Professional Engineering Technologists and Technicians and
Specified Category Practitioners Risk Analysis
1.
BACKGROUND: THE COMPETENCY PARADIGM
1.1 Appreciation of the Different Levels of Education:
Knowledge of mathematics, engineering science and engineering knowledge
underpins the understanding of the level of complexity in solving engineering
problems and undertaking engineering activities. Registered practitioners in this
grouping are well aware of their registration category limitations, and whenever they
are confronted with an engineering problem or activity outside their competence, are
compelled by the ECSA’s Code of Conduct to seek advice from a suitably qualified
and experienced (competent) practitioner to assist. It must be emphasised that the
underpinning educational knowledge is the determining factor and a quality service
provided to a customer largely depends on the application of this knowledge in the
interest of the recipient. Unregistered persons in this grouping are at liberty to ignore
this fundamental principle. The following table sets out the competency levels in
simple terms:
Category
1. Registered in a
Specified
Category.
Competency
Level
Specificallydefined
engineering
problems and
activities.
2. Professional
Engineering
Technician
Well-defined
engineering
problems and
activities.
3. Professional
Engineering
Technologist
Broadly-defined
engineering
problems and
activities.
Description
Limited to a narrow field of engineering applying level 5
on the 10-level National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
underpinning knowledge to specified practical engineering
problems and activities (e.g. lifting machinery inspector).
Working strictly in accordance with the relevant
legislation, standards, codes and instructions. Repetitive
type of work.
Wide field of engineering applying level 6 on the 10-level
NQF underpinning knowledge to engineering problems
and activities within a specific discipline (e.g. electrical
engineering). A limited degree of interpretation is
required. Working within established codes and
procedures, in a familiar context.
Specialised complex field of engineering applying NQF
level 7 on the 10-level NQF underpinning knowledge to
engineering problems and activities within a certain
discipline (e.g. civil engineering). Some research,
investigation and modelling might be necessary to clarify
customer requirements. Codes and procedures may have
to be adapted by innovative thinking to solve unique
problems.
1.2 Appreciation of the Outcomes-based Registration Requirements:
ECSA prescribes a set of eleven generic outcomes to achieve registration. The
outcomes are similar but not identical for the professional categories and the
specified categories. To distinguish between the levels for the different engineering
practitioners, level descriptors (“complex”, “broadly-defined”, “well-defined” and
“specifically-defined”) which are calibrated with the SAQA level descriptors and range
statements, are applied.
During the candidacy development period, i.e. between graduation and registration,
candidates must undertake development activities to meet the eleven outcomes
prescribed for registration. This establishes a training and development methodology
to follow after registration of how engineering work must be tackled – a template for
all practitioners to be followed for their entire career. The eleven outcomes can be
summarised in generic format as follows:
1.
2.
Confirm understanding of instructions received and clarify if necessary;
Use theoretical training to develop possible solutions: select the best and
present to the recipient;
3. Apply theoretical knowledge to justify decisions taken and processes used;
4. Understand role in the work team, and plan and schedule work accordingly;
5. Issue complete and clear instructions and report comprehensively on work
progress;
6. Be sensitive about the impact of the engineering activity and take action to
mitigate this impact;
7. Consider and adhere to legislation applicable to the task and the associated risk
identification and management;
8. Adhere strictly to high ethical behavioural standards and ECSA’s Code of
Conduct;
9. Display sound judgement by considering all factors, their interrelationship,
consequences and evaluation when all evidence is not available;
10. Accept responsibility for own work by using theory to support decisions, seeking
advice when uncertain and evaluating shortcomings; and
11. Become conversant with your employer’s training and development program
and develop your own lifelong development program within this framework.
To provide the best possible service to customers the eleven outcomes achieved for
registration must always be applicable/achieved. If this is done, the recipient of the
service can have the maximum confidence that the service provided is up to
standard, and the risk of poor service can be contained.
In addition to satisfying the requirements of the eleven outcomes, exposure during
the candidacy phase must be aimed at developing responsibility for work undertaken
as shown in the following table:
Nature of Engineering Work and Degrees of Responsibility
A: Being Exposed
Undergoes
induction,
observes
processes, work
of competent
practitioners.
Responsible to
supervisor
B: Assisting
C: Participating
Performs specific
processes, under
close supervision.
