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: 

Monitor and maintain system conditions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14796  Monitor and maintain system conditions 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2002-10-09  2005-10-09  SAQA 0144/02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2006-10-09   2009-10-09  

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 standard is aimed at people who work or intend to work within a large process operation in the chemical or similar industry, and seek recognition for skills essential for operating a system within such a process.

Those learners who acquire the outcomes of this standard will know about and be able to monitor and maintain system conditions, pertaining to the chemical industry.

For the purpose of this standard the following is understood as a system:
  • Equipment operated in combination to achieve a desired result in a chemical or related process operation
  • Operating a system included the integrated operation of the equipment that makes up the system

    Equipment is defined in the National Certificate - Chemical Process Operations, Equipment (level 2)

    The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Exchange information concerns during the system hand over procedure
  • Prepare for and record system routines and checks
  • Complete system routines and checks
  • Prepare for the maintenance and availability of system consumables
  • Maintain availability of system consumables
  • Demonstrate an understanding of maintaining the system free of contaminants
  • Maintain the system free of contaminants
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and maintain system process conditions within work area 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence against the unit standards or the equivalent; - Establish equipment start up conditions, Start up equipment, Shut down equipment, Contribute to maintenance of equipment
  • Learners working towards the full qualification will have demonstrated competence against the unit standards in the National Certificate in Chemical Equipment Operations - NQF Level 2 or equivalent 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Range statements applicable to unit standard titles, specific outcomes and assessment criteria are found beneath the applicable assessment criteria.

    The following are range statements general to the qualification:
  • Operating conditions may include temperature, flows, pressures, line obstruction and noise levels
  • Remedial action may include valve isolation, line clearance, draining, purging and cleaning
  • Site records may include blind lists, logs, trip sheets and line up drawings 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Hand over and accept a shift 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The reasons for taking readings and measurements are explained with reference to their significance 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The implications of changing conditions for further work are accurately and fully identified and explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The relevance of each log item in the system and how the hand over log relates to the system equipment and process is described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Logs and relevant documentation are clear, accurate and up-to-date at the hand over and provided to the appropriate person 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Information exchanged provides a clear, full and accurate description of the work area 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Unclear and conflicting information is classified and confirmed before being accepted 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Hand over takes place at the designated time and location 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Exchange information may include the following forms of communication face to face, telephone, radio and written
  • This unit standard relates to all the equipment in level 2 that has been interconnected via an automated control system, to form a stand-alone system. For example systems may include, distillation towers, absorbers, molecular sieves, extractor column, fluidised reactor, fixed bed reactor, batch reactor, regenerators, pressure vessels, kettle heat exchangers, furnace fired / natural draught, flares, fire / water tube boilers, refrigeration units, soot blowers, evaporators, steam turbines, de super heaters, absorber, re-boilers, water softening systems (to include de-ionisation, de-mineralisation and ion exchange), leaching equipment, liquid extraction equipment, separator (to include solids, liquids, and gasses), ejectors, extruders, scrubbers, material forming preparation systems and materials handling systems. Other systems may be included as they relate to the learners' specific working environment
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for and record system routines and checks 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The parameters to be measured are identified and acceptable tolerances for each parameter / effects of changes of ambient conditions on system operation are explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Places the measurements would be taken are identified and described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Chemistry and physics of process are described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Principles of process control including instrumentation and logic are described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Routine is carried out in particular order 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Accurate and legible records are kept of the process readings taken using specified documentation 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Any measurements outside acceptable tolerances are reported 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Routines may include the monitoring of levels, pressure, temperature and flows
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Complete routine system checks 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Normal system conditions and the tolerances within which they operate are described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Potential hazards during normal operation and action to be taken are identified and explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Checks are carried out to confirm status of process and equipment, quality and quantity of products in accordance with the standard operating procedures 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Checks and tests may include visual inspection and equipment integrity test
  • Action may include trips of equipment, open and shut valves and repeat start up checks and tests
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain availability of system consumables 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The purpose of using consumables is described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The importance of using the correct consumable and the avoidance of contamination is described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The importance of using the correct concentration of the mixture or batch of consumables is described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Consumables are used and stored in a way which avoids injury and minimises contamination and hazards 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The specified consumables for each piece of equipment are identified and listed 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Accurate and legible records are made of consumables used and consumables 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The appropriate people are informed that consumables are to be replenished and abnormal consumption reported 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The task is completed in accordance with standard operating procedures and equipment is left in a safe and clean condition 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consumables may include oils, water, catalysts, additives, reagents, process chemicals, caustic and acids
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of maintaining the system free of contaminants 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The reasons why particular contaminants must be removed and the likely consequences if they are not are explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The effects of changing the ambient conditions on system operations are described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. System layout and equipment interface with other systems are described and explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Methods of pressurising / depressurising are described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Blow down and relief systems and their limitations and effects of changes of ambient conditions on the plant are described 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. What contaminants are likely to be present and the probable consequences if they were present are identified and explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Incidents which might occur whilst removing contaminants and the action to be taken are identified 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Contaminants may include any accumulation of an impurity or undesirable substance in the process of the plant
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Maintain the system free of contaminants 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The location of information on any hazards associated with removal of contaminants is identified and highlighted 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The appropriate people are informed that contaminants are to be removed 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The equipment from which contaminants should be removed Is identified 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Removal of contaminants are completed in accordance with standard operating procedures and equipment is left in a safe and clean condition 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Accurate and legible records of contaminants removed, are maintained 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Removal of contaminants may include draining, filtering, venting, purging, heating and cleaning
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate an understanding of and maintain system process conditions within work area 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Effects of exceeding tolerance levels are identified and explained for each piece of equipment and specified condition is maintained within given range of tolerances 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Limits of adjustments to processes and utilities are explained and adjustments are made according to standard operating procedures 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The appropriate people are informed that adjustments are being made 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Potential outcomes when making adjustments are identified and explained and any measurements outside tolerances are recorded and reported to the appropriate people 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Effect of product quality loss is described and accurate and legible records are kept of adjustments made using specified documentation 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Time scale for making adjustments is adhered to and standard operating procedures concerned with adjustments are followed 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Action required for off-specification material is identified and taken 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Safety, health and environmental requirements are followed and complied with 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Educational Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA), will accredit providers offering learning towards this standard and will register assessors. They will also appoint the internal and external moderators. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Terminology and use of instrumentation.
  • Instrument processes and procedures used
  • Instrument diagrams and symbols
  • Measurement, instrumentation and equipment used
  • Fault finding and problem solving methods and techniques
  • Policies and operating procedures
  • An in depth understanding of terminology associated with appropriate equipment
  • A comprehensive understanding of operating principles of appropriate equipment
  • An in depth understanding of working principles of appropriate equipment
  • Names, characteristics and chemical reactions of raw materials, intermediate materials and final product
  • Rules, laws, regulations and statutory requirements
  • Procedures and quality measurement instruments relating to Quality Assurance 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made towards the monitoring and maintaining of a chemical system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team and organisation to monitor and maintain the plant activities and to communicate system conditions 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively, while monitoring the system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information in order to monitor the system. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion, with regards to reporting and recording of information and abnormal conditions during the control of the chemical system 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others during the monitoring of the system 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating and understanding the chemical process as a set or related systems by identifying the impact of abnormalities in one part of the system 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  22867   National Certificate: Chemical Systems Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2005-10-09  Was CHIETA 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.