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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Lift Installation and Maintenance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
58268  National Certificate: Lift Installation and Maintenance 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MERSETA - Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  126  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

Learners who achieve this qualification will be able to provide operational support for workplace activities within the lift installation and maintenance industry by:
  • Performing routine basic maintenance activities.
  • Performing routine basic tasks in support of installation activities.
  • Assisting competent persons to perform repairs and maintenance.

    Qualifying learners will be able to relate what they see and experience to basic scientific and technological principles and concepts. They will also understand how they should operate within the systems which govern their workplace. The core technical skills and knowledge that are described in this qualification are acquired in relation to lifts.

    This qualification also forms the basis for further learning in the lift and escalator field at NQF level 3, where learners will be equipped to assist with the installation, maintenance and repair of lifts and to perform routine maintenance activities on mechanical and electrical components. If the relevant elective is selected, the learner will also be equipped to install escalators.

    This qualification will allow employees who previously did not qualify to become apprentices to gain recognition for their skills and knowledge through the recognition of prior learning, thereby contributing to their social upliftment. This qualification will also contribute to broad-based black economic empowerment initiatives, especially by the opportunities it affords for small business initiatives.

    Rationale:

    This is the first of three related qualifications for the installation and maintenance of lifts and escalators, which together replace a legacy qualification for the trade of lift mechanic and provide a developmental pathway for the full range of lift and escalator installation and maintenance activities.

    A person who achieves this qualification will be able to undertake work activities that support lift installation and maintenance activities. This is a recognised position within the industry. Qualifying learners who wish to further their occupational development would be able to continue their learning in the field of lift maintenance and installation at NQF Levels 3 and 4. Other career alternatives after NQF Level 2 could be found in the field of engineering repair and maintenance.

    Typical learners for this qualification would be new entrants to the industry who intend to become fully qualified in lift installation and maintenance and existing employees who wish to formalise their work experience.

    This qualification recognises skills, knowledge and values relevant to a workplace and requires workplace experience. It is suitable for learners who:
  • Attend courses and then apply the knowledge gained to activities in the workplace (Portfolio to reflect formative assessment). or
  • Are already employed and have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses (RPL can be done through the summative assessment and portfolio of evidence). or
  • Participate in skills programmes and have the appropriate work experience. or
  • Are part of a learnership programme which integrates structured learning and work experience. or
  • Acquire their learning through any combination of the above.

    The outcomes of this qualification combine skills and knowledge in the technical, inter-personal and business spheres. This will ensure that learners who achieve this qualification are able to perform the operational aspects of the work, function within a team context and contribute to value-adding processes within the organisation.

    This qualification will contribute to the development of skilled employees and thus to ensuring safety and efficiency in lift operation. It also emphasises the learner's role in conserving resources, in behaving responsibly towards the environment in general, and in observing all legal requirements. It will also assist the industry to meet equity targets and will contribute to the establishment of small and medium sized enterprises.

    This qualification will help to achieve the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework as it will contribute to the full development of the learner and provide recognition for skills and knowledge achieved, thereby forming the basis for further advancement in the occupation. It will also provide a basis for further mobility and transportability as it recognises skills and knowledge that are applicable to other sectors of the economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following competencies are assumed for a learner embarking on this qualification:
  • Communication and Literacy, NQF Level 1
  • Mathematical Literacy, NQF Level 1

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    This qualification may be obtained through a process of RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and support should be provided to assist the learner in the process of developing a portfolio. The guidelines for integrated assessment should be used to develop the RPL assessment process. As with integrated assessment, while this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Access to the qualification

    There is open access to this qualification. A workplace is, however, a prerequisite to obtaining the relevant work experience and evidence required for the assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The rules of combination for this qualification are reflected in the matrix.

    The total number of credits for this qualification is 126:
  • The total number of credits in the Fundamental component is 36.
  • The total number of credits in the Core component is 78.
  • The minimum number of Elective credits is 12.

    The elective credits should be chosen in accordance with the requirements of the selected context and the interests of the learner. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform basic engineering operations.
    Range: Hand and power tools and measuring equipment (steel rule, tape measure, vernier) for basic engineering operations.
    2. Assist competent person to perform maintenance on lift equipment and components.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of safety rules and regulations applicable to the industry and perform related practices.
    4. Contribute to installation activities.
    Range: Activities are performed under supervision of competent person. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Work instructions and work procedures are followed.
    Range: Work instructions include engineering drawings and sketches.
  • Worn parts are replaced as instructed.
  • Portable power tools are used and cared for correctly.
  • Basic hand tools are used and cared for correctly.
  • Basic measuring equipment is used and cared for correctly.

    2.
  • Cleaning and lubrication processes are carried out correctly.
    Range: This will include the identification of lubricants and their application.
  • A variety of worksite preparation and clean up tasks are performed correctly.
  • Activities related to taking lift out of service, safeguarding the public and restoring equipment to service are performed as instructed.

    3.
  • Health and safety requirements are adhered to.
  • Knowledge of applicable legislation is demonstrated.
    Range: Includes understanding relevant parts of the OHS Act and applicable regulations.

