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 packaging equipment used in an explosives manufacturing environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
263475  Operate packaging equipment used in an explosives manufacturing environment 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  8 
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 
This unit standard is intended for a person who has to oversee the operating of packaging and associated equipment in an explosives environment.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Explain the operating principles of the packaging equipment.
  • Perform start-up of packaging equipment.
  • Monitor packaging parameters.
  • Monitor and maintain packaging quality.
  • Perform shut-down of the packaging process.
  • Maintain operational integrity in the packaging area.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the sub-fields of manufacturing, assembly and logistics. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard will contribute to social and economic transformation and upliftment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • This unit standard assumes some prior experience in the operating of packaging equipment.
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Where learners do not have the relevant expertise, appropriate adjustments must be made to the learning programme. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The context of this unit standard includes the full range of packaging and associated equipment used on an explosives manufacturing site. This may typically include items such as a bundle overwrapper, bagging equipment, cartoning equipment, wrapping equipment, conveyors and palletisers.
  • It also includes monitoring the equipment, performing start-up, shutdown, post shutdown and product change-over procedures while maintaining safety and good housekeeping standards.
  • The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of technical skills and offers a considerable choice of procedures. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in advanced trade and technical occupations. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the operating principles of the packaging equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role and purpose of packaging in the total explosives manufacturing process is explained according to packaging procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The operating principles of all the different equipment within the packaging area are explained according to equipment operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The principal components of the packaging equipment are identified and their functions explained according to manufacturers specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The flow of materials through the packaging area is explained according to packaging procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform start-up of packaging equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Specified equipment pre-start-up checks are performed according to procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Checks include the readiness of the feed system, upstream equipment, downstream equipment and availability of services.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The availability of sufficient good quality raw materials is ensured according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Start-up sequence is performed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Post start-up checks and tests are performed according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Start-up documentation is completed according to procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor packaging parameters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The specified operating parameters for the packaging equipment are explained according to procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The parameters refer to correct amount, product damage, package seal, package integrity and print quality.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of not adhering to prescribed parameters are explained according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The operating conditions of the equipment is systematically investigated and assessed against given operating parameters according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Utilities used in the process are monitored according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Deviations from operating parameters are interpreted according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Suitable corrective action is suggested for each deviation from prescribed operating parameters according to procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor and maintain packaging quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The specified product parameters for the packaging equipment are explained according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of not adhering to prescribed parameters are explained according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Product samples are taken in accordance to procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The results obtained from analyses are interpreted according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Suitable corrective action is suggested for any deviation from operating parameters according to procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform shut-down of the packaging process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pre-shutdown actions are performed in accordance to procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The shut-down is performed in the correct sequence and according to prescribed procedures and schedules. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Post shutdown functions are performed in accordance with operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Processing equipment is cleaned and remaining material is removed from the system according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Product changeover functions are performed according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    First line maintenance functions are performed according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Shut-down documentation is completed according to procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Maintain operational integrity in the packaging area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety procedures relevant to packaging equipment and the company are maintained during all operating phases. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating phases include normal running conditions, start-up and shutdown of equipment and during maintenance of equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Housekeeping is performed according to prescribed housekeeping guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specified waste and effluent disposal methods are implemented according to procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All relevant documentation is correctly completed according to procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation includes records of interruptions, breakdowns, adjustments made, sample reports.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 4 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency. Only an Assessor with suitable first hand experience in process operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    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 response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Operating and monitoring packaging equipment keeping in mind the operating parameters and the consequences of not adhering to these. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the prescribed procedures during the start-up, shutdown, post-shutdown and supplementary procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Planning for, and gaining knowledge of packaging equipment and their role in the production process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Completing all relevant documentation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that he does not exist in isolation and that his actions have an effect on the world around him. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large. 

    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 
    Application:

    This unit standard may also find application within:
  • NSB 01: Agricultural and Nature conservation,

    Supplementary Information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Standard operating procedures
  • The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78528   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.