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: 

Calibrate isothermal media by temperature simulation and temperature mapping at temperatures not exceeding 250ºc 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230192  Calibrate isothermal media by temperature simulation and temperature mapping at temperatures not exceeding 250ºc 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Engineering 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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 
Since Metrology covers a wide spectrum of measurement disciplines, this unit standard should be seen as covering only one of the disciplines. Although many metrology processes are similar, there are distinct competency differences between various technically specialized parameters within each discipline.

This unit standard will be useful to metrologists who are required to perform measurements and calibrations within the TEMPERATURE discipline in the following parameters:

> Temperature Simulation and Mapping of Isothermal media. (Temperatures will typically range from sub-zero to 250ºC)

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to calibrate devices and artefacts for metrology. This includes all aspects related to the work of performing measurements and maintaining the necessary standards and transferring accuracy traceability from National Measurement Standards to a unit under test.

The Metrology process, referred to above, is generically the same for all disciplines within metrology fields, but the embedded knowledge is uniquely different. The process is to:
  • Maintain reference standards.
  • Derive, generate and measure quantities and calibrate devices.
  • Record, evaluate and report the results.

    When Isothermal Media are to be calibrated, the generic Metrology process mentioned above, will focus specifically on temperature simulation and mapping which includes:
  • Generate the Ice point (0.0°C).
  • Simulate specific temperatures using Temperature Calibrators and Reference Junctions.
  • Perform temperature mapping measurements at a minimum number of points inside isothermal devices using thermocouples/RTD's and recorders/loggers.
  • Record, evaluate and report the results.

    Therefore, the purpose of this unit standard is to calibrate Isothermal media and perform temperature mapping for metrology, including all aspects of using temperature calibrators to simulate stable temperatures; calibrating temperature indicating, controlling and recording devices at specific temperature points for transferring accuracy traceability.

    Learners will be able to:
  • Simulate known temperatures to calibrate Temperature Indicating, Controlling and Recording devices.
  • Verify Isothermal device temperature at a minimum number of points using standard thermocouples/RTD's and loggers/recorders at specific temperatures.
  • Record, evaluate and report results. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Defining the role, functions and operation of the international measurement system.
  • Developing calibration and test methods and procedures.
  • Performing resistance thermometry measurements and calibrate Resistive Temperature Devices (RTD's).
  • Performing thermocouple thermometry measurements and calibrate thermocouple devices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Simulate known temperatures electrically. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The fundamentals of Electrically simulated Temperatures, are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The simulation source is selected relative to a source of traceability with national equivalence. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Calibration intervals are established from analysed data of reference standards' records. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The Simulation source is verified fit for intended purpose, and maintenance records are updated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    "Maintenance records" refers to calibration certificate; record cards; verification data; control charts; etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Voltages and resistances are generated to simulate a given temperature for a given Resistive Temperature Device/Thermocouple and loggers/recorders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The environmental conditions, where calibrations are performed, are recorded in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The simulation source is verified against reference standards before and after on-site calibration work is performed, to prove required accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Simulated temperatures generated, are confirmed by measurement. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Verify Iso-thermal device temperatures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The thermocouples/RTD's are verified against an ice point before and after on-site calibration work is performed, to prove required accuracy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measurements required are identified in accordance with isothermal media devices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Temperatures are measured in a given isothermal device over sufficient time, to identify cyclic temperature behaviour, and at suitable positions to map the temperature profile of the device. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    On Sterilising Autoclaves, it is necessary to perform limited Time Interval and Pressure calibration measurements in addition to the temperature mapping measurements described above. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Any specific temperatures, pressures and time intervals as required.
  • Isothermal media includes the following devices: Drying ovens, incubators, environmental chambers, autoclaves, sterilisers, sterilising autoclaves, thermal block digesters, Fridges and Freezers. etc.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The measurement method is selected and followed in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Calibration points are selected to satisfy calibration requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Measurements are performed within the required precision. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Applicable safety requirements are adhered to in accordance with current legislation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Record, evaluate and report results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The raw measurement data is recorded in accordance with requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The uncertainty of raw measurement data is estimated in accordance with applicable standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The raw data is evaluated for conformance to given accuracy specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An appropriately detailed measurement report/certificate is generated for given measurement results in accordance with applicable standards. 


    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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with 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 Unit Standard, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in the Unit Standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Unit Standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Fundamentals of Temperature.
    Laws of thermodynamics.
  • Simulation of temperatures to calibrate devices.
    Ice point, laws of intermediate temperatures and intermediate metals, use of Reference Junctions/loggers.
  • Calibration of Isothermal devices using thermocouples/RTD's.
    Specification of isothermal devices, Design principle, accuracy requirements, Temperature verification, Microvolt/Resistance measurement by mapping.

    > Calibration of Sterilising Autoclaves.
    Pressure calibration: calibration of pressure gauges using reference pressure gauge and manifold.
    Calibration of timers: Time interval calibration using reference stopwatch/electronic counter.

    > Calibration of Drying Ovens, Incubators, Sterilisers and Environmental Chambers.
    Specification of temperature sensors to achieve desired accuracy.

    > Calibration of Fridges and Freezers.
    Sub-zero temperature measurement principles and techniques.

    > Calibration of Thermal Block Digestors.
    Ramping temperature measurement in test samples. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to identify incorrect conditions with reference standards, incorrect measurements taken for a specific parameter, assess and taken appropriate action.

    Specific Outcome 1, 2 and 3
  • Simulate known temperatures electrically.
  • Verify Iso-thermal device temperatures.
  • Record, evaluate and report results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions and calibration/measurement procedures from customers correctly and to request assistance in an appropriate manner as a team member.

    Specific Outcome 3
  • Record, evaluate and report results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The preparation for measurement of isothermal devices, the maintenance of reference standards, the candidate must indicate what tools, equipment, set-up and calibration procedures is required and communicates to fellow workers and laboratory manager his/her intentions.

    Specific Outcome 1, 2 and 3
  • Simulate known temperatures electrically.
  • Verify Iso-thermal device temperatures.
  • Record, evaluate and report results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the measured data and information from the visual examination and constantly evaluate the changing situation.

    Specific Outcome 1, 2 and 3
  • Simulate known temperatures electrically.
  • Verify Iso-thermal device temperatures.
  • Record, evaluate and report results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: The appropriate communication with customers, laboratory manager and personnel with regard to maintenance of Reference Standards, calibration and/or testing of equipment and artefacts and the measurement results achieved, will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to effectively use the knowledge gains to inform and protect the broader environment and health of others.

    Specific Outcome 1, 2 and 3
  • Simulate known temperatures electrically.
  • Verify Iso-thermal device temperatures.
  • Record, evaluate and report results. 
    		•

    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.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to understand the inter relationship between temperature, pressure and time inerval measurements, maintenance and calibration of standards, reporting of results and their effect on global activities.

    Specific Outcome 1, 2 and 3
  • Simulate known temperatures electrically.
  • Verify Iso-thermal device temperatures.
  • Record, evaluate and report results. 
    		•

    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 
    Notes to assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Unit standard justification:

    1. Level
  • Attribute: Applied Competence, Level: 5
  • Attribute: Autonomy of learning, Level: 5

    Actual Level Assigned: 5

    2. Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:
  • Activity: Classroom Teaching, Hours: 35
  • Activity: On-The-Job Training, Hours: 50
  • Activity: Mentoring required, Hours: 15
  • Activity: Other (Specify), Hours: -
  • Total: 100
  • Credits Assigned: 10 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57228   National Certificate: Metrology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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.