    4.
  • A variety of worksite preparation tasks are performed correctly.
    Range: Preparation includes erecting scaffolding, rigging, barricading and signage.
  • Basic tasks related to installation are carried out as instructed.
    Range: This includes assisting with installing and aligning of guide rails and wire ways and any such components that need alignment.

    Integrated assessment

    The integrated assessment should be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will specify how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Evaluating evidence in a portfolio of evidence, particularly projects which integrate various aspects of the qualification and which demonstrate the integration of all aspects of learning: fundamental and core; knowledge, skills and values; the development of the critical outcomes.
  • Observing and listening to the learner at work, both in primary activities as well as in other interactions, or in relevant simulations.
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding and to verify other evidence.
  • Looking at records and reports.
  • Formative and summative assessment of unit standards.

    Assessment of competence for this qualification is based on experience acquired by the learner in the workplace, within the particular context. The assessment process should cover the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the underlying concepts and principles. The assessment process should also establish how the learning process has advanced the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

    The learner may choose in which language he/she wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be presented if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Assessors should also evaluate evidence that the learner has been, and is, able to perform consistently over a period of time. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Introductory note:

    South Africa has had a long-standing apprenticeship for the lift mechanic occupation, and is one of only a few countries in the world where this occupation is accorded the status of a registered trade. Local experts responsible for the training of apprentices assert that this trade qualification has been regarded by their international counterparts as best practice. South African companies provide training in African countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, in accordance with South African standards. South African companies also provide training in a range of other countries, including the Middle East, India and Australia.

    Internationally, the lift and escalator installation, maintenance and repair industry is characterised by large multinational companies which extend their influence across the world. The quality and scope of training is thus determined by international standards for safety and quality in addition to specific product or company issues and localised statutory requirements.

    Many countries, for example European countries, do not have national qualifications for lift installation and maintenance. Instead, the industry recruits people who have already qualified in related fields and then provides them with in-house training specifically for lifts and escalators. In many countries where lift and escalator specific training is provided, for example in Canada and the United States of America, the full range of learning is not necessarily engaged with in order to qualify, as practitioners usually specialize in installation, maintenance, or repair work.

    The United Kingdom provides an example of combining the top-up approach with comprehensive lift- or escalator-specific training starting at the entry level. Typically, people with apprentice or technician-level qualifications in the fields of mechanical, electrical, electronic or operations and maintenance engineering undergo on-the-job training leading to a range of work-based awards specifically for the lift and escalator industry. Such training may be company-specific, or it may lead to National Vocational Qualifications such as the Installation and Commissioning NVQ, Level 3, which has pathways for equipment installation, commissioning, traction lift installation, hydraulic lift installation and escalator installation and commissioning. There are also Level 3 National Vocational Qualifications for service and repair of lifts and escalators. Courses and qualifications in this field can also lead to Higher National Certificates and Diplomas and engineering degrees.

    Australia has been selected for detailed comparison for two reasons: it has a national system of training and national qualifications for lift installation and maintenance, and conditions in the industry are similar to those in South Africa.

    The Australian qualifications (Certificates II, III and IV) correspond to the apprenticeship system, with a further level, the Diploma, which recognises skills equivalent to those of the commissioning engineer.

    The qualifications are based on a clustering of unit of competence, covering a combination of compulsory core and elective units to allow flexibility in meeting training needs of enterprises and individuals. Learning may comprise a wide range of learning methods and programmes, provided that an integration of theoretical learning and workplace experience is achieved. Assessment is workplace based and includes the use of portfolios of evidence.

    The Certificate II in Lift Systems (Operational Support) is relevant for comparison with NQF Level 2. People gaining this qualification are able to undertake work activities that support installation and maintenance functions in the lift industry. The learning time is 400 nominal hours.

    The following are the Core Units of competence:
  • Conduct site cleaning.
  • Apply and remove coatings.
  • Work site preparation/support.
  • Clean/lubricate lift equipment.

    The following are the Elective Units of competence:
  • Assemble/dismantle amenities.
  • Support maintenance activities.
  • Inspect ropes

    The South African qualification includes these competencies. (except for 'inspecting ropes', which is included at NQF Level 3)

    The South African qualification is thus very similar to the Australian qualification in terms of purpose and content.

    Conclusion:

    The South African qualification follows a system of training for lift maintenance and installation practitioners very similar to that of Australia. The South African qualification is broadly comparable with the Australian national qualification in content and scope. Both qualifications require an integration of theoretical learning and workplace experience, and they share a common approach to assessment. The Australian version does not specify fundamental learning or organisational competencies.

    This series of qualifications has been structured to meet local practices. In South Africa, qualified practitioners in this field are expected to be equipped with a comprehensive range of skills and knowledge required to both install and maintain lifts, so the qualifications have been designed to meet this need. This contrasts with the situation in many other countries where people are recruited from related trades and then given industry-specific training. It also contrasts with conditions in countries where union resistance to multi-skilling restricts the breadth of training.

