Higher Occupational Certificate: Gaseous Fire Suppression System Designer
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Higher Occupational Cert
Credits
147
Sub-framework
OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Development Quality Partner-SAQCC Fire
Quality assurance functionary
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
Field
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
Subfield
Engineering and Related Design
Qual class
Regular-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-01-30
Registration end
2029-01-30
Last date for enrolment
2030-01-30
Last date for achievement
2033-01-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose of this part qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Gaseous Fire Suppression System Designer.
A Gaseous Fire Suppression System Designer, design gaseous fire suppression systems in accordance with the requirements of SANS 14520, Pressure Equipment Regulation (PER), SANS 347 and or SANS 306-4 as well as requirements of the design manual and hydraulic calculation software as set out in the design manual of relevant gaseous fire suppression manufacturers and produce quality design documentation, to achieve legislative compliance and by practicing positive communications skills.
A qualified learner will be able to
- Design gaseous fire suppression systems.
- Produce quality design documentation.
Rationale
The need for the development of this qualification was influenced by the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) which is firmly entrenched in Government's overall policy and plans to address the key challenges of economic and industrial growth and race-based poverty, inequality, and unemployment. This is also a key component of the President's Nine Point Plan and is aligned to the policy perspective of Radical Economic Transformation.
It is guided by the vision of the National Development Plan. IPAP 2017 is aligned to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as well as the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).
The Higher Occupational Certificate: Gaseous Fire Suppression System Designer is essential for the social and economic transformation of the country as it is addressing the requirements and needs of the National Development Plan and Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL). The learners may be required to register with a recognised institution.
Typical learners likely to be attracted to this qualification include persons leaving school, the unemployed and employed Gaseous Fire Suppression System Commissioners / Servicemen, wishing to pursue careers in the designing of gaseous fire suppression systems environment or new technicians that are interested in only the design portion of the qualification. Qualifying learners should be able to follow various careers within the gaseous fire suppression environment, in the field of designing gaseous fire suppression systems including progression to the Diploma: Mechanical Engineering in Mechatronics. The Industry intends to develop a higher-level qualification in future.
Society will be served by qualified Gaseous Fire Suppression System Designers that not only undertake work with improved skills but are also contributing to the competitiveness of South Africa's gaseous fire suppression industry and the economy. The society will benefit by the increased manpower with skills within the industry since currently there are only a few Gaseous Fire Suppression System Designers in the country.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules
Knowledge Modules
- 311501-003-00-KM-01, Gaseous Fire Suppression System Design, Hydraulic and Mathematical Calculations, Level 5, 47 Credits.
- 311501-003-00-KM-02, Quality Design Documentation, Level 5, 15 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 62
Practical Skill Modules
- 311501-003-00-PM-01, Design CO2 Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, Level 5, 11 Credits.
- 311501-003-00-PM-02, Design Chemical Clean Agent Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, Level 5, 11 Credits.
- 311501-003-00-PM-03, Design Inert Agent Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, Level 5, 11 Credits.
- 311501-003-00-PM-04, Verify and Complete Quality Design Documentation, Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 311501-003-00-PM-05, Produce Quality Design Documentation, Level 5, 2 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 43
Work Experience Modules
- 311501-003-00-WM-01, Procedures for Designing CO2 Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, Level 5, 14 Credits.
- 311501-003-00 WM-02, Procedures for Designing Chemical Clean Agent Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, Level 5, 14 Credits.
- 311501-003-00 WM-03, Procedures for Designing Inert Clean Agent Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, Level 5, 12 Credits.
- 311501-003-00 WM-04, Produces for Producing Quality Design Documentation, Level 5, 2 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 42
Exit level outcomes
- Apply knowledge and concepts used to design CO2 gaseous fire suppression systems.
- Demonstrate ability to design chemical clean agent gaseous fire suppression systems.
- Apply techniques to design inert agent gaseous fire suppression systems.
- Produce quality design documentation.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
ELO 1: Apply knowledge and concepts used to design CO2 gaseous fire suppression systems in accordance with the required standards.
- Analyse design software, and explain hydraulic calculations completed and verified for a CO2 gaseous fire suppression system.
- Explain standards related to the design of a CO2 gaseous fire suppression system.
- Explain consequences of the incorrect interpretation of hydraulic and mathematical calculations (including but not limited to Volume, Altitude Correction and Flooding Factor) and analyse and verify possible risks / hazards.
- Design 5 error free CO2 gaseous fire suppression systems by interpreting hydraulic calculation software documents correctly, identifying possible risks, errors, hazards, and making relevant corrections.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
ELO 2: Demonstrate ability to design chemical clean agent gaseous fire suppression systems.
- Analyse design software, and explain hydraulic calculations completed and verified for a chemical clean agent gaseous fire suppression system.
- Explain standards related to the design of a chemical clean agent gaseous fire suppression system.
