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: 

Practice environmental awareness 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12512  Practice environmental awareness 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Personal Care 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
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 
Learners working towards this standard will be learning towards the full qualification, or will be involved in or working within a cleaning services environment. Qualifying learners are able to explain why the environment is important and demonstrate how we should preserve it at home and at work in a commercial, industrial, pharmaceutical, food handling, domestic and health care cleaning and waste management environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner has the speaking and listening ability equal to an ABET Level 1 Com 101 standard and/or any other communication skill that will enable him/her to confirm the knowledge and skills required by this unit standard. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who lives and works in South Africa.
2. Environmental awareness in the context of this unit standard refers to an understanding that we all produce waste and therefore impact on the environment.
3. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, contexts are closely defined, knowledge is narrow and is used on a recall basis, and problem solving is limited. Actions undertaken are repetitive and familiar, generation of new ideas are limited at best, and while the learner will share information with others, there is no responsibility for the learning of others per se. Orientation of activity is directed in terms of worksite environmental policy and actions occur under close supervision.

RANGE STATEMENTS WHICH REFER TO ASSESSMENT CRITERIA IN THIS UNIT STANDARD

1. Assessment can be verbal, written or any other agreed upon method.
2. The impact of waste on the environment includes but is not limited to air pollution, water pollution, leaching from landfill sites, poisoning of groundwater systems and soil.
3. Environmentally sound housekeeping practices includes but is not limited waste separation at source, re-using waste items, clearing up spillages, reporting / dealing with environmental hazards, storing chemicals / materials correctly and safely, the observation of safe work practices and picking up waste.
4. Assessing the solid waste stream at minimum refers to determining where solid waste can be reduced or recycled - starting at the point of origin.
5. Environmentally friendly alternatives for currently used household products include but are not limited to the use of rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones, avoiding items packed in polystyrene containers, buying items in re-usable packages (egg. Cold drink bottles).
Recycling at home includes but is not limited to selling recoverable waste egg cardboard, aluminium cans and glass, using organic waste to make compost, re-using containers and other items. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies the different environmental elements present at his / her place of work and at home. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains how the environmental elements in the workplace work together. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains what an eco-system is. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains what the law says about protecting the environment and the rights of people to a clean, healthy environment. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Names the different types of waste generated in the workplace. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Identifies the sources of environmental pollution in the workplace. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Describes what pollution is and how this impacts on the environment and our health. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains what a waste stream is. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains how the waste stream works. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains how the types of waste generated at work can have a negative impact on the environment. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Applies and ensures housekeeping practices which is good for the environment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Assesses the solid waste stream correctly. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Takes steps to reduce solid waste. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Disposes of waste products that cannot be used again / recycled in a way that does not damage the environment. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Takes steps to limit water and energy wastage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Uses the correct safety equipment when disposing of hazardous waste. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Reports spillages and other environmental hazards immediately. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains how housekeeping practices that are good for the environment can reduce the amount of damage work activities can do to the environment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains how the waste stream at work can be reduced / limited. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains the advantages of reducing solid waste. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains why energy and water must be saved at the work place. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains what impact waste (including hazardous waste) can have on the environment and on people. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Gives a workplace example of an environmental hazard that could occur, and explains how to deal with it. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies throw away / disposable household products. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Recycles re-usable household waste products. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Identifies household products which are packaged in a way that limits the amount of waste that has to go to the landfill site. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Sets up a household waste separation system. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Uses a household waste separation system. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Accesses the available community waste re-cycling options. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains how the household rubbish chain works. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains the dangers landfills can expose the community to. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains how packaging of household products contributes to pollution. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains how the waste pyramid works. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains decomposing and how it works with different kinds of waste. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains why we need to separate waste. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
1. An assessor accredited by the Services SETA ETQA will assess the competency.
2. Assessment procedures will be supplied to the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
3. All assessment activities must be fair so that all candidates can have equal opportunities.
4. Assessment will be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
5. Questions and answers must determine the theoretical knowledge.
6. Direct observation, preferably in the workplace, or as a second choice in simulated conditions are preferred.
7. A practical demonstration of competencies is required in this unit standard.
8. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication that may be verbal or any other agreed upon method.
9. Internal Moderation
10. External Moderation 

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
On completion the learner can understand and apply knowledge as described in the assessment criteria of all the outcomes. 


Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. Evident in:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment.
  • Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace.
  • Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Evident in:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment.
  • Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace.
  • Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. Evident in:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment.
  • Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace.
  • Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment.
  • Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace.
  • Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Evident in:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment.
  • Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace.
  • Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
    		•

    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. Evident in:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment.
  • Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace.
  • Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global
    communities
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts
    Evident in:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how the environment works.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how pollution / waste impacts on the environment.
  • Take the appropriate steps to limit pollution / waste at the workplace.
  • Dispose of household waste in an environmentally responsible manner. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Definition of terms within this unit standard: (alphabetical order)
    1. The environmental elements referred to in Specific Outcome 1 include the atmosphere, water (sea, rain, river, underground water), soil, plants and animals.
    2. The waste pyramid is as follows:
    Avoid, reduce, re-use, recycle, dispose
    3. Recoverable waste: Includes metal and aluminium cans, glass bottles, plastic (blow-moulded, PET, grade 1 and 2), white paper, newsprint, magazines, cardboard, common mix, oil, food cans, etc.
    4. Sources of environmental pollution (A3) include, but are not limited to:
  • Emissions,
  • PCB`s (chemical compounds used in production, restricted to insulators, electrical transformers capacitators),
  • Dusts,
  • Carbon products (egg. carbon monoxide is formed during combustion processes in power stations, boilers and car exhausts),
  • Asbestos (asbestos fibres are woven into non-flammable fabric used for fireproof clothing and insulation products - exposure over time causes asbestosis and various cancers),
  • Packaging products (egg. polystyrene which contains PVC`s which are not biodegradable and toxic when burnt),
  • Cleaning agents (egg. soap, detergents, TCE and other materials used in production processes e.g. oils, solvents, acids),
  • Lead substances (used in batteries, sheathing of electrical cables, leaded petrol and in the welding process - can cause palsy, paralysis of the wrists and ankles, also reduced intelligence and motor problems),
  • Ozone depleting chemicals (egg. CFC`s - a gas used in air conditioning, solvents, packaging materials and aerosol sprays. CFC`s produces chlorine which depletes the ozone layer by changing its chemical structure - this exposes the sun`s harmful rays which in turn causes skin cancer and cataracts, reducing immune systems and interferes with plants` ability to photosynthesize),
  • Effluents,
  • Toxic chemicals (including pesticides, insecticides, organic phosphates),
  • Volatile organic compounds (egg. methane gas on a landfill site),
  • The dumping of chemicals into water drainage systems,
  • Formaldehydes (cancer causing agents in resins, paint and turpentine), benzene & petroleum products (can poison groundwater, air crops and animals resulting in an increase in human birth defects, miscarriages and diseases in crops.)

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

    The assessor is required to be in possession of the following documents:
  • The employer company and / or client`s environmental policy where such exist.
  • The applicable government regulations / legislation pertaining to the handling of waste on site.
  • A schedule of waste generated on site (available from the waste generators` database.)
  • A list of recoverable waste merchants operating in the area where the learner resides.
  • A general list of recoverable waste items (available from the Fairest Cape Association, Mondi, Sappi, etc.)
  • A copy of the Bill of Rights contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution of South Africa, the South Africa Act, No. 112 of 1997. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50225   General Education and Training Certificate: General Forestry  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Core  49753   General Education and Training Certificate: General Technical Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Core  57829   General Education and Training Certificate: Grain Handling Processes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Core  36233   National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Fundamental  20173   National Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-02-21  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  48642   General Education and Training Certificate Housing: Housing Consumer Education  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-05-13  Was CETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  49411   General Education and Training Certificate: Construction  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  65969   General Education and Training Certificate: Human Settlements Development  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  23853   GETC: Domestic Services  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  49410   National Certificate: Construction  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. Arden School of Management (Pty) Ltd 
    2. Blanket Security and SHEQ Solutions 
    3. COREPRO CONSULTANTS 
    4. Furniture World Training Centre 
    5. FUTURE DISCOVERY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    6. Jaji Lithabile Skill Training and Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    7. KGWEBISWANO SUPPLIES & SERVICES 
    8. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    9. Ntunzela Trading Enterprise 
    10. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Premier Agric (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 
    13. South African Forestry Training College 
    14. The Brokers Learning Centre 
    15. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    16. VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C 
    17. Yangantle Trading 


    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.