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: 

Further Education and Training Certificate: Construction and Maintenance of Overhead Track Equipment 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49774  Further Education and Training 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
Further Ed and Training Cert  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  154  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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 the required competencies in a learner for a career in OHTE.

Note: All "live" work on 3-kV DC OHTE is done while conductors are under tension (mechanical) with minimum disruption to the rail network service.

Qualified learners will be able to safely and independently:
  • Inspect, do fault finding, installation, repair and adjustment of OHTE under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions.
  • Understand and apply basic electrical and mechanical engineering principles and philosophies.
  • Work under isolated and earth conditions and to clearance from exposed "live" high-voltage electrical equipment (3kV DC, 25 kV and 50kV AC overhead traction equipment (OHTE) and all transmission lines and associated equipment) with a mechanised vehicle/on track machine.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrical systems and related concepts.
  • Utilise the fibre protection screen for self-protection when working live on 3-kV DC.
  • Obtain, issue and cancel work permits.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in written form with relevant role-players (e.g. colleagues, managers, etc.) by compiling reports and reporting on status of OHTE.
  • Calculate quantities and distances correctly.
  • Perform calculations pertaining to quantities and distances.
  • Measure wire thickness and calculate and report on the life cycle.

    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. The social status, productivity and employability of the qualifying learner within the electrical engineering and construction field will be enhanced, thereby contributing to the quality and skills required in this field. Learners are able to demonstrate occupational skills, which enable them to engage in life skills activities, creation of small businesses and health and environmental issues, through the critical cross-field component of the qualification.

    The successful learner will be able to carry out the competencies in this qualification under both "live" and isolated or earthed conditions.

    Rationale

    Overhead track equipment (OHTE) forms a critical part of the infrastructure of a rail transport system and contributes to the safe and efficient running of rail traffic. Due to the density of rail traffic and the emphasis placed on reliability, availability and safety of overhead track equipment, it is vitally important that the equipment be repaired in a timeous, efficient and safe manner with a minimal disruption of the continuity of the power supply system. To enable safe and timeous repair on overhead track equipment, maintenance personnel must have a sound knowledge of various overhead track systems and must follow predetermined faultfinding and repair procedures based on overhead track engineering practices and specifications.

    The qualification equips the learner with the skills, knowledge and understanding to safely and independently do fault finding, inspections, repair and maintenance on overhead track equipment under Live" conditions while under tension (mechanical) to the required standards and specifications.

    This qualification also equips the learner with the skills, knowledge and understanding to work safely and independently under isolated and earth conditions and to clearance from exposed "live" high-voltage electrical equipment (3-kV DC, 25-kV and 50-kV AC overhead traction equipment [OHTE] and all transmission lines and associated equipment) with a mechanised vehicle/on track machine.

    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 competence standards, which are instrumental to the development and recognition of the foundational, practical and reflective competence (applied competence), is needed to be a productive person in a structured workplace and forms part of the development.

    These services are essential in and to the following domains:
  • Enabling the rendering of electrical continuity to the rail network service.
  • Enabling the rendering of a efficient productive rail network service.
  • Contributing to economic growth.

    For learners who have acquired experience in the workplace, this qualification may be obtained in part or in whole through Recognition of Prior Learning, by formally acknowledging workplace skills acquired without the benefit of formal education or training. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    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. Support and guidance should be provided to the learner. 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.

    Acces to the Qualification

    Due to the safety requirements in the overhead track environment, learners must:
  • Not be colour blind.
  • Not be claustrophobic.
  • Be able to gauge distance.
  • Not suffer from acrophobia.

    It is preferable that learners first complete the National Certificate: Construction and Maintenance of OHTE under isolated and earthed conditions NQF Level 3 before accessing this qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental:
  • 20 credits at NQF Level 3.
  • 36 credits at NQF Level 4.
  • Total credits 56.

    Core:
  • 23 credits at NQF Level 3.
  • 60 credits at NQF Level 4.
  • Total credits 83.

    Elective:
  • 5 credits at NQF Level 3.
  • 15 credits at NQF level 4.
  • Total credits 20.

    Motivation for the number of credits assigned

    Fundamental Credits:
  • A minimum of 20 credits at level 4 in a first South African language and a further 20 compulsory credits at a minimum of level 3 in a second South African language are allocated to Communication.16 credits are allocated to Mathematical Literacy.
  • This results in 56 credits in the Fundamental component.

    Core Credits:
  • 83 credits have been allocated to the Core Unit Standards and are compulsory.

    Elective Credits:
  • 20 credits have been allocated to the elective component of the qualification. 15 credits must be selected from this category.

    In order to obtain the qualification, the learner needs to complete at least a total of 154 credits as stipulated above. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner must achieve the following exit level outcomes under live conditions.

