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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Reduce bulk and particle size of a dry solid sample

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110186	Reduce bulk and particle size of a dry solid sample
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	10
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard will be useful to people who are required to reduce the bulk and particle size of a dry solid sample.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to:

Demonstrate knowledge relating to solid sample reduction techniques

Reduce particle size by crushing

Reduce particle size by grinding

Reduce sample bulk to obtain a representative sub-sample

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:

Science, Maths and Communication at ABET Level 4

Relevant health, safety and environmental standards

Determine the mass of a substance

Proficiency in using screening equipment

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

The following applies to the entire unit standard:

Range: This competence is applicable to laboratories where bulk and particle size reduction is required.

Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Demonstrate knowledge relating to solid sample reduction techniques.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The purpose and principles of reducing the bulk mass of a sample are explained in terms of obtaining a representative sub-sample.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The purpose of reducing the particle size of a sample is explained in terms of obtaining a representative sub-sample.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The different mixing techniques are described in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The effect of inadequate mixing during the sample reduction process is explained in terms of its influence on obtaining a representative sub-sample.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. The relationship between mass reduction, particle size reduction and mixing is explained in terms of its influence on preparing a representative sample.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

6. The relationship between the quality of the sub-sample and the quality of the analytical result is explained in terms of the influence on accuracy and precision.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

7. The consequences of non-compliance with specified requirements are explained with respect to personal and team health and safety, impact on the environment, production, quality control, cost and lost time.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Reduce the particle size of a sample by crushing.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Hazards and risks pertaining to the crushing process are identified and explained with reference to team health, safety and environmental impact. The appropriate preventive actions are described.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The required health, safety and personal protective equipment is available, operational, and used in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The required equipment is operational and used in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The work is conducted to meet health, safety, environmental and security requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Health, safety and environmental issues must include the following:

Housekeeping

Dust control

Noise Control

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. Samples are identified and verified in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

6. The work is conducted in accordance with specified requirements and in a manner that
supports a smooth flow from this process through to the next process.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

7. Common problems are identified and their effect on the process are explained and /or dealt with in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Common problems must include the following:

Contamination

Incorrect particle size

Loss of sample

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8

8. The crushed sample meets the particle size requirements for the specific process.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Reduce the particle size of a sample by grinding.

OUTCOME RANGE

Grinding must include the following:

Pulverising

Milling

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Hazards and risks pertaining to the grinding process are identified and explained with reference to team health, safety and environmental impact. The appropriate preventive actions are described.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The required health, safety and personal protective equipment is available, operational, fit for purpose and used in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The required equipment is identified and used in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The work is conducted to meet health, safety, environmental and security requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Health, safety and environmental issues must include the following:

Housekeeping

Dust control

Noise Control

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. Samples are identified and verified in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

6. The work is conducted in accordance with specified requirements and in a manner that supports a smooth flow from this process through to the next process.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

7. Common problems are identified and their effect on the process are explained and /or dealt with in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Common problems must include the following:

Contamination

Incorrect particle size

Loss of sample

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8

8. The ground sample meets the particle size requirements for the specific process.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Reduce sample bulk to obtain a representative sub-sample.

OUTCOME RANGE

Splitting techniques must include the following:

A mechanical technique

A manual technique

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Hazards and risks pertaining to the bulk reduction process are identified and explained with reference to team health, safety and environmental impact. The appropriate preventive actions are described.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The required health, safety and personal protective equipment is available, operational, fit for purpose and used in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The required equipment is operational and used in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The work is conducted to meet health, safety, environmental and security requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Health, safety and environmental issues must include the following:

Housekeeping

Dust control

Storage

Waste disposal

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. Samples are identified and verified in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

6. The work is conducted in accordance with specified requirements and in a manner that supports a smooth flow from this process through to the next process.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

7. Common problems are identified and their effect on the process are explained and /or dealt with in accordance with specified requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Common problems must include the following:

Contamination

Unequal sub-samples

Loss of sample

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

3. 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. Without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge, candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes to the standards described in the assessment criteria. 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.

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 technical problems, sub-standard 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 candidate is required to maintain the link in the process in order to achieve production, health, safety and environmental targets.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

Organise and manage himself / herself and his / her activities responsibly and effectively.

Note:The candidate is required to prioritize and integrate the various activities in order to meet the set targets.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

Note:The ability of the candidate to collect and evaluate information from numerical data and/or physical observations in terms of specified requirements.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

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

Note:The candidate is required to accurately and clearly convey information to relevant personnel.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology effectively and critically, thus showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Note:The candidate is required to use equipment responsibly to avoid environmental pollution and to safeguard team health.

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 candidate is aware of his/her role in the organization in terms of social, economic and environmental impact.

UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA

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.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

Terminology

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 & Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act No. 50/1991)

Mandatory Codes of Practice

SABS and other relevant standards

Chief Inspector of Mines` Directives

Site-Specific

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)

Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme

Managerial Instructions

Mine Standard Procedures

List of Recorded OH&S Risks

Working Guides

Equipment and Materials Specifications

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	64949	National Certificate: Laboratory Practice	Level 2	NQF Level 02	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual
Core	58248	National Certificate: Laboratory Practice	Level 2	NQF Level 02	Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"	2008-08-05	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.

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