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: 

Use and select pipe systems and pipe components 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253495  Use and select pipe systems and pipe components 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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 is one of a series of unit standards for pipe-fitting, -installation and -fabrication in engineering and prepares the learner for work in the maintenance of pipe installations.

The learning outcomes in this unit standard also contribute to the exit level outcomes required for related qualifications.

Qualifying learners are able to:
  • Identify and discuss pipe systems and related components.
  • Interpret pipe specifications.
  • Read and interpret flow diagrams.
  • Store pipes and pipe assemblies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already completed:
  • Fundamental learning at NQF Level 2.
  • Learning related to the use of hand tools, measuring instruments and is able to read and interpret basic engineering drawings. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes determine the scope and level of this unit standard.

    However for the purpose of assessment, pipe systems and/or components include but are not limited to the following environment contexts:
  • Manufacturing and Engineering (Metals, Plastics, Tyre and Rubber, Electrical Power Generation, Automotive Manufacturing).
  • Chemical and Petrochemical.
  • Mining.
  • Transport (Maritime, Road, Rail and Aviation).
  • Civil Engineering and Construction.
  • Food and Beverages.
  • Other engineering-related industry sectors.

    Pipe components include but are not limited to various types of:
  • Flanges.
  • Pipe fittings and sockets.
  • Packing and gaskets.

    The learner should be able to work autonomously with minimal supervision and according to worksite and manufacturer specifications and occupational safety, health and environmental legislation. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and discuss pipe systems and related components. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    This outcome covers the knowledge required in order to identify and explain:
  • Basic flow and process control principles.
  • Classifications and types of pipe systems and/or components.
  • Applications (pipe-types, gaskets, flange-types, pipe joining methods).
  • Distinct features and characteristics of various types (reasons for failure of flanged joints). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The classifications and types of pipe systems and/or components are identified and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The applications and the distinct features and characteristics of various types of pipe systems and/or components are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The units of measure related to pipes and components are explained and discussed in terms of national and/or international standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Pipe calculations are performed according to work-site and design requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The terminology used when explaining and discussing pipe systems and/or components, is in keeping with manufacturer and worksite norms and standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    For the purpose of assessment, pipe systems and/or components include but are not limited to the following environment contexts:
  • Marine Industry.
  • Chemical and Petrochemical Industries.
  • Food and Beverage Industry.
  • Waste and waste water systems.

    Pipe components and specifications include but are not limited to various types of:
  • Flanges.
  • Pipe fittings and sockets.
  • Packing, gaskets and seals.

