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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Use a panel or a computer interface to control a process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244101  Use a panel or a computer interface to control a process 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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
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 control a process from a panel, computer interface, distributed control system (DCS) or machine control system (MCS) in a processing plant.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Explain the function of the elements in a control network.
  • Use basic system functions to obtain process information.
  • Adjust process parameters.
  • Retrieve information from the system.

    This will ensure that the panel or computer interface in a central control station which controls a processing operation is used in accordance with procedures and accepted work practices. This competence will enhance the learner's employability and career options in all occupations where the use of a control panel or a computer interface is required to control a process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • National Certificate Chemical Operations NQF Level 3 or equivalent, including communication and mathematical literacy, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    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 
    Explain the functions of the different elements used in a control system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The flow of information from the process to a central control station is explained in terms of own workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic functioning of signal transfer elements is explained as applicable to a processing environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signal transfer elements should include but are not limited to pneumatic (instrument air) lines and electrical signal lines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The basic functioning of field instrument elements is explained in terms of their applications in a processing environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Field elements should include but are not limited to sensors, controllers, transmitters, final control elements, switchgear.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The basic functioning of control room instrument elements is explained in terms of their applications in a processing environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control room instrument elements should include but are not limited to recorders, indicators, alarms, trips, switchgear, interlocks.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Use basic system functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different screen options are identified and selected in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Screen schematics are interpreted in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purposes of different screens are explained as applicable to own workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different screen functions and options are identified and explained in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of different screen functions is practically demonstrated in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Demonstration could either be done by making physical adjustments or through simulation.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Retrieve information from the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Current information related to any part of the process is located efficiently in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant trend data is plotted and interpreted in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Historic information is retrieved for a specific time period. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Alarm and trip conditions are identified for any section of the process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Adjust process parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Key process deviations or process material variations for a process are listed in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Process or process material information is evaluated in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Control modes are changed to address process requirements in accordance with workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control modes should include automatic, manual, cascade, bias/ratio control.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Settings are changed to reflect different process requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The interdependence of various controls is explained in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The upstream and downstream impact of changes made is accurately predicted. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 4 or higher qualification, 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 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    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:
  • Locating current information related to any part of the process efficiently.
  • Interpreting process and process material information correctly.
  • Anticipate the impact of changes on the rest of the process.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Retrieve information from the system.
  • Adjust process parameters. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Understanding the role of the central control room in the control of a processing plant.
  • Maintaining sound relations with co-workers.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage himself and his activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Using basic screen functions and options to obtain information.
  • Explaining the interdependence of various controls.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Use basic system functions.
  • Retrieve information from the system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Reaching conclusions based on evaluation and changing control modes to address process requirements.
  • Plotting and interpreting relevant trend data.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Retrieve information from the system.
  • Adjust process parameters. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Communicating with plant operating personnel when settings are changed to reflect different process requirements.
  • Interpreting screen schematics when using the system.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Use basic system functions.
  • Retrieve information from the system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Using technology responsibly during the control of a process.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by:
  • Understanding that a process and plant cannot function in isolation.

    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:

    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  61949   Further Education and Training Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  78529   Further Education and Training Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  80306   Further Education and Training Certificate: Electronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.