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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Load and offload material using a skid steer loader 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257034  Load and offload material using a skid steer loader 
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 2  NQF Level 02  9 
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
11018  Operate a Skid Steer Loader  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector.

This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible to load and offload materials by means of a skid steer loader.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding regarding loading and offload material using a skid steer loader.
  • Prepare to load and offload material using a skid steer loader.
  • Load and offload material using a skid steer loader.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the loading and offloading operation. 
    		•

    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:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following range statement applies to the entire standard:
  • Skid steer loaders are typically used in processing operations and are most effective in confined spaces.
  • Although they can be fitted with numerous attachments such as augers, brush cutters, chippers etc., this context refers to the use of a bucket for loading and offloading materials only.
  • Activities include loading (picking up) and offloading (depositing) materials, as well as "hauling" over shorter distances between the loading area and the offloading area.
  • Materials may be picked up (loaded) from mining areas, stockpiles, bins or other vehicles such as rail trucks.
  • Materials may be deposited onto stockpiles, into bins or onto other vehicles such as dumptrucks or rail trucks. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding regarding loading and offloading material using a skid steer loader. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in the loading and offloading process and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The requirements must include the following:
  • The lockout procedure.
  • Pre-use inspection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazards and associated risks pertaining to the loading and offloading of material using a skid steer loader are identified through specified risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The actions to be taken to deal with hazards and associated risks are explained in terms of the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specified principal components of the skid steer loader are identified and their functions explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principal components must include the following:
  • Chassis, body and cabin.
  • Engine and transmission.
  • Wheels or tracks.
  • Controls.
  • Instrumentation.
  • Electrical components.
  • Hydraulic components.
  • Lifting arms.
  • Bucket.
  • On-board Safety equipment.
  • Fuel system.
  • Air, oil and fuel filters.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The actions to be taken to address sub-standard conditions and problems encountered during the loading and offloading process, are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The communication requirements pertaining to the loading and offloading process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The operating parameters and control methods and the consequences of not adhering to these are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The factors affecting the optimum performance of the loading and offloading process are explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to load material using a skid steer loader. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are verified, examined and used in accordance with manufacturers specifications and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Job instructions are interpreted correctly and the sequence of operations is determined according to operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hazard identification and hazard control are conducted to comply with risk assessment requirements in order to eliminate, minimise or control risk of ill health and injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pre-use inspection is conducted in such a way as to identify all equipment defects that may impair production or cause damage to equipment or injury to people. Defects are reported or rectified as per site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The work area is examined and hazards and defects are reported or rectified in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and defects must include the following:
  • Confined spaces.
  • Ground Conditions.
  • Roadways.
  • Moving machinery.
  • Buildings and structures.
  • Wet and Slippery conditions.
  • Power lines, pipes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Preparation work is performed and consequences of inadequate preparation are described in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation work must include:
  • Lock-out procedure.
  • Work area examination.
  • Pre-use inspections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The uses of on-board safety systems are explained in terms of manufacturer's specifications and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    On-board safety systems must include the following:
  • Fire extinguisher.
  • Safety belt.
  • Emergency stop.
  • Reverse alarm if applicable.
  • Rotating flashing light if applicable.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Load material using a skid steer loader. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The machine is started up in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The material is hauled and dumped at a rate that is in accordance with the pre-determined target. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The machine and loading operations are coordinated in such a manner as to enhance teamwork and avoid conflict within complementary operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relocation of machine is done in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work methods comply with requirements to eliminate, minimise or control the risk of ill health and injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The machine's performance and condition are monitored and hazards and defects are addressed in accordance with manufacturers specifications and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Machines performance and condition must include the following:
  • Rate of consumable usage.
  • Instrument readings to be within limits of manufacturer's specifications.
  • Physical damages.
  • Performance rate as prescribed by manufacturer and mine specific requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Environmental and health elements are monitored, reported or dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Environmental elements must include the following:
  • Dust.
  • Water.
  • Illumination.
  • Noise.
  • Fire and weather conditions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the loading and offloading operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The loading and offloading operation is stopped in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Lock-out procedures are adhered to in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools and equipment are dealt with in accordance with manufacturers specifications and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Preparation for maintenance is conducted in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Reporting and recording are conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specified reporting and recording must include the following:
  • Reporting to supervisor.
  • Submitting reports.
  • Logbook entries.
  • Permit documentation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Feedback is provided to the in-coming shift with regard to machine condition, environmental hazards and sub-standard conditions in terms of legal and operational requirements. 


    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 to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The unit standard addresses the following essential embedded knowledge in an integrated manner:

    Risks associated with workplace hazards:
  • Ground Conditions.
  • Roadways.
  • Moving machinery.
  • Buildings and structures.
  • Wet and Slippery conditions.

    Risks associated with work related hazards:
  • Working in proximity of moving machinery.
  • Pedestrians and other workers.
  • Working in proximity of cables.
  • Hydraulic pressure.
  • Roadway conditions.
  • Access control.
  • Manipulation of controls.
  • Lock out procedure.

    Basic principles of using a loader:
  • Monitoring of instruments, gauges and safety systems.
  • Manipulation of controls.

    Processes and events:
  • Workplace examination.
  • Pre-use inspection of loader.
  • Preparation.
  • Take charge and operate paying attention to the manipulation of the controls, roadway conditions, pedestrians and prevention of injuries and property damage.

    Occupational safety, health and environment:
  • Hazards and risks encountered.
  • Safety systems and health protection.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Environmental protection and pollution controls.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Applicable statutory requirements:
  • Applicable Acts and Regulations.
  • Codes of Practice.
  • Operator competency requirements.

    Communication requirements:
  • Reporting.
  • Liaison with associated operators.
  • Interpreting and implementing instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

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

    Note:
  • The learner demonstrates the understanding that effective teamwork is of utmost importance in working safely and productively during loading and offloading operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The learner demonstrates understanding that effective loading and offloading operations require working in a planned and organised manner. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The learner demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers during loading and offloading operations, in which team members are dependent upon each other. 
    		•

    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 learner demonstrates understanding that various systems contribute to the overall safety and productivity of a working environment, and that it is as important to contribute to the efficiency of those systems as to be supported by them. 
    		•

    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 11018, "Operate a Skid Steer Loader", Level 1, 4 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 and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions.

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

    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, then 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 candidate 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 candidate can 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: Appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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.
     
    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.