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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Clean carpets using the wet extraction method 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110468  Clean carpets using the wet extraction method 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 
Learners working towards this standard will be learning towards the full qualification, or will be involved in or working within a commercial cleaning environment. Qualifying learners are capable of cleaning carpets using the wet extraction method. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner has the communication skills to confirm knowledge required in this unit standard.
The learner will have successfully completed the following unit standards:
Vacuum clean of dry surfaces (No. 12526)
Remove spots from carpets (No. 12530) 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • The scope of this unit standard is for any person who cleans carpets using the wet extraction method. It does not include truck-mounted spray extraction systems.
  • A vacuum cleaner in the context of this unit standard is ideally a vacuum cleaner with a combination of vacuuming and pile brushing action.
  • A spray extraction machine in the context of this unit standard is a machine with a solution and recovery tank, high-pressure pump and accessories used for wet extraction carpet cleaning.
  • The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, very repetitive and familiar, no generation of new ideas are needed and the person has no responsibility for the learning of others.

    Range statements which refer to assessment criteria in this unit standard

    1. Assessment criteria marked with * are assessed according to worksite procedures. Accessories include but is not limited to a spray extraction nozzle, hand nozzle, suction/pressure hose, buckets and pile setting brush.
    2. Litter refers to e.g. paperclips, rubber bands, and any litter that could block a vacuum cleaner.
    3. Operating instruction refers to the relevant sections of the manufacturer`s operating instruction.
    4. Pre-spraying appliances includes but are not limited to pressure pump and trigger sprays.
    5. Visible damage and faults on carpets refers to but is not limited to split seams, pulled threads, de-lamination, pile distortion, permanent staining and the effects of incorrect chemical usage in prior cleaning actions. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare wet extraction equipment and consumables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Selects a spray extraction machine, pre-spraying appliance, accessories and chemicals*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains why the spray extraction machine must be fitted with the correct accessories for spray extracting carpets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Explains the use of the hand nozzle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Selects a vacuum cleaner*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains why it is preferable to select a vacuum cleaner with both a vacuming and pile brushing action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Selects the correct spot removal chemicals*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Explains why the correct spot removal chemicals should be selected. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare the area for wet extraction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Checks the colourfastness of the carpet fibre*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of checking the colourfastness of the carpet fibre. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Checks the carpet to be cleaned for visible damage or faults. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains what damage and/or faults should be checked for. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Explains the importance of listing and reporting damage and / or faults on carpets. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Lists and reports damage and / or faults*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Removes movable furniture from the area to be cleaned*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains why movable furniture should be removed before cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Explains the importance of not damaging furniture whilst moving it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Picks up litter*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Identifies the types of litter that can block and / or damage a vacuum cleaner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Vacuums the area*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains the importance of vacuuming and removing dry soil from carpets before wet extraction cleaning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Explains why water sensitive carpets cannot be cleaned using the wet extraction method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Places wet floor safety warning signs, if applicable*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Explains why wet floor safety warning signs must be correctly placed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Mixes the pre-spraying solution according to the instructions on the product label, and fills the pre-spraying appliance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    18. Mixes the spray extraction solution according to the instructions on the product label, and fills the solution tank of the spray extraction machine*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    19. Explains the importance of correctly mixing the solutions used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
    20. Explains why the pre-spraying solution is more concentrated (stronger) than the spray extraction solution. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Clean the carpet using the wet extraction machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Pre-treats spots*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of pre-treating spots. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Applies a fine spray of the pre-spraying solution*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the reason for applying a pre-spraying solution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Allows the correct contact time*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the importance of the contact time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Sprays and extracts the spray extraction solution, on the first pass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Draws back the spray extraction nozzle at an approximate speed of 5 seconds per meter. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Explains why the spray extraction nozzle should be drawn at the right speed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Keeps the handle of the spray extraction nozzle at a height that ensures that the nozzle "seals" on the carpet surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Explains why the nozzle needs to "seal" on the carpet surface. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Makes a second extraction pass without spraying. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Explains the reason for not spraying on the second pass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Each pass overlaps the previous pass of the nozzle by approximately 25 mm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains the importance of each pass overlapping the previous pass. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Explains the importance of leaving as little chemical residue in the carpet as possible. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Empties the recovery tank when it is full, and refills the solution tank with the spray extraction solution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    18. Explains how to identify when the recovery tank is full. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    19. Explains how to deal with foam build-up in the recovery tank. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
    20. Uses separate buckets for emptying the recovery tank and refilling the solution tank. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
    21. Explains why separate buckets must be used to empty the recovery tank and refill the solution tank. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 22 
    22. Spray extracts areas that cannot be cleaned by the spray extraction nozzle, using the hand nozzle (e.g. staircases). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 23 
    23. Adjusts the pump pressure according to the operating instruction when using the hand nozzle, if applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 24 
    24. Explains why the pump pressure must be adjusted on certain spray extraction machines when using the hand nozzle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 25 
    25. Resets the pile using a pile setting brush*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 26 
    26. Explain why it is necessary to reset the pile on certain carpet styles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 27 
    27. Explains why s/he would use a carpet drier. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 28 
    28. Inspects the quality of the work*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 29 
    29. Explains why s/he must do the job right the first time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the wet extraction method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Reports spots that could not be removed*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Explains the importance of reporting spots that could not be removed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Empties and rinses the solution and recovery tanks of the spray extraction machine according to environmental requirements*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Explains the reasons for emptying and rinsing the solution and recovery tanks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Rinses the water shut-off float or electronic cut-off probes in the recovery tank. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Explains the reason for rinsing the water shut-off float or electronic cut-off probes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Rinses the pump and spray extraction nozzles according to the operating instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Explains the importance of rinsing the pump and spray extraction nozzles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. Stores the high-pressure hose so that both ends are connected to each other. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Explains the reason for connecting the ends of the high-pressure hose for storage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    11. Empties and rinses the pre-spraying appliance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    12. Explains the reasons for emptying and rinsing the pre-spraying appliance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    13. Disposes of waste collected in the vacuum cleaner bag according to environmental requirements*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    14. Cleans and stores the machines and accessories*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    15. Explains the importance of cleaning and storing the machines and accessories correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
    16. Stores chemicals*. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 17 
    17. Explains why chemicals must be stored correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 18 
    18. Replaces the furniture in its original position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 19 
    19. Explains why the furniture must be replaced in its original position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 20 
    20. Places a waterproof protector between the feet of the furniture and the wet carpet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 21 
    21. Explain why the feet of the furniture should never be replaced directly onto a wet carpet. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. An assessor accredited by the Services SETA ETQA will assess the competency.
    2. Assessment procedures will be supplied to the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
    3. All assessment activities must be fair so that all candidates can have equal opportunities.
    4. Assessment will be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
    5. Questions and answers must determine the theoretical knowledge.
    6. Direct observation, preferably in the workplace, or as a second choice in simulated conditions are preferred.
    7. A practical demonstration of competencies is required in this unit standard.
    8. Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication that may be verbal or any other agreed upon method.
    9. Internal Moderation: could be determined by the provider.
    10. External Moderation: to be performed by an assessor that is registered with the ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    On completion the learner can understand and apply knowledge as described in the assessment criteria of all the outcomes. 

