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

Operate and control the leaching process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117258  Operate and control the leaching process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Wood Products 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
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 for people who operate and control the leaching process to obtain maximum extraction of tannin per autoclave of chopped bark, whilst adhering to other agreed standards pertaining to performance, safety, quality, and the environment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Communicate with off-going and on-coming leaching operators with regard to process situation
  • Prepare autoclave and commence the leaching process
  • Ensure efficient leaching and pumping operation
  • Discharge autoclave at end of leaching cycle
  • Ensure autoclave section is kept clean 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    A Learner who wishes to enter a learning programme for this Unit Standard must be able to demonstrate:

    i) Competency in mathematical and communication skills equivalent to that of a person who has qualified in these subjects at NQF Level 2;
    ii) An understanding of the basic activities of the tannin extraction process and procedures of the relevant workplace;
    iii) Knowledge and skills in the relevant workplace procedures, health and safety measures equivalent to NQF level 2 requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    a) The scope of this Unit Standard covers

    i) The whole environment that can be described as the autoclave section.
    ii) All the personnel involved in all the activities relating to the leaching process.
    iii) All the material that is handled and processed in this work area by the leaching crew.
    iv) All the organisation's work procedures and safety regulations relating to this work area and the leaching crew.
    v) All the relevant OSHACT stipulations which have a bearing on the leaching process and all the other activities in this work area.

    b) The context of this Unit Standard relates to the training of a Learner at NQF Level 3 in the tannin extract leaching process.

    c) The Level assigned to this Unit Standard, i.e. Level 3, is appropriate because it entails the training of a novice in the tannin extract leaching operation and is a progression of the skills acquired from level 3 to 5. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Communicate with off-going and on-coming leaching operator with regard to the process situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The process situation at beginning of shift is ascertained from the off-going leaching operator, relating mainly to which autoclave is ready for filling, which for discharging, when, and any operational problems, steam pressures, temperatures as per production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The on-coming leaching operator is fully informed of the process situation when coming on shift. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare autoclave and commence leaching process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The autoclave is checked to ensure that it is empty. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The autoclave bottom door is properly closed and secured after spents are cleared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The conveyor to carry bark chips is correctly placed as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The flashing light and bell signal is given to start chopping and the time is recorded in the prescribed manner as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The signal is given to stop chopping when autoclave is full and the time is recorded in the prescribed manner as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The top autoclave door is properly closed when full of bark and water. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The relevant valves are opened and closed, as the case may be, to start pumping cycle as per work instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Ensure efficient leaching and pumping operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The pumping cycle is started and the time is recorded in the prescribed manner as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The densitometer and temperature charts are renewed as indicated in the work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The gauges are constantly read and recorded to check correct temperatures, graphs and steam pressures, to ensure efficient pumping operation as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The densitometer flow is constantly checked to determine the progress and the end of the leaching / pumping cycle. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Discharge autoclave at end of leaching cycle. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The pumping cycle is stopped as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The autoclave is depressurised and the top hatch is opened as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The signal is given to the leaching assistant to discharge the autoclave. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The bottom door is opened and the spents (leached bark) is dropped and removed by the Bobcat Operator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The autoclave is cleared and prepared for next cycle as per work instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Ensure autoclave section is kept clean. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The autoclave section, top floor, autoclave floor and the bottom floor are kept clear and clean at all times as per work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The gauges, charts and graphs are maintained, cleaned and kept up to date as per work instructions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    An individual who wishes to be assessed against this Unit Standard may apply to, or inform, his immediate superior in the relevant workplace, to request management to arrange for his / her assessment by the relevant assessor accredited for this purpose by the ETQA of the FIETA. Accreditation for this Unit Standard shall be from the
    relevant Education and Training Quality Assurer (FIETA ETQA) through formative and summative assessment by a registered Assessor. Assessment should be contextual and be conducted in the workplace as far as possible.

    The relevant NSB and SGB should be notified of any feedback related to this qualification.
  • Assessors must be registered as an Assessor with the relevant ETQA
  • Moderators must be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA
  • Training providers must be accredited by the relevant ETQA
  • Moderation should include both internal and external moderation where applicable
  • The FIETA ETQA will co-ordinate all moderation activities in accordance with their policies and procedures 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    A demonstrated understanding of:

    i. The detail in the leaching process.
    ii. Reading gauges and charts.
    iii. Chopper crew activities.
    iv. Subordinate supervision.
    v. Ability to supervise a subsection operation. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Assume full responsibility for all tools and instruments utilized in his/her work area relevant to the leaching process. 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems and make decisions regarding the activities in his/her work area relevant to the leaching process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
  • Lead his/her sub-ordinates in his / her work area.
  • Carry out the production programme / work plan prescribed by management for his/her work area. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collate and analyse data provided by his/her subordinates, and report on this to his/her line manager. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Assist to train / coach sub-ordinates in his/her work area relevant to the leaching process and discuss with them and his/her line manager all aspects of their activities in this work area. 

    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 
    The Outcomes that Learners achieve will be judged subject to these being achieved:

    i) Within the standard time prescribed by the organisation;
    ii) While following all the safety procedures required by the OSHACT and the workplace; and
    iii) Strictly according to the organisation's work place procedures.

    Values

    The use of tasks and materials in the learning event plan should not discriminate against learners on any grounds prescribed in the Bill of Rights and Employment Equity and should promote the orientations outlined in the critical cross-field outcomes. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49083   National Certificate: Wood Products Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. ENB TRAINING SERVICEPTYLTD 
    3. FUTURE DISCOVERY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    4. TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD 
    5. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    6. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES 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.