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

Perform basic field infrastructural maintenance in a conservation area 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252450  Perform basic field infrastructural maintenance in a conservation area 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Nature Conservation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 is aimed at individuals involved in the maintaining of basic field infrastructure such as water provision, fencing, roads, tracks and trails, gates, erosion control stemming from infrastructure, signage and hides.

The standard enables the relevant knowledge and skills required to maintain infrastructural elements usually found in conservation areas under supervision, thereby enhancing tourism and the management of the area. Achieving this unit standard will enhance employability of the learner in both conservation and other construction industry related fields.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Identify faulty or problematic field infrastructure.
  • Report maintenance work needed on field infrastructure.
  • Carry out basic repair work to field infrastructure.
  • Identify problems and make suggestions to improve field infrastructure. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is furthermore assumed that learners embarking on this unit standard are familiar with:
  • First Aid.
  • Occupational Health and Safety.
  • Orientate, navigate, use and create maps in conservation areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify faulty or problematic field infrastructure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An explanation is given of the role regular maintenance plays in preserving the life of field infrastructure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An outline is provided of the implications of not carrying out maintenance timeously. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Field infrastructure requiring maintenance is identified in the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A self-assessment is made of whether the required repair or maintenance work is within or above the learner's designated scope of accountability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    An assessment is made of the current condition of field infrastructural elements within a conservation area. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Assess whether the field infrastructure still conforms to the prescribed standard. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Report maintenance work needed on field infrastructure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A written report on required maintenance work for field infrastructure is prepared for management as it relates to identified maintenance requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Management is alerted regarding work falling outside of the learner's designated scope of authority. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Carry out basic repair work to field infrastructure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Authorisation is obtained to carry out basic repair work within designated scope of authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, physical resources and labour are obtained in order to complete the work successfully. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and materials are used, maintained and stored correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work is completed to the required standard. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Identify problems and make suggestions to improve field infrastructure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An assessment is made of the repair work to field infrastructure in Specific Outcome 3, as it relates to the effectiveness of the work done, the standard of the completed work and the cost effectiveness and efficiency of physical and human resources utilisation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A report is prepared outlining suggestions for improvement in future maintenance of field infrastructure. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements. Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Diverse types of field infrastructure within conservation areas, e.g. water provision, fencing, roads, tracks and trails, gates, erosion control, signage and hides.
  • Function of field infrastructure in a conservation area.
  • Industry standards for optimal condition of field infrastructure.
  • Basic knowledge of how field infrastructure works (e.g. boreholes, windmills, pumps) where appropriate.
  • Standard operating procedures /methods/techniques for evaluating field infrastructure against agreed levels of performance and maintenance.
  • Basic knowledge and skills required to maintain prescribed field infrastructure.
  • Basic knowledge and skills required to repair field infrastructure, where appropriate.
  • Where, when and to whom to refer problems falling outside the learner's designated accountability.
  • Use and maintenance of tools, including power tools as appropriate to area and task.
  • Occupational health and safety. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Personal development.
  • Specific outcome 4: "Identify problems and make suggestions to improve field infrastructure" emphasises the need for the learner not simply to repair infrastructure for its own sake, but to begin to make judgments and form opinions as to the quality of the work, and as to what work is needed in future. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage own activities.
  • The work of maintaining and repairing field infrastructure requires the learner to work in a methodical and systematic manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology.
  • It is important for a learner to master the use of tools and equipment for the purpose of maintaining field infrastructure. This is a central focus of this unit standard. 
    		•

    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 
    Depending on the context of practice of this unit standard, knowledge required will cover a wide range. Below are some examples of specifics that may be required in different circumstances.
  • Water provision (water pumps, windmills, boreholes, pipes, reservoirs, troughs, solar pumps and panels).
  • Power tool maintenance & operation (drills, saws, chain saws, angle grinders).
  • Concrete mixes and generators.
  • Basic painting:
    > Preparation of surfaces.
    > Painting with various outdoor paints and/or wood preservation preparations (including anti-termite treatments).
    > Coastal and inland corrosion.
  • Elementary welding and brazing.
  • Erosion control stemming from infrastructure or the use thereof.
  • Roads, bridges, tracks and trails:
    > Fencing.
    > Gate hanging.
    > Proper use of equipment e.g. stays, straining configurations, rolls of wire, digital voltmeter for fencing, energizers, isolators etc.
    > Straining techniques.
    > Electrifying standard fences and configuration.
    > Repairs to various fences to effectively block any breaches.
    > Different types of fencing (regular, electrical, game, river, animal passages etc).
    > Servicing and maintaining appropriate equipment.
    > Brush control around fences (including herbicide application).
    > Dismantling a fence.

    Supplementary information:
  • Assist with the maintenance of field infrastructure on a conservation area. This could include roads, tracks, hiking trails, water provision, erosion works, machinery and equipment, fencing, hides.
  • Mix and assist in the casting of various concrete mixes such a dams, reservoirs, troughs and reinforced concrete.
  • Paint various surfaces including undercoats and finishing coats.
  • Carry out basic bricklaying and plastering, including laying of foundations using cement blocks and bricks, as well as stock bricks.
  • Weld various mild steel, brass and copper using arc and gas welding methods, as well as soldering techniques.
  • Assist with the repair of engines, water pumps, windmills and removal of pipes, as well as the maintenance thereof, including lubrication and cleaning.
  • Plumbing (e.g. between windmill to reservoir and reservoir to trough).
  • Carry out erosion control on roads, tracks and trails.
  • Assist with the repair and maintenance of different types of fences.

    Demonstration of the knowledge and skills outlined in this unit standard must be consistent with the principles of:
  • Maintaining essential ecological processes and life-support systems.
  • Maintaining genetic, species and ecosystem diversity.
  • Considering ecological and social rights and responsibilities, whilst ensuring sustainable utilization of species and ecosystems, thereby yielding the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59389   National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    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.