SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Conduct laboratory tests on plastic raw materials and manufactured products

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119184	Conduct laboratory tests on plastic raw materials and manufactured products
ORIGINATOR
SGB Plastics Manufacturing
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology			Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 4	NQF Level 04	10
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

In order for me to perform effectively in the field of plastics manufacturing, I will be able to:

Sample, prepare and test materials and products to ensure that the quality of the product conforms to the supplied specifications or that problems are identified and communicated.

I will also know and understand:

The importance of following test and data collection procedures and how this is achieved

The various types of tests, the properties they are testing for and how these relate to the manufacturing process, the design, specifications and end-use of the product.

The activities reflected in this unit standard may not form part of my day-to-day activities. The knowledge and skills, however, enable me to understand the role and purpose of testing and to be able to respond to test results appropriately.
I can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any volume plastics manufacturing process, eg

Injection moulding

Blow moulding

Various kinds of extrusion

Variations of thermoforming

Rotational moulding

Calendaring

Compression and related moulding processes

Reaction injection moulding

Polymer composites fabrication processes such as pultrusion, filament winding and resin injection.
The volume production process also includes the regeneration of recycled materials and the manufacture of intermediate products such as sheet, profiles, compounds and master batches.

The skill, knowledge and values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 4.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

This unit standard has been designed to fit into a qualification as part of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for testing product in a manufacturing setting.

The credits for this unit standard assume that I have a National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF Level 3 or an equivalent qualification. They also assume that I am working towards my qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates all the required unit standards.

My learning time will increase if I do not have:

A relevant NQF 3 qualification

Experience in a relevant field

My learning time will be decreased if I have experience in this field because:

My learning programme will be adjusted to build on what I already know

I can apply to have that prior learning recognised

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

The range of tests covered includes the testing of processing properties of raw materials and finished products. Tests may include tests for rheological properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, electrical properties, chemical properties and ageing, and the long term behaviour of product. Activities will include comparing collected data with the supplied specifications. The focus is on making decisions related to conformance.

The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the specific outcomes.

The learner should be able to work autonomously with minimal supervision. The work will be guided by relevant worksite procedures, manufacturers' specifications, standard test procedures and safety, health and environmental legislation.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Determine test criteria from procedures manual and develop a testing schedule.

OUTCOME RANGE

Tests conducted include tests to determine processing properties of raw materials, mechanical properties, thermal properties, electrical properties, chemical properties and ageing and the long term behaviour of product.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:

Facilitate integrated assessment, and

Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts)
Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Collect and verify samples and related information.

OUTCOME RANGE

Samples and related information includes time of manufacture, material grade or batch numbers, cavity or mould numbers, machine number, product type, manufacturing process conditions.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:

Facilitate integrated assessment, and

Ensure that the purpose of the unit standard as a whole is assessed (not just the component parts).
Use the consolidated assessment criteria that are reflected under the last outcome to develop the assessment guides and assessment tools for this unit standard.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Select appropriate test method and prepare the samples and the equipment for testing.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:

Facilitate integrated assessment, and

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Complete tests, interpret results, draw conclusions and compile reports.

OUTCOME RANGE

Interpret results includes comparing to specification and identifying deviations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:

Facilitate integrated assessment, and

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Care for test equipment, store samples and archive data.

OUTCOME RANGE

This activity includes:

Identify damaged or faulty equipment and take corrective action

Clean and store test equipment safely

Dispose of waste material

Maintain a clean and tidy work environment

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

See the consolidated assessment criteria for this unit standard which are listed under the last outcome.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

The assessment criteria for this unit standard have been consolidated to:

Facilitate integrated assessment, and

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6

Engage in discussions with other parties on issues related to the process of conducting laboratory tests on raw materials and manufactured products.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Conformance or non-conformance of materials or products is established.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Results achieved

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Evidence should reflect a three to four to five types of test and there should be evidence of having conducted the tests on a range of samples over time or with a variety of materials or products.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Report on results of testing and conclusions drawn is correct and accurate.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Indicator

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Problems are communicated to appropriate personnel.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Indicator

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Test equipment selected and prepared is relevant to task requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Indicator

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Samples are prepared in accordance with test requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Indicator

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Tests are done safely and consistently according to procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Indicator

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

Samples and data are disposed of according to procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Indicator

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8

Discussions of issues demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and principles related to the testing process and an understanding of how these relate to application in practice.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES

Assessment criterion type: Understanding confirmed

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Issues, key concepts and principles include:

