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

Determine the microbiological quality of samples in a laboratory environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246462  Determine the microbiological quality of samples in a laboratory environment 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
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  8 
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 
This unit standard is intended for a person who has to test for micro-organisms in samples in a laboratory environment. Microbiological tests are described in the Terms and Definitions of this unit standard.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment.
  • Prepare for microbiological tests.
  • Perform microbiological tests.
  • Report on the results of the microbiological tests.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the sub-fields of manufacturing and assembly, physical sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, earth and space sciences. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • Communication, mathematical literacy and natural science, NQF Level 3.
  • Principles of microbiology, NQF Level 3.
  • Principles of chemistry, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical context of this unit standard includes the microbiological tests described in the Terms and Definitions of this unit standard. Any laboratory environment applies.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of technical skills and offers a considerable choice of procedures. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in advanced trade and technical occupations. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of performing the specific microbiological tests is explained according to standard microbiological and quality control principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of the specific tests are explained according to standard chemical and microbiological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The equipment and reagents (where relevant) used for the specific tests are identified and the function of each is described according to standard chemical and microbiological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for the specific tests are described according to standard operating procedures and with reference to the reasons for each step in the procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Preparations for each technique are done according to workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety preparations and personal protective equipment are applied as required by safety procedures for each technique. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work area and equipment preparations (including cleaning and calibration of instruments where applicable) are done as required by the procedures for each technique. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Preparation of reagents (where applicable) are done as required by each technique's analysis procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Preparation of samples is done as required by each technique's analysis procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of working aseptically is explained according to standard microbiological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Testing schedules are obtained and interpreted according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform microbiological tests. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    See Terms and Definitions of this unit standard. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The specific tests are performed according to standard operating procedures and microbiological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment, samples and reagents (where applicable) are handled according to standard operating procedures and safety precautions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Test results are established without error and according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of accurate results is explained according to standard principles of quality control and assurance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The equipment and work area is left in a safe, neat and clean condition after performing the tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Waste from the tests is handled according to standard operating procedures and the organisation's environmental policy. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Report on the results of the microbiological tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Test results are calculated (where applicable) and recorded according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specifications for each test are identified as set by the organisation and current legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Test results are evaluated and interpreted and a conclusion is drawn on the conformance to set specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Deviations from specifications are explained according to standard microbiological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Test results are reported according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of accurate records and reports is explained according to standard principles of quality control and assurance. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions.
  • Practical demonstration of the mentioned techniques. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment.
  • Prepare for microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment.
  • Perform microbiological tests.
  • Report on the results of the microbiological tests. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    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 by:
  • Establishing test results without error.
  • Performing the tests according to procedures.
  • Evaluating and interpreting test results.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s.
  • Perform microbiological tests.
  • Report on the results of the microbiological tests. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Maintaining sound relations with co-workers.
  • Working according to workplace occupational safety standards.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s.
  • Prepare for microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment.
  • Perform microbiological tests.
  • Report on the results of the microbiological tests. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Identifying the equipment and reagents used for the specific techniques and describing the function of each according to standard chemical principles.
  • Preparing for tests according to workplace procedures.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment.
  • Prepare for microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Evaluating and interpreting test results and drawing a conclusion on the conformance to set specifications.
  • Explaining deviations from specifications according to standard microbiological principles.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s.
  • Report on the results of the microbiological tests. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Obtaining and interpreting testing schedules.
  • Keeping records.
  • Calculating, recording and reporting test results.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s.
  • Prepare for microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment.
  • Perform microbiological tests. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Working safely and according to workplace environmental policy.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s.
  • Prepare for microbiological tests on samples in a laboratory environment.
  • Perform microbiological tests.
  • Report on the results of the microbiological tests. 
    		•

    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:
  • Understanding the purpose and use of microbiological tests.
  • Adhering to health, safety and environmental protection standards during laboratory activities.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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:
  • Understanding the role of microbiological testing techniques in the laboratory analysis environment and the effect it has on the growth and development of the organisation, its customers and employees.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    Terms and definitions and notes to the Assessor:

    Microbiological tests : Include the following:
  • Microscopic techniques, including Gram staining and structural examination.
  • Pour plate methods (solid nutrient growth medium) - quantitative method.
  • Broth methods (liquid nutrient growth medium) - qualitative method.
  • Colour indicator tests, i.e. tests for microbiological metabolism (e.g. secretion of enzymes, gas production, utilisation of oxygen.
  • Rapid detection tests (quantitative and qualitative).
  • Instrumental techniques (e.g. infra-red analyser).
    (The learner must be found competent in any two of the above techniques. Two samples must be analysed in duplicate for each technique).

    Standard operating procedures: The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58952   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-08-05  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  64950   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.