the explosive manufacturing environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Propellant manufacturing processes refer to granulation, re-crystallisation, casting, pressing, extrusion, cutting, stabilisation, distillation, nitration, drying, coating and steeping processes and the use of absorption towers and X-ray machines.

    Propellants may refer to single base, double base, triple base, rocket, composite and ball powders.

    This unit will contribute to the full development of the learner within the field of manufacturing by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the fields of manufacturing and technology. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and progression within the manufacturing and technology context.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a range of well-developed skills and offers a significant choice of procedures. Some relevant theoretical knowledge, interpretation of available information, discretion and judgement, as well as a range of known responses to familiar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in skilled occupations and sub-trades.

    The credit value assigned to this unit standard is appropriate and reflects the average length of time for an average qualifying learner to become competent.
  • Recommended contact time and individual learning: 90 hours
  • Recommended time spent in structured learning in the workplace and assessment: 110 hours
  • Total notional hours: 200 hours 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of propellant manufacturing processes control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment, utilities and manufacturing processes in a propellant plant are identified according to purpose, function and position in the plant or processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment and processes may refer to granulation, re-crystallisation, casting, pressing, extrusion, cutting, stabilisation -, distillation, nitration, drying, coating and steeping processes and the use of absorption towers and X-ray machines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Property changes of the materials used in the propellant manufacturing process are identified according to the materials' characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The movement of explosives and other raw material through the propellant plant are identified according to relevant site process parameters. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to control propellants manufacturing processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal preparation refers to practices that ensure personal, product and environment safety.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The work environment, equipment and processes are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation refers to cleaning, pre-start up checks and settings on the equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The materials are received, checked and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Documentation is completed to ensure correct inventory and process/product history according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Control propellants manufacturing processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Propellant manufacturing processes are started, operated and controlled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Product, process and quality control parameters and measures are controlled and recorded according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Samples are taken according to standard operating procedures and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Products are released for further processing according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Releasing of materials or products can only take place if:
  • Any other process-related problems are solved within scope of work in order to ensure product quality,
  • Adjustments are made to the process when it does not meet the work-site requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work areas are kept and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of propellant controlling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Products are packed and labelled as per operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Products are stored according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Manufacturing processes are shut down according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sub-standard product is handled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The work area and processes equipment are cleaned and/or decontaminated according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Cleaning equipment and materials are stored in designated areas according to work-site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Waste from the cleaning process is handled and stored or removed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Process records are kept according to standard operating procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome and critical cross-field outcomes. 

    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 response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Solving process related problems within the scope of work in order to ensure product quality. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Performing personal preparation, workplace and system preparation in order to operate process and equipment according to standard operating procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Analysing and interpreting manufacturing records and analysis. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Verbal and non-verbal communication methods and keeping records. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 263574, which is "Monitor and control the manufacturing of propellants", Level 3, 15 credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    Legal requirements:

    The following acts and/or codes, current and future regulations and amendments may be applicable:
  • The Explosives Act and Regulations, Act 26 of 1956
  • The Hazardous Substances Act and Regulations, Act 15 of 1973
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993. Regulations No 24272 of January 2003
  • The Mine Health and Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996
  • The Environmental Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989
  • ISO 9001 & 14000

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    Protective clothing/gear refers clothing that safeguards the person and the product.

    Standard operating procedures refer to company procedures, prescribed procedures from the manufacturer, personal, equipment and environmental safety procedures, good manufacturing practices, best practices, time frames, applicable legislation and specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48916   National Certificate: Explosives Manufacturing Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-06-17  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.
     
    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.