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

Demonstrate knowledge of sampling procedures for water and wastewater treatment tests 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254125  Demonstrate knowledge of sampling procedures for water and wastewater treatment tests 
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  6 
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 
People credited with this unit standard are able to identify and explain sampling procedures in the context of the methods and equipment used for sampling purposes. Learners will be able to eliminate contamination and ensure sample integrity by taking basic precautions. Learners will be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired to ensure representative samples. Learners will be able take, preserve and transport representative samples and thereby contribute to accurate test results.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the methods of taking samples.
  • Describe the requirements of sampling plan.
  • Describe the requirements for storage.
  • Record data collected in a water and wastewater plant. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Sampling requirements & field test equipment.

    Sampling requirements includes: Sample bottles, sterile containers, cooler box, ice packs, disposable gloves, gas burner, paper towels, stopwatch, sampling apparatus, , communication equipment, waterproof marker, sampling record book, rope, bucket, maps and GPS.

    Field Test Equipment includes:
  • PH meter, chlorine test kit, dissolved oxygen meter, thermometer, conductivity meter, turbidity meter, secchi disk. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the methods of taking samples of water and wastewater for field testing or transport to laboratories. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sampling methods are identified and described in terms of their relevance to different types of water and the composition of the sample. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different types of water include but are not limited to groundwater; surface water and wastewater. Composition of the sample includes but is not limited to grab sampling and, composite sampling, taking time and flow into account.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic safety and preparatory measures that must be taken prior to sampling are described in accordance with sampling protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of taking precautionary measures during sampling is explained in order to avoid contamination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sources of contamination are identified and described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sources of contamination include but are not limited dirty sample bottles and equipment, using pipettes and syringes for more than one chemical, not flaming taps, touching the inside of bottles with fingers, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Types of field tests conducted during water sample collection are identified and described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of tests include but are not limited to pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and chlorine residual.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The preservation methods for the various analysis parameters are described in accordance with organisational regulations and requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preservation method includes but is not limited to cooling, pH control, and chemical addition.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Time limit/timeframes for the sample to be returned to the laboratory is explained in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    An understanding of the relationship between the methods of analysis and the protocol for sampling is demonstrated in terms of achieving accurate results. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relationships include but are not limited to chlorination/dechlorination of bacteriological samples, cooling of bacteriological samples, acidification of samples for metals.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the requirements of a sampling plan and of sample handling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The significance for a representative sample is identified for process measurement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Flow volume changes, effluent strength variations, average daily levels versus peak levels, oxidation pond cycling, bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) loading curves.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sample handling methods are described in terms of labelling, condition and traceability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Handling procedures are identified and described in terms of precautions to be taken when sampling is undertaken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Changes that may occur during sample handling are identified and explained in accordance with organisational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air losses/gains, oxidation, microbiological viability, temperature effects.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Record and present measurement data collected during sample collection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of labelling samples and recording data relevant to particular samples is explained in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Data and measurements are recorded in accordance with organisational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Data include but is not limited to date, sample type, any associated observations, results of field tests done, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of significant figures is demonstrated to match the uncertainty of the measurements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Results are presented in a format consistent with organisational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The implications of failure to report sampling results outside the expected range are explained with examples. 


    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 should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Sampling.
  • Equipment for water analyses.
  • Water sources.
  • Occupational Health and Safety legislation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to sampling and sampling handling by applying precautions as prescribed by organisational requirements. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by prioritising tasks to undertake sampling in accordance with the plan. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by ensuring that samples are collected, preserved and transported in accordance with organisational requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation by reporting any incidents pertaining to irregularities. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the way samples are collected in the field affects the analytical results obtained in the laboratory. 

    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.

    Assessment Option:

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
  • Oral or written questions.
  • Observation.
  • Product sample reports. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  60190   National Certificate: Water and Wastewater Process Control  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. DR HE MAEPA INSTITUTE 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. ERWAT 
    5. HAZYVIEW WATER SKILLS ACADEMY 
    6. K-BONENG CONSULTING SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    7. Kelvin Power (Pty) Ltd 
    8. NTANDOKAZI HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 
    9. SEANEGO INTERGRATED NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 


    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.