    Note: Live: A conductor is said to be "live" when it is at a potential different from that of the earth or any other conductor of the system of which it forms a part.

    1. Plan and prepare for the inspection, faultfinding, repair and corrective maintenance on overhead track equipment under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions.

    2. Perform corrective maintenance on overhead track equipment according to company-specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications under "live" conditions.

    3. Finalise the corrective maintenance and quality checks on overhead track equipment according to company-specific instructions under "live" conditions whilst working independently.

    4. Communicate with internal and external clients.

    5. Know and understand electrical systems and related concepts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Relevant documentation is evaluated and interpreted.
  • The correct resources and material is procured after evaluating and interpreting relevant documentation.
  • Range: This includes but is not limited to required personnel, transport, tools and lifting equipment.
  • Problems regarding the procurement of materials, parts and components are solved using processes and procedures applicable in the OHTE environment.
  • Work permit is obtained, if required, within the framework of company-specific communication protocol.
  • The mechanised maintenance vehicle or on-track machine is prepared for work to be done.

    2.
  • Inspection, faultfinding, repair and adjustment are performed safely as per company-specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications under "live" conditions. Range: Work is performed safely while working "live" on 3-kV DC overhead track equipment while conductors is under tension (mechanical). Work to clearance with a mechanised maintenance vehicle/on-track machine from "live" overhead track equipment whilst performing inspection, faultfinding, repair and adjustment under isolated and earthed conditions.
  • Problems regarding the suitability and functionality of equipment and tools are solved by being able to improvise within acceptable overhead track practices.
  • The resources are utilised and the tasks are executed safely and responsibly.
  • The use and function of the equipment being installed in relation to the overhead track system are explained in terms of overhead track practices and philosophies.

    3.
  • Quality checks are performed safely and correctly as per company-specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications under "live" conditions.
  • Problems regarding the quality checks performed on OHTE under "live" conditions are solved by being able to improvise within acceptable company practices and philosophies.
  • The resources are utilised correctly and the task executed safely and responsibly.
  • Tools, equipment and material are removed safely and correctly according to company-specific instructions.
  • Tools, equipment and material are cleaned and stored according to company specific house keeping rules.
  • Work permit is cancelled if used within the framework of company-specific communication protocol.
  • Mechanised maintenance vehicle/on-track machine is shut down and secured if used.

    4.
  • Information is presented timeously in the required format to the appropriate role players as stipulated in company specific policies and procedures.
  • Relevant communication media and protocol is used correctly while performing tasks.
  • Verbal communication is clear and concise in accordance with company specific communication protocol.
  • Documentation relating to the task is completed and distributed as per company-specific instructions.
  • Procedures for reporting and recording of potential hazards are followed correctly as per company-specific instructions.

    5.
  • Procedures and instructions and the application of safe working methods to work live on 3-kV DC systems are explained in accordance with electrical systems principles.
  • The reticulation system of OHTE is explained in the context of overhead track maintenance.
  • The interrelatedness of systems within the rail sector and the importance of applying the electrical safety instructions in an electrical environment is explained with examples.
  • Sub-standard conditions relating to high-voltage overhead track equipment are identified and explained in accordance with company-specific instructions.

    Integrated Assessment

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably lined. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated.

    Assessment of the communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic overhead track equipment contexts wherever possible.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. 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.

    Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was done with qualifications offered in countries that have extensive electrical rail systems using similar voltages to South Africa.

    United Kingdom:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualifications on the Qualification Framework in the United Kingdom. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
  • NVQ in Rail Transport Engineering Maintenance, Levels 4.

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The UK Qualification incorporates the different railway engineering disciplines into one Qualification, i.e. a generic core with different streams representing the various disciplines, such as Signal Maintenance, Signal Faulting, Communications, Permanent way, Electrification, Traction & Rolling stock and Plant. In the South African model, each of the railway engineering disciplines are reflected in separate, specialised Qualifications. e g. cable joining, repairing lengths of cable and connecting them to overhead lines. Repair overhead equipment under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions whilst working independently.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:
    There are a lot of similarities with regard to the individual units or competencies included in this Qualification.

    These include competencies relating to:
  • Establishing and maintaining protection.
  • Health & Safety.
  • Implement safe systems for work under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions.
  • Coordinating activities with others.
  • Contributing to improving the organisation's working practices.
  • Plan requirements for safe access to work on or near electrification and plant assets.
  • Planning activities and preparing resources.
  • Reinstating the work area upon completion of activities.

