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: 

Install irrigation sprinklers and emitters in landscaped areas 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264036  Install irrigation sprinklers and emitters in landscaped areas 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
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  12 
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 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Install and adjust cone sprinklers to effectively water a landscaped area.
  • Select the appropriate type of bubbler to water small planted areas.
  • Install various drippers and ensure that all plants receive adequate watering.
  • Utilise the relevant installation techniques to install and set impact sprinklers in landscaped areas.
  • Install and adjust gear drive sprinklers to suit the planted areas in a landscape.
  • Utilise swing joint and other flexible risers to install pop-up sprinklers in lawns. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Install and adjust cone sprinklers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operation of a cone sprinkler is described in terms of the method by which the water is dispersed from the nozzle and the area of coverage that is achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different fixed arc nozzle configurations for cone sprinklers are described in respect of the various arcs and special patterns. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The unique features of variable arc nozzles are described in terms of their adjustments and the techniques for setting the arc of coverage are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various methods of installing a cone sprinkler onto a riser are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods of setting and adjusting the radius of a cone sprinkler to suit the landscape conditions are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The occasions when a high-pop cone sprinkler should be installed in preference to a riser mounted unit are described in terms of the potential hazards that it may pose and the aesthetic benefits that are achieved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures to install and adjust the height of a pop-up cone sprinkler to suit the height of the lawn, using a swing joint riser are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the operation of bubblers and indicate the techniques to install and adjust these in the landscape. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The features and benefits of using bubblers are explained in terms of their particular suitability for small planted areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The differences between the two major types of bubblers are explained in respect of their methods of dispersing water and the areas of coverage that each achieves. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various methods of installing a bubbler onto a riser are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The setting and adjustment of the radius of a bubbler are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the operation of drippers and indicate the techniques to install these in the landscape. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The particular features and benefits of drippers are described in terms of their particular method of applying water and the conditions that are ideal for their use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods of limiting the flow through non compensating drippers are described in respect of the extra equipment that is required to effect the "chocking" of the flow. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The advantages of using compensating drippers as opposed to non compensating units are explained in terms of their flow regulation and self flushing characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons why compensating drippers can irrigate at pressures in excess of their optimum operating pressures is explained in regard to their compensating features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of multi outlet drippers in the landscape is explained and the methods of installing these are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The operating characteristics of dripper tape are described and the methods of installing the tape in the landscape are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of ensuring that drippers discharge their water within a plant's root zone is explained in terms of the consequences of neglecting this. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The necessity of installing vacuum breakers in the upper regions of a dripper line is explained in terms of the consequences that may occur if these are left out. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The methods to protect drippers from insect and dirt contamination are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The necessity for the installation of an adequate filter on the mainline or the inlet of a dripper line is explained in respect of the purpose of preventing blockages in the drippers and dripper lines. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the operation of impact sprinklers and indicate the techniques that are used to install and adjust these to suit the planted areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operating principles of impact sprinklers are explained and the landscape conditions in which they are suited are described in respect of their stream and droplet size. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The optimum operating pressures for typical impact sprinklers are stated and the effect that too high or too low a pressure has on their effectiveness is explained in terms of the varying distribution of water between sprinklers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of installing nozzles in the various types of impact sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The maximum radius adjustment that may set on an impact sprinklers is explained and the methods of setting the radius on the various types of sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The setting and adjustment of an impact sprinkler's arc of coverage are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why small bore PVC risers are unsuitable to support impact sprinklers are explained in terms of the effect that the pulsations have on the stability of the riser. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons for staking 'tall' risers that connect to impact sprinklers are explained in terms of the effect that the pulsations have on the stability of the riser. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The necessity of keeping foliage clear from riser mounted impact sprinklers is explained in respect of the openness of the sprinkler's components and the tendency to become tangled in the foliage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The procedures to install and adjust the height of a pop-up impact sprinkler using a swing joint riser to suit the lawn is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The reasons why a drainage sump must be installed at the base of a pop-up impact sprinkler are explained and the methods of constructing the sump are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe the operation of gear drive sprinklers and indicate the techniques to install and adjust these to suit the planted areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The manner in which a gear drive sprinkler achieves its rotation is explained in relation to the motion that results from the flow of water past the sprinkler's turbine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The pressures in which most gear drive sprinklers operate are described and the consequences of operating at too high or too low a pressure are explained in terms of the losses in the uniformity of water distribution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of installing nozzles in the various types of gear drive sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various methods of setting and adjusting the radius of a gear drive sprinkler are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The maximum radius adjustment that may set on gear drive sprinklers is indicated and the methods of setting the radius on the various types of sprinklers are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The methods of setting and adjusting the various types of gear drive sprinkler's arc of coverage are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons why tall small bore PVC risers are unsuitable for supporting gear drive sprinklers are explained in terms of the effects that the nozzle thrust has on the stability of the riser. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The procedures to install and adjust the height of a gear drive pop-up using a swing joint riser to suit the lawn are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • 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 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 in the Assessment Criteria for each specific outcome and must be assed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Using the correct nozzle to cover the required planted area. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with the other installation staff in the adjustment of pop-up sprinkler heights in the lawn areas. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing for the sprinkler installation by selecting the appropriate nozzles before the site work commences. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Understanding the limitations of certain sprinklers and the criteria that must be applied to correctly select nozzles that will suit the area of coverage. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Compiling a list of the equipment required to complete the sprinkler installation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the function and operation of a gear drive sprinkler's turbine and the pressure and flow requirements to ensure smooth rotation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66429   National Certificate: Landscape Irrigation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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. College of Sustainable Agriculture 


    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.