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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Identify and demarcate misfires in a surface excavation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257055  Identify and demarcate misfires in a surface excavation 
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  2 
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
120441  Identify and demarcate a misfire in a surface mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2   

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 for identifying and demarcating misfires in a surface excavation.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding regarding identification and demarcation of misfires.
  • Prepare to identify and demarcate misfires.
  • Identify and demarcate misfires.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to identification and demarcation of misfires. 
    		•

    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 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is applicable to surface excavations which include Surface mines; quarries, dumps and stockpiles. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding regarding identification and demarcation of misfires. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal and specified requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in the identification and demarcation process and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The legal and specified requirements must include the following:
  • The explosives and components in accordance with explosive regulations.
  • The specified control methods in accordance with explosive regulations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of identifying and demarcating misfires, achieving specified and safe production requirements is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazards and associated risks, pertaining to the identifying and demarcating of misfires, identified through specified risk assessment procedures, and the actions to be taken should they be encountered are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specified actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems pertaining to the identifying and demarcating process be encountered, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The specified communication requirements pertaining to the identifying and demarcating process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The specified factors affecting the optimum performance of the identifying and demarcating process are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences to health, safety and production if not adhering to specified requirements when identifying misfires are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to identify and demarcate misfires. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Approved demarcation equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hazard identification and hazard control are conducted to comply with risk assessment requirements 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:
  • Overhang.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
  • Power lines.
  • Moving machinery.
  • Water accumulations.
  • Poor underfoot conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Preparation and the installation of barricades and the consequences of inadequate preparation are described in terms of potential effects to occupational health and safety, production and damage to equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Installation of barricades must include the following:

    Chevron tape.
    Warning signs.
    Flashing lights.
    Guards.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and demarcate misfires. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The identification and demarcation of misfires is conducted and reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The identification and demarcations are coordinated in such a manner as to enhance teamwork and avoid conflict within complementary operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work methods comply with specified requirements to eliminate, minimise or control the risk of ill health and injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The work area is continuously monitored and safety hazards are reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to identification and demarcation of misfires. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Demarcating equipment is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reporting is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Feedback is provided to the in-coming shift with regards to the identification and demarcation of misfires in terms of specified 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 
    Essential embedded knowledge is addressed in Specific Outcome 1:

    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:

    Risks associated with workplace hazards:
  • Overhang.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
  • Environmental conditions e.g. dust, excessive water, visibility.
  • Power lines.
  • Moving machinery.

    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 haul truck:
  • Monitoring of instruments, gauges and safety systems.
  • Manipulation of controls.

    Processes and events:
  • Workplace examination.
  • Pre-use inspection of haul truck.
  • 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 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 members 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 themselves and their 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 120441, "Identify and demarcate a misfire in a surface mine", Level 2, 2 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
    Core  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.