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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strata control 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115749  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strata control 
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  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 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 pursuing a career in strata control. This unit standard is aimed at providing the candidate with a general overview of the strata control profession.

People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • Demonstrate knowledge of elementary rock mechanics principles;
  • Demonstrate elementary knowledge of the factors influencing the selection of stope and tunnel support systems;
  • Demonstrate elementary knowledge of the influence of drilling and blasting practice on ground control;
  • Demonstrate elementary knowledge of the importance of quality assurance measures in strata control.

    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 is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of how to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strata control in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers 
    		•

    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:
  • National Certificate in Strata Control (Level 2) 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    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 of basic rock mechanics issues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic terminologies used in strata control and rock mechanics are described in accordance with industry guidelines for terminologies 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Mass
  • Weight
  • Gravity
  • Stress
  • Deformation
  • Load/force
  • Closure
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of the knowledge of basic rock mechanics in strata control is described 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Weight
  • Gravity
  • Stress
  • Deformation
  • Load/force
  • Closure
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of inadequate knowledge of basic rock mechanics issues in performing strata control functions are provided 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge of the factors influencing the selection of stope support systems. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge of the factors influencing the selection of stope and tunnel support systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic descriptions of the functions of stope and tunnel support systems are provided for various ground control districts 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stabilise zones of rock subject to tensile stresses
  • Stabilise fractured rock around excavations
  • Stabilise rock mass adjacent to geological discontinuities
  • Minimise the effects of strong ground motion
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The type and characteristics of generic support types are provided 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Timber and grout packs
  • Timber and steel elongates
  • Tendons
  • Pillars
  • Backfill
  • Sprayed linings
  • Mesh
  • Steel and timber arches, sets and trusses
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The factors to be considered when choosing stope and tunnel support systems are described with emphasis placed on local conditions 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Condition of the rock mass, competency and presence of geological features
  • Rockburst proneness
  • Anticipated extent of failed rock
  • Method of excavation, shape and inclination
  • Purpose of excavation
  • Planned life of excavation
  • Tonnage to be handled through excavation
  • Strategic importance of excavation
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of poor implementation of designed stope support systems are described 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Layout
  • Quality of product
  • Quality of Installation
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge of the influence of drilling and blasting practice on ground control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The factors relating to drilling and blasting practice that influence excavation stability are described in accordance with mine specifications 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Correct choice of explosives
  • Appropriate collar and toe burdens
  • Correct detonation sequences
  • Correct length of blast holes
  • Correct charging of holes
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of poor drilling and blasting practice on the stability of the rock mass are explained 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Unfavourably orientated fractures
  • Poor excavation profile
  • Damage to support units
  • Inconsistent support spacing
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of quality assurance measures in strata control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of quality assurance programmes instituted to ensure adherence to design specifications are described 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Support material quality
  • Support installation quality
  • Standards of installation
  • Shelf life
  • Standards of blast hole drilling
  • Standards of blast hole charging and detonation
  • Instrumentation and monitoring.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods to be implemented for various quality assurance programmes are described according to mine specifications 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Format
  • Frequency
  • Sampling
  • Communication
  • Action plans
  • Follow-up
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of poor quality assurance on the stability of excavations are explained 


    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 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and safety 
    		•

    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 gain and future application of knowledge of strata control to improve mining practice indicates critical decision making that directly influences the safety of persons exposed to rock related hazards. 

    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 communicate knowledge of substandard acts and/or conditions effectively indicates effective operation within a team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note: The knowledge of the methodology used for collecting data used to make informed decisions indicates proper self-management, ability to organise ones tasks and effectiveness. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note: The intuitive formulation of relationships between support system implementation and blasting practice, poor quality assurance and conditions indicates a degree of evaluative skills. 

    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 of knowledge to other persons and the conversion of knowledge into information used to make decisions that are instituted by the team indicate effective communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Note: The gather of good quality data that allows assessment of the relationship between quality of mining practice and ground conditions and the effective communication of this data to decision makers confirms knowledge transfer and responsibility. 

    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 knowledge of the interrelationship between mining practice and ground conditions confirms. 

    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, namely 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

    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

    Unit standard justification

    Level

    Attribute-Level-Justification
    Skills-4-Wide-ranging scholastic or technical
    Procedures-3-Significant choice.
    Context-3-Range of familiar.
    Knowledge-3-Some relevant theoretical
    Information processing-4-Basic analytical interpretation of information
    Problem Solving-3-A range of known responses to familiar problems, base on limited discretion and judgement.
    Orientation of activities-3-Directed, with some autonomy.
    Application of responsibility-2-Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.
    Orientation of scope of responsibility-3-Under general supervision quality checking.

    Average level: = 3.11
    Actual level assigned: = 3

    Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity-Hours
    Classroom Teaching-16
    On-The-Job Training-8
    Mentoring required-0
    Other (Specify)-0
    Total-24

    Credits achieved: = 24 / 10 = 2.4
    Credits assigned: = 2 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  90655   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  49013   National Certificate: Mining Operations: Underground Hard Rock  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  59549   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  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.
     
    1. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    3. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    4. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    5. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    6. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    7. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    8. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    9. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    10. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 


    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.