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: 

Install, maintain and test below ground drainage systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244498  Install, maintain and test below ground drainage systems 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Building Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  14 
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 
This unit standard will enable plumbers and related role-players to improve professionalism and enhance the quality and effectiveness of services by being able to perform specialised fault finding and repairs to plumbing systems.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Plan and prepare to install, maintain and test below ground drainage systems.
  • Install below ground waterborne drainage systems.
  • Inspect and maintain below ground waterborne drainage systems.
  • Install below ground non-waterborne means of sanitary disposal.

    This unit standard will contribute to the development of the learner within the context of the plumbing discipline. Learners who have achieved this unit standard will increase their opportunities for further development and employability within the plumbing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Drain system components include but are not limited to: Pipes, Bends, Junctions, Couplings, Access Fittings, Gulleys, Rodding eyes, Inspection eyes, manholes and access chambers.
  • Range of inspection methods include but are not limited to: Observation, use of cleaning rods to locate blockages, drain pressure test.
  • Drain cleaning methods include but are not limited to: Drain cleaning rods, drain cleaning chemicals.
  • Pipes and fittings used in the installation of below ground drain systems include but are not limited to: uPVC, earthenware (Vitrified clay), fibre reinforced cement, high-density polyethylene and cast iron.
  • Trench excavations include but are not limited to: Arrangements for the battering of side slopes in non-cohesive soils and for shoring.
  • Plumbing tools include but are not limited to: Hand tools (measuring instruments, marking tools, holding tools, cutting tools, fastening, and cleaning tools), power tools (excavating equipment, cutting tools).
  • Plumbing equipment includes but is not limited to: Drain cleaning machines, compactors.
  • Existing services and built-in items that are to be identified and protected include but are not limited to: Other plumbing pipes and fittings, electrical cables. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare to install, maintain and test below ground drainage systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools, equipment and materials are selected in readiness to install, maintain and test below ground drainage systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The work area is set out in accordance with control positions and levels indicated in drawings or instructions received from the client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Existing services and built-in items are identified and protected against damage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment and protective clothing is selected and prepared in accordance with legislative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Tools and equipment are maintained in accordance with manufacturers specifications and scheduled maintenance activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Minimum levels of building and plumbing material quantities are maintained in accordance with the requirements of the task at hand. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Install below ground waterborne drainage systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Trenches are set out and excavated to line and level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Drain system components are assembled in the trench according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Assembled drains are bedded and laid in the trench in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Assembled drain is partially backfilled and compacted to provide access for testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Drain test is carried out in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Assembled drain is backfilled and compacted on completion of testing. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Inspect and maintain below ground waterborne drainage systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Inspection points are located to gain access to the drain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Inspection methods are applied to locate faults. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Blockages are located. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Blockages are eliminated using appropriate drain cleaning methods. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Install below ground non-waterborne means of sanitary disposal. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Below ground non-waterborne sanitary disposal systems include but are not limited to: VIP toilet structures, conservancy tanks, septic tanks and French drains. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use, limitations and construction of non-waterborne means of sanitary disposal systems is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    On-site sanitation systems are positioned in accordance with legislative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    On-site sanitation systems are constructed in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Installation of on-site sanitation systems meets with the approval of the local authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Customers are advised in the use and maintenance of on-site sanitation facilities. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assuror (ETQA) that has jurisdiction over this field of learning.
  • The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a relevant qualification and be a subject matter expert in this learning area and at least have 3 years experience in the skills specific area.
  • The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification:
    > Internal moderation.
    > External moderation.
    > An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
    > Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with SAQA requirements.
    > All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
    > Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
    > Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
    > Assessment of a portfolio of evidence.
    > Direct observation in simulated and/or controlled work conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names, functions and locations of:
  • Safety equipment and protective clothing requirements to be used when installing, maintaining and testing below ground drain systems.

    Purpose of processes and procedures of:
  • The purpose of preparing excavations to line and level and the compaction of bedding and backfilling of soil to specifications.

    Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:
  • Tools, equipment and materials used in the installation, maintenance and testing of below ground drain systems and manufacturers specifications for maintenance of tools and equipment and storage of materials.

    Cause and effect, implications of:
  • Selection of soil for bedding and backfilling.
  • Permeability of soil types for application of on-site sanitation systems.

