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: 

Connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using shock tube 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116665  Connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using shock tube 
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  3 
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
244463  Connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using shock tube  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   

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 connecting and initiating a blast of a stope face using a shock tube in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the specified requirements regarding the connecting and initiating of a blast in a stope face using shock tube.
  • Prepare to connect and initiate the blast of a stope face using shock tube.
  • Connect and initiate the blast of a stope face using shock tube. 
    		•

    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.
  • Treat and remove misfires
  • Test for flammable gas by means of a hand held electronic instrument and take appropriate action.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours.
  • Make safe a workplace by means of barring. 
    		•

    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 regarding the connecting and initiating of a blast in a stope face using shock tube. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards related to the connecting and initiation of a stope face with shock tube are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Unsafe support conditions.
  • Flammable gases
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the work-related hazards related to the connecting and initiation of a stope face with shock tube are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards must include:
  • Working with explosives accessories.
  • Working with hazardous chemicals within explosives.
  • Explosives accessories remