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: 

Operate a rapid gravity filtration process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12070  Operate a rapid gravity filtration process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2005-02-09  2007-11-28  SAQA 1058/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-11-28   2011-11-28  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
246446  Operate a rapid gravity filtration process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard in combination with context expertise standard(s) will be able to operate and maintain a rapid gravity filter. This competence will contribute towards the water purification process by ensuring that the filter is maintained in good working order at all times. This competence will also equip the qualifying learner with an enhanced skills base thereby improving the qualifying learner`s motivation and employability in the water sector. This will contribute to the quality of potable water to communities. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Apply personal safety practices NQF level 2;
Literacy NQF level 1;
Numeracy NQF level 1. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Run-time:
Production time since last backwash.

Filter media:
Sand, anthracite, gravel.

Deficiencies:
Friability, cracks and funnelling in filter bed, mud-balling, bed expansion, media loss, biological infestation.

Corrective action:
Chemical treatments, turn over medium, medium grading, representative sampling, structure maintanance, addition and mixing of media, media loss measurement.

Structural problems:
Sagging of medium bed over joints, funnelling of medium bed over nozzles, leaks and cracks on concrete structure, corrosion and/or erosion of overflow weir, diminished flow rate, conditions int the viewing chamber, operation of level controller and indicators, general structural damage (displaced tiles, etc.) and stuck actuators and valves.

Preventative maintenance:
Drain accumulated moisture from pressure vessel, lubricating oil levels on compressors and blowers are checked and topped up to specifications, pressure lines are visually inspected for leaks and external damage, water traps on pressure lines are drained, oil levels in oil-pots on pressure lines are checked and topped-up to specifications and V-belts/couplings are checked.

Weekly chart maintenance:
Completed chart is removed and annotated with date and time, new chart is annotated with date and time and installed. Pen is checked for damage and ink levels, and refilled or replaced if necessary. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Operate and monitor rapid gravity filter in accordance with work policies and procedures 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. The purpose of a load calculation is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The factor influencing filter production (run-time) are identified and explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Final water turbidity is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Head loss is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Flow rate is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Production time since last backwash is determined and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Situations where acverse factors are observed but where backwash is not required are described and appropriate action is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Maintain filter media in accordance with work policies and procedures 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Personal protective clothing is worn and safety procedures are followed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Different filter media are identified and named. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Media conditions are monitored and evidence of deficiencies is identified, explained and recorded. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Corrective action for deficiencies is explained and demonstrated. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Filter is back washed, re-commissioned and monitored. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Maintain filter structure in accordance with work policies and procedures 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Personal protective clothing is worn and safety procedures are followed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Filter structure is monitored and checked for evidence of structure failure. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Structural problems are identified and corrective action is explained. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Maintain compressors and blowers 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Compressors and blowers are inspected at every shift take-over. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Preventative maintenance procedures are carried out. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. General problems are identified during inspections and corrective action is explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Inspection report is completed and submitted to appropriate person. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Maintain chart recorders in accordance with work policies and procedures 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Recorder unit and pen is inspected at every shift take over. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Weekly chart maintenance is carried out. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Completed chart is submitted to relevant person. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Process maintenance records 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Maintenance records are completed accurately at every shift hand over. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Problems are communicated to the plant supervisor and the follow-on shift. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Head loss and flow rate.
  • The importance of frequent and regular monitoring of filter media and filter structures.
  • The purpose of different media used in rapid gravity filters.
  • The purpose of weekly maintenance of chart recorders.
  • Safety procedures when maintaining filter media.
  • Safety procedures when maintaining filter structure.
  • The importance of maintaining compressors and blowers in good working order.
  • The importance of accurate records.
  • Comparison of turbidity on inflow and final water. 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Final water turbidity is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Head loss is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Flow rate is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Production time since last backwash is determined and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Situations where adverse factors are observed but where backwash is not required are described and appropriate action is explained.
  • Media conditions are monitored and evidence of deficiencies is identified, explained and recorded.
  • Structural problems are identified and corrective action is explained.
  • General problems are identified during inspections and corrective action is explained.
  • Problems are communicated to the plant supervisor and the follow-on shift. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Inspection report is completed and submitted to appropriate person.
  • Weekly chart maintenance is carried out.
  • Maintenance records are completed accurately at every shift hand over.
  • Problems are communicated to the plant supervisor and the follow-on shift. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Personal protective clothing is worn and safety procedures are followed.
  • Weekly chart maintenance is carried out. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Final water turbidity is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Head loss is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Flow rate is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Production time since last backwash is determined and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Situations where adverse factors are observed but where backwash is not required are described and appropriate action is explained.
  • Media conditions are monitored and evidence of deficiencies is identified, explained and recorded.
  • Filter structure is monitored and checked for evidence of structure failure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Operate and monitor rapid gravity filter in accordance with work policies and procedures.
  • Different filter media are identified and named.
  • Media conditions are monitored and evidence of deficiencies is identified, explained and recorded.
  • Corrective action for deficiencies is explained and demonstrated.
  • Structural problems are identified and corrective action is explained.
  • General problems are identified during inspections and corrective action is explained.
  • Inspection report is completed and submitted to appropriate person.
  • Completed chart is submitted to relevant person.
  • Problems are communicated to the plant supervisor and the follow-on shift. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Assessment criteria:
  • Personal protective clothing is worn and safety procedures are followed.
  • Preventative maintenance procedures are carried out. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Assessment criteria:
  • The purpose of a load calculation is explained.
  • The factors influencing filter production (run-time) are identified and explained.
  • Final water turbidity is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Head loss is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Flow rate is monitored and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Production time since last backwash is determined and compared to design specifications and appropriate action taken and explained.
  • Situations where adverse factors are observed but where backwash is not required are described and appropriate action is explained.
  • Personal protective clothing is worn and safety procedures are followed.
  • Filter is back washed, re-commissioned and monitored.
  • Personal protective clothing is worn and safety procedures are followed.
  • Filter structure is monitored and checked for evidence of structure failure.
  • Structural problems are identified and corrective action is explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 246446, which is "Operate a rapid gravity filtration process", Level 3, 5 credits.

    Integrated assessment:

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment option:

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
    Observation
    Verbal and written questions 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48910   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water Purification Processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Elective  24193   National Certificate: Water Purification Process Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-11-28  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  22672   National Certificate: Wastewater Process Control  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-06-11  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (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.