    Categories of things, processes, concepts:
  • The definitions of VIP toilet structures, conservancy tanks, septic tanks, French Drains, jetting and rodding techniques, rodding and inspection eyes, and compaction specification terminology.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Alternatives to waterborne sewer systems.
  • Jetting and rodding techniques.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:
  • Alternatives to waterborne sewer systems.
  • National Building Regulations.
  • Code of Practice for the application of the National Building Regulations (SANS 10400) Part P Drainage and Part Q Non-Waterborne Means of Sanitary Disposal.
  • Local Authority bylaws.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993.
  • SANS specifications applicable to drainage materials.
  • SANS 10252-2: Code of Practice, Water Supply and Drainage for Buildings Part 2: Drainage installations for Buildings.

    Theory-rules, laws, principles:
  • Minimum gradients for drainage systems and the implications of incorrect installation.
  • The application of basic plumbing principles in the context of below ground drain systems installation, maintenance and testing.

    Relationships, systems:
  • VIP toilet structures, conservancy tanks, septic tanks, French Drains.
  • Waterborne and non-waterborne drainage systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Recognising, locating and identifying the causes of blocked drains.
  • Obtaining information from the client in instances where instructions or information on drawings is insufficient.
  • Identifying and pro-actively correcting issues of non-availability of resources and materials i.e labour, plant and materials. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Working in unison with co-workers and other trades on site.
  • Communicating and receiving advice from client. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Setting out the work area and preparing to carry out the installation, maintenance and testing of below ground drain systems.
  • Performing activities in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
  • Selecting plumbing tools and equipment in accordance with the requirements of the task.
  • Ensuring tools, equipment and plumbing materials are securely stored.
  • Maintaining minimum quantities of plumbing materials in accordance with task requirements.
  • Safety equipment and clothing is selected and prepared in accordance with legislative requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Carrying out written and/or verbal site instructions issued by the Client, correctly and efficiently.
  • Correctly interpreting information contained in drawings.
  • Setting out work areas from provided control positions and levels in accordance with instructions and drawings.
  • Complying with the instructions issued by the Client. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Issuing clear verbal instructions to team members.
  • Actively listening to feedback received from team members.
  • Reporting problem situations to the Client. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Applying appropriate methods and equipment for installing, maintaining and testing below ground drain systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • The impact of incorrect construction and functioning of below ground drainage systems on communities and the surrounding environment. 
    		•

    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:

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general 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. 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.
  • At this level some errors are to be expected. Assessors must use professional judgement in evaluating competence.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the range as expressed under the title. Specific range statements under individual outcomes or assessment criteria are illustrations, from which learning programme developers can select. 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.
  • 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.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles: assessment should be appropriate, fair, manageable, integrated into work or learning, valid, and consistent. Evidence should be authentic, sufficient, and current.
  • Assessment of this standard can be carried out through continuous assessment throughout the course of study and specific performances assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58782   Further Education and Training Certificate: Plumbing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 


    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.
     
    1. Africa International Training Facilities T/A AITF (BREDELL) (TP) 
    2. AFRICA SKILLS VILLAGE 
    3. Better Best Agri Development 
    4. BOLAND COLLEGE (Paarl) 
    5. Bright Storm Projects 
    6. Capricorn FET College - Central Office 
    7. CLEAN HEAT ENERGY SAVING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    8. Construction Resource Development College 
    9. Double ST Training and Skills Development 
    10. Eastcape Training Centre 
    11. EDUCATORY ELECTRO SERVICES 
    12. Esayidi TVET College 
    13. In Touch Community Development & Project Managers 
    14. Leps Training Consultants 
    15. Mahumani Empowerment Servives Centre 
    16. Majuba TVET College 
    17. Mavco Engineering 
    18. Microzone Training CC 
    19. Mnambithi TVET College 
    20. Moraba Training and Civil Construction (Pty) Ltd 
    21. MPUMALANGA REGIONAL TRAINING TRUST 
    22. MTL Training and Projects 
    23. Novi General Services 
    24. Othandweni Training Centre 
    25. Pam's Educational Consultancy CC 
    26. PCD College cc 
    27. Primeserv Corporate Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    28. Protech Training (Pty) Ltd 
    29. Reflections Development Institute 
    30. RESISA LOGISTICS (Ltd) Pty 
    31. Sakhisizwe Development Training 
    32. Schoolboy Training Centre 
    33. Somvi General Services 
    34. St Anthonys Education Centre 
    35. Thabomeleng 
    36. Tjeka Training Matters Pty Ltd 
    37. Tovani Traiding 299 
    38. TSK Projects(PTY)LTD 
    39. Umfolozi FET College 
    40. West Coast TVET College 


    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.