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: 

Maintain calibrated equipment and standards for plastics manufacturing processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119185  Maintain calibrated equipment and standards for plastics manufacturing processes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing 
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 4  NQF Level 04 
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 
In order for me to perform effectively in the field of plastics manufacturing, I will be able to:
  • Calibrate a range of measuring equipment required for the production process.

    I will also know and understand:
  • The importance of regular calibration in ensuring continuous accuracy of measurement and in meeting the requirements of the relevant quality standards in place.

    I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any volume plastics manufacturing process, e.g.
  • Injection moulding.
  • Blow moulding.
  • Various kinds of extrusion.
  • Variations of thermoforming.
  • Rotational moulding.
  • Calendaring.
  • Compression and related moulding processes.
  • Reaction injection moulding.
  • Polymer composites fabrication processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and resin injection.

    The volume production process also includes the regeneration of recycled materials and the manufacture of intermediate products such as sheet, profiles, compounds and master batches.

    The skill, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 4. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits for this unit standard assume that I have a National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 3 or an equivalent qualification. They also assume that I am working towards my qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates all the required unit standards.

    My learning time will increase if I do not have:
  • A relevant NQF 3 qualification.
  • Experience in a relevant field.

    My learning time will be decreased if I have experience in this field because:
  • My learning programme will be adjusted to build on what I already know.
  • I can apply to have that prior learning recognised. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.

    The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard are required for calibrating equipment for quality assurance purposes.

    The learner should be able to work autonomously with minimal supervision. The work will be guided by relevant worksite procedures, manufacturers' specifications and safety, health and environmental legislation. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Determine the requirements listed in the calibration plan and develop a programme for calibrating the equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Equipment to be calibrated includes tape measures, rules, colour reference standards, scales, weights, gauges, etc.

    Calibration plan: most quality standards require a calibration plan; in the absence of such a plan this would first have to be developed. Some equipment and standards (masters) will have to be sent to an external agency; some can be calibrated in-house against a standards (master). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Collect, package and send off equipment and standards to the standards authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Collect and calibrate measuring equipment against company standard and record in the register. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Isolate equipment which deviates from the standard and deal with it according to procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Dealing with equipment which deviates from the standard includes destroying, disposing of, or sending out for repair or recalibration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Maintain and store calibration equipment and standards, record all actions, store all certificates and track all activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:
  • Facilitate integrated assessment.
  • Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).

    Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain and discuss issues related to the calibration process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All requirements of the calibration plan are met. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Results achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Calibrated equipment meets the requirements of relevant quality standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Records and certificates are up to date and accurate. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All relevant internal and external procedures are followed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Calibrated equipment and standards are used and stored appropriately and with due care. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel or agencies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work is carried out in a safe manner, and ensuring that there is no impact on health or the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Indicator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Discussions of issues demonstrate that I have an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to the calibration process and an understanding of how these relate to application in practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Issues, key concepts and principles include:
  • The role and function of calibration.
  • Maintaining, handling and storing calibration equipment.
  • Quality standards and calibration plans.
  • Issues related to safety, health and the environment.
     


  • UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    To obtain credits I must be assessed. The assessment will be based on evidence that I produce. My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:
  • How my assessment is moderated.
  • How I can appeal against the outcome of the assessment.

    Any institution or company which offers learning that will enable me to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.

    My assessment against this standard should meet all the requirements of established principles. It should include practical assessment activities, which are appropriate to the contents of this unit standard. These activities should include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations, etc.

    I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.

    I will be assessed on all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. The specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and practical evidence. My assessment will not only be based on observation but also on other evidence which I compile into a portfolio of evidence. I cannot be assessed only through a written or oral test.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge will be assessed in relation to each other. If I am able to explain the items which fall under the heading of essential embedded knowledge, but am unable to perform the specific outcomes, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'. Similarly, if I am able to perform tasks described under the specific outcomes, but cannot explain or justify them in terms of the fundamental concepts, principles and practice relevant to the level of the unit standard that underpins my skill, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'.

    I will also be assessed on my ability to apply the principles and techniques related to the critical cross-field outcomes, not only in terms of what I can demonstrate, but also in terms of what I know and can discuss.

    My assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and even in conjunction with my assessment for the qualification as a whole. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:

    1. Names and functions of:
  • Concepts related to calibration.
  • Calibration equipment and standards.
  • Various types of equipment requiring calibration.

    2. Purpose of:
  • Calibration.
  • Quality standards.

    3. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Quality standards for calibration.

    4. Processes and events:
  • Calibration equipment operation.
  • Preparation of equipment to be calibrated.

    5. Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Failing to adhere to quality requirements in respect of calibration.
  • Equipment going out of calibration.

    6. Procedures and techniques:
  • For calibration.
  • For handling, maintaining and storing calibration equipment.
  • For packing and transporting calibrating equipment and standards.

    7. Sensory cues:
  • Sensory cues (what I see, hear, feel) used to identify problems during calibration of equipment.

    8. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation.
  • Applicable company policies and procedures.
  • Relevant quality standards.

    9. Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Related mathematical and measurement principles for calibration.
  • Principles and practice of calibration.

    10. Relationships, systems:
  • The relationship between calibration and the quality system and the quality of manufactured product. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Recognise and respond to equipment and standards which are no longer within the set parameters.
  • Recognise and respond to problems while calibrating equipment and standards. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Interact with appropriate personnel in calibration-related activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Follow a plan and implement appropriate procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect information and maintain accurate records. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate with appropriate personnel regarding any problems associated with calibration. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Apply and explain relevant mathematical and measurement principles as they apply to the calibration process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Explain the relationship between calibration and quality and the purpose of quality within the system. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    My assessor will be registered and have a plastics manufacturing qualification at NQF 6 or higher. In the absence of assessors with such qualifications, the ETQA can make interim arrangements. My assessor should also be active in the industry and be familiar with the materials, machinery, products and level of technology in which I have contextualised my skills and knowledge. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  50309   Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  50021   Further Education and Training Certificate: Inspection and Assessment (Non-Metallics)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  49451   Further Education and Training Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  57898   Further Education and Training Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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. A4 Consultancy CC 
    2. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    3. Edutraining Business College 
    4. Growth Management Consulting 
    5. IQ Skills Academy (PTY) LTD. 
    6. Jobafrik Consulting 
    7. Josmap Training Institute 
    8. Kay Beez Development Projects 
    9. Mamuhle Academy 
    10. Mementos Training Pty Ltd 
    11. Ndwamato Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Nemalale Eagles Consultancy CC 
    13. Nkinane Trading Enterprise 
    14. Petra Institute of Development 
    15. PFIM Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    16. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    17. Reflections Development Institute 
    18. Siza Nesu Training and Consultants 
    19. Thando Consulting Services 
    20. TLD Consulting 
    21. Tshepang Consulting & Project 
    22. Tshwane Training Institute (PTY) LTD. 
    23. Umqondo Consultancy 
    24. University of Venda 
    25. Ursivox Interactive Systems 
    26. Vhutshilo Health And Training Organisation 
    27. Wildlife and Enviroment Society of South Africa 



    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.