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

Conduct veld burn operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257156  Conduct 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 4  NQF Level 04  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 
This unit standard is intended for Individuals who will participate in and will be able to assist in the supervision of teams of people involved in the effective handling of veld burn operations given the context of relevant legislation and established conservation objectives. Resulting competencies will enable the individual to apply veld burns as a management tool, and handle the processes and techniques used in veld burn operations effectively in the area of operation.

It is envisaged that learners will handle veld burn operations under supervision on this level as to ensure the maintaining of adequate safety and risk control measures which is generally the responsibility of individuals on management level.

Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Explain the ecological role of fire and its use as a management tool as it relates to the area of operation.
  • Outline the provisions of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998) along with Regulations pertaining to the Act in relation to the operational area.
  • Check, select and supply the appropriate equipment for veld burn operation.
  • Explain and demonstrate the processes and techniques that form part of a veld burn operation.
  • Demonstrate the ignition, control, extinguishing and post burn actions of a veld burn operation. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in Communication Literacy and Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the ecological role of fire and its use as a management tool as it relates to the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An overview of the role of fire in the relevant ecosystem is provided. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The factors influencing fires are considered within the context of its application as a conservation management tool in the area of operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fire frequency, season (time of year), fuel load, fuel type, humidity, time of day, aspect, slope, wind.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The different types of fires for use as a conservatiaon tool are considered for suitability within the area of operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Point of ignition, ring burns, back burns, tracer belts (use of herbicides), block burns, brush pile burning.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Outline the provisions of legislation applicable to veld and forest fires as it applies to the area of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The provisions of fire control legislation is considered to ensure legislative compliance as it applies to the ecozone and area of operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Relevant acts and regulations include the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998) and associated regulations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Regulations derived from the provisions of the Act are reviewed to ensure that all actions related to veld burn operations are carried out in compliance to the legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A concise listing is given of legal requirements for veld burn operations as it applies to the area of operation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Check, select and supply the appropriate equipment for a veld burn operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment required for executing a veld burn operation is listed, selected and checked to ensure that it is in a servicable condition. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety, operational and personal protective equipment and gear.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Instructions from supervisor pertaining to equipment are complied with to ensure the safety of the veld burn operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Maintenance checks of equipment are carried out to ensure readiness post the veld burn operation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct the ignition, control, extinguishing and post burn actions of a veld burn operation in a safe manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The processes and techniques forming part of a veld burn operation is considered in preparation for a veld burn. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Processes include the igniting, controlling and extinguishing a fire, preparation include the controlled simulation of techniques to enable the handling of techniques in a controlled and safe environment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ignition techniques applicable to veld burn operations are conducted with consideration of safety and control requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Point of ignition, ring burns, back burns, block burns, brush pile burning, drip tourch, gas, fire-bomb.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Fire control and extinguishing/supression techniques applicable to veld burn operations are conducted with the necessary provision for safetly and control. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Beaters, knapsack sprayers, water tanks, bakkie sakkie, fire-rakes/hoes, fire retardants, spades, hydrants, nozzles, pumping equipment, hoses, back-burns.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Post burn techniques and operations are conducted according to operational and safety requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Establishing a staff roster, establishing a fireline, thermal scanner, roll call, equipment checks and return, post burn inspections, debriefing of staff.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A post burn report is prepared to assist management in decision-making processes applicable to veld burn operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Precautions are explained ahead of a veld bun operation to ensure the safety of staff and the minimizing of risk. 


    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 
  • National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998) along with Regulations pertaining to the Act.
  • Differing fire duties such as fire boss, initiator, controller, pump-houses.
  • Recording fire data considering when, where, who, type of fire.
  • Adhering to a fire programme.
  • Using fire-fighting equipment (knapsack sprays, beaters, drip-torches) efficiently and effectively. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Operate in a team:
  • Cooperation and carefully following instructions from supervisors and managers are essential for the successful carrying out of a veld burn operation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage own activities:
  • Providing assistance in interventions aimed at veld burn operations requires learner to work in a methodical and systematic manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication:
  • Effective communication is required for the planiing and execution of veld burn operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of science and technology:
  • The correct use of equipment is essential at every stage of a veld burn operation to ensure the safety of all personnel and members of the public. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    See the world as a set of interrelated systems:
  • A clear understanding of the interplay between human activity and the conservation of the natural environment is essential for successfully completing this unit standard. 
    		•

    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 
    Legislation applicable to Veld and Forest Fires include:
  • The National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998).
  • Regulations pertaining to the Act in relation to the operational area.

    Values:

    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 utilisation of species and ecosystems.

    The intention is to yield the greatest sustainable and equitable benefit to present generations whilst maintaining the potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  63109   Further Education and Training Certificate: Nature Conservation: Natural Resource Guardianship Terrestrial  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.