[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
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: 

Bar down loose rocks using appropriate equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257041  Bar down loose rocks using appropriate equipment 
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
120443  Bar down loose rocks using appropriate equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for barring down loose rocks using appropriate equipment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding regarding barring down loose rocks using appropriate equipment.
  • Prepare to bar down loose rocks.
  • Bar down loose rocks.
  • Monitor barring operations.

    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 is intended to promote general skills and understanding of barring down loose rocks using appropriate equipment 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:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding regarding Bar down loose rocks using appropriate equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal and specified requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in barring down loose rocks using appropriate equipment and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazards and associated risks, pertaining the barring down loose rocks using appropriate equipment are identified through specified risk assessment procedures, and the actions to be taken should they be encountered are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The principles of operation of barring equipment are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consequences of non adherence to health, safety and productivity requirements are explained within the barring down loose rocks context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation of health, safety and productivity requirements must include:
  • Barring down loose rocks.
  • Dealing with work related hazards.
  • Preparation and storage of tools and equipment.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • Reports.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to bar down loose rocks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fit for purpose for personal protective equipment is made available and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A pre-use inspection is conducted on barring equipment using the prescribed procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The work area is examined and workplace hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and specified requirements must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Water accumulations.
  • Unsafe underfoot conditions.
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Water accumulations.
  • Unsafe underfoot conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The barring area is safeguarded against unauthorized entry of mobile equipment and persons in line with the specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Barring equipment is transported to the workplace in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Bar down loose rocks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Loose rocks are barred down in line with ergonomic principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ergonomic principles must include the following:
  • Positioning of equipment.
  • Method of barring.
  • Precautions taken to prevent injuries, property damage, time and production delays.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work-related hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and specified requirements must include:
  • Working in proximity of mobile equipment.
  • Working in proximity to power cables.
  • Working in an unsafe working environment.
  • Poor weather conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reports are completed in the required format and submitted to the designated personnel on time in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Monitor barring operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The barred area is continuously monitored and safety hazards are reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Occupational environmental elements are monitored and hazards are reported in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Monitoring of occupational and environmental elements include:
  • Dust.
  • Water.
  • Illumination.
  • Noise.
  • Fire and weather conditions.
  • Fumes/smoke.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a leaner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA, according to ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • 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 following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Knowledge relating to the method of identifying hazardous ground conditions:
    > Knowledge relating to understanding the factors that contributes to hazardous ground conditions.
    > Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Issues.
  • Significant hazards and risks related to determining identifying hazardous ground conditions, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures:
    > Communication.
    > Reporting requirements and ability.
    > Communicating with relevant personnel. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify substandard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    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 candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment are required, and to communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and the assistance required. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and substandard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The use of science and technology is not relevant for this unit standard. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms his/her understanding of the fact that a specific observation, inference, action or decision may have a devastating effect. 
    		•

    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 120443, "Bar down loose rocks using appropriate equipment", Level 3, 3 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 and Regulations, 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.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
  • Material Safety Data Sheets.

    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  65789   National Certificate: Construction Plant Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CETA 
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  90655   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Not Applicable  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.