    New Zealand:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualification and individual Unit Standards registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
  • National Certificate in Electrical Engineering level 4

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The aim of the New Zealand Qualification is to provide recognition for a learner wishing to pursue employment and further training in the electrical and related industries. The South Africa qualification in Overhead Track Equipment, Level 4 focuser more or less on the same topics, with the exception of work under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:

    There are a lot of similarities with regard to the individual unit standards or competencies included in this Qualification.
  • Fundamental competencies, i.e. Communication & Mathematics.
  • Health & Safety.
  • An understanding of the rail transport industry.
  • Principles of electricity.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of safe working in an electrical environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of electricity.
  • The use and care of a range of tools.

    Scotland:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualifications on the Qualification Framework in Scotland. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
  • City & Guilds, Level 4, NQF in Railway Engineering (Unit y/102/6887: Unit 220)

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The Scottish Qualification incorporates the different railway engineering disciplines into one Qualification, i.e. a generic core with different streams representing the various disciplines, such as Signal Maintenance, Signal Faulting, Communications, Permanent way, Electrification, Traction & Rolling stock and Plant. In the South African model, each of the railway engineering disciplines is reflected in separate, specialized Qualifications.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:
    There are a lot of similarities with regard to the individual unit standards or competencies included in this Qualification.

    Individual Unit Standards registered, which correlate with some of the South African Unit Standards, include:
  • Work within approved procedures and specifications.
  • Support health and safety practices in the workplace.
  • Prepare work sites and materials for electrification.
  • Coordinating activities with others.
  • Contributing to improving the organisation's working practices.
  • Identify and deal with hazards in the railway environment.
  • The complexity of the preparations.
  • Planning activities and preparing resources.
  • Maintain the condition of the work site, materials and equipment.

    Australia:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualification and individual Unit Standards registered by the Australian Qualifications Authority. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
  • Electrical Engineering - Electrical Installations, e.g. testing; inspection, repairing, maintaining, etc.

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The Australian Qualification incorporates the different railway engineering disciplines into one Qualification, i.e. a generic core with different streams representing the various disciplines, such as, High-voltage testing, Installations which includes sets and testing. The Australian Qualification provides recognition for a broader range of competencies related to the maintenance of electrical equipment.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:
    There are a lot of similarities with regard to the individual unit standards and competencies included in these Qualifications when work is done under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions.

    These include competencies relating to:
  • Plan and prepare work.
  • Jointing of electrical cables.
  • Testing of cables.
  • Installation of circuit breakers.
  • High-voltage switchgear above 1000 kV.
  • Clean up.

    In conclusion, it can be stated that this South African qualification compares well with those qualifications mentioned above.

    Despite the differences, the essential competencies relating to the work that will be done by the learners are contained in the South African. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This is a qualification in a series in overhead track equipment qualifications varying from NQF Level 2 to 4. As one of the focus areas within the overhead track equipment is on safety, the embedded safety consciousness within the working environment will be favourable to any employer. This series of qualifications articulates directly to learning programmes and qualifications in overhead track equipment. It also opens the possibility for further learning in the sub-fields of Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Engineering and Related Design and Manufacturing and Assembly.

    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • 49067: "Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Signalling: Fault-finding and Repair of Equipment" at NQF Level 4
  • 48474: "National Certificate: Electrical Engineering" at NQF Level 4

    Vertical articulation is possible with:
  • 49745: "National Certificate: Value Engineering" at NQF Level 5 
    		•

    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 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 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 or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA 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. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators wishing to access candidates against this qualification must:
  • Be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA body.
  • Be in possession of a relevant qualification in OHTE or Electrical Engineering at least at NQF Level 5 or above.
  • Have practical work experience in the OHTE environment. 
    		•

    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  120232  Fault find and install splices on Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE) conductors under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  13 
    Core  120217  Inspect, manufacture, remove, install or replace and adjust and or position droppers on overhead traction equipment (OHTE)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  120216  Obtain, issue and cancel a work permit  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  14057  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrical systems and related concepts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  119891  Inspect, assemble, remove, replace/install and adjust section insulator runners on 3-kV DC overhead track equipment under "live" conditions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  14 
    Core  119887  Inspect, fault find, remove, install/replace and adjust a steady arm and/or side strain insulator on overhead traction equipment (OHTE) under "live" and/or isolated and earthed conditions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  11 
    Core  119892  Measure and set the stagger and height of the contact wire on overhead traction equipment OHTE under "live" conditions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Core  113873  Understand basic electrical and mechanical engineering principles  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  119884  Work live on all transmission lines and associated equipment from a mechanised maintenance vehicle  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  12154  Apply comprehension skills to engage oral texts in a business environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9015  Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119462  Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  119469  Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Fundamental  9016  Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Fundamental  7468  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Fundamental  119459  Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
    Elective  14623  Afford on-track protection  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  119888  Work live on 3kV DC OHTE, or to clearance from exposed "live" high-voltage electrical equipment (3kV DC, 25 kV and 50kV AC OHTE and all transmission lines and associated equipment)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 


    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 


    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.