- Explain consequences of the incorrect interpretation of hydraulic and mathematical calculations (including but not limited to Volume, Altitude Correction and Flooding Factor) and analyse and verify possible risks / hazards.
- Design 5 error free chemical clean agent gaseous fire suppression systems by interpreting hydraulic calculation software documents correctly, identifying possible risks, errors, hazards, and making relevant corrections.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
ELO 3: Apply techniques to design inert agent gaseous fire suppression systems.
- Analyse design software and explain hydraulic calculations verified for an inert agent gaseous fire suppression system.
- Explain standards related to the design of an inert agent gaseous fire suppression system.
- Explain consequences of the incorrect interpretation of hydraulic and mathematical calculations (including but not limited to Volume, Altitude Correction and Flooding Factor) and analyse and verify possible risks / hazards.
- Design 5 error free inert agent gaseous fire suppression systems by interpreting hydraulic calculation software documents correctly, identifying possible risks, errors, hazards, and making relevant corrections.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
ELO 4: Produce quality design documentation.
- Analyse and verify Hazard Analysis correctly.
- Analyse and verify the following: type of hazard, placements of cylinder, and nozzle correctly.
- Analyse and verify Isometric Drawing correctly.
- Confirm Pipe Runs.
- Select correct Hydraulic Calculation Software for the installation.
- Produce Hydraulic Calculations and analyse and verify all relevant calculations.
- Obtain Bill of Materials for the installation based on findings of the analysis.
- Analyse over pressurisation and make recommendations.
- Sign off quality design documentation and hand over.
Integrated Assessment
Formative Assessment
The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.
Summative Assessment
An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options
Horizontal Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Gas Practitioner, NQF Level 5.
- Higher Certificate in Applied Sciences, NQF Level 5.
Vertical Articulation
- Occupational Certificate: Gas Turbine Power Plant Process Controller, NQF Level 6.
Diagonal Articulation
- Diploma: Mechanical Engineering in Mechatronics, NQF Level 6.
NOTES
Qualifying for External Assessment
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.
Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements
- Learners must be 18 years or older as workplaces may be hazardous.
- Learners should not be colour blind.
Criteria for the accreditation of providers
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.
The curriculum title and code: Gaseous Fire Suppression System Designer 311501-003-00-00.
Encompassed Trade
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD
None.
Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
- Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).
International comparability
This qualification has been compared to qualifications from United States of America (Baltimore, Maryland) and Australia that have similar Standards and Codes of Practices for Fire Suppression Systems including their uses, operations and interface with building and electrical systems.
United States of America (USA)
The Fire Suppression Association Training Programme, from USA Fire Suppression Association (FSA) appears to have the ideal international comparability. Fire Suppression Association: FSSA is a (National Institute for Certified Engineering Technologies) NICET recognised training provider. NICET
Qualification overview
The following topics are addressed in this training programme, and they are in line with the South African qualification which addresses most of these topics:
- Company Policies
- Company Vehicles
- Basic Plans, Specifications and Standard Symbols
- Basic Electricity
- Safety
- Chemical Safety
- Basics of Codes and Standards
- Basic Communication Skills
- Simple Design Fundamentals
- Basic Cylinder Handling
- Basic Fundamentals of Fire Extinguishment
- Basic Extinguishing Agents
- Pre-Engineered Systems
- Basic Fire Alarm Systems
- Area, Volume, Weight Calculations
- Advanced Cylinder Handling
- CO2 System Safety
- Detection Design Standard
- Electrical Code Requirements
- Materials and Components
- Piping Pressurization and Puff Testing
- Special Hazards System Troubleshooting
- Advanced Fire Alarm
- Special Hazards Systems Drawings and Submittals
- Special Hazard Systems Inspection, Testing and Maintaining
- Hazard Analysis
- Principles of Fire Extinguishment
- Visual Inspection of Cylinders
- Room Integrity Testing
- Automatic Detection Systems for The Release of Fire Suppression Systems
- Final Acceptance Testing
- Business Communications
Similarities
The Fire Suppression Association Training Programme, from USA Fire Suppression Association (FSA) appears to have the ideal international comparability due to the following:
The South African standards for Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems, SANS 14520 originated from the British / European Standard: ISO 14520 and BS ISO 14520 and are practically identical.
The USA uses the following list of National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standards that have training qualifications approved by the NFPA.
- NFPA 12 - Standard for Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing systems (Similar to SANS 306-4).
- NFPA 2001 - Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems (Similar to SANS 14520).
The standards are very similar to ISO and SANS with some minor changes. Principal of installation and operation is the same.
Fire protection licensing and accreditation is managed by each state and territory government resulting in a range of complex and varying requirements across the country.
The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) offer training on the various National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards and the training programmes are approved and certified by the NFPA.
Differences
- The qualification is online, and learners study each module at their own pace. The length of each qualification module and the time it takes to complete a period is based solely on the pace of the learner.
