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: 

Measure noise levels, and take appropriate action 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120317  Measure noise levels, and take appropriate action 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Occupational Health and Safety 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Preventive Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
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 
Learners found competent in this unit standard will be able to demonstrate understanding of a working place hearing conservation programme, measure noise levels and recommend appropriate remedial action where the levels are too high. The competency includes all those actions required to meaningfully determine environmental and personal noise levels. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communications at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    All the specific outcomes and assessment criteria are assessed in accordance with specified requirements and- where applicable- consequences to health and safety.

    Specified requirements include current legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Mine Health & Safety Act and Regulations.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Governmental Guidelines and Directives/Instructions.

    Site-specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Standard Procedures.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the basic mechanism of human hearing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic functional anatomy of the human outer, middle and inner ear is described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the causes and effects of exposure to noise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The definition of noise is given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects of noise on hearing ability, human performance and safety in the working place are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various causes of noise in a working place are named. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of control measures to reduce noise exposure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal requirements pertaining to noise level limits in the workplace are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The steps to be taken when excessive noise levels in the workplace are reached are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct use, storage and hygiene of personal protective equipment is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The implementation of a hearing conservation programme is outlined in terms of health and safety requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of noise level monitoring and measuring procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of audiometric testing is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of both working place and personal monitoring is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The description of the procedures to be followed when noise reaches unacceptable levels illustrates understanding of the issues involved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of submitting timeous, complete, accurate reports, in the required format, to designated personnel is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate knowledge pertaining to the measurement of sound levels and the determination of personal equivalent noise exposure levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principle of operation of the instrument and the precautions regarding handling and storage are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Selection of the relevant measuring method and application of the instrument is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Limits of equivalent noise levels are defined. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Prepare to determine noise or personal equivalent exposure levels, measure sound levels and collect relevant data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is available, operational, fit for purpose and use is checked and donned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sound level meter or dosimeter is examined and calibrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Permission, where applicable, to enter the working place is obtained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The position where measuring of noise levels is to take place is examined and hazards and risks are dealt with accordingly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The person selected for equivalent noise exposure level assessment to informed and her/his agreement is obtained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The microphone of the dosimeter is positioned. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Preparatory work is performed in a manner that fosters teamwork and avoids conflict. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The instrument is re-examined the conditions that influence measurements are dealt with. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The sound levels are measured and data recorded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The measurements/data collection process is performed in a manner that fosters teamwork and avoids conflict. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Report, make recommendations and deal with equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The dosimeter is retrieved, examined and re-calibrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The work involved in the retrieving process is performed in a manner that fosters teamwork and avoids conflict. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The instrument is cleaned and stored and defective instruments are dealt with. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relevant documentation is completed accurately, in the required format, and submitted to designated personnel within the designated time limit. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited, as a provider, by the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems
  • Related to the maintenance of a good and effective hearing conservation programme and the monitoring of noise and noise exposure levels and to negotiate with other departments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation/community
  • By accepting, interpreting and delegating instructions correctly, if and when required, in a context-appropriate manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively
  • By meeting specified requirements, applying correct formulae in calculations, and recommending appropriate action where necessary. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and critically evaluate information
  • To correct for conditions, environmental factors, and limitations that can influence readings, interpret information obtained, and recommend appropriate remedial action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematics and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations
  • To record and report analytical results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others)
  • To select the appropriate methods, formulae and instruments for recommending a hearing conservation programme. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • By recommending appropriate actions based on the evaluation of test results and reporting results to relevant designated persons, confirming that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have an interrelated effect. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard was Gazetted on 21 October 2005 with the title 'Demonstrate understanding of a Workplace Hearing Conservation Programme and measure noise levels, and take appropriate action'. However, it has subsequently been agreed that the title should be 'Measure noise levels, and take appropriate action'. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  79806   National Certificate: Occupational Hygiene and Safety  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  90656   National Certificate: Mine Ventilation  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  77063   National Certificate: Construction Health and Safety  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    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. Academy for Construction Skills (Pty) Ltd (ACS) 
    2. ALLINA FRANCIS (SA) 
    3. Aveng Grinaker -LTA Civil Engineering 
    4. Big Tree Group 
    5. Bright Storm Projects 
    6. Certified Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    7. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    8. Eastcape Training Centre 
    9. Eskilz College (Pty) Ltd 
    10. imithetho labour law 
    11. In Touch Community Development & Project Managers 
    12. Mavco Engineering 
    13. Microzone Training CC 
    14. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    15. Motheo Academy PTY LTD 
    16. Namuntlha Training and Development (Pty)Ltd 
    17. Nokaneng Environmental Management Consulting 
    18. Raubex Construction Pty (Ltd) 
    19. Reflections Development Institute 
    20. RESISA LOGISTICS (Ltd) Pty 
    21. Sonani Training and Communications 
    22. Tovani Traiding 299 
    23. Zibuyile Consulting and Projects (Pty) Ltd 


    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.