Sample receiving and checking procedures

Testing methods and the testing process for each method

Test equipment used

Applicable theory

Reporting and documentation requirements

Sample storage procedures

Implications of not adhering to the sequence of activities and operations as described in the specific outcomes

Implications of poor testing and inaccurate data

The implications of making decisions inappropriate to the task

Issues and items critical to health safety and the environment

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

To obtain credits I must be assessed. The assessment will be based on evidence that I produce. My assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. My assessor will be registered and have a plastics manufacturing qualification at NQF 5 or above. The policies and procedures of the relevant ETQA will also determine:
> How my assessment is moderated
> How I can appeal against the outcome of the assessment

Any institution or company which offers learning that will enable me to achieve the purpose of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.

My assessment against this standard should meet all the requirements of established principles. It should include practical assessment activities, which are appropriate to the contents of this unit standard. These activities should include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations, etc.

I can be assessed in the language of my choice although if I have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, I will be assessed on my ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.

I will be assessed on all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge. The specific outcomes must be assessed in their own right, through oral and practical evidence. My assessment will not only be based on observation but also on other evidence which I compile into a portfolio of evidence. I cannot be assessed only through a written or oral test.

The specific outcomes and essential knowledge will be assessed in relation to each other. If I am able to explain the items which fall under the heading of essential embedded knowledge, but am unable to perform the specific outcomes, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'. Similarly, if I am able to perform tasks described under the specific outcomes, but cannot explain or justify them in terms of the fundamental concepts, principles and practice relevant to the level of the unit standard that underpins my skill, then I cannot be assessed as 'competent'.

I will also be assessed on my ability to apply the principles and techniques related to the critical cross-field outcomes, not only in terms of what I can demonstrate, but also in terms of what I know and can discuss.

My assessment for this unit standard can be done in conjunction with the assessment of other unit standards related to a qualification, and even in conjunction with my assessment for the qualification as a whole.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

Names and functions of:

Testing equipment

Different test types

Materials

Test techniques

Test protocols and standards

Purpose of:

Testing manufactured products and raw materials

Preparing samples

Prioritising

Documents related to testing

Test protocols and standards

Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties:

Product sample, size, nature, type

Raw material properties

Various forms of material and product specification

Various kinds of quality and test standards and protocols, eg ASTM, DIN, ISO

Processes and events:

Sampling

Testing

Recording, processing and analysis of data

Maintenance

Power failures

Causes and effects, implications of:

Not being aware of critical points in test where mistakes could be made or results become inaccurate

Effects of incorrect labelling of test samples

Possible problem areas

Information gathering and analysis

Inaccuracy of data and analysis

Implications of incorrect use of testing equipment and not following testing procedures accurately

Effects of chemicals, dust and poor workplace practices on health and safety

Procedures and techniques:

Sampling and testing

Information gathering

Statistical techniques

Identifying problems

Procedures for ensuring safety and limiting damage

Procedures for evaluating test results

Sensory cues:

Sensory cues (what I see, hear, smell, feel) used to identify problems during material and product testing

Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:

Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation

Applicable company policies and procedures

Quality standards and test specifications, eg ASTM, DIN, ISO

Theory: rules, principles, laws:

Related mathematical and scientific rules, principles and laws

Sampling and testing principles

Principles of problem identification, data analysis

Health, safety and environmental impacts

Chemical composition, structure of polymers and various type of polymer

Categories:

Of tests

Of materials and product properties

Of samples

Relationships, systems:

The relationship between the properties of the product/material tested and the final use of that product/component

Relationship of accurate testing on product quality and customer relations and users of the final product

Relationship between international standards on workplace practices

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME

N/A

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES

N/A

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Recognise and respond to problems while testing

Recognise and respond to problems indicated by test results

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Interact with others in the course of sampling and testing.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

According to procedures, following regular, consistent, precise, methodical work patterns.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collect sensory and numeric information from the testing process

Classify the test results and identify deviations from the norm

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Record and document all activities related to the testing process.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Apply and explain the theory related to testing manufactured products and raw materials.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Explain the relationship between the properties of product/material tested and the final use of that product.

UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA

My assessor will be registered and have a plastics manufacturing qualification at NQF 6 or higher. In the absence of assessors with such qualifications, the ETQA can make interim arrangements. My assessor should also be active in the industry and be familiar with the materials, machinery, products and level of technology in which I have contextualised my skills and knowledge.

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	49451	Further Education and Training Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MERSETA
Elective	57898	Further Education and Training Certificate: Printing and Manufacture of Packaging	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2015-06-30	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.

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