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: 

Recognise, group, use and care for materials which can impact on health and the environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119306  Recognise, group, use and care for materials which can impact on health and the environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Sc/Mgt & Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  10 
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 environmental science, environmental management and waste management, I will be able to:
  • Recognise and group materials which can impact on health and the environment.
  • Use and care for materials in my context which can impact on health and the environment.

    I will also know and understand:
  • The properties of a range materials that commonly occur in my context.
  • The positive and negative effects of such materials on the environment.
  • The basic principles for responsible use and handling of various materials in my context.

    I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any activity which is related to managing environmental issues, such as:
  • Clearing invasive species and water courses.
  • Land development projects.
  • Collecting and processing waste.
  • Working in community initiatives with an environmental focus.
  • Preventing and responding to pollution.
  • Inspecting facilities to prevent pollution or adverse environmental impacts.

    The skill, the knowledge and the values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the General Education and Training Certificate in Environmental Practice (NQF Level 1). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner studying towards this qualification has attained ABET level 3 Mathematics and Communication. 

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

    An impact may be positive or negative.

    The amount of detail and degree of complexity provided in explanations and descriptions should be appropriate to NQF Level 1. The purpose is to alert the learner to concepts related to handling materials as they relate to the learner's context, and does not imply knowledge and understanding of the full range of concepts.

    Materials should be understood to include all substances in all phases (solid, liquid, gaseous) with which learners interact in the respective contexts. It is not, unless specifically indicated, limited to hazardous materials as defined by legislation and international codes/standards. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Recognise and group various items found in my context, according to the impact of their material(s) on health and the environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Material(s) could include the following: metals, glass, plastics, rubber (including tyres), asbestos, chemicals, agro chemicals, foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals and medical materials, fuels, lubricants, plant materials, human and animal materials, construction materials, etc.

    Recognise includes identification of the contents of containers or transport/storage mechanisms for materials (e.g. gas cylinders) as well as pictograms or symbols used for the contents of containers or transport/storage mechanisms in accordance with different material types and properties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Items are correctly grouped and their component materials are correctly named. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Questions about the grouping of the materials are responded to appropriately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Read documented information on materials and understand its purpose and use. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Documented information includes work instructions, material safety data sheets, codes and other documentation applicable to the handling, storage, transportation or disposal of the material in question.

    Information is restricted to materials which are relevant to the learner's specific context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The format and purpose of the documented information is explained for materials found in my context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Context: the learner's work, domestic or community context.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Requirements for working with materials are extracted from documented information for a range of materials found in my context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of materials: two to three different hazardous chemical substances most commonly used or occurring in the context.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand the physical properties of the materials and relate them to the way the materials occur or are used. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Physical properties: this includes understanding the information provided in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), where relevant.

    Occur: In some contexts the range of materials may include some that are not used, although their properties / characteristics should be known, e.g. alien plant species. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic properties/characteristics of a range of materials are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of each material (or the way the material occurs) is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the potential impact of the materials on health and the environment, related to their properties. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Potential impact: should include impacts upon the biophysical environment as well as on human health and well-being. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The potential impact of each material is described accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impacts described for each material cover a range of environmental components. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Environmental components include: air, soil, water, humans, animals and plants.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Use materials in my context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct materials are used for the specific purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    In formal worksites this assessment criteria would relate to applying procedures correctly.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Defective materials are identified, isolated and reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate personal protective equipment is used for each material and the specific use to which it is put. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Incidents and problems are reported and appropriate action is taken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate records are kept and reports submitted. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Transport, store and care for materials in my context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Materials are stored and transported so as to minimise the potential impact on 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:
  • Names and functions of:
    > Materials.
    > Documented information on materials.
    > Expiry dates.
    > Pictograms.
    > Waste minimisation.
  • Purpose of:
    > Sorting and classifying materials.
    > Environmentally responsible handling of materials.
    > Documented information on materials.
    > Expiry dates.
    > Information contained in labels, e.g. pictograms.
  • Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:
    > Material properties.
    > Impact of materials on the environment.
  • Processes and events:
    > Sorting and classifying.
  • Causes and effects, implications of:
    > The effects of the materials on health and the environment.
    > The implications of the material properties for handling the materials.
    > Documented information on materials.
  • Procedures and techniques:
    > For identifying materials.
    > For classifying materials.
    > For applying information contained in the documented information on materials.
  • Sensory cues:
    > Related to identification of the materials.
    > Related to defective materials.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
    > Relevant legislation related to health and the environment, with special reference to protocols and guidelines for hazardous chemical substances.
  • Theory: rules, principles, laws:
    > Relevant environmental principles.
  • Categories:
    > Of materials.
  • Relationships, systems:
    > The relationship between the properties of the materials and their effects on health and the environment.
    > The relationship between the properties of the materials and the correct methods of handling them. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Related to the identification of materials.
  • Recognise potential adverse impacts on health and the environment and take action to prevent or minimise them. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work safely with due care for the health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Store, transport and use potentially harmful substances correctly, without adverse impact on health and the environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
  • Use pictograms to identify the contents of containers and transport/storage mechanisms.
  • Understand the format and purpose of the documented information on materials and, where applicable, nationally recognised protocols and guidelines for hazardous chemical substances. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
  • Report defective materials.
  • Submit simple reports based on data recorded. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use knowledge of material properties to group materials. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Recognise the relationships between the properties of materials, the correct methods of handling them, and their effects on health and the environment. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49552   General Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  58493   General Education and Training Certificate: Equine and Equestrian Practices  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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. Amabamba Recruitment 
    3. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    4. Buena Vista Learning Academy 
    5. Dee's Training (PTY) LTD 
    6. Elvis Koena Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    7. IQ Skills Academy (PTY) LTD. 
    8. Josmap Training Institute 
    9. Mamuhle Academy 
    10. MARS Business Consulting 
    11. Mcebo Technologies 
    12. Mdaka Omnyama Trading and Projects 
    13. Mortarboard Training Solutions 
    14. Ndwamato Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Neopeo Trading & Projects 
    16. Networx for Career Development 
    17. Nkinane Trading Enterprise 
    18. NOBO Training and Development Services (Pty) LTD 
    19. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    20. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    21. PTDEV (Pty) Ltd 
    22. Reflections Development Institute 
    23. RLSTP Training & Development (PTY) LTD. 
    24. Simmek Holdings 
    25. South African Corporate Training Association 
    26. Tasc Business Consulting and Training 
    27. Timothy Fasheun Group Enviromentors (Pty) Ltd 
    28. Transafric Consulting Pty Ltd 
    29. Umbuso Training Services 
    30. University of Venda 
    31. Washa 2 Training & Projects 
    32. 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.