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: 

Operate stump grinder according to industry norms 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261804  Operate stump grinder according to industry norms 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Horticulture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
Tree stumps often result from felled or fallen trees or even broken branches. This results in unwanted or unsightly stumps that may be undesirable to the land or property owner.

Tree workers are often required to use a stump grinder to remove unwanted tree stumps.

This Unit Standard provides the competency required by tree workers to operate a stump grinder, according to recognised standards. Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Inspect the equipment and operational site according to organisational requirements.
  • Prepare to use equipment at a work site.
  • Operate the equipment safely according to manufactures instructions.
  • Conduct activities for post equipment use as per contractual obligations.

    This Unit Standard is intended to promote skills in the broader field of forestry and nature conservation field of horticulture in order to raise and maintain competence levels. 
    		•

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

    In addition learners have:
  • Knowledge of basic safety in the urban forestry setting.
  • Skill to operate a chainsaw. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Inspect the equipment and operational site according to organisational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Grinder is checked according to requirements and operational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Grinder is serviced according to requirements and operational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of sharpening blades is explained in terms of efficiency to the operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of not tightening up loose parts is explained in terms of possible damage to equipment and injury to the operator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to use stump grinder on site in accordance to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) is worn as a protective measure according to organisational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety footwear, Gloves, Non-catch clothes, Hard hat ,Hearing and eye protection, Compliance with standards.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The function and protection offered by each item of the PPC is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Site is checked for possible power, sewage, telecom lines and other ground utilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The grinder is prepared for operating according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-start checks, barriers are erected along discharge side, as required.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    On-site precautionary measures are taken in accordance with standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signage is erected; site is secured for grinder operations.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate stump grinder as per specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Grinder is operated safely according to manufacturer instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Grinder is operated safely according to workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Grinder is operated safely in accordance with site conditions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct activities for post equipment use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Grinder is checked for debris after use according to organisational working standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Grinder is checked for loose parts after use according to organisational working standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Loose parts are tightened up according to manufacturer instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Grinder is transported off site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Site condition is in accordance to requirements and as per contractual obligations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Site condition is in accordance to workplace standards, legal and/or sector norms and standards. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with 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, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Knowledge considered critical to the successful achievement of this unit is covered in the specific outcomes and assessment criteria. 

    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:
  • Knowledge of use and maintenance of equipment.
  • Identifying possible hazards on site. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community when:
  • Interacting with team members and colleagues during the handling, operation and maintenance of equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/herself and own activities when:
  • Preparing grinder for operation.
  • Putting on PPC to protect self from possible injuries.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of factors influencing efficiencies in the use of grinders.
  • Managing resources and own time. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when:
  • Handling, operating and maintaining equipment.
  • Standard operating procedures are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically when:
  • Handling, operating and maintaining the equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • When I can explain and justify my actions and procedures followed during the planning, preparation and completion of the grinding operation.
  • By being aware of implications of grinding activities in the environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this Qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA as an assessor.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and between various ETQA's (including professional bodies).

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification mav apply to be assessed any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory.

    For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant needs:
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • To be in possession of the relevant qualification.
  • To have sufficient relevant experience.
  • To have the appropriate qualification to assess communication and mathematical literacy. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65490   National Certificate: Arboriculture: Tree Preservation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. ENB TRAINING SERVICEPTYLTD 
    3. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 


    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.