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 QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Certificate: Construction and Maintenance of Overhead Track Equipment

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
49773	National Certificate: Construction and Maintenance of Overhead Track Equipment
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
TETA - Transport Education and Training Authority			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Electrical Infrastructure Construction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	137	Level 2	NQF Level 02	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop competencies in a learner as required for a career in the overhead track systems.

A learner credited with this qualification will be able to:

safely and effectively maintain overhead track structures and return circuits.

progress through learning in the overhead track environment.

Qualified learners will be able to:

Understand the basics of how the business functions and its role in the rail sector, i.e. overhead track systems and related activities.

Safely and correctly clean and paint overhead track structures.

Safely and correctly perform bonding and earthing on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC systems.

Communicate effectively with relevant role players (e.g. peers, managers, etc.) by expressing opinions in spoken and written form.

Calculate quantities and distances correctly.

The Core and Elective Unit Standards provide credits that allow the learner access to both vertically and horizontally articulated qualifications in the electrical engineering and construction field.

Rationale:

This qualification forms the basis for learners who want to follow a career in overhead track equipment and related fields. Overhead track equipment forms a critical part of the infrastructure of a rail transport system and contributes to reliable, available, safe and efficient train operations. It is therefore vitally important that overhead track equipment be safely and correctly maintained on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC in order to meet standards set in associated overhead track equipment engineering specifications.

There are 3 qualifications in OHTE, Level 2, 3 and 4.This is the first qualification in the learning pathway. The qualification equips the learner with the skills, knowledge and understanding to safely and correctly perform cleaning, painting, bonding and earthing on overhead track equipment, such as overhead track structures and to return circuits to the required standards.

Learners credited with this qualification and who apply the acquired knowledge and skills can help address the critical shortage of qualified personnel in the industry. For the new learner, this qualification and its standards, which are instrumental to the development and recognition of the foundational, practical and reflective competence (applied competence), are needed to be a productive person in a structured workplace and form the basis for further development.

These skills are essential in and to the following domains:

Enabling the rendering of electrical continuity to the rail transport service.

Enabling the rendering of a rail transport service.

Contributing to economic growth.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:

Communication at NQF Level 1

Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1

Recognition of prior learning

This qualification may be obtained in part or in whole through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

The following tools may be used to supplement the above minimum assessment methods:

Valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience may serve to supplement the assessment of applied competence. The portfolio should include inter alia:

Written statements from persons (e.g. current and / or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.

Relevant certificates or awards.

Previous assessment records.

Logbook or register stating evidence of performance.

Access to the Qualification:

Access to the qualification is open to any learner bearing in mind the learning assumed to be in place. Learners need to be physically fit and robust. Due to the safety requirements in the overhead track environment, learners must:

Not be colour blind.

Not be claustrophobic.

Be able to gauge distance.

Be able to work at heights.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Level, credits and learning components assigned to this qualification

Fundamental

Communication at NQF Level 2, 25 Credits

Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2, 16 Credits

Total: 41 credits

Core

16 Credits at Level 1

53 Credits at Level 2

15 Credits at Level 3

Total: 84 credits

Elective

5 Credits at Level 1

16 Credits at Level 2

5 Credits at Level 3

Total: 12 credits

The total credits for this qualification is 137.

Motivation for the number of credits assigned

Fundamental Credits

16 credits are allocated to Mathematical Literacy and 25 for Communication.

Core Credits

84 compulsory credits have been allocated to the Core Unit Standards to cover the field sufficiently.

Elective Credits

A minimum of 12 credits has to be selected from the 26 listed Elective credits. These credits have been grouped to allow for progression to the next level of learning on the same railway signalling equipment.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Perform bonding and earthing on 3 KV DC and 25/50KV AC on OHTE.
2. Clean and paint OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions.
3. Estimate, measure and calculate physical quantities to solve problems in practical situations.
4. Understand, maintain and apply health and safety regulations to a work area.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the electrical environment in the rail sector.
6. Apply electrical high voltage safety instructions when working in the vicinity of or near exposed "live" high-voltage overhead track equipment.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Preparations to perform bonding and earthing on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC on OHTE are executed in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures.

Bonding and earthing process is performed on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC on OHTE according to company specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications.

