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: 

Implement veld burn operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253954  Implement veld burn operations 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
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 
The qualifying learner assessed as competent against this unit standard will be able to implement a veld burn under supervision. The responsibilities associated with such competence include igniting, controlling and extinguishing a fire using appropriate techniques. This competence enables the qualifying learner to assist conservation managers in using fire as an ecological management tool, and will therefore contribute to the effective management of a conservation area.

The qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Outline the provisions of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998), along with Regulations pertaining to the Act, and relate these to the management needs of the conservation area.
  • Explain the rationale for a veld burn programme.
  • Implement the preparation phase for a veld burn.
  • Initiate a controlled fire.
  • Monitor the behaviour of the fire.
  • Extinguish the fire. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Outline the provisions of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998), along with Regulations pertaining to the Act, and relate these to the management needs of the conservation area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act as it pertains to the use of fire as an ecological management tool is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An account is given of the provisions in the Act for regulating the establishment, registration, duties and functioning of Fire Protection Associations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key provisions of the Act are reviewed pertaining to fire fighting. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Local authority fire brigades; fire danger rating; firebreaks; presumption of negligence; offences.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the rationale for a veld burn programme. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The management objectives that call for a veld burn programme is summarised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ways in which a veld burn programme can achieve ecological objectives is outlined. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Implement the preparation phase for a veld burn. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Weather and humidity conditions are taken into account in considering the advisability of burning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Necessary equipment is sourced and sufficient labour (support staff) assigned to ensure that legal requirements are adhered to. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fire beaters, rake hoes, spades, infra red fire scanner, ignitors, water carriers, knapsack spray operators; first-aid kit.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Assistance is rendered to the fire committee in the conducting of a pre-burn inspection. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Required tasks to be determined by the fire committee.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The preparation phase for a veld burn is implemented, under supervision. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Measures are implemented to support contingency planning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Changes in weather; firebreaks, escape routes, staff safety.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Initiate a controlled fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for creating firebreaks are outlined with reference to the requirements of legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate practical methods are used to create firebreaks, taking local conditions into account. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The fire is ignited with due consideration to prevailing local conditions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Monitor the behaviour of the fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A basic assessment is made of the direction, intensity and effects of the type of fire on flora and fauna. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Crown fire; ground fire; fuel load; head fire and back fire.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The fire is observed on a continuous basis, and steps are implemented to ensure that it does not reach untargeted areas. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Extinguish the fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The fire is extinguished effectively and completely, under supervision, in line with the assessment made by senior staff of whether and when the veld burn is complete. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The learner supervises the extinguishing of the fire at an operational level.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Staff is supervised on the fire line for post fire monitoring purposes as per the assessment made by senior staff. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment is inspected and stored as necessary, staff is dismissed, and any necessary reportage is done. 


    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 
  • Ignition sources.
  • Determining biomass.
  • Patch and block burns.
  • Extreme fire conditions and the control thereof (safety).
  • Construction of firebreaks.
  • Influence of topography on fire behaviour.
  • Weather and its effect on fire conditions.
  • Identifying possible dangers and relating these to achieving management objectives.
  • Conditions related to fire types (hot, cool, back etc., tracer belt, and double front efforts etc.) and the best practical option identified.
  • Preparation of firebreaks.
  • Personnel requirements and training.
  • Determining and checking equipment requirements.
  • Routine maintenance of equipment such as pumps, knapsacks, fire beaters, infra red fire scanners and ignitors.
  • Safety procedures to protect staff, other parties, wildlife and infrastructure.
  • Appropriate legislation.
  • Implementation of ignition sources (point or block) in relation to management objectives.
  • Continuous evaluation of conditions to facilitate safe burning procedures.
  • Methods to combat fires according to fire type, conditions, safety and impact, number of staff, time of day.
  • Fire monitoring techniques.
  • Herbicide application.
  • Hydrometer operation and understanding (humidity). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The implementing a veld burn under supervision requires the learner to work methodically and systematically. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The interpretation of ecological objectives, and whether these may be achieved by the use of fire requires the gathering and evaluation of information 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Dealing with contingencies and the giving and following of instructions correctly is essential to safe and successful implementation of a veld burn programme. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Knowledge of flora and fauna; proper operation and maintenance of vehicles, equipment and machinery as it relates to the implementation of veld burn operations require the use of science and technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Ecological awareness and understanding the world, as a set of interrelated systems is essential in the responsible implementation of a veld burn programme. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Compliance with fire legislation; taking into account the rights of neighbours when implementing a veld burn programme supports responsible citizenship. 

    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 
    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.

    It is recommended that a qualifying learner is able to maintain a vehicle and drive a 4x4 in order to support the fire management activities. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59949   National Certificate: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.