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: 

Install an initiating system used in blasting operations underground 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116651  Install an initiating system used in blasting operations underground 
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  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2004-12-02  2007-08-16  SAQA 0857/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-08-16   2011-08-16  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
244460  Install an initiating system used in blasting operations underground  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
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 installing an initiating system used in blasting operaitons underground in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to
  • Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the installation of an initiating system
  • Prepare to install an initiating system.
  • Install an initiating system. 
    		•

    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:
  • Follow basic health and safety practices pertaining to mining operations 
    		•

    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 
    Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the installation of an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principle of operation of an initiating system are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the installation of an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Unsafe support conditions
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the work related hazards pertaining to the installation of an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards must include:
  • Working at heights
  • Working in proximity of rolling stock/moving equipment/self propelled mobile machinery
  • Working with electrical equipment
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the reasons for applying an initiating system used for blasting is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Initiating systems must include:
  • Centralised blasting systems
  • Non-electric delay starters
  • Portable shot exploders
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to install an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose and used according to its design and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material and equipment are available in the workplace, fit for purpose, operational and used according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area where the initiating system is to be installed is examined for workplace hazards and these hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Unsafe support conditions
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The selection of the appropriate method of initiation is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Tools, material and equipment are transported and placed according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The workplace is secured to prevent inadvertent entry of persons and moving equipment according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences to safety, health and production if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to install an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Selection, examination and use of tools and equipment
  • Area examination
  • Transport and placement of tools, material and equipment
  • Securing the workplace
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Install an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The initiating system is installed according to specified requirements in terms of type of system required, method of installation, test if operational and precautions taken to prevent injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work-related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards must include:
  • Working at heights
  • Working in proximity of rolling stock/moving equipment/self propelled mobile machinery
  • Working with electrical equipment
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with according to specified requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements and promotes effective teamwork 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reports are complete, accurate, in the required format and submitted to the designated personnel on time according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Consequences to health, safety and productivity if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst installing an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Installing the initiating system
  • Dealing with work related hazards
  • Preparation and storage of tools and equipment
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • Reports
     
    		•


    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.
  • 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:
  • The basic principle of operation of an initiating system
  • The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace and work related hazards pertaining to the installation of an initiating system
  • The reasons for applying an initiating system used for blasting. 
    		•

    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 
    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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 244460, which is "Install an initiating system used in blasting operations underground", Level 3, 4 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 & 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
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines

    Site specific
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of Recorded OH&S Significant risks and consequences
  • Working Guides
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications of 1993.

    Motivation regarding number of specific outcomes

    Even though there are less than four specific outcomes in this unit standard it represents a whole competency. It is NOT merely a description of tasks, jobs or procedures but it focuses on outcomes of activity. It also has a broad application across a range of contexts as stipulated in the unit standard.

    In addition this unit standard is considered as a milestone of learning in the sector. It is worth recognizing in its own right, as it is attributable to and achievable by an individual.

    This unit standard is fit-for-purpose for the sector and the specific outcomes jointly meet all the competence requirements of the title of the standard.

    In addition the unit standard has been integrated to avoid artificial distinctions.

    Unit standard justification

    Level
    Attribute-Level-Justification
    Skills-3-The skills required now have a significant variety and extend beyond the simple range
    Procedures-4-Considerable choice
    Context-3-Range of familiar
    Knowledge-4-Broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
    Information processing-3-Interpretation of available information
    Problem Solving-3-A range of known responses to familiar problems
    Orientation of activities-3-Directed, with some autonomy
    Application of responsibility-4-Under broad guidance and evaluation
    Orientation of scope of responsibility-3-Significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output

    Average level: 30/9 = 3.3 actual level assigned: 3

    Credits

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

    Activity-Hours
    Classroom Teaching-18
    On-The-Job Training-18
    Total-36

    Credits achieved: 36/10 = 3.6 credits assigned: 4 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49014   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Underground Hard Rock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    2. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    3. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    4. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    5. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    6. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    7. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    8. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 


    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.