The process to perform bonding and earthing on 3 KV DC and 25/50KV AC on OHTE are finalised according to company specific instructions and procedures.

The correct tools and personal protective equipment are identified, selected and used in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures.

Problems related to the bonding and earthing process are identified and solved according to company specific instructions.

Effective communication with relevant role-players relating to the execution of the bonding and earthing process on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC on OHTE can be demonstrated by communicating clearly and concisely, in accordance with company-specific communication protocols.

Working effectively in teams is understood and can be demonstrated by displaying participation when performing the bonding and earthing process on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC on OHTE.

The role of the individual in the work situation and organisation is demonstrated by organising and managing themselves and their activities related to the bonding and earthing process on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC on OHTE by understanding and applying organisational procedures.

2.

Preparations to perform the cleaning and painting on OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions are executed in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures.

The cleaning and painting process on OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions is performed according to company specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications.

The process to perform cleaning and painting on OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions are finalised according to company specific instructions and procedures.

Information related to the cleaning and painting process on OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions is collected, analysed, organised and critically evaluated according to company specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications.

The correct tools and personal protective equipment are identified, selected and used in accordance with company specific instructions and procedures.

Working effectively in teams is understood and can be demonstrated by displaying participation when performing the cleaning and painting process on OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions.

Science and technology is used in the preparation and application when cleaning and painting OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions according to company specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications.

The role of the individual in the work situation and organisation is demonstrated by organising and managing themselves and their activities related to the cleaning and painting process of OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions by understanding and applying organisational procedures.

Effective communication with relevant role-players relating to the execution of the cleaning and painting process of OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions can be demonstrated by communicating clearly and concisely, in accordance with company-specific communication protocols.

3.

Scales on the measuring instruments are read correctly.

Quantities are estimated to a tolerance acceptable in the context of the estimation.

The appropriate instrument is chosen to measure a particular quantity.

Calculations are carried out correctly.

Appropriate units are used in measurement and calculation.

Problems related to the measurement and calculation of physical quantities are solved.

4.

Health and safety regulations are understood and can be applied by:
> Identifying potential hazards in the work area correctly.
> Effectively limiting damage to persons or property in case of an emergency.
> Correctly following procedures that apply to emergency, illness or injury in the work area.

Communication with relevant role players is clear and concise and can be demonstrated effectively in the case of:
> An incident/accident.
> A fire.
> An injury or sickness.

Learners can organise and manage themselves by understanding and correctly.

Following procedures that apply to illness or injury in the work area.

Demonstrating the procedures for reporting and recording of potential hazards.

Identifying and using protective clothing.

Problems with regard to the following can be solved effectively by:
> Identifying the potential hazards in the work area.
> Limiting damage to persons or property in case of an emergency.
> Limiting exposure to, and correctly disposing of hazardous substances.

5.

Safe work procedures and instructions to work safely in the vicinity of or near low/high-voltage electrical systems are explained and applied according to company specifications.

An understanding of the rail and OHTE environment is demonstrated clearly.

Information from visual low/high-voltage indicators is evaluated and reacted to critically.

The interrelatedness of systems within the rail sector is understood by understanding the importance of applying the electrical safety instructions in an electrical environment.

6.

Safe work procedures and instructions to work safely in the vicinity of or near live high-voltage overhead track equipment are explained and applied to using work procedures

Signs and warning boards related to high-voltage overhead track equipment are identified and reacted to correctly

Sub standards conditions related to high-voltage overhead track equipment are identified and reported in accordance with company-specific instructions.

The role of the individual in the work situation and organisation is demonstrated by organising and managing themselves and their activities when identifying and reacting to various signs or warning boards and performing maintenance under, near or in the vicinity of live high-voltage overhead track equipment.

Integrated assessment:

Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by using a range of formative and summative assessment methods.

Unit standards in the qualification must be used to assess specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

During integrated assessments the assessor should use formative and summative assessment methods and should assess applied competence.

The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of this qualification.

Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove foundational, practical and reflective competencies (applied competence) of the learner.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification was compared with the Transport and Distribution Qualifications (Rail Infrastructure) on the Australian National Training Information Service.

