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: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254069  Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
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 achieving this unit standard will be able to demonstrate the following competence:
  • Explain basic mechanical principles.
  • Operate mechanical equipment at own works.
  • Explain maintenance of mechanical equipment.
  • Explain principles of electricity.
  • Demonstrate practices and procedures for managing electrical fires.

    This competence will enable the learner to understand the maintenance of equipment used in a wastewater works, which will assist with minimizing breakages and stoppages. The unit standard will expand the skills base of the qualifying learner and make the person more effective in his/her tasks, more employable and will open up job opportunities in related fields. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment NQF Level 2.
  • Numeracy at an appropriate level.
  • Literacy at an appropriate level. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Pumps:
  • Positive displacement, centrifigal, diaphragm, screw pump and airlift.

    Electricity:
  • Circuit breakers, fuses, earth leakage, positive, earth, neutral, amp meter, voltmeter, 220V, 380V, single phase and three phase.

    Valves:
  • Butterfly, globe, gate, needle, pinch, air and diaphragm.
  • Control- Axial and globe types.

    Safety principles:
  • Electric shock, electric fire, restricted access, competency level with respect to handling electrical equipment.

    Monitoring:
  • Vibration, excessive gland leaking, temperature, meter readings, noise and odour.

    Shut down:
  • Routine and emergency.

    Fires:
  • Combustion and electrical.

    Equipment:
  • Mechanical, electrical and instrumentation.

    Electrical unit:
  • Volts, amps, watts, ohms, kilowatt hours. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain basic mechanical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pumps and macerators, blowers and compressors commonly used in water and wastewater treatment are identified and described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Function of a gearbox and variable speed drives are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Principles of bearings are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The principle of friction is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The types of lubricants and need for lubrication is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Types of gland seals are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The principles of mechanical lockout are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Function and operation of valves is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate mechanical equipment at own works. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Start up of mechanical equipment is demonstrated according to work place standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Routine running and monitoring of mechanical equipment is demonstrated according to work place standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Shut down procedures are demonstrated according to work place standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems are identified and appropriate corrective action is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain maintenance of mechanical equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Maintenance of bearings is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Oil levels are described and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Foundation bolts are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Routine servicing requirements of mechanical equipment is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Gland packings, painting, installation, valve boxes, greasing and lubrication.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    V belt tension is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain principles of electricity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Electrical units are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Principles of a simple electrical circuit are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety principles of electricity are explained according to work place standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The principles of electrical lockout are explained according to work place standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate practices and procedures for managing electrical fires. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for electrical fires are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Circuit breaker is switched off according to work place standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct fire extinguisher is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Procedures for managing electrical fires are demonstrated and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Dangers of using water in electrical fires are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reporting procedures for electrical fires are explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners are to have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Identification and understanding of electrical signs and colour coding.
  • Dangers when using electricity.
  • Applicable sections of current and relevant occupational health and safety legislation.
  • Safety policies and procedures.
  • Causes of electrical and mechanical fires. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made:
  • Mechanical and electrical problems are identified and appropriate corrective action is explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community:
  • Knowledge of electrical fires are demonstrated and explained to broader community and society. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively:
  • Follow procedures when planning and preparing to do tasks related to electrical and mechanical equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information: assess emergency or potential hazardous situations before acting. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation:
  • Communicate with peers and superiors in the workplace and mediate information pertaining to mechanical and electrical equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • Maintenance of bearings is explained.
  • Oil levels are described and explained.
  • Foundation bolts are explained.
  • V-belt tension is explained.
  • Electrical units are explained.
  • Principles of a simple electrical circuit are explained.
  • Safety principles of electricity are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Knowing the implication of deviating from procedures relating to mechanical and electrical equipment. 

    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 
    Integrated Assessment:

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  60155   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Reticulation Services  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Elective  90655   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    2. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    3. ERWAT 
    4. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    5. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 
    6. THOBOLOGO TRAINING & EDUCATION GROUP 


    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.