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: 

Lay pipes for water and wastewater reticulation systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254070  Lay pipes for water and wastewater reticulation systems 
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  12 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
12338  Lay pipes for water reticulation system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12   
115904  Lay pipes for a wastewater reticulation system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard will be able to undertake specific pipe laying tasks on a water and waste water reticulation system to the requirements of an engineering drawing. This competence will enable the learner to work on an urban or rural reticulation project. Achieving this unit standard will enhance the employability of the qualifying learner in the water and wastewater and other related sectors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Knowledge of pipes, associated fittings, valves and meters at NQF Level 2.
  • Read and interpret maps and engineering drawings at NQF Level 2.
  • Join pipes, associated fittings and other pipeline devices at NQF Level 2.
  • Apply Personal Safety Practices, at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Resources: Labour, pipes, associated fittings, valves, meters, cathodic devices, tools, plant, construction materials.

    Personal safety equipment: Gloves, goggles, overalls, boots, mask, earplugs, helmet, torch, breathing aids, gumboots.

    Safety equipment: Barricading, signage and all other items and materials used to ensure the safety of personnel, passers-by and traffic.

    Thrust blocks: Concrete; reinforced concrete; prefabricated thrust blocks.

    Manhole and chambers: Pre-constructed, re-enforced concrete constructed and brick built.

    Records and reports: Time sheets, log books, accident reports, injury reports, incident reports, daily meter reading data, job cards, "As built" plans (Deviations from engineering drawings), patching reports (e.g. tarmac or concrete surfaces). 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Set out a pipe route using control points. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The route of the pipeline is checked for availability in terms of other services and surface use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All underground services, traffic use, surface cover options.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The route of the pipeline is set out using, centre line or offset marks in terms of plan position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Vertical alignment is set out in accordance with engineering drawing. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sight rails, laser, dumpy level, line.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Check and form trench sub-grade and base in preparation for pipe installation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The trench sub-grade is checked for soft spots in terms of the specification. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    One of visual, bearing, penetrometer tests.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Any soft spots in the trench sub-grade are corrected in terms of the specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sub-grade level is checked in terms of the specification. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Lay pipeline in accordance with code of practice and engineering drawing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tasks are communicated to work team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Bedding sand is laid in accordance with specifcations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Class of bedding.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pipes are aligned on bedding sand in accordance with alignment requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    New pipeline is linked to mains and isolated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pipes are joined in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Cathodic devices are attached to pipes if required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Valves, meters and other fittings are connected to pipes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Thrust blocks are placed in correct positions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Pipes are partially covered with bedding sand exposing joints until pressure testing is complete. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Inspect and test the system in accordance with code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tasks are communicated to work team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pipe system is inspected and tested in accordance with specifications and procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pressure (water and/or air), Alignment (Mirror test), Integrity (CCTV).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problems are identified and corrective action is explained and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    System is disinfected where required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pipes are scoured and filled with water. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete final backfill and construction work as per code of practice and specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tasks are communicated to work team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Blanket sand is laid over pipes according to work place standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Haunching, encasement, sand blanket.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Manholes and chambers are constructed according to plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Shoring is removed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Backfilling of trench is completed according to work place standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Area is rehabilitated in accordance with work policies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    All safety equipment and other resources are removed and returned to stores. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Shut down and charge system in accordance with code of practice and work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Purpose of shut down procedure is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Valves to be isolated are identified as per engineering drawings or visual inspection and in terms of reason for shut down. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Identified valves are isolated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Purpose of charging procedure is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Section of system to be charged is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Valves to be opened are identified as per engineering drawings or by visual inspection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Identified valves are opened as per code of practice procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Complete reports and records in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reports and records are maintained or completed accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reports and records are handed to appropriate persons. 


    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 ETQAs 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:
  • Municipal codes of practice, Current and relevant occupational health and safety legislation.
  • The importance of following codes of practice and engineering drawings.
  • The concepts of air lock and water hammer.
  • Different soil conditions and safety measures when excavating trenches. 
    		•

    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.

    This relates to:
  • Check resources are available on site in accordance with work plan.
  • Excavate trenches in accordance with safety procedures.
  • Pressure test the system in accordance with code of practice.
  • Complete final backfill and construction work as per code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Shut down and charge system in accordance with code of practice and work procedures. 
    		•

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

    This relates to:
  • Check resources are available on site in accordance with work plan.
  • Excavate trenches in accordance with safety procedures.
  • Lay pipeline in accordance with code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Pressure test the system in accordance with code of practice.
  • Complete final backfill and construction work as per code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Shut down and charge system in accordance with code of practice and work procedures.
  • Complete reports and records in accordance with work procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively.

    This relates to:
  • Check resources are available on site in accordance with work plan.
  • Excavate trenches in accordance with safety procedures.
  • Lay pipeline in accordance with code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Pressure test the system in accordance with code of practice.
  • Complete final backfill and construction work as per code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Shut down and charge system in accordance with code of practice and work procedures.
  • Complete reports and records in accordance with work procedures. 
    		•

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

    This relates to:
  • Check resources are available on site in accordance with work plan.
  • Excavate trenches in accordance with safety procedures. 
    		•

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

    This relates to:
  • Check resources are available on site in accordance with work plan.
  • Excavate trenches in accordance with safety procedures.
  • Lay pipeline in accordance with code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Pressure test the system in accordance with code of practice.
  • Complete final backfill and construction work as per code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Shut down and charge system in accordance with code of practice and work procedures.
  • Complete reports and records in accordance with work procedures. 
    		•

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

    This relates to:
  • Check resources are available on site in accordance with work plan.
  • Excavate trenches in accordance with safety procedures.
  • Lay pipeline in accordance with code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Pressure test the system in accordance with code of practice.
  • Complete final backfill and construction work as per code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Shut down and charge system in accordance with code of practice and work procedures. 
    		•

    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.

    This relates to:
  • Excavate trenches in accordance with safety procedures.
  • Lay pipeline in accordance with code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Complete final backfill and construction work as per code of practice and engineering drawing.
  • Shut down and charge system in accordance with code of practice and work procedures.
  • Complete reports and records in accordance with work procedures. 
    		•

    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 
    This Unit Standard replaces the following Unit Standards:
  • ID 12338 Lay pipes for water reticulation system, Level 3, 12 Credits.
  • ID 115904 Lay pipes for a wastewater reticulation system, Level 3, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    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 


    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.