    The qualifications being submitted include the contents of the long standing and internationally well regarded trade qualification and have been extended to align with NQF requirements. The well established base of expertise and experience that has been built up in South Africa to develop the skills required for lift and escalator maintenance and installation is now being reflected in these qualifications.

    References:

    Southeast Asia, Korea, China, Japan
  • www.kesi.or.kr
  • www.hyundaielevator.co.kr
  • www.hitachi.co.jp

    Europe and United Kingdom
  • berufenet.arbeitsagentur.de/ bnet2/K/B2710101alternat_t.html
  • http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk
  • www.stannah.com/passengerlifts/

    Australia and New Zealand
  • National Training Information Service www.ntis.gov.au/
  • ElectroComms and EnergyUtilities Industry Skills Council www.ee-oz.com.au
  • Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) www.anta.gov.au/
  • Department of Science, Education and Training (DEST) www.dest.gov.au/
  • www.nzqa.govt.nz/

    Canada and the USA
  • www.itabc.ca/
  • www.bls.gov/oco/ocos189.htm
  • http://www.naec.org
  • www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs
  • www.asme.org/education/incomp/courseoptelev.htm 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been designed and structured so that qualifying learners can move from one context within the lift installation and maintenance field to another. They would have to acquire the specific knowledge related to the new context and adjust their skills and values accordingly.

    Employers or institutions should be able to evaluate the outcomes of this qualification against the needs of their context and structure top-up learning appropriately. Holders of other qualifications may be evaluated against this qualification for the purpose of RPL and placement in learning programmes.

    This qualification articulates vertically with the National Certificate in Lift Installation and Maintenance: NQF Level 3 (ID 58271) and horizontally with other engineering qualifications at this level such as the National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Fitting NQF Level 2 (ID 23273). 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators for the qualification should be qualified and accredited with an appropriate ETQA.

    To assure the quality of the assessment process, the moderation should cover the following:
  • Assessor credentials
  • The assessment instrument
  • The assessment process

    Moderators should be qualified assessors in their own right. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria should be applied by the relevant ETQA:

    1. Appropriate NQF Level 4 technical qualification with a minimum of 5 years' post qualification experience of lift and escalator installation and maintenance. The subject matter expertise of the assessor can also be established by recognition of prior learning.
    2. Be active in the industry and be familiar with the particular types of lifts in which the learner has contextualised his/her skills and knowledge.
    3. Appropriate experience and understanding of assessment theory, processes and practices.
    4. Good interpersonal skills and ability to balance the conflicting requirements of:
  • Maintaining national standards
  • The interests of the learner
  • The need for transformation and redressing the legacies of the past
  • The cultural background and language of the learner.
    5. Registration as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.
    6. Any other criteria required by a relevant ETQA. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Terms used in this qualification are defined as follows in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, (Act no.85 of 1993):
  • 'Lift' means any permanent lifting installation used for the conveyance of persons, persons and goods or access goods only lifts by means of a conveyance or platform running on a fixed guide or guides and serving landings.
  • 'Escalator' means a power driven inclined stairway with moving steps and handrails intended for the transportation of persons from one level to another.
  • 'Competent person' means a person who has completed a learnership in the trade of lift mechanic or has completed an accepted associated trade training and who has had one year's post-qualification general practical experience on lifts.

    This qualification uses the term 'lift' in order to maintain coherence with other South African qualifications and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993). The term 'lift' as used in this qualification is interchangeable with the term 'elevator'.

    Where this qualification refers to 'escalator', this includes 'passenger conveyors and moving walkways' which refers to equipment which transports persons from one point to another either horizontally or at an inclined angle. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  9839  Apply and maintain safety in an electrical environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Core  13172  Understand the employer/employee relationship  Level 1  NQF Level 01  3 
    Core  110300  Clean inspect and lubricate a production machine, and repair minor faults  Level 2  NQF Level 02  9 
    Core  119074  Erect and dismantle scaffolding  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  243761  Identify and replace simple mechanical and electrical lift components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  12477  Identify engineering materials, their characteristics and applications and common metal tests used in engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  10253  Install electric wire ways  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  14706  Perform basic rigging procedures  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  243760  Perform simple alignment and positioning of lift components  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  110078  Plan, organise and manage oneself in the organisation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  9882  Read and interpret basic engineering drawings  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  119744  Select, use and care for engineering hand tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Core  12476  Select, use and care for engineering measuring equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Core  12219  Select, use and care for engineering power tools  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
    Core  9322  Work in a team  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119463  Access and use information from texts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  9009  Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  7480  Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119454  Maintain and adapt oral/signed communication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  12444  Measure, estimate and calculate physical quantities and explore, describe and represent geometrical relationships in 2-dimensions in different life or workplace contexts  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Fundamental  119460  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  7469  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Fundamental  9007  Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  15092  Plan and manage personal finances  Level 1  NQF Level 01  5 
    Elective  114669  Carry out basic electric arc welding in an electrical environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  114616  Carry out basic gas welding, brazing and cutting in an electrical environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  12483  Perform basic first aid  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  12463  Understand and deal with HIV/AIDS  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.