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: 

Perform physical and chemical tests on raw materials 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256297  Perform physical and chemical tests on raw materials 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Pulp and Paper 
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 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
246630  Perform physical and chemical tests on raw materials  Level 3  NQF Level 03   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners who demonstrate competence as described in the outcomes of this unit standard will be able to explain the fundamentals of physical and chemical testing on raw materials, perform the necessary tests using appropriate test equipment and record and report test results.

The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Explain the fundamental principles applicable to physical and chemical tests carried out on raw materials.
  • Explain the basic types of physical and chemical tests, tools, equipment and procedures applicable to tests carried out on raw materials.
  • Perform routine checks on test equipment.
  • Select and carry out physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competence against communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2 or equivalent. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical context of this unit standard covers the physical and chemical testing process on pulp.

    Range statements, which are applicable to the unit standard titles, specific outcomes and assessment criteria are found beneath the applicable assessment criteria.

    At least four different tests need to be selected and assessed. Physical and chemical testing of raw materials could include any of the following:
  • Grit, bulk, density, moisture, reflectance, ash, screen residual, magnesium heavy metals, calcium, water insoluble, sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, pH solids, chip size, fibre strength. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the fundamental principles applicable to physical and chemical tests carried out on raw materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and reasons for the physical and chemical tests are explained within the context of downstream production processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The properties and characteristics of raw materials are described with regards to key characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Principles, theories, rules and laws of selected physical tests on raw materials are explained in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Principles, theories, rules and laws of selected chemical tests on raw materials are explained in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the physical and chemical tests, tools and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The selected tests are explained with regards to each test's function and purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Standard operating procedures for the selected tests are identified in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant testing equipment, instruments and tools are identified and their function described in accordance with the requirements of the selected tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chemicals and cleaning materials are identified and their functions described in accordance with the requirements of the selected tests. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform routine checks on the selected test equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The nature and sequence of routine equipment checks are described with regards to the selected tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The operation of testing equipment used in the learner's own laboratory is explained in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety features of testing equipment used in the learner's own laboratory are identified and the role of the testing equipment is explained in accordance with standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Test equipment is selected and checked in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Samples are selected and prepared in accordance with workplace test procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tests are carried out in accordance with workplace procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Test results are recorded and reported in accordance with workplace specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Out-of-specification tests results are reported in accordance with workplace specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Conforming and non-conforming products are identified and reported according to workplace specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The interrelationship between the tests results and corrective actions to be taken is explained according to workplace procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An assessor, accredited with a relevant NQF Level 3 or higher qualification, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Only an Assessor with considerable first hand experience in process operations will assess the learner's competency.
  • 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.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions is required. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Qualifying learners understand and can:

    Explain the names, functions and locations of:
  • All items of installed equipment.
  • Raw material/s.
  • Finished product/s.

    Describe the properties and characteristics of:
  • Raw material/s.
  • Product/s.
  • Process equipment.
  • Auxiliary equipment.
  • Process system/s.

    Explain the purpose of the:
  • Process, in terms of product/s, efficiencies and quality.

    Explain the causes, effects and implications of:
  • Process variables.
  • Raw material variables (suppliers).
  • Product variables (customers).
  • Not complying with quality standards.
  • Not complying with standard operating procedures.

    Demonstrate procedures and techniques of:
  • Monitoring and controlling the process.
  • Recording and reporting data.

    Explain the regulations, legislation, agreements and policies related to:
  • Standard Operating procedures.
  • Quality specifications. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Explaining the principles, theories, rules and laws of selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials.
  • Selecting the relevant testing equipment, instruments and tools to be used for the selected tests.
  • Identifying conforming and non-conforming products.
  • Describing typical problems encountered during physical and chemical testing and the corrective action to be taken.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Explain the fundamental principles applicable to physical and chemical tests carried out on raw materials.
  • Explain the physical and chemical tests, tools and equipment.
  • Perform selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Interacting with others to achieve consistent outcomes.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome:
  • Perform selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage himself and his activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Selecting the relevant testing equipment, instruments, tools, chemicals and cleaning materials to be used for raw materials tests.
  • Describing the nature and sequence of inspection procedures with regards to the different tests.
  • Selecting and preparing samples.
  • Performing tests and recording results.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome:
  • Explain the physical and chemical tests, tools and equipment.
  • Perform routine checks on the selected test equipment.
  • Perform selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Explaining the purpose and reasons for physical and chemical testing within the context of downstream production processes.
  • Identifying conforming and non-conforming products.
  • Explaining the interrelationship between the tests results and corrective actions to be taken.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome:
  • Explain the fundamental principles applicable to physical and chemical tests carried out on raw materials.
  • Perform selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/ or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations during:
  • Recording and reporting data related to the chemical and physical tests.
  • Responding to questions and requests for additional information.
  • Reporting incidents and conditions.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome:
  • Perform routine checks on the selected test equipment.
  • Perform selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Selecting the relevant testing equipment, instruments and tools to be used for raw materials tests.
  • Using equipment effectively.
  • Handling and treating materials correctly.
  • Identifying the safety features of testing equipment.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome:
  • Explain the physical and chemical tests, tools and equipment.
  • Perform routine checks on the selected test equipment.
  • Perform selected physical and chemical tests on raw materials. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by:
  • Explaining the purpose and reasons of physical and chemical testing within the context of the other processes in the work environment.
  • Explaining the impact of out-of-specification tests results on the process as well as the company.

    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 physical and chemical testing in a processing 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 
    Supplementary Information:

    Terms and definitions:
  • Standard operating procedures: The documented practice(s) defining the who, what, and when of quality activities.
  • Process: Process means the manufacturing process where a product is manufactured using machinery and equipment with limited guidance or control from the learner
  • Process and operating specifications: The measurements and indications of all variables monitored during operations including temperatures, pressures, speed, flow rates, power consumption, noise, vibration and visual indicators. 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61971   National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  FPMSETA 


    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. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES 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.