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: 

Perform pipeline network shut-down 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119327  Perform pipeline network shut-down 
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 4  NQF Level 04  12 
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 perform and coordinate a pipeline network shut-down in accordance with company operations policies, procedures and instructions by operating and monitoring pipeline equipment safely and timeously, thereby ensuring the timeous, safe shut-down of the pipeline, thus contributing positively to the 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 NQF L3
  • Mathematical literacy NQF L3
  • Electrical Safety Certification (Remote HT Switching)
  • Computer literacy NQF level 2 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • This unit standard includes the utilisation of high- and low-pressure manifolds.
  • This unit standard excludes the start up of the pipeline.
  • This unit standard includes the remote operation of pipeline equipment via a tele-control system or verbal instruction via any other communication system. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Communicate relevant information regarding the shut-down of product movement(s) of the pipeline route in the pipeline network to all relevant role players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pipeline shut-down time (e.g. intake/ delivery volumes/ actual time of arrivals [ATAs], transmixture, line displacements, etc.) is confirmed timeously with relevant role players according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Shut-down telephone conference is initiated and final readiness for shut-down is confirmed with all relevant role players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Main-line temperatures are requested/obtained and recorded timeously according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant stations are instructed to manually stop deliveries/intakes/pumps timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Station shut-down pressures are confirmed timeously with relevant role players according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Relevant log sheet information is recorded/captured timeously and correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pump shut-down times, delivery, intake and blend volumes and times, transmixtures and intermixtures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Relevant shut-down spreadsheet information related to pressures is obtained timeously and correctly and recorded/captured to ensure the integrity of the pipeline as per relevant company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Equipment failure/sub-standard conditions throughout relevant pipeline route are identified, reported and recorded timeously according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    All relevant documentation related to the shut-down of the pipeline route is completed correctly and timeously according to company-specific operations procedures, policies and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Communication systems are used correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for the pipeline shut-down to ensure correct pressures and/or required volume displacements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pipeline shut-down time is calculated accurately and timeously by using available systems and information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Delivery, intake, displacement and blend volumes and times; transmixtures and intermixtures
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Special requests/sub-standard conditions related to pipeline shut-down is planned and arranged correctly and timeously. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform pipeline shut-down. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Operating system is utilised effectively to shut-down pipeline equipment and routes in accordance with company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Shut-down telephone conference is initiated and final readiness for shut-down is confirmed with all relevant role players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant stations are instructed to stop deliveries/pumps and intakes or pumps are stopped remotely via tele-control in accordance with company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant outstations are isolated remotely or manually as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Shut-down pressures are obtained, monitored, recorded and reacted to as per company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The contingency plan in the event of an untoward occurrence (e.g. unacceptable pressure loss) is implemented timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Depot equipment is checked for sub-standard conditions by utilising tele-control system and alarms are reacted to correctly and timeously (e.g. valves position and sump tank levels) as per company-specific instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Deal with substandard conditions and perform an unplanned shut-down. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An unplanned shut-down is safely performed in the event of emergencies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Emergencies can include, but are not limited to meter and power failures, leaks, bursts, spillages, ullage availability, product specification deviations, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Corrective actions are reported and recorded according to company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Extract information on applicable information system relevant to the shut down of pipeline equipment. 

    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 relevant information. 

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


    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 or an ETQA that has a memorandum of understanding with 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 
  • Calculations pertaining to pipeline shut-down
  • Pipeline network layout
  • Control Centre logsheet finalising
  • Line shut-down and pressure limits (MAOP)
  • Operating of specific computer systems and software
  • Operation of pipeline equipment
  • Operation of company communications systems
  • Communication protocols
  • Sub-standard identification related to the shut-down of the pipeline network
  • Sub-standard reporting procedure
  • Company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions
  • Emergency and contingency plans
  • Operation system alarms and displays
  • Relevant extracts from:
    OHS Act and regulations
    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
  • The impact that delayed pipeline operations have on the economy 
    		•

    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 related to the shut-down of the pipeline network
  • Product specification deviations
  • Sub-standard operating conditions (pressures, flow rates, alarms, leaks, power failures, etc.)
  • Volume calculations
  • Communication system failures
  • Computer system failures
  • Emergency conditions
  • Depot operational personnel availability related to the shut-down of the pipeline network 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Implementing safe working procedures
  • Sharing and communicating information related to the shut-down of the pipeline network 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and self-management
    A learner can organise and manage himself by:
  • Executing the task(s) responsibly
  • Maintaining a high level of discipline and flexibility
  • Adhering to time frames and prioritisation
  • Adhering to safety and company-specific operations policies, procedures and instructions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation
    Learners can interpret and evaluate information related to:
  • Operations notices
  • Operating pressures and flow rates
  • Policies, procedures and instructions related to the shut-down of the pipeline network.
  • Operating systems displays
  • Log sheets, handover books, checklists
  • Shut-down pressure readings
  • Hourly readings
  • Blending volumes
  • Line displacements
  • Switch readings
  • Final meter readings
  • Operating system alarms
  • Main-line temperature 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate information effectively with relevant role-players by utilising various communication systems regarding the:
  • Shut-down of the pipeline network
  • Reporting of sub-standard conditions related to the shut-down of the pipeline network
  • Corrective actions and re-actions to be taken 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology
    Learners can use science and technology by using:
  • Computer systems
  • Automated equipment
  • Communication media
  • Calculators 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter-relatedness of systems
    Learners can understand the importance related to the safe and timeous shut-down of the pipeline routes in the pipeline network. 

    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:
  • Practical tests
  • Oral/on-the-job
  • In situ (on-the-job) observations
  • Simulation
  • Structured classroom discussions and oral tests

    These methods must be selected carefully based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, 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 stating evidence of performance
  • Operating recording system data

    Values
    In addition the following values should be demonstrated:
  • Decisiveness
  • Safety consciousness
  • Accurateness
  • Responsibility
  • Comprehensiveness
  • 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 refer to a Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).

    Information systems refer to Operation Management System (OMS) and Metering Data System (MDS).

    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)
  • Supervisory, Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA)
  • Radio links

    Pipeline network refers to the pipeline routes, depots and related operations equipment.

    Depot refers to an intake, delivery and through pump station.

    MAOP refers to the Maximum Allowable Operating Pressures.

    Credits
    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes:

    Activity - Hours
    Theory - 20
    Self-directed learning - 3
    On-the-job learning - 80
    Assessment - 14
    Total - 117
    Credits achieved: 12 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49553   Further Education and Training Certificate: Pipeline Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Elective  59769   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Pipe-Fitting  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  63209   National Certificate: Energy Regulation  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.