    The learner should be able to:
  • Work autonomously with minimal supervision and according to worksite and manufacturer specifications and occupational safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Work in a workshop, plant or underground environment with varying levels of light, space and safety risks.
  • Work in a team environment.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Interpret pipe specifications. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Interpreting of pipe specifications includes reading and understanding task instructions engineering drawings. The correct identification of the equipment to be maintained is important to this field. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process and utility design, layout and drawing procedure of general piping is explained and demonstrated according to clearances, accessibility and maintenance requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specifications required are for:
  • Checking, layout and drawing.
  • Design of piping systems.
  • Equipment layout.
  • Pipe routing and drawing procedures.
  • Requirements for clearances, accessibility and maintenance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process and utility fabrication of general piping is explained according to task specifications and work instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    For the purpose of assessment, process utility fabrication covers assembly of the installation, fabrication tolerances, cleaning and painting, shipping and handling procedures and the interpretation of pipe isometric symbols.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sources of information for writing material specifications are identified and explained according to the specifications required. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes specifications used by a piping design group for layout, dimensioning and pipe detailing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Pipe coding systems are identified according to national and/or international standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pipe and pipe component specifications are interpreted according to national and/or international standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pipe and component specifications include:
  • Pipes: Allowable working pressures, test pressure dimensions and mass.
  • Pipes: Schedule, diameter, wall-thickness, nominal bore terminologies.
  • Standards for pressure piping.
  • Flange specifications (number of holes, PCD, types and hole sizes).
  • Flange dimensions and mass.
  • The use of pressure conversion tables.
  • Valve specifications.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Read and interpret flow diagrams. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • This outcome provides the competencies for interpreting the various flow diagrams within the pipe-fitting environment.
  • Flow diagrams are the main sources of information when performing fabrication and installation work. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Read, interpret and explain process flow diagrams according to work specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process flow diagrams include a schematic diagram which shows:
  • All major process equipment, pipe-lines and some important instrumentation.
  • Conditions used for the design of pressure vessels, heaters and pumps required in the flow system.
  • Quantities and condition of materials flowing through the system.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Read, interpret and explain mechanical flow diagrams according to work specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mechanical flow diagrams include a schematic diagram which shows:
  • All major process equipment, pipe-lines and some important instrumentation.
  • Pressure vessels, heaters and pumps required in the flow system.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Read, interpret and explain utility flow diagrams according to work specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Utilities include mean steam, gas, water and air.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Store pipes and pipe assemblies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The proper care and storage procedures for pipes and pipe assemblies are explained according to work site practices and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work area is restored to a safe and serviceable condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specialised pipe handling tools and equipment are identified and their application explained in terms of manufacturer's specification and work requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety hazards associated with the handling and storage of pipes and pipe assemblies are identified and preventative action is explained in terms of work-site practice. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant ETQA which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a technical qualification in this learning area.
  • The learner can be assessed in the language of his/her choice although s/he has to report incidents or conditions to someone else. The learner will be assessed on his/her ability to report in the language commonly used in his/her working environment.
  • The learner will be assessed in the workplace but s/he can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.
  • The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names & functions of:
  • Pipe system components.
  • Consumables, lubricants, cleaning agents used.
  • Equipment on which maintenance is performed.
  • Associated tools and equipment.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Typical system defects.
  • End users of the pipe system.
  • Thickness and hardness of materials.
  • Sealing components.

    Sensory cues:
  • Sensory cues (what I see, hear, smell, feel) utilised for identifying problems during system maintenance.

    Purpose of:
  • Sealing components.
  • Individual components in the system.
  • Following maintenance schedules.
  • Interpreting instruction.
  • Adhering to system maintenance principles.
  • Following safety, health and environmental procedures.
  • Adhering to safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Signing off the task instruction.
  • Reporting non-conformances, incidents and problems.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of overlooking system maintenance.
  • Acquiring required lubricants, consumables and cleaning agents.
  • Performing system maintenance.
  • Implications of not adhering to safety, health and environmental legislation.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Servicing components.
  • Performing visual inspections.
  • Identifying problems.
  • Identify and select required components.
  • Reporting on system operation.
  • Handling and storage of components.
  • Communication procedures.
  • Applicable recording and reporting procedures.
  • Applicable safe working procedures.
  • Applicable quality assurance procedures.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation.
  • Applicable company policies and procedures.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Different pressures/flows.
  • Equipment operating principles.
  • Equipment working principles.
  • Equipment maintenance fundamentals.
  • Associated engineering principles.
  • Pressure, temperature and volumetric rules of physics (Thermodynamics).
  • Pipe disassembly, assembly.
  • Flange-face seating.
  • Pressure testing and setting.
  • Determining pipe system flow and pressure criteria.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship between pipe systems and the production process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Related to the pipe calculations and the interpretation of data. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team:
  • Interact with colleagues and team members in order to acquire the required pipe components and to seek advice. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage my activities and myself:
  • Apply the correct procedures and techniques for evaluating pipe system requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Interpret information off job instructions to maintain correct system.
  • Make decisions based on that information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Report condition of system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology:
  • Interpret science and technology in determining allowable pressures, dimensions and mass. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Understand and explain the purpose of the system and the production process. 
    		•

    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 assessments at title level are unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure 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, directness, authenticity, sufficiency, openness and consistency.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Credits may be obtained by applying to an accredited/approved training provider/institution in order to have prior learning recognised in lieu of past work experience. Past experiences must relate to the specific outcomes contained within this unit standard. The ensuing assessment of candidates seeking recognition of prior learning should not be so onerous as to deter them from doing so. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59689   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.