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: 

Launch and receive pigs and spheres 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117776  Launch and receive pigs and spheres 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Rail and Pipeline Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
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
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner credited with this unit standard will be able to launch and receive pigs and spheres in pipelines in accordance with company-specific procedures, policies and instructions in order to protect transmix and or cleaning of the internal pipe wall, thereby ensuring the timeous, safe and continuous operation of the pipeline network by transporting petroleum products efficiently, thus contributing positively to Southern African economy.

This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the pipeline operations.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the Pipeline Transport environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication (English) NQF L2
  • Mathematics NQF L2
  • Electrical Safety Certification (Entering of HT Substations and Switching)
  • Computer literacy: Company software
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the pipeline industry
  • Perform minor maintenance on pipeline operations equipment
  • Perform product quality tests
  • Prepare for the movement of product in, through and out of pipeline depots via pipeline routes
  • Perform a product movement start-up at a pipeline depot
  • Perform product metering 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because performance must be carried out:
  • In a controlled and safe environment
  • Within a specific time limit
  • Under actual operating conditions
  • During day and night time
  • In all weather conditions
  • During emergency situations

    When entrance is required to HT substations, the learner must have a valid electrical safety certificate.

    This unit standard includes the manual and automatic operation of pipeline equipment. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Communicate all relevant information on the status of launching and receiving pigs/spheres with all role players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reporting is performed correctly and timeously as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Launching and receiving information is confirmed with relevant role players as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Substandard conditions are recorded and reported timeously to relevant role players using available systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant documentation is completed accurately and timeously as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Utilise company operating systems and software for launching and receiving of pigs/spheres. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Applicable operating system is identified and logged on correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operating system is utilised effectively to launch and receive pigs/spheres in accordance with company-specific policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Related displayed information is verified for accuracy and validity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Extract and capture information on applicable information system relevant to the launching and receiving of pigs/spheres. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Applicable information system is identified and logged on correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Specific information system is utilised effectively to extract and capture relevant information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Extracted and captured information is verified for accuracy and validity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Utilisation of specific information system is correctly prioritised in accordance with company-specific policies, procedures and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify, select and use functional personal protective clothing and equipment for the specific operation and assess immediate surroundings within the prevailing environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Immediate surroundings are assessed for substandard conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Substandard conditions are identified, rectified, recorded and reported timeously to relevant role players using available systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct personal protective clothing and equipment is utilised according to policies, procedures and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Launch pigs/spheres in accordance with company-specific policies and procedures and deal with unforeseen occurrences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The launcher is isolated, drained and opened for the launching of pigs/spheres as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Substandard conditions are identified, rectified and recorded as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Launcher is loaded, door closed and pressurised according to requirements in accordance with company procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Pigs/spheres are launched as per operational requirements in accordance with the operations notice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Receive pigs/spheres in accordance with company-specific policies and procedures and deal with unforeseen occurrences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pigs/spheres are received as per operational requirements in accordance with the operations notice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The receiver is isolated, drained and opened for the removal of pigs/spheres as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pigs/spheres are removed, inspected and stored for re-use as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Substandard conditions are identified, rectified and recorded as per company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Receiver is closed and pressurised according to operational requirements in accordance with company-specific procedures, policies and instructions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that has been accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be registered and accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Moderation of assessment will be done by the relevant ETQA as prescribed.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be certified as competent against this unit standard and registered as an assessor to assess this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The learners can understand and explain the following related to the launching and receiving of pigs and spheres.
  • Depot layout related to the draining and pressurising of launchers and receivers
  • Operating of specific computer systems and software
  • Operations notices
  • Operation of pipeline equipment
  • The launching/receiving of pigs/spheres policies, procedures and instructions
  • Operation and testing of company communications systems
  • Communication protocols
  • Minor maintenance procedures
  • Substandard identification
  • Substandard reporting procedure
  • Depot emergency plan
  • Sump tank ullage
  • Relevant extracts from:
    - OHS Act and regulations
    - Company-specific policies, procedures and instructions
    - Environmental Act 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Learner and societal development

    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety in the workplace as well as in the whole environment
  • Being a team player in the work environment and in society
  • Communicating effectively in the work environment and in society
  • Their responsibility for the safety and well-being of fellow workers and society at large
  • The impact of petroleum product spillages on the environment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem-solving

