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: 

Supervise the various disinfection and oxidation processes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
255975  Supervise the various disinfection and oxidation processes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Water Sector 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
115961  Operate and maintain various disinfection and oxidation processes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is aimed at people who have the responsibility to supervise the disinfection of water supplies and also carry out advanced water treatment processes involving the oxidation of contaminants. Learners will be able to explain the principles and use of oxidants for disinfection, removal of iron manganese and organic compounds and control of micro-biological growth. Learners will also be equipped with knowledge and skills to apply the oxidation processes to produce quality potable water and effluent. This competence will broaden the learner`s range of competence and improve his/her employment potential in the water sector.

People credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of principles of oxidation and disinfection for water and wastewater treatment purposes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the various disinfection and oxidation processes.
  • Monitor and control oxidant dosing.
  • Monitor and control oxidant storage and handling. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3.

    It is also assumed that learners are competent in the following unit standards:
  • Measure chlorine dosage at NQF Level 3.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the different methods of achieving disinfection in a water and wastewater environment at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Oxidants:
  • Chlorine, Chlorine dioxide, Ozone, Chloramine, Ultra-violet light.

    Oxidant demand:
  • CT-value, break point value and energy requirement.

    Factors affecting reactivity:
  • Water quality, temperature, pH, contact time, oxidant dose, and UV radiation.

    Routine maintenance:
  • Manufacturers manuals, UV-lamps and sleeves, vacuum regulators, ejectors, level indicators, dosing pumps.

    Meter readings:
  • Air/gas flow meters, water meters, pressure meters, temperature meters, dew point meters.

    Equipment for residual measurement:
  • Comparator (e.g. Lovibond), DPD tablets Dräger tubes, gas flow meter, KI-solution, aspirator.

    Specialised safety equipment:
  • Gasmasks, breathing apparatus, eye protection, leak detectors and extractor fans. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of principles of oxidation and disinfection for water and wastewater treatment purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of oxidation and disinfection is explained in the context of removing undesirable substances in water and wastewater. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Undesirable substances include but are not limited to bacteria, viruses, algae, iron, manganese and organic, taste and odour substances.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The concept of oxidant demand is explained in order estimate dosage requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The types of pathogens present in untreated water are identified and described in terms of their occurrence and the risk posed to human health. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of pathogens include but is not limited to viruses, bacteria, protozoa, algae, indicator organisms.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The performance of a plant related oxidant demand test is demonstrated using the appropriate equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The results of the oxidant demand test are interpreted in order to determine an appropriate oxidant dose on the plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Factors influencing the reactivity of oxidants are identified and discussed to allow for changes in flow rate temperature and contaminant levels. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The concept of CT-value (concentration time) for various oxidants is explained in order to ensure optimum treatment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and maintenance of the various disinfection and oxidation processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Oxidation and disinfection theories are discussed in the context water and wastewater treatment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Oxidation and disinfection theories refer to but are not limited to oxidation number solubility, pH effects and CT values.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Components of own oxidation and disinfection process are identified in accordance with own process design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Components of oxidant dosing equipment on own plant are explained in terms of their functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The influence of adequate mixing for oxidation processes is described with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different methods of oxidation are discussed in terms of their uses, advantages and disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different methods of oxidation include but are not limited to ozonation, chlorine compounds, potassium permanganate, aeration and UV radiation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The use of ozonation for the removal of organic substances is discussed in relation to water and wastewater treatment process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Routine maintenance necessary within own scope of responsibility on the treatment plant is demonstrated in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Safe handling procedures when working with oxidants and applicable equipment are demonstrated in order to meet safety requirements on a plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Problems such as faults and operational problems are identified, recorded in order to take corrective action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Specialised safety equipment is tested and certified in order to ensure compliance with safety regulations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor and control oxidant dosing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The dose rate for applicable oxidant is calculated in accordance with water flow rate and target oxidant level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dosing rates and meter readings are monitored, adjusted and recorded in accordance with work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Residual oxidant level is measured at the applicable point using the appropriate method and equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment include but is not limited to comparator, test kits and spectrophotometer.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Operational problems are identified, recorded and reported in accordance with organizational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safe working practices are followed when working with oxidation processes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor and control oxidant storage and handling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The display of hazardous chemicals chart is checked to ensure compliance with the the applicable regulations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Specialised safety equipment and warning systems are inspected in order to determine defects for recording and reporting purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specialised safety equipment include but are not limited to the respirator, alarm and gas detector.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Usage of specialised safety equipment is monitored in order to ensure compliance with safety regulations. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The importance of appropriate personal protective clothing.
  • Calculations and formulae.
  • Oxidation-reduction processes.
  • Redox potential.
  • The role of ammonia in the disinfection process (chloramination).
  • Inactivation of micro-organisms.
  • Use of indicator organisms for control of water quality.
  • SABS 241-latest version.
  • Breakpoint chlorination, super chlorination, dechlorination, free chlorine, combined chlorine, total chlorine.
  • Retention time, contact time.
  • Relevant legislation: OHS Act.
  • Water-borne diseases, e.g. gastro-enteritis, cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis, polio.
  • Applicable disinfectant by-products (Trihalomethanes, chlorate, bromate, formaldehyde).
  • Requirements for safe storage of oxidants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems arising from the use of oxidants in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by using the correct dosing rates and oxidant. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community by applying supervisory roles to ensure that safe handling practices are observed when dealing with oxidants. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively in relation to obtaining the correct chemicals timeously to deal with seasonal and/or unforseen problems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information relating to faults and operational problems in order to minimise costs and ensure good quality product. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation to inform key stakeholders of safety and quality of the water. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using advanced instrumentation and dosage systems to optimize chemical dosage and selecting the appropriate chemicals. 

    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 by optimizing oxidants dosage to limit damange to the environment and maintain the quality of water. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 115961, "Operate and maintain various disinfection and oxidation processes", Level 5, 6 credits.

    Integrated Assessment:

    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the unit standards being assessed. Assessors must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge by developing assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which the learners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment, formative and summative assessment. It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together in an integrated way, thus reducing the overall number of assessments and ensuring that commonalities that exist among a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment.

    Assessment Option:

    Learners could be assessed using the following methods:
  • Oral or written questions
  • Observation
  • Evaluation of records and calculations

    Supplementary Notes:

    Definition:
  • Oxidants relate to chemicals that produce disinfection in water through oxidation processes.
  • CT-values relate to the cumulative effect of dosage and contact time for an oxidant in water.
  • Chloramines refers to the addition of ammonia to recently chlorinated water to form monochloramine. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61709   Further Education and Training Certificate: Water and Wastewater Treatment Process Control Supervision  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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. CHILUTSI TRADING ENTERPRISE 
    2. EMANZINI STAFFING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    3. ERGO MAPHELONG INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    4. ERWAT 
    5. KGWEBISWANO SUPPLIES & SERVICES 
    6. PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING (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.