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: 

Operate rail disc-cutting machine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120455  Operate rail disc-cutting machine 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
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 2  NQF Level 02  6 
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 for a learner within the fabrication and welding fields. Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to operate the rail disc-cutting machine safely and to a high degree of accuracy in accordance with required quality specifications and standards.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Identifying and obtaining the relevant rail disc cutting machines.
  • Identifying and obtaining relevant consumables.
  • Preparing the rail disc-cutting machine according to manufacturer's instructions and specifications correctly and safely.
  • Planning and preparing for cutting.
  • Identifying the different rail profiles. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • The unit standard "Care for, select and use hand and measuring tools". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate, because performance may be carried out:
  • In different weather conditions.
  • During day and night time.
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/siding/shed/workshop (might or might not include overhead traction).
  • Within a specific time-span.
  • Under hazardous conditions.

    This unit standard is inclusive of all IC, electric- and hydraulic- driven rail disc cutters. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to operate rail disc-cutting machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The rail disc-cutting machine, consumables and tools are identified and obtained in accordance with Permanent way specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work area is observed for fire and safety hazards and appropriate action is taken accordingly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The correct fire-fighting and first aid equipment is identified and obtained.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The rail disc-cutting machine is prepared and the prescribed start-up procedure is followed safely and correctly according to manufacturer's procedures and specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate the rail disc-cutting machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant hand tools are used safely and correctly according to manufacturer's/company specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct testing procedure is followed safely according to manufacturer's/company specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct operating procedure is followed safely according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct shutdown procedure is followed safely according to manufacturer's/company specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform post-operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The rail disc cutter is placed safely and correctly accordingly to company/manufacturer's specifications and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The maintenance procedures are performed safely, correctly and timeously accordingly to company/manufacturer's specifications and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, equipment, consumables and rail disc cutter are stored safely and correctly accordingly to company/manufacturer's specifications and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply safe working procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work orders and instructions are obtained, interpreted and understood correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Applicable fire-fighting equipment is placed and removed in work area safely and correctly according to company policies, procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment is loaded and off-loaded in accordance with company legislative safety policy procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Spark shield is placed correctly to contain sparks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessary precautions are taken to prevent injury to personnel and damage to rail-cutting equipment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete the relevant technical documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work orders and instructions are interpreted and understood in accordance with company's policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information is reported to the relevant parties in line with the set standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The completed documentation is administered in accordance with company's policies and procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the Unit Standard.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The purpose, function and use of measuring equipment.
  • The identification of fire hazards.
  • The purpose, function and operation of tools and equipment.
  • The purpose, function, identification and use of consumables.
  • Act 85 related to applicable equipment and machines used.
  • Code of Practice No 29 & 30.
  • The stowage of tools, equipment and consumables.
  • Track welding specifications as well as track maintenance instructions related to the operation of the rail disc cutter.
  • Safe work procedures related to the operation of the rail disc cutter.
  • The purpose, function and use of personal protective equipment.
  • Material identification.
  • The identification, purpose and use of a cutting disc. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving
    Learners have the generic ability to identify and solve problems with regard to:
  • Equipment failures.
  • Weather conditions.
  • Equipment handling during unforeseen circumstances.
  • Correctness, quantity and quality of material. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Loading and off-loading the rail disc-cutting machine.
  • Setting up the rail disc-cutting machine on the railway track.
  • Working with cross-functional disciplines. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and - management
    Learners can organise and manage one-self by:
  • Observing and assessing the work area to limit hazards and ensure safe work conditions for self, fellow employees and other persons on the worksite.
  • Plan and organise to obtain, prepare, operate and handle the rail disc cutter. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation
    Learners can evaluate information:
  • Related to company and manufactures instructions and specifications.
  • Related to different types of consumables and tools.
  • Related to work processes and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively:
  • By means of verbal and written reports.
  • By receiving and giving instructions verbally and in writing. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Preparing, operating and handling the rail disc cutter.
  • Identifying and using the correct fuel mixtures, size and grade of cutting discs to suite the specific material. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Interrelatedness of systems
  • Learners can understand that, by handling and operating the rail disc cutter safely and correctly, the life-span and efficiency of this specific equipment will be enhanced, thus contributing to the safe passage of rail traffic. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Learner and societal development
    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety procedures and guidelines in the usage of IC driven rail disc cutter equipment and consumables.
  • Working and living in a multi-cultural environment. 
    		•

    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 
    Values
  • Safety conscientiousness.
  • Time conscientiousness.
  • Sobriety.
  • Reliability.
  • Trustworthiness.
  • Responsibility towards assets and equipment.
  • Integrity.
  • Quality conscientiousness.

    Supplementary information
  • Rail vehicles include all trains and other on-track inspection and maintenance vehicles capable of travelling on railway track. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49795   National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    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.