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: 

Handle acids safely in a metallurgical plant 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252335  Handle acids safely in a metallurgical plant 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
11096  Handle sulphuric acid safely in a metallurgical plant  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   
11097  Handle hydrochloric acid safely in a metallurgical plant  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   
11098  Handle nitric acid safely in a metallurgical plant  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people responsible for handling acids safely in a metallurgical plant.

A person credited with this unit standard can:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to the handling of acids.
  • Prepare to handle acids.
  • Handle acids.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the acid handling process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    The learner will be required to handle one or more of the following acids:
  • Sulphuric acid.
  • Hydrochloric acid.
  • Nitric acid. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to the handling of acids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of handling acid is explained in terms of achieving specified production and up-and down-stream operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principal components of the acid handling system are identified and their functions explained in terms of design and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Mixing vessel.
  • Transfer pumps.
  • Storage tanks.
  • Fume extraction systems.
  • Auxiliary systems.
  • Safety devices.
  • Interlock systems.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The operating parameters and control methods and the consequences of not adhering to these are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in the acid handling process and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hazards and associated risks pertaining to the handling of acid are identified through relevant risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The actions to be taken should hazards and risks be encountered are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Lock-out procedures pertaining to the acid handling system and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The communication requirements pertaining to the acid handling process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems be encountered are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Emergency procedures to be followed in the event of acid spillage and burns are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Basic first-aid treatment for acid exposure.
  • Entry into confined spaces.
  • Acid neutralization.
  • Spillage disposal.
  • Fume inhalation procedure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The colour coding and symbolic signs pertaining to the acid handling process are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to handle acids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Task-specific personal protective and safety equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Task-specific tools and equipment are verified and examined in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Workplace hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with recommendations set out in the risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The acid handling system is examined and substandard conditions are dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety and health procedures towards self and others are adhered to in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Handle acids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Task-specific personal protective and safety equipment is used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The start-up of the acid handling system is in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The acid handling process is monitored and controlled in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Effective communication ensures safe and optimal handling of acid. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Task-specific tools and equipment are used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with recommendations set out in the risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The handling of acid is consistent with environmental policy and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Safety and health procedures towards self and others are adhered to in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the acid handling process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The acid handling system is stopped in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Task-specific personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Task-specific tools and equipment are dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements with special emphasis on safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reporting and recording requirements are met in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Preparation for maintenance is in accordance with specified requirements and lock-out 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 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 
    The following embedded knowledge will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard:
  • Critical factors relating to handling acids:
    > Legal and specified requirements.
    > Achieving specified production requirements.
    > Risk Assessment procedures and actions.
    > Identify the principal components and explain the specification and their functions.
    > Specified communication requirements.
    > Elementary principles of the process.
  • Processes and events:
    > Preparation.
    > Examination.
    > Metal recovery.
    > Monitor and control.
  • Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
    > Use of personal protective equipment.
    > Use of tools and equipment.
    > Workplace hazards and associated risks.
    > Housekeeping.
  • Procedures and techniques:
    > Methods of collecting, analysing, organising, summarising and presenting data.
    > Fault finding and corrective techniques.
    > Handling procedure and controls.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
    > Safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.
    > Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note: The ability of the candidate to identify substandard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment are required, and to communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and the assistance required. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and substandard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, thus showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: The use of science and technology is not relevant for this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Note: The ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms his/her understanding of the fact that a specific observation, inference, action or decision may have a devastating effect. 

    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 the following unit standards:
  • ID 11096: Handle sulphuric acid safely in a metallurgical plant, Level 2, 4 credits.
  • ID 11097: Handle hydrochloric acid safely in a metallurgical plant, Level 2, 4 credits.
  • ID 11098: Handle nitric acid safely in a metallurgical plant, Level 2, 4 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • Legal:
    > Relevant Acts, e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act No. 50/1991).
    > Mandatory Codes of Practice.
    > SANS and other relevant standards.
    > Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives.
  • Site-Specific:
    > Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
    > Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
    > Managerial Instructions.
    > Mine Standard Procedures.
    > List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
    > Working Guides.
    > Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 3; Well-developed range.
  • Procedures; Level 3; Significant choice.
  • Context; Level 3; Range of familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing; Level 3; Interpretation of available information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; A range of known responses to familiar problems, based on limited discretion, and judgement.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 3; Directed, with some autonomy.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Under general supervision and quality checking.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Significant responsibility for quantity and quality of output and possible responsibility for the output of others.

    Average Level = 3.00.
    Actual Level Assigned = 3.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity: Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching: 20 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training: 40 Hours.
  • Mentoring required: 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify): 0 Hours.
  • Total: 60 Hours.

    Credits Achieved = 60/10 = 6.
    Credits Assigned = 6. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59305   National Certificate: Mineral Processing  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  62769   National Certificate: Mineral Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    3. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    4. DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES VENETIA 
    5. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    6. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    7. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    8. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    9. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    10. FRASER ALEXANDER PTY LTD 
    11. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    12. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    13. KABELANO TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    14. KHUMANI IRON ORE MINE 
    15. KOLOMELA MINE 
    16. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    17. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    18. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    19. MMTI Holdings 
    20. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    21. Nokaneng Environmental Management Consulting 
    22. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    23. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    24. POWERGATE TRAINING PTY LTD 
    25. PRIDE OF SUCCESS (PTY) LTD 
    26. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    27. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    28. Rustenburg Base Metals Refiners 
    29. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    30. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    31. THARISA MINERALS (PTY) LTD 
    32. THE BENEFICIATION ACADEMY 
    33. TOP PERFORMERS FOR AFRICA CC 
    34. TOTAL COVERAGE CONSULTING 
    35. TSHUANA DI SA HWEGO HRD SOLUTIONS 
    36. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 


    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.