    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. Evident in specific outcome:
  • Prepare wet extraction equipment and consumables.
  • Prepare the area for wet extraction.
  • Clean the carpet using the wet extraction machine.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the wet extraction method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Prepare wet extraction equipment and consumables.
  • Prepare the area for wet extraction.
  • Clean the carpet using the wet extraction machine.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the wet extraction method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in specific outcome:
  • Prepare wet extraction equipment and consumables.
  • Prepare the area for wet extraction.
  • Clean the carpet using the wet extraction machine.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the wet extraction method 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Evident in specific outcomes:
  • Prepare wet extraction equipment and consumables.
  • Prepare the area for wet extraction.
  • Clean the carpet using the wet extraction machine.
  • Perform end of task procedures after cleaning carpets using the wet extraction method 
    		•

    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 
    Definition of terms within this unit standard: (Alphabetical order)

    1. Carpets: Refers to textile floor coverings including but not limited to woven, tufted, flocked, knitted, needle punched and fusion bonded manufacturing methods. The styles of these manufacturing methods include, but are not limited to cut pile, loop pile, cut-and-loop pile and multi-leveled loop styles.
    2. Carpet drier: Refers to a machine that incorporates a heating element and fan to shorten the drying time of the carpet.
    3. Carpet fibres: Refers to natural and synthetic fibres. Some carpets may contain both natural and synthetic fibres and these are called blended carpets.
    4. Chemicals can include, but are not limited to spray extraction, spotting and de-foaming chemicals. The pH of the spray extraction and spotting chemicals should not exceed 9 so that they can safely be used on natural fibres such as wool. These chemicals must be low foaming.
    5. Electronic cut-off probes: Refers to the electronic probes located in the recovery tank, which shut off the vacuum once the recovery tank has filled to maximum capacity.
    6. Foam build-up: Refers to high foaming chemical residues that may visibly build up in the recovery tank.
    7. Natural fibres: Include fibres made from wool, silk, cotton, sisal, coir, jute and linen.
    8. Pile setting brush: Refers to a brush used to reset the pile after wet extraction cleaning.
    9. Recovery tank: Refers to the tank containing the dirty solution that has been vacuumed from the carpet.
    10. "Seals": Refers to the extraction nozzle making full contact with the carpet surface.
    11. Solution tank: Refers to the tank containing the chemical solution that will be pumped through the spray nozzles onto the carpet.
    12. Spot: A mark that can be removed.
    13. Stain: A mark that cannot be removed due to visible discolouration, staining or dye removal from the carpet.
    14. Synthetic fibres: Include, but are not limited to nylon, acrylic, polyester and olefin or polypropylene.
    15. Water sensitive carpets: Refers to, but are not limited to sisal, coir and jute carpets. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  36233   National Certificate: Specialist Hygiene and Cleaning Services  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 


    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.