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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Demonstrate knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244422  Demonstrate knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
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
110118  Demonstrate knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons who must know the most common harmful gases and vapours.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the ceiling limits and effects of the gases and vapours.
  • Explain the various types of detection and measurement methodologies for the gases and vapours and the detection instruments' operation.
  • Explain the characteristics, sources, occurrence of the gases and vapours.
  • Explain the action to be taken and consequences of not taking action if the gases and vapours are encountered.

    The knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard contribute to social and economic transformation and the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector by demonstrating knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours as part of the mining process.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general knowledge and understanding of persons responsible for making safe a workplace in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable, competent and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Literacy and numeracy at ABET 3 level or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Gases and Vapours include but is not limited to:
  • Oxygen (O2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), Methane (CH4) and Hydrogen (H2).

    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the ceiling limits and effects of the gases and vapours. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the ceiling limits of the gases and vapours is according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The description of the effects that the gases and vapours have on the occupational health and safety of persons is consistent with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the various types of detection and measurement methodologies for the gases and vapours and the detection instruments' operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The description of the various types of detection and measurement methodologies for the gases and vapours is consistent with specified requirements (Including continuous monitoring). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation outlines according to manufacturers` specifications, the instrument's principle of operation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the characteristics, sources, occurrence of the gases and vapours. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The description of the characteristics of these gases and vapours in terms of specific gravity, explosive range, toxicity, asphyxiation, and sensorial distinguishing properties is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The description of the occurrence of each of the gases and vapours is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The description of the sources of each of the gases and vapours is consistent with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the action to be taken and consequences of not taking action if the gases and vapours are encountered. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The action to be taken when the gases and vapours are encountered outside the legal exposure levels is explained and is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of taking the required action is explained in terms of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Hazards and risks not dealt with.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Safety, occupational health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note: The ability of the learner to identify, record and deal with hazardous and unhealthy conditions contributes to his/her problem solving skills. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to accept, interpret and delegate work instructions correctly, when and if required, in an appropriate manner indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The identification of hazardous and unhealthy conditions, the recording thereof and taking appropriate action will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her working environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: The ability of the learner to correct for pressure and temperature and to interpret the information obtained and take appropriate action will indicate proficiency in collecting, organising and evaluating information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The ability of the learner to use visual and language skills will indicate his/her effectiveness to communicate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, thus showing responsibility towards the environment and occupational health of others.

    Note: The learner demonstrates an understanding of and ability to use advanced mining technology in terms of production, safety and communication. 

    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.

    Note: The ability of the learner to understand the effects of gases and vapours on the occupational health and safety of persons and that other persons could be involved in dealing with gases and vapours confirms understanding that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 110118, "Demonstrate knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours", Level 1, 1 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives.

    Site specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications of 1993.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember, we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence - of the prescribed type and quality as specified in this unit standard - that the learner is able to achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles of assessment, namely appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 2; Moderate in range.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 3; Variety and range of contexts occur.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Relevant theoretical knowledge is required to be fully competent.
  • Information processing; Level 3; Interpretation as opposed to basic processing is required.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; A range of known responses to familiar problems, base on limited discretion and judgement.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 3; Directed, with some autonomy.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 1; Must only provide information.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output, and possible responsibility for the output of others.

    Average Level: 24/9 = 2.66.
    Actual Level Assigned: 3.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 36 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 0 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total: 36 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 36/10 = 3.6.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 4. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58739   National Certificate: Mining Operations for Underground Hard Rock  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Core  78323   National Certificate: Lamproom Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Core  90656   National Certificate: Mine Ventilation  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Core  90655   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  74269   National Certificate: Occupational Health, Safety and Environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    3. Anglo American Platinum Limited - Mogalakwena Mining Training Centre 
    4. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    5. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    6. AUCTUS TUTORS (PTY) LTD 
    7. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    8. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    9. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    10. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    11. BAS COACHING,TRAINING,MARKETING 
    12. BOOYSENDAL PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    13. DEI GRATIA TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION 
    14. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    15. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    16. Elite Operator and Skills Training 
    17. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    18. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    19. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    20. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    21. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    22. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    23. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    24. KOLOMELA MINE 
    25. KUDUMANE MANGANESE RESOURCES (PTY) LTD 
    26. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    27. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    28. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
    29. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    30. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    31. MEDIRO TRAINING ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    32. MMTI Holdings 
    33. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    34. MOTOTOLO MINE 
    35. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    36. Nokaneng Environmental Management Consulting 
    37. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    38. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    39. PMC TRAINING CONSULTANTS AND ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD 
    40. POWERGATE TRAINING PTY LTD 
    41. PPC Ltd 
    42. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    43. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    44. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    45. SARCHA TRAINING SOLUTIONS(PTY)LTD 
    46. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    47. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    48. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    49. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    50. SPECTRA MINING SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    51. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    52. Test Organisation 
    53. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    54. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    55. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    56. ZULEK TRAINING SPECIALISTS 


    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.