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: 

Identify and deal with a noise nuisance 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244593  Identify and deal with a noise nuisance 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Sc/Mgt & Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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 
This unit standard will be useful for people working in local authorities as field workers to assist in the handling of noise nuisances within communities. They apply the by-laws and facilitate issues between complainants and offenders where there is an environmental noise nuisance. They may issue an instruction for an investigation to be done by an expert.

This unit standard will enable field workers to differentiate between a noise nuisance and a disturbing noise as described in legislation and regulations, and take appropriate steps to deal with an environmental noise nuisance.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Distinguish between noise nuisance and disturbing noise.
  • Identify noise nuisance.
  • Deal with noise nuisance. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Communication and maths literacy at NQF Level 3, or equivalent competence.
  • Unit standard: EN-01- Describe and explain sound generation and propagation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Sources of noise nuisance include: animals, home industries (power tools), music from residential premises, hooting, fireworks, loading of equipment, recreational vehicles, driving, household alarms (static), firearms, sirens (except emergency vehicles), construction.
  • Examples of disturbing noise include: generators; extractor fans; music from licensed businesses (entertainment areas); industrial processes (compressor units). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Distinguish between noise nuisance and disturbing noise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The definition of a noise nuisance includes reference to the disturbance of the convenience or peace of the "reasonable person". The concept of the reasonable person is explained in accordance with generally accepted definitions in law. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A noise nuisance is differentiated from a disturbing noise by reference to its community and domestic nature, and typical sources as indicated by complaints. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sources of noise nuisance include: animals, home industries (power tools), music from residential premises, hooting, fireworks, loading of equipment, recreational vehicles, driving, household alarms (static), firearms, sirens (except emergency vehicles), construction.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Disturbing noise is defined with reference to its technical aspects, and potential for interference, measurement and engineering correction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The significance of ambient noise levels is explained with reference to its importance in determining acceptable noise levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Examples provided of disturbing noise are consistent with definitions in legislation and/or regulations, as well as typical occurrences dealt with as complaints. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples of disturbing noise include: generators; extractor fans; music from licensed businesses (entertainment areas); industrial processes (compressor units).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify noise nuisance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedures for handling a noise nuisance in a community are accurately described with reference to steps to be taken, their sequence, and the scope and limitations of own authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The initial visit to the complainant accurately establishes the basic facts with respect to the complaint and the possible noise nuisance over a fixed period. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Facts include: time, duration, environment, volume.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The noise is correctly classified against the definitions in the regulations as a noise nuisance to a reasonable person. The classification of type is consistent with definitions in the regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The report accurately reflects the experience of the complainant and meets local authority requirements for format, detail and content. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The report is submitted via correct channels to the appropriate person/s within the local authority. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Deal with noise nuisance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The initial visit to the offender/s informs them of the complaint and provides input with respect to the regulations and the nature of a noise nuisance. Communication is clear, coherent and accurate with respect to the regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relationships between the complainant and offender are investigated where applicable to confirm the legitimacy of the complaint and nature of the nuisance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Nature of nuisance includes: valid nuisance as defined in regulations; malice; spitefulness; provocation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The offender is invited to provide the solution to the noise nuisance, in keeping with local authority policy and approaches. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Communication and interpersonal skills are used to minimise conflict and promote an harmonious interaction and successful resolution of the noise nuisance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Interpersonal skills include: negotiation skills; assertiveness; awareness of self; problem not person focus.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Communication displays cultural sensitivity throughout and minimises the potential for racial and/or cultural conflict. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The preliminary investigation form details all actions taken as well as observations, impressions and opinions pertinent to the case and useful for generating a solution and/or taking further action as required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Opinions include: own opinions; sworn affidavit from the complainant; petition lists.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The report is comprehensive, clear and supported by evidence of the nuisance. It provides a detailed record of the history of the complaint in the event of escalation. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation Options:
  • Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation Option:
  • The moderation requirements of the relevant ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard:
  • Basic physical science (as it applies to sound).
  • Basic understanding of meteorological principles.
  • Basic occupational and safety principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note: Important in defining and identifying noise nuisances, and solving problems between complainants and offenders. 

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

    Note: Whole role is played out in a community context; operates as a member of a team, and must resolve issues for the good of the community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: Must be meticulous in recording information and presenting reports. 

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

    Note: Key task is to collect and organise information and present it; forms the basis of further proceedings. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: Core skill - communicating and mediating between complainants and offenders. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: Understanding the impact of sound and noise, and presenting this information to others requires an ability to use science and technology. 

    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.

    Note: Core to role in noise management - understanding that the sounds people make affect those around them and may come to be viewed as unwanted sound, or noise. 

    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 
    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.
  • Make sure that evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. 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.
  • 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.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • 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 and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • Assessment of theory can be either oral or written.
  • Assessment must include practical application of knowledge. Realistic simulations are acceptable for assessment purposes.

    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. Further clarification of terms is provided as follows:
  • Environmental noise refers to noise measured outside of buildings or premises.
  • Ambient noise is the general or 'background' noise level of the environment, as defined in Table 2 of the SANS codes".
  • Reasonable person" means: A phrase frequently used in tort and criminal law to denote a hypothetical person in society who exercises average care, skill, and judgment in conduct and who serves as a comparative standard for determining liability. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58801   Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Noise Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  LG SETA 


    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. Jobafrik Consulting 


    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.