    Learners can solve problems with regard to:
  • Equipment failures
  • Planning of drained volumes of receivers and launchers
  • Substandard conditions related to the launching and receiving of pigs and spheres 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work

    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Implementing safe working procedures
  • Performing unscheduled minor maintenance tasks
  • Sharing and communicating information related to the launching/receiving of pigs/spheres 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and self-management

    A learner can organise and manage himself by:
  • Executing the launching/receiving of pigs/spheres task(s) responsibly
  • Maintaining a high level of discipline and flexibility
  • Adhering to time frames and prioritisation
  • Adhering to safety and company-specific policies, procedures and instructions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation

    Learners can interpret and evaluate information with regard to:
  • Operations notices
  • Policies, procedures and instructions related to the draining, filling, loading, removing of pigs/spheres into/from launchers/receivers
  • Operating/information systems displays
  • Log sheets, handover books
  • Transmix reports
  • Sump tank ullage 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication

    Learners can communicate information effectively with relevant role-players by utilising various communication systems related to the:
  • Launching/receiving of pigs/spheres
  • Reporting of substandard conditions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology

    Learners can use science and technology by using:
  • Computer systems
  • Automated equipment
  • Communication media 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems

    Learners can understand the purpose of:
  • Launching/receiving of pigs/spheres
  • Draining and pressurising of receivers and launchers 
    		•

    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 
    Assessment process

    Assessment Methods
  • Written tests
  • Practical tests
  • Oral/on-the-job
  • In situ (on-the-job) observations
  • Structured classroom discussions and oral tests

    These methods must be carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, the written method could be used to assess knowledge, or on-the-job demonstration for practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods (no less than two of those detailed above) in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.

    The following tools may be used to supplement the above minimum assessment methods:

    Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience may serve to supplement the assessment of applied competence. The portfolio should include inter alia:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer(s), colleagues, peers, managers, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Logbook or registers stating evidence of performance.


    Values

    In addition, the following values should be demonstrated:
  • Decisiveness
  • Safety consciousness
  • Accuracy
  • Responsibility
  • Neatness
  • Accountability
  • Pro-activeness
  • Quality consciousness
  • Time consciousness
  • Attentiveness
  • Environmental awareness


    Supplementary Information

    Terminology
  • Operations notice refers to a job instruction that stipulates product movement.
  • Operations systems refers to a supervisory, control and data acquisition system (SCADA).
  • Information systems refers to the company's specific computer operation management systems e.g. Operation Management Systems(OMS), System Application Processes (SAP).
  • Sub-standard refers to the deviation from specifications and/or standards.
  • Reporting includes relaying of information.
  • Communication protocol can include, but is not limited to:
    - Personnel structures, e.g. managers, supervisors, colleagues and clients.
    - Verification of messages/instructions.
  • Communication systems can include, but is not limited to:
    - Two-way radios
    - Cellular phones
    - Hand-held emergency telephones
    - Telephones
    - E-mail
    - Facsimile
    - Operations management system (OMS)
    - Radio links
  • Logbook refers to evidence of training and job performance.
  • A pig is a cleaning or batching device used in pipeline operations.
  • A mainline sphere is an inflatable high-density non-metallic ball used for batching products in a pipeline.
  • Receiver refers to pipeline equipment that can receive pigs/spheres and can be isolated from the mainline for the removing of pigs and spheres.
  • Launcher refers to pipeline equipment from which pigs/spheres are launched and can be isolated from the main line for loading pigs/spheres.
  • HT refers to electrical high-tension.


    Certification

    The learner will be certified as competent when he/she is able to:
  • Launch or receive pigs and spheres according to company-specific procedures, policies and instructions.
  • Isolate receivers and launchers according to company-specific policies, procedures and instructions.
  • Drain receivers and launchers according to company-specific policies, procedures and instructions.
  • Pressurise receivers and launchers according to company-specific policies, procedures and instructions.
  • Line up receivers and launchers according to company-specific policies, procedures and instructions.


    Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:
  • Theory: 6 hours
  • Self-directed learning: 12 hours
  • On-the-job learning: 24 hours
  • Assessment: 8 hours
  • Total: 50 hours

    Credits achieved: 5 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49216   National Certificate: Pipeline Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    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.