Performs specific
processes as
directed with
limited
supervision.
Limited
responsibility for
work output
Full responsibility
for supervised
work
D: Contributing
E: Performing
Performs specific
work with detailed
approval of work
outputs.
Works in team
without
supervision,
recommends work
outputs,
responsible but
not accountable
Full responsibility
to supervisor for
immediate quality
of work
Level of
responsibility to
supervisor is
appropriate to a
registered person,
supervisor is
accountable for
applicant’s
decisions
2.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE MAJOR (SIGNIFICANT) RISK IF PRACTITIONERS
FR`OM THIS GROUP IS NOT REGISTERED:
Non-registered practitioners in this grouping work outside the discipline imposed by
the ECSA Code of Conduct, and are therefore not compelled to adhere to the
important stipulation of not attempting to undertake engineering work for which they
do not possess the necessary/appropriate contextual knowledge, skills or experience.
They might be under a false impression that they are competent to undertake work
beyond their competence since they have not been subjected to ECSA’s stringent
registration process. The risk of engineering work being done by practitioners above
their competence can be dangerous and the service provided to the public can be
detrimental, even if it was not the intention of the unregistered practitioner.
2.1 Risks Associated in the Utilisation of Unregistered Practitioners regarding the
Different Levels of Education:
The risks are given in the following table:
Category
1. Registered in a
Specified
Category.
Competency
Level
Specificallydefined
engineering
problems and
activities.
2. Professional
Engineering
Technician
Well-defined
engineering
problems and
activities.
3. Professional
Engineering
Technologist
Broadly-defined
engineering
problems and
activities.
Risks Identified if Unregistered Practitioners
Undertaking Engineering Work at this Level
Without basic underpinning mathematical, scientific and
engineering knowledge the required understanding of the
“specifically-defined engineering work” to be done will be
difficult. No assurance can be given to the customer/client
that the engineering activity will be carried out safely and
correctly, and that higher level problems will be referred to
suitably competent (registered) practitioners as they might
emerge.
Without adequate underpinning mathematical, scientific and
engineering knowledge the required understanding of the
“well-defined engineering work” to be done will be difficult.
No assurance can be given to the customer that the
engineering activity will be carried out safely with due
consideration of the H&S of the public and the protection of
the environment and correctly, and that higher level
problems will be referred to suitably competent (registered)
practitioners as they may emerge.
Without sound underpinning mathematical, scientific and
engineering knowledge the required understanding of the
“broadly-defined engineering work” to be done will be
difficult and introduce risks to the H&S of the public and the
protections of the natural environment. No assurance can
be given to the customer that the engineering activity will be
carried out safely and correctly, and that higher level
problems will be referred to suitably competent (registered)
practitioners as they may emerge.
2.2 Risks Associated with the use of unregistered (competent) persons
IN RESPECT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving and
activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Aircraft design, structures,
propulsion, wind tunnel testing
and performance, hydraulic,
pneumatic and avionics
systems, aerodynamics,
avionics, aero-elasticity, stability
and control, flight testing,
airport/airfield management and
certification and safety
programmes).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined for
Technicians and Specificallydefined for the Specified
Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of
risk (i.e.
low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer in
the
Aeronautical
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Chemical,
Civil,
Electrical,
Industrial,
Mechanical
and
Metallurgical
IN RESPECT OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Agricultural energy
engineering, renewable
energy, product process,
structures and facilities, waste
handling and management
and aquaculture engineering,
mechanisation, irrigation,
hydrology and agricultural
water use management,
natural resources, food
engineering, environmental
and rural infrastructure).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer in
the
Agricultural
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Chemical,
Civil,
Electrical,
Industrial,
Mechanical,
Metallurgical
and Mining
IN RESPECT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Processes where hazardous
substances are present in
significant quantities,
processes where chemical
reactions present particular
hazards, processes involving
advanced water treatment for
potable water, advanced
process control and process
simulation).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer in
the Chemical
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Aeronautical,
Agricultural,
Civil,
Electrical,
Industrial,
Mechanical,
Metallurgical
and Mining.
