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: 

Apply standard operating procedures in a process environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244080  Apply standard operating procedures in a process environment 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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
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 who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this Unit Standard will understand the application of standard operating procedures as it pertains to a processing environment.

The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in taking over shift and handing over shift.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in starting up equipment.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve normal operating conditions.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in shutting down equipment.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in correcting abnormal shutdown conditions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence against mathematical literacy and literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical context of this unit standard includes any processing environment, for example chemical, minerals or beverage processing.

    Range statements, which are applicable to the Unit Standard title, Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria are found beneath the applicable assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in taking over shift and handing over shift. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Shift hand-over is accepted from a co-worker in accordance to SOP requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Standard Operating Procedures requirements include that relevant information is obtained before accepting responsibility and that the status of operation is checked prior to accepting responsibility.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Key operational information is recorded before shift hand-over takes place. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information is verbally conveyed to the person taking over responsibility and understanding is confirmed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information includes actual operating parameters, status of process, material availability, deviations from normal operating instructions, actual or potential abnormalities identified.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Documentation relating to the status of the operation is completed in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Confirmation is received that responsibility has been accepted by the co-worker. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in starting up equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for start up sequence and timing as well as the consequences of not adhering to it are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is started up according to SOPs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    SOP requirements include that operating conditions be continually monitored and recorded and that authorisation be obtained for start up.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specified conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Non conformities in the start up process are responded to in accordance with standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Key process information and discrepancies are communicated to relevant parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
  • Process information includes pressures, levels, flows and temperatures.
  • Discrepancies include process, mechanical, electrical, safety and environmental aspects.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve normal operating conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to address potential hazards in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to correct process deviations in accordance with SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate corrective action is taken to correct alarm conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Impact of deviations on other areas is assessed and appropriate people are informed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Deviations may include product, pressures, levels, flows, temperatures or electrical and mechanical abnormalities.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A start up report is completed once normal conditions are established. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in shutting down equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for shutdown sequence and timing as well as the consequences of not adhering to it are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is shut down according to SOPs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    SOP requirements include that operating conditions be continually monitored and recorded and that authorisation be obtained for shutdown.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specified conditions are met at each stage before proceeding to the next. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Non conformities in the shutdown process are responded to in accordance with SOP. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment is isolated as required by the shutdown instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Effects and consequences of substances left in equipment at shutdown are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Key process information and discrepancies are communicated to relevant parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
  • Process information includes pressures, levels, flows and temperatures.
  • Discrepancies include process, mechanical, electrical, safety and environmental aspects.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in correcting abnormal shutdown conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Potential problems regarding equipment shut down are correctly identified in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate action to be taken if item of equipment is not shut down is described in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential problems or abnormal conditions that may occur during shutdown activities are identified and corrective action indicated in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Where required, corrective action is taken in accordance with the SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Abnormalities are communicated to relevant parties. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Communication may include face to face, telephone, radio and written.
  • Abnormalities include process, mechanical, electrical, safety and environmental aspects.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 2 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an Assessor with considerable first hand experience in process operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • 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.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions is required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and can apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
  • In taking over shift and handing over shift.
  • In starting up equipment.
  • To achieve normal operating conditions.
  • In shutting down equipment.
  • In correcting abnormal shutdown conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Identifying and responding to potential problems or abnormal conditions.

    Refer to the following specific outcome/s:
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in starting up equipment.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to achieve normal operating conditions.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in shutting down equipment.
  • Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in correcting abnormal shutdown conditions. 
    		•

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

    Refer to the all specific outcome/s: 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage himself and his activities responsibly and effectively.

    Refer to the all specific outcome/s: 

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

    Refer to the all specific outcome/s: 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations during:

    Refer to the all specific outcome/s and may include face to face, telephone, radio and written. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large:

    Refer to the all specific outcome/s: 

    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 
    Supplementary Information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Standard operating procedures; The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities.
  • Process; Process means the manufacturing process where a product is manufactured using machinery and equipment with limited guidance or control from the learner.
  • Process and operating specifications; The measurements and indications of all variables monitored during operations including temperatures, pressures, speed, flow rates, power consumption, noise, vibration and visual indicators. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78527   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  61929   National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  58955   National Certificate: Chemical Manufacturing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 
    Elective  48648   National Certificate: Grain Milling  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.