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: 

Sweep floors 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12527  Sweep floors 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hygiene & Cleaning Services 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Personal Care 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2006-05-30  2007-02-21  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-02-21   2011-02-21  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
243194  Sweep floors  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

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 cleaning services environment. Qualifying learners are able to sweep floors in a commercial, industrial, food handling, domestic and hospital and waste cleaning environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner has the speaking and listening ability equal to an ABET Level 1 Com 101 standard and/or any other communication skill that will enable him/her to confirm the knowledge and skills required by this unit standard. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to sweep a floor. This unit standard is not applicable to sweeping applications in hazardous waste and dust environments such as mining, battery and other specialised manufacturing operations.
2. Sweeping equipment in the context of this unit standard includes but is not limited to brooms, mop sweepers, disposable cloth sweeping tools and walk behind non-motorised sweepers.
3. Litter includes but is not limited to discarded paper, cardboard, cans, twine, strapping, packaging tape and any large items that can not be removed during the sweeping process.
4. 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. Operating instructions refers to the manufacturer's operating instruction or an extract thereof.
2. Safety equipment can include but is not limited to: disposable gloves, masks, etc.
3. Rough floor surfaces include but are not limited to: concrete paving blocks, tarred surfaces, non-slip safety floors etc.
4. Smooth floor surfaces include but are not limited to: vinyl, polished marble and granite etc. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Prepare to sweep a floor. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Selects the correct sweeping equipment. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why s/he needs to select the correct sweeping equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Selects correct shoes and safety equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why the correct shoes and safety equipment needs to be selected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Picks up litter that is on the surface to be swept. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains the planning of the sweeping procedure. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the importance of not disrupting people or vehicles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains why a wet surface cannot be swept. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why s/he has to pick up litter before sweeping. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Sweep the floor using a broom. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Sweeps the floor. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Removes the debris swept. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains why debris is swept to a specific point for removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Inspects the quality of work continuously. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why s/he needs to inspect the quality of work. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Sweep the floor using a mop sweeper. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Fits a clean mop sweeper sleeve. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Mop sweeps the floor using the walk behind method of sweeping. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains why mop sweepers cannot be used on rough floor surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why it is important to use a clean mop sweeper sleeve. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why the mop sweeper must be used sweeping in one direction only. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why a push/pull motion must not be used when mop sweeping. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains how a push/pull motion causes disturbance of dust when mop sweeping. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Removes the debris swept. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why debris is swept to a specific point for removal. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Inspects the quality of work continuously. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains why s/he needs to inspect quality of work. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Washes the dirty mop sweeper or hands it in for laundering. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Sweep the floor using a disposable dust sweeping cloth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Fits the correct disposable dust sweeping cloth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Sweeps the floor using the walk behind or figure eight method of sweeping. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains why the walk behind or figure eight sweeping method must be used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why a push / pull motion must not be used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Checks the build-up of dust and dirt on the cloth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Re-positions the cloth when the surface used is dirty. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Disposes of cloth when the whole cloth is dirty. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Inspects the quality of work continuously. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why disposable dust sweeping cloth cannot be used on rough floor surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains why the correct disposable dust sweeping cloth must be used. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Explains how the disposable dust sweeping cloth picks up dust and other loose dirt. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains what would happen if you allowed too much dust and loose dirt to collect on the cloth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
13. Explains the reasons for re-positioning the cloth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
14. Explains the reasons for disposing of the cloth. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
15. Explains why disposable dust sweeping cloths cannot be washed and reused. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 16 
16. Explains why s/he need to inspect quality of work 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Sweep the floor using a walk behind non-motorised sweeper. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Checks that the main broom and side broom are adjusted according to the operating instruction. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains why the main broom and side broom must be adjusted. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Sweeps the floor. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Does not use the side broom when sweeping open areas. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why the side broom is not used when sweeping open areas. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Uses the side broom when sweeping against walls and in gutters. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains why the side broom is used when sweeping against walls and in gutters. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Removes and replaces the dirt hopper according to the operating instruction. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why the dirt hopper must be emptied. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
10. Explains how the walk behind sweeper's brushes and wheels could be jammed by twine, strapping and packaging tape etc. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
11. Inspects the quality of work continuously. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
12. Explains why s/he need to inspect quality of work. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Perform end of task procedure for floor sweeping. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Disposed of waste according to environmental principles. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Cleans equipment. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Stores equipment. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why waste should be disposed of according to environmental principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains how to handle harmful waste. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why equipment must be cleaned before storage. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the reporting procedure for faulty equipment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains why equipment must be stored. 


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
10. External Moderation 

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


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:
  • Prepare to sweep a floor.
  • Sweep the floor using a broom.
  • Sweep the floor using a mop sweeper.
  • Sweep the floor using a disposable dust sweeping cloth.
  • Sweep the floor using a walk behind non-motorised sweeper.
  • Perform end of task procedure for floor sweeping. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively Evident in:
  • Prepare to sweep a floor.
  • Sweep the floor using a broom.
  • Sweep the floor using a mop sweeper.
  • Sweep the floor using a disposable dust sweeping cloth.
  • Sweep the floor using a walk behind non-motorised sweeper.
  • Perform end of task procedure for floor sweeping. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. Evident in:
  • Prepare to sweep a floor. 
    		•

    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. Evident in:
  • Prepare to sweep a floor.
  • Sweep the floor using a broom.
  • Sweep the floor using a mop sweeper.
  • Sweep the floor using a disposable dust sweeping cloth.
  • Sweep the floor using a walk behind non-motorised sweeper.
  • Perform end of task procedure for floor sweeping. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by participating as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities. Evident in:
  • Prepare to sweep a floor.
  • Sweep the floor using a broom.
  • Sweep the floor using a mop sweeper.
  • Sweep the floor using a disposable dust sweeping cloth.
  • Sweep the floor using a walk behind non-motorised sweeper.
  • Perform end of task procedure for floor sweeping. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 243194, which is "Sweep floors", Level 1, 4 credits.

    DEFINITION OF TERMS WITHIN THIS UNIT STANDARD

    Definition of terms within this unit standard:
    1. Debris: Dry soil, dust and small items of litter
    2. Dirt hopper: The dirt container on a walk behind non-motorised sweeper
    3. Disposable dust sweeping cloth: A cloth impregnated with a dust-binding chemical
    4. Figure eight method: Describes the sweeping pattern used in either open or congested areas.
    5. Harmful waste: Anything that is potentially harmful to the environment or human, such as broken glass
    6. Mop sweeper: A sweeping tool fitted with a removable mop sleeve suitable for sweeping smooth floor surfaces. The sleeve may be impregnated with oil to improve its dust binding properties.
    7. Walk behind method: Describes the sweeping pattern used in open areas.


    According to the Sub-Com the title should be Sweep Floors using commercial equipment and not Sweep Floors as reflected on the NLRD. No changes have been made on the NLRD - MC 9 November 2004 - Authority Minutes 43 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  20173   National Certificate: Hygiene and Cleaning  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-02-21  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.