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: 

Clean toilets and bathrooms 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243206  Clean toilets and bathrooms 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  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
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12519  Clean and maintain toilets and urinals  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   
12522  Clean and maintain restrooms and bathrooms  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard are able to clean toilets and bathrooms found in a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Plan and prepare for cleaning toilets and bathrooms.
  • Clean toilets.
  • Clean bathrooms.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning toilets and bathrooms. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at ABET Level 3.
  • The Unit standards:
    > Understand basic cleaning principles (Level 1).
    > Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment (Level 1). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to clean toilets and bathrooms found in a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment.
  • In the context of this unit standard, toilets include all kinds of Western and Eastern toilets, trough urinals and urinal stalls. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare for cleaning toilets and bathrooms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is used in accordance with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for using personal protective equipment are explained in terms of General Safety Regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Protective clothing includes, but is not limited to, overalls, safety shoes, gloves and dust mask.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Toilets and bathrooms to be cleaned are identified in accordance with the scope of work, access and the cleaning specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Toilets could include, but is not limited to, Western toilets, Eastern toilets and urinals.
  • Range of fixtures and fittings in toilets and urinals could include, but is not limited to, seats, lids, lid and ring joints, feet under the ring, cisterns, flush handles and buttons, toilet roll holders, stopcocks, flush rims, toilet bowls, 'S' bends, urinal troughs, urinal stalls and partitions, urinal lips and drain grates.
  • Bathrooms could include, but is not limited to, bathrooms, shower rooms, washrooms, ablution facilities.
  • Bathroom fixtures and fittings could include, but is not limited to, baths, basins, pedestals, bidets, showers, taps, shower heads, hand-held showers and cradles, shower pipes, shower doors and curtains, door tracks and hinges, overflow outlets, drain holes and grates, plugs and chains, jet spa nozzles, soap dispensers, shampoo trays, towel rails, hand driers, cabinets, mirrors, shelves, switches.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Surfaces to be cleaned are identified in terms of the scope of work and the cleaning specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Surfaces in toilets and bathrooms and their fixtures and fittings, could include, but is not limited to porcelain, ceramic, vitreous enamel, stainless steel, zinc, chrome, brass, copper, aluminium, glass, granite, marble, plastic, sealed wood, plaster, painted, wallpapered.

    Assessors must refer to the scope of work and cleaning specification for the list of items to be cleaned.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct cleaning process for each surface in the toilet and/or bathroom to be cleaned is identified and reasons for the choice of cleaning process is explained in accordance with the worksite procedure and basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Correct equipment, consumables and chemicals to clean each surface in the toilet and/or bathroom are selected and reasons for the selection are explained in accordance with worksite procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment, consumables and chemicals could include, but is not limited to, items used exclusively in toilets and bathrooms such as clearly identifiable sponges, brushes, colour-coded cloths, and abrasive pads suitable for the type of hard surface to be cleaned. Chemicals could include, but is not limited to, detergents, disinfectants, deodorisers and biological chemicals, specifically those that are used to remove lime scale and soluble dirt.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    A knock and enter procedure is used when cleaning toilets and bathrooms and the reasons for following this entry procedure is explained in accordance with the worksite procedure and common courtesy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Clean toilets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The toilet is checked, and any damage or plumbing problems are reported in accordance with the worksite procedure, and the reasons for doing so are explained in terms of basic cleaning principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Damage or plumbing problems could include broken seats, lids or bowls, leaking pipes, faulty flushing mechanisms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The toilet is checked for waste and flushed to ensure the drain flows freely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reason why the toilet must be flushed and free of waste in accordance with worksite procedures before cleaning is explained in terms of basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Removable marks and dirt are pre-treated with the cleaning chemical in accordance with worksite procedures and reasons for doing so are explained in terms of basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The toilet is cleaned in accordance with the worksite procedure and basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Toilet consumables are replenished in accordance with the worksite procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Toilet consumables could include, but is not limited to, toilet paper, air freshener, sanitizer blocks, disposable toilets seat covers.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Clean bathrooms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The bathroom is checked, and any damage or plumbing problems are reported in accordance with worksite procedures and the reasons for doing so are explained in terms of basic cleaning principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Damage or plumbing problems could include, but is not limited to, leaking pipes, leaking taps, blocked drainage outlets, broken lights.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The bathroom is cleaned in accordance with the worksite procedure and basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The removal of body fat and lime scale build-up is explained in terms of chemical action principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Bathroom consumables are replenished in accordance with the worksite procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Bathroom consumables could include, but is not limited to, hand soap, toiletries for personal hygiene, tissues, hand towels (paper, towelling, continuous cloth rolls), bath towels, floor mats, glassware.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of task procedures after cleaning toilets and bathrooms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All toilet and bathroom surfaces cleaned are checked, and the reasons for doing so are explained, in accordance with worksite procedures and basic cleaning principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All waste generated during the cleaning of toilets and bathrooms is disposed of in accordance with worksite procedures and environmental principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Waste includes, but is not limited to litter and waste generated during the cleaning process.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All equipment, consumables and chemicals used for cleaning toilets and bathrooms are removed, cleaned and stored in accordance with the worksite procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems identified during the cleaning of toilets and bathrooms are reported in accordance with the worksite procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problems and damage could include, but is not limited to, accidents and personal injury, damaged/missing equipment and/or personal protective equipment; insufficient or incorrect chemicals and/or consumables, staff problems, customer requirements, the cleaning schedule and scratched, dented, cracked or broken items or surfaces in toilets or bathrooms.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution or provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be a constituent assessor registered with relevant ETQA.
  • Both internal and external moderation of the assessment will be quality assured by the relevant ETQA accordance with their published policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic cleaning principles applicable to cleaning toilets and bathrooms.
  • Use of chemicals applicable to cleaning toilets and bathrooms.
  • Understanding of the right for all to live in a healthy environment (Bill of Rights in the South African Constitution). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems that might occur during the cleaning of toilets and bathrooms such as making adjustments to the cleaning schedule when an area scheduled for cleaning is being occupied. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a cleaning team when cleaning toilets and bathrooms. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively during the processes of planning, preparing, cleaning and checking the quality of cleaning of toilets and bathrooms. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information relating to surfaces, cleaning procedures, cleaning specifications and cleaning frequencies during the cleaning of toilets and bathrooms. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when cleaning toilets and bathrooms by using oral and/or written language skills when reporting. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by understanding the effectiveness of different toilet, bathroom and restroom cleaning equipment, chemicals and processes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing the importance of planning before cleaning toilets and bathrooms. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    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 by implementing environmental cleaning methods.
  • Being culturally sensitive across a range of social contexts by considering the customer during the cleaning process. 
    		•

    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 replaces unit standards:
  • 12519, ' Clean and maintain toilets and urinals ', level 1, 4 credits.
  • 12522, ' Clean and maintain restrooms and bathrooms ', level 1, 4 credits.

    Supplementary information

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:
  • Access refers to the authority to enter an area to clean without disturbing people in or near that area.
  • Cleaning services environment refers to anywhere where cleaning takes place.
  • Cleaning specification refers to the list of surfaces to be cleaned and the frequency of cleaning agreed.
  • Environment (as in 'a residential, commercial, industrial or institutional environment') refers to buildings or structures that contain toilets and bathrooms to be cleaned.
  • Frequency refers to the regularity or schedule of cleaning for toilets and bathrooms e.g. as required, hourly, twice daily etc.
  • Knock and enter procedure refers to the method of communicating the need to enter an area whilst respecting the privacy of others.
  • Litter refers to any waste material found in toilets and bathrooms and includes, but is not limited to disposable nappies, paper, wrappers and packaging, ear buds, bottles, pins, razors, cigarettes, matches, plastic, tins, food. Waste requiring specialised handling skills such as needles, syringes, sanitary towels and tampons, are specifically excluded from this range.
  • Scope of work refers to the areas in which cleaning toilets, bathrooms and restrooms is to take place.
  • Worksite procedure refers to the method of cleaning that has been identified and agreed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  57937   General Education and Training Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  80786   National Certificate: Home-Care Practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  62709   National Certificate: Service Station Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  W&RSETA 


    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.