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: 

Solve operating problems in a process plant 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244087  Solve operating problems in a process plant 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
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 be able to solve operating problems in a process plant.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Identify and quantify the process variables deviating from the standard during process operation.
  • Establish and execute/suggest the optimum action to be taken.
  • Select solutions.
  • Implement solutions and carry out follow-up activities.

    This will ensure that problem solving in a processing operation is performed in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where knowledge of problem solving in a process environment is needed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • National Certificate Chemical Operations NQF Level 2 or equivalent, including communication and mathematical literacy, NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Deviations are variations from the specified value or range of values that do not change during normal/stable operation.
  • Trends are changes of values that occur over time (short or long duration).
  • Process and operating specifications are the measurements and indications of all variables monitored during operations including temperatures, pressures flow rates, power consumption, noise, vibration and visual inspection.
  • Changes are measurements and indications that may occur suddenly or over a period of time including changes within and beyond the limits specified in the (standard) operating instructions.
  • Changes exclude major changes that must be addressed in terms of (standard operating instructions or emergency drills).
  • Quantifying deviations include amount of change and rates of change of the variable(s).
  • Factors influence the deviation are included in the equipment/system or process operation are included in specific operating instructions and training.
  • Investigation includes indication of how factors change to influence results.
  • Explanation of probable causes includes the relationship between the technical causes indicated from investigating the factors and the deviations quantified.
  • Explanations include the changes to the variables that are expected to result from changing the factor(s) based on knowledge of process chemistry assumed to be in place.

    The context of this unit standard includes a complete process, from the point of receiving a commodity raw material to the point of supplying a commercially saleable product.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of cognitive skills and offers a considerable choice of solutions. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and quantify the process variables deviating from the standard during process operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Potential deviations from process and or operating specifications are noted as applicable to own workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Trends (changes) of process and operating conditions are monitored and recorded as applicable to own workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Extent of deviations is quantified in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Establish and execute/suggest the optimum action to be taken. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Execute action if within authority or suggest to authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Factors that influence the deviating variable(s) are identified as applicable to the problem to be solved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Factors are investigated to establish deviation from operating standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    (Probable) cause(s) of deviations are explained in terms of deviation from the standard. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select solutions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Possible actions to rectify deviations from operating standards are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Expected result from each possible action is explained on the basis of process knowledge and experience of the operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate actions are chosen from the possible actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chosen actions are checked for compliance with the (standard operating) instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Implement solutions and carry out follow-up activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chosen actions are applied in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Changes of variables monitored are noted in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Changes are evaluated against the expected results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF 3 Level or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an assessor with at least three years experience in a process operation will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and is able to:
  • Identify and quantify the process variables deviating from the standard during process operation.
  • Establish and execute/suggest the optimum action to be taken.
  • Select solutions.
  • Implement solutions and carry out follow-up activities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    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 by:
  • Applying effective problem solving solutions.
  • Selecting the appropriate solutions to the problem.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Interact with colleagues and team members in order to solve problems.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Establish and execute/suggest the optimum action to be taken. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Applying the correct procedures to performing problem solving.
  • Managing resources and own time.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Noting potential deviations from process and or operating specifications.
  • Monitoring and recording trends (changes) of process and operating conditions.
  • Extent of deviations is quantified.
  • Investigating factors to establish deviation from operating standards.
  • Explaining probable cause(s) of deviations in terms of deviation from the standard.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Interacting with colleagues and team members in order to investigate possible causes of deviations.
  • Reading and interpreting operating instructions.
  • Recording changes to process and operating conditions.
  • Completing all relevant workplace documentation.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Identify and quantify the process variables deviating from the standard during process operation.
  • Establish and execute/suggest the optimum action to be taken.
  • Implement solutions and carry out follow-up activities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Addressing problems before they become hazardous or cause emergency situations.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 by:
  • Using different methods to evaluate deviations to material, process and product.
  • Recognising that corrective actions taken do not exist in isolation but have an effect on the world around him.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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:
  • Understanding the role of problem solving methods in the process and the effect it has on the growth and development of the organisation, its customers and employees.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  78528   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  58537   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2009-06-17  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  63349   National Certificate: Molten Glass Production  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CHIETA 
    Core  61971   National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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.