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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Examine and make safe blasted Surface excavations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257078  Examine and make safe blasted Surface excavations 
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  5 
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
115535  Examine and make safe blasted quarry excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for carrying out examination and making safe of blasted surface excavations.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of significant risk of falls of ground in Surface mines; quarries, dumps and stockpiles.
  • Examine and make safe blasted surface excavations; dumps and stockpiles.
  • Declare safe blasted surface excavations plus their dumps and stockpiles. 
    		•

    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:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • Occupational Health and safety at NQF Level 2.
  • Hazard identification and risk assessment at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    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 of significant risk of falls of ground in surface excavations. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Demonstrate an understanding of significant risk of falls of ground in surface excavations, dumps and stockpiles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles of slope stability are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles must include the following:
  • Rock classification system.
  • Slope design.
  • Cohesion.
  • Angle of repose.
  • Angle of draw.
  • Weathering.
  • Moisture content.
  • Geological hazards.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Typical non-conformances relating to slope stability are described and their implication explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-conformances must include the following:
  • Cluttered working edges.
  • Loose material in the face.
  • Waterlogged material.
  • Groundwater emanating from face.
  • Insufficient flooding prevention.
  • Undermining.
  • Slope angle too steep.
  • Face too high.
  • Back break from blasting.
  • Subsidence and sinkholes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Remedies for typical non-conformances as listed in AC 1.2 are explained in accordance with specified requirements (code of practice). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Examine blasted surface excavations plus dumps and stockpiles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The examination of the working place is conducted in accordance with specified requirements pertaining to falls of ground. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Working place must include the following where applicable:
  • Working faces.
  • Stockpiles under construction.
  • Faces not in use.
  • Sumps and watercourses.
  • Berms.
  • Excavation floor.
  • Rehabilitation areas.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Unsafe conditions are noted and the workplace is barricaded and not declared safe until such matters have been rectified. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Unsafe conditions must include the following where applicable:
  • Unsafe conditions relating to slope stability.
  • Other ground conditions.
  • Hazardous substances (gas, polluted water, chemicals, dust).
  • Misfires and loose explosives.
  • Mobile equipment and machinery.
  • Power and water reticulation.
  • Climatic conditions.
  • Subsidence and sinkholes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazards relating to slope stability are made safe in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Making safe must include the following:
  • Barring down loose rocks.
  • Reduction of slope angles.
  • Removing hazardous material.
  • Installing gabions.
  • Shotcrete and mesh.
  • Bolting.
  • Backfilling.
  • Washing down by means of high pressure water.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hazards other than those relating to geological structures are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Other hazards must include the following:
  • Undercutting leading to ground collapse.
  • Mudslides.
  • Cluttered working edges.
  • Loose material in the face.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Declare safe blasted surface excavations; dumps and stockpiles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Entry to the workplace for the purpose of making and declaring safe is restricted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    After examination and making safe entry to the workplace is granted and work allowed to proceed, in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The declaration of the workplace as safe is recorded in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Workplace conditions are monitored and non-conformances dealt with in accordance with specified requirements on a continuous basis. 


    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 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 embedded knowledge required for this unit standard is found in Specific Outcome:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of significant risk of falls of ground in quarries, dumps and stockpiles. 
    		•

    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 sub-standard 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 is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and 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 sub-standard 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 ability of the candidate to use equipment, follow processes and access and record data in a technological environment in accordance with environmental, occupational health and safety requirements. 
    		•

    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 understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can 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 115535, "Examine and make safe blasted quarry excavations", Level 3, 5 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 
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.