IN RESPECT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Structural, geotechnical,
transportation, environmental,
hydraulic and municipal).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer in
the Civil
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Aeronautical,
Agricultural,
Chemical,
Electrical,
Industrial,
Mechanical,
Metallurgical
and Mining
IN RESPECT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not
using a
competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Power, electronics,
telecommunications and
computer software
engineering).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance
can be given to
the customer that
the engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer and
Professional
Certificated
Engineer in
the Electrical
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Aeronautical,
Agricultural,
Chemical,
Civil,
Industrial,
Mechanical,
Metallurgical
and Mining
IN RESPECT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Agri produce process,
automation and control,
enterprise resource
management, fabrication,
industrial efficiency, industrial
machinery, manufacturing
logistics, manufacturing
technology, operations
research, plant engineering,
process design, process
engineering, production
engineering, quality
management, robotics and
production automations,
safety engineering and value
engineering).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer in
the Industrial
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Aeronautical,
Agricultural,
Chemical,
Civil,
Electrical,
Mechanical,
Metallurgical
and Mining
IN RESPECT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Lifting, hoisting and materials
handling, pumps and fluid
power, heating, cooling,
ventilating and air
conditioning, fuels,
combustion, engines, steam
plant turbines, aircraft
propulsion systems,
automobiles, trucks and
special vehicles. Fire
protection, nuclear energy
generation and steel
structures).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer and
Professional
Certificated
Engineer in
the
Mechanical
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Aeronautical,
Agricultural,
Chemical,
Civil,
Electrical,
Industrial,
Metallurgical
and Mining
IN RESPECT OF METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Physical metallurgical
engineering which is the
analysis, design, production,
characterisation, failure
analysis and application of
materials, including metals, for
engineering application based
on the understanding of
matter and engineering
requirements, extractive
metallurgical engineering
which is the research,
planning, design and
operating commercial-scale
processes for the extraction of
metals or intermediate
compounds from ores by
chemical or physical
processes, including those at
high temperatures, the
operation and optimisation of
chemical plants).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer in
the
Metallurgical
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Aeronautical,
Agricultural,
Chemical,
Civil,
Electrical,
Industrial,
Mechanical
and Mining
IN RESPECT OF MINING ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE
Work identified for
Practitioners in this
Grouping
Risk of not using
a competent
person
Engineering problem solving
and activities carried out by
practitioners in this grouping is
not dependant on the place of
work or the type of activity
(Conducting research on
responsible mineral
excavation, designing mineral
excavation processes,
establish production control
standards, application of
technology, management of
engineering solutions and
processes, engineering
services, projects and
maintenance, risk
management and
specification of safety
requirements).
The distinction between
practitioners in the group
depends on the level i.e.
Broadly-defined for
Technologists, Well-defined
for Technicians and
Specifically-defined for the
Specified Categories.
No assurance can
be given to the
customer that the
engineering
activity will be
carried out safely
and correctly, and
that higher level
problems will be
referred to
suitably
competent
(registered)
practitioners as
they may emerge.
Responsibility for
the correct
execution of the
engineering work
will not be
supported by a
Code of Conduct.
3.
Level of risk
(i.e. low,
medium or
significant)
Significant
Nature/Explanation
of risk
Without sound
underpinning
mathematical,
scientific and
engineering
knowledge the
required
understanding of
the “broadlydefined”, “welldefined” or
“specifically-defined”
engineering work to
be done will be
difficult and
introduce risks to
the H&S of the
public and the
protections of the
natural
environment.
Other
professionals
who are
competent to
undertake
the identified
work
Professional
Engineer and
Professional
Certificated
Engineer in
the Mining
Discipline and
the
corresponding
level of this
grouping
practitioner in
the following
disciplines:
Chemical,
Civil,
Electrical,
Industrial,
Mechanical
and
Metallurgical
CONCLUSION
ECSA registration for engineering practitioners means that confidence is provided
that the required accredited educational standards for the level of engineering work
undertaken have been satisfied. It also means that the outcomes essential for best
engineering practise have been met and entrenched in the registered practitioner,
giving confidence that educational standards are consistently and appropriately
applied in practice. It furthermore means that the registered practitioner will accept
responsibility for the work undertaken. It finally provides assurance that the
engineering work undertaken will be done ethically in accordance with a Code of
Conduct.
The risk of using persons not registered with ECSA in the Categories of Professional
Engineering Technologist, Professional Engineering Technician and Specified
Category Practitioner grouping undertaking identified engineering work is simply
unacceptably high.