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

Identify surfaces, soilage and its cleaning procedures 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12515  Identify surfaces, soilage and its cleaning procedures 
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 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2006-02-14  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
243203  Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01   

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. The learner will be able to identify surfaces, soilage and apply the appropriate cleaning technique to it within a commercial, textile, domestic, health care, food handling and industrial cleaning area. The learner will further be able to:

1. Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces
2. Identify above the floor surfaces
3. Identify soft and upholstered surfaces
4. Identify soils in a commercial environment
5. Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

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.

While it is not an absolute requirement, it is recommended that the learner should know the basic principles of cleaning chemicals to facilitate the skills acquisition necessary for this unit standard. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
1. The scope of this unit standard is for any person who needs to clean various surfaces by identifying the surfaces and soilage types and its cleaning principles in a commercial environment.
2. In the context of this unit is for anyone who performs cleaning tasks.
3. The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is limited in range, repetitive, generation of new ideas are limited to the scope of work, and the person has no responsibility for the learning of others.

RANGE STATEMENTS WHICH REFER TO ASSESSMENT CRITERIA IN THIS UNIT STANDARD

1. Resilient floor surfaces include: vinyl, cushioned vinyl, asphalt, linoleum, and profiled rubber.
2. Hard floor surfaces include: terrazzo, marble, reconstituted marble, quarry tiles, terracotta, ceramic, porcelain, slate, wood, concrete, steel, grids.
3. Maintenance and after care include: spray buffing, mopping, protective coatings (polish), anti-slip protective coatings.
4. Floor coating includes: protective coatings like polish and anti-slip coatings (sealer).
5. Problem solving includes: recognition of signs of problems, identification of common problems, their causes and methods of prevention, description of the consequences of the problem.
6. Above the floor surfaces include: glass, Formica, wood, veneer, stainless steel, resin, painted surfaces, granite, plaster, wall paper, sealed wood, brass, ceramic, metal, plastic.
7. Soft and upholstery surfaces include: leather, fabric coverings, curtaining, sponge screens, blinds, and carpets.
8. Soil and dirt refer but are not limited to loose dirt, dust, litter, wet sticky dirt, paint, glue, watermarks, lime scale, oil, protein-based soils and scuff marks.
9. Cleaning chemicals include: pH (acidic, neutral, basic) of chemical, dilutions of chemicals, chemical reactions with soils, and suitable chemicals for surface types.
10. Safety includes: personal protection, site-specific safety, safety symbols and warnings, cleaning equipment and chemicals and lock out procedures. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies different hard floor surfaces according to its surface characteristics. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explains the purposes of hard floor coatings according to work-site, safety and manufacturers' requirements for coating. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains the purposes and principles of the lack of hard floor coatings according to work-site, safety and manufacturers requirements for coating. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Identifies appropriate cleaning procedures, cleaning sequences and cleaning agents for soiled hard floor surfaces by considering the surface characteristics, requirements of the manufacturers of the cleaning agents and work-site procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains why it is important for to use the correct surface cleaning procedure, sequence and cleaning agent. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Selects the correct cleaning equipment and tools to clean hard and resilient floor surfaces. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Identifies appropriate maintenance and after care procedures of hard floor surfaces according to safety, site-specific and industry requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Explains how the hardness of the floor coverings influences the surface cleaning methods. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Solves common problems during hard floor cleaning and maintenance. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Identify above the floor surfaces, soilage and cleaning procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies various above the floor surfaces according to its surface criteria and characteristics. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Identifies suitable cleaning procedures, sequences and cleaning agents for soiled above the floor surfaces according to surface characteristics and requirements of the work-site, safety, and manufacturers of cleaning agents. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Identifies the correct cleaning tools, equipment, cleaning procedures and techniques for each surface type. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains why it is important to use the correct cleaning procedure, sequence and cleaning agent. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Solves common problems during the above the floor cleaning. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains how the use of the correct cleaning equipment and tools influences surface characteristics and the amount of time needed to complete the task. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies three soft and upholstered surfaces according to its surface characteristics. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Determines the colour stability of soft and upholstered surfaces according to patch test. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains the importance of doing the patch colour stability test. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Identifies appropriate cleaning procedures, sequences and cleaning agents for soiled, soft and upholstered surfaces according to work-site, safety and manufacturers requirements for cleaning agents. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Identifies cleaning tools and equipment used to clean soft and upholstered surfaces according to surface type. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains how the use of the correct cleaning equipment and tools relates to surface and equipment requirements. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Identify soils in a commercial environment. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies three different soil and dirt types. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Identifies the composition of the soils and dust. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Explains the chemical reactions of soil and cleaning detergents in order to emulsify or dissolve soil or dirt, according to basic chemical principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Explains which sources of dirt and soil are most commonly found. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Identifies two dry cleaning methods according to surface type and soil type. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Identifies wet cleaning methods according to cleaning method, action, surface and soil type. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Identifies basic, maintenance and interim cleaning procedures according to cleaning principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Identifies appropriate chemicals for surface type according to the surface criteria, characteristics, chemical manufacturers and work-site requirements. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
5. Explains what will happen if chemicals that are not suitable for certain surface types are used on those surfaces. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
6. Explains why it is important to use the correct dilution of a chemical agent. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
7. Explains the purposes of chemicals and their acidity, alkalinity or neutrality according to chemical principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
8. Identifies safety procedures and principles during hard floor cleaning and maintenance. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
9. Explains why it is important to follow safety procedures and principles during hard floor cleaning and maintenance. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
Assessed according to worksite procedures. 


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:
  • Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soils in a commercial environment.
  • Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community. Evident in:
  • Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soils in a commercial environment.
  • Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Evident in:
  • Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soils in a commercial environment.
  • Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Evident in:
  • Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soils in a commercial environment.
  • Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. Evident in:
  • Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soils in a commercial environment.
  • Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

  • 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:
  • Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soils in a commercial environment.
  • Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    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:
  • Identify hard and resilient floor surfaces and the cleaning procedures applicable to it.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soft and upholstered surfaces and cleaning procedures.
  • Identify soils in a commercial environment.
  • Identify cleaning and maintenance procedures for different surface types. 

  • UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 243203, which is "Use chemicals in the cleaning services environment", Level 1, 8 credits.

    DEFINITIONS IN TERMS OF THIS UNIT STANDARD:

    1. Composition refers to pH or chemical composition of soil, i.e. alkaline, neutral, acidic.
    2. Wet cleaning refers to mechanical, abrasive and chemical actions.

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    1. Alkali refers to a compound producing hydroxyl (OH) ions when released in water. Soap and oven cleaners are examples of alkali. They have a pH greater than 7 and can neutralise acids and are soapy to touch. Strong alkalis can burn the skin.
    2. PH is the scale used for measuring acidity and alkalinity.
    3. Acid refers to a compound which produces hydrogen ions when in water (H+). A pH range lower than 7 indicate that the substance is an acid. Acids can burn, sting or even dissolve metals. Lemon juice and vinegar are examples of acids.
    4. Alkaline soil refers to water based soils like limestone.
    5. Acidic soils refer to finger marks, body fats.
    6. Abrasive action ranging from a gentle action of a cleaning cloth to a very powerful cleaning action of a stripping pad. Cleaning by friction.
    7. Neutral refers to a pH of 7 because the chemical state is neither acidic nor alkali. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  23853   GETC: Domestic Services  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Core  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.