Units of competencies related to overhead track equipment as generated in Australia were obtained from the National Training Information Service (Web Site: www.ntis.gov.au), Certificate (levels i - iv) in Transport and Distribution (Rail Infrastructure).

After scrutinising these, it was evident that the format and structure utilised within the Transport and Distribution Industry Specific Units (TDT02) - Equipment Checking and Maintenance, was different to those prescribed by SAQA. The technical content in the units of competencies were not specific and covered a broad spectrum of equipment and tasks. This resulted in broad assessment criteria.

It was also found that although the Australian Qualifications Framework comprises thirteen national qualifications, the first five qualifications in the vocational education and training sector compare favourably with the FET levels within the NQF.

The SGG/SGA could not find any standards within the discipline of OHTE in other African countries where OHTE is utilised

Various Railway companies in Africa have approached Transnet to assist in the training of their signalling maintenance officials. Once this is effected, the Unit Standards generated in South Africa will be utilised for such training.

Efforts to obtain British National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) related railway signalling were unsuccessful. The NVQs are not accessible and could not be used for benchmarking.

During the development of the unit standards cognisance was taken of the implementation of a National Railway Safety Regulator. The National Railway Safety Regulator promotes and controls safe rail operations and recognises that this is fundamental to the safety of all persons and the environment. The unit standards in railway signalling were aligned to these ideals.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This is a qualification in a series in overhead track equipment qualifications varying from NQF Level 2 to 4.

Vertical articulation is possible with:

National Certificate: Railway Signalling, Installation and scheduled maintenance of Equipment at NQF Level 3.

National Certificate: Electrical Engineering at NQF Level 3.

Horizontal articulation is possible with:

National Certificate: Railway Signalling, Assembly and Wiring of Equipment at NQF Level 2.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this

Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.

Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification.

Anyone wishing to be assessed against this Qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors need to be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA body.

Assessors and moderators must be in possession of a relevant qualification in OHTE or Electrical Engineering at least at NQF Level 3.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	9839	Apply and maintain safety in an electrical environment	Level 1	NQF Level 01	5
Core	119882	Demonstrate an understanding of the electrical environment in the rail sector	Level 1	NQF Level 01	1
Core	119885	Identify, handle and care for electrical systems material in the rail sector	Level 1	NQF Level 01	10
Core	116900	Apply electrical high voltage safety instructions when working in the vicinity of or near exposed "live" high-voltage overhead track equipment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	1
Core	9964	Apply health and safety to a work area	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Core	119880	Clean and paint OHTE steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	115234	Demonstrate knowledge of electrical safe working practices	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	12037	Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	113868	Handle and care of electrical earthing gear and related equipment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Core	10252	Identify, inspect, use, maintain and care for engineering hand tools	Level 2	NQF Level 02	6
Core	12484	Perform basic fire fighting	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	12483	Perform basic first aid	Level 2	NQF Level 02	4
Core	119886	Perform bonding and earthing on 3 KV DC and 25/50KV AC on OHTE	Level 2	NQF Level 02	15
Core	10255	Select, use and care for power tools	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Core	113877	Understand fundamentals of electricity	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Core	119889	Work to clearance from "live" high-voltage overhead track equipment to perform maintenance work	Level 2	NQF Level 02	9
Fundamental	8963	Access and use information from texts	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	9009	Apply basic knowledge of statistics and probability to influence the use of data and procedures in order to investigate life related problems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	13217	Collect and use information	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	7480	Demonstrate understanding of rational and irrational numbers and number systems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	9008	Identify, describe, compare, classify, explore shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional shapes in different contexts	Level 2	NQF Level 02	3
Fundamental	8962	Maintain and adapt oral communication	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	8967	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	7469	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal and community life	Level 2	NQF Level 02	2
Fundamental	9007	Work with a range of patterns and functions and solve problems	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Fundamental	8964	Write for a defined context	Level 2	NQF Level 02	5
Elective	8215	Use and care for lifting equipment	Level 1	NQF Level 01	5
Elective	114669	Carry out basic electric arc welding in an electrical environment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Elective	114616	Carry out basic gas welding, brazing and cutting in an electrical environment	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
Elective	14623	Afford on-track protection	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

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.	Palesa Rail Academy