- On completion of the qualification, the Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) will provide a certificate for all the qualifications, which can then be submitted to National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
- The Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) do not assign specific credit hours for the training program.
Australia
Australian Trade Training College offers a qualification that was compared to the South African Gaseous Fire Suppression System Qualification and have the following units of learning that are similar to the Gaseous Fire Suppression Designer Curriculum:
The training programme appears to have the ideal international comparability due to the following
- Certificate III in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing: This qualification applies to Fire Protection Technicians responsible for non-trade installation, commissioning, and complex servicing of fire protection systems or for supervision of fire protection services work. At Certificate III level, Fire Protection Technicians may specialise in activities relating to certain types of systems, such as:
- Installing and commissioning pre-engineered fire-suppression systems.
- Installing gaseous fire-suppression system containers and actuators.
- Conducting complex servicing of fire protection systems.
Entry-level requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for learners undertaking this qualification. However, skills development providers must ensure that learners have the ability and opportunity to effectively obtain this qualification.
Therefore, to achieve this qualification, the candidate must demonstrate competency in 16 units of competency
6 Core units
- Organise personal work priorities.
- Participate in workplace safety arrangements.
- Identify and report on types of installed fire safety equipment and systems.
- Demonstrate first attack firefighting equipment.
- Prepare for installation and servicing operations.
- Maintain quality of work and promote continuous improvement.
10 Elective units.
- Safely move loads and dangerous goods.
- Inspect and test control and indicating equipment.
- Inspect and maintain portable foam-generating equipment.
- Conduct enclosure integrity testing.
- Inspect, test, and maintain portable fire monitors.
- Install passive fire and smoke containment systems.
- Install and commission pre-engineered fire-suppression systems.
- Interpret installation requirements for gaseous fire-suppression systems.
- Install gaseous agent containers and actuators.
- Decommission gaseous agent containers and actuators.
- Conduct annual functional testing of complex water-based fire-suppression systems.
- *Conduct functional water flow testing.
The elective units are to be chosen as follows
- a minimum of 4 units from Group A.
- Up to 4 units from Group B and up to 4 vocationally relevant fire industry units from Certificate III or Certificate IV qualifications.
- Install and Commission Pre-Engineered Fire-Suppression Systems
This unit of competency supports fire protection technicians responsible for installing pre-engineered fire-suppression systems. The person would often be employed by the system's manufacturer or the manufacturer's agent as an endorsed installer.
Individuals operate within the scope of their defined roles and responsibilities and verify according to work procedures and Australian standards that pre-engineered fire-suppression system is installed and operates as intended.
- Decommission Gaseous Agent Containers and Actuators
This unit of competency supports individuals responsible for decommissioning and removing gaseous agent containers and actuators and preparing containers and components for transport.
- Design Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to design a gaseous fire suppression system and to generate design documentation and installation drawings in accordance with relevant standards, codes, and regulations.
All work in this area must comply with relevant legislative, industry, customer, and organisational requirements, including policies and procedures relating to Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), Synthetic Greenhouse Gases (SGG) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Providers must ensure that learners have the relevant background knowledge in the following topics:
- Fluid design (hydraulic and pneumatic) relating to fire protection systems.
- Fire chemistry (chemistry of extinguishing agents) relating to fire protection systems.
- Physics (force, energy, pressure, etc.) relating to fire protection systems.
- Theory of combustion.
- Physiology of respiration.
Similarities
- This qualification is delivered in the workplace with support from industry experts, which is a similar approach to the work experience modules addressed in the South African Qualification
- The core and elective modules (mentioned below) are very similar to those of the South-African Qualification, apart from the Australian modules addressing: "Conduct annual functional testing of complex water-based fire-suppression systems and Conduct functional water flow testing".
- The Australian qualification also has a structured RPL proses in place for individuals who have acquired skills and knowledge working in the fire industry.
- In both the Australian qualification and the South African qualifications learners may be required to register with a recognised institution for licensing.
Differences
- Entry level requirements for the Australian qualification stipulate those participants must be employed in the fire industry and have either: a minimum of 12 months experience in the routine servicing of fire protection equipment or systems, or have experience and skills in a plumbing, electrical, or fire-related job role, whereas the South African Qualification only requires NQF Level 4 with Mathematics as entry requirements.
- The Australian qualification is self-paced and typically takes 12-18 months to complete. While the South African Qualification has a structured delivery approach, consisting of knowledge modules, practical (application skills) modules, and work experience modules with the completion of a logbook under the supervision of a qualified person.
Conclusion
The training programme from the Fire Suppression Association (FSA's): USA is found to be most comparable to the Higher Occupational Certificate: Gaseous Fire Suppression System Design because the South African qualification applies the British/European Standards as their "working documents" in the gaseous fire suppression industry and therefore the synergies with regards to the modules addressed in this international training programme. The Australian qualification also compares favourably with the South African qualification as it has similar modules.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
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