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: 

Control composting process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254134  Control composting process 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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
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
12051  Control composting process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner achieving this unit standard will be able to produce compost from dewatered sludge. This competence will enable the learner to control the composting process to ensure safe disposal of sludge in accordance with legislation and sludge guidelines. This competence will enable the learner to contribute towards optimal functioning of the works and the economic sustainability of the environment. In addition the learner will gain enhanced skills, thereby improving the learner's motivation, employability and basic work experience. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners entering this unit standard are competent in:
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3.

    It is also assumed that learners are competent in the following unit standards:
  • Apply personal safety practices in the workplace at NQF Level 2.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of water cycle, water and wastewater systems and processes at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Work policies and procedures:
  • Best operating procedures.

    Legislation:
  • OHS Act, Sludge Guidelines and National Water Act.

    Composting equipment:
  • Manual or mechanical composting equipment.

    Information:
  • Breakdowns, incidents, inspection.

    Reports:
  • Temperature, moisture content, irregularities in the compost e.g. smells, flies, heat generated, etc.

    Bulking agent:
  • Wood chips; grass cuttings: paper; garden refuge. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the production of compost. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of composting is described in relation to the beneficial use of sludge. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Theory of composting is described with reference to requirement and ideal conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements and ideal conditions refer to:
  • Nature of the materials required; types of biological organisms present; temperature and moisture.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Raw materials are identified, described and located for a composting facility. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Raw materials refer to but are not limited to fats and oils, organic sludge, waste, sewage grit and screenings, and residuals ( e.g crop, forestry and food residuals).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Composting systems used to produce compost are discussed in relation to operational principles, components and controls. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Composting systems include but are not limited to mechanically turned windrows, aerated static pile and In Vessel composting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment needed for composting is identified and described in terms of their functions in the composting process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reasons for adding bulking agent are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Bulk to sludge ratios are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Method of mixing bulking agent and sludge is demonstrated in order to keep the composting process aerated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Mixture is aerated and inverted at regular intervals. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Sample and monitor compost in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Moisture content of compost is tested in order to maintain the required moisture levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Temperature of compost is taken, maintained and monitored in accordance with works procedures and the composting system type. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods of taking representative samples are demonstrated with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems relating to sampling are identified in order to take corrective action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Data collected from monitoring and controlling process is recorded throughout the process in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Screen and cure compost. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of screens are identified and explained in terms of their uses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Odour and oxygen are monitored and controlled throughout the process in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Compost is screened in order to remove bulking agent. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Bulking agent is collected and piled for re-use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Screened compost is cured in accordance with work policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain and operate equipment at compost plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of keeping compost equipment clean is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Broken equipment is reported in accordance with work policies and procedures for replacement purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Composting equipment is maintained in accordance with own scope of responsibility. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Comply with safety procedures at composting plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Health hazards and safety risks are described in relation to operation of composting plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Composting equipment is used in accordance with safe operating procedures. 


    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:
  • Categories of compost.
  • The biological process of composting.
  • Safety aspects when composting.
  • Purpose of guidelines for the disposal of sludge and the consequences of non-compliance.
  • Purpose and method for taking the temperature of compost. 
    		•

    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 by taking corrective action at a composting plant. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community by completing designated tasks within own scope of responsibility. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by completing relevant reports and communicating relevant information to relevant person(s). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in relation to samples determining moisture content and temperature to ensure proper control of the composting process. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by applying safety procedures when handling sludge and bulking material and compost. 

    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 unit standard 12051, "Control composting process", Level 2, 4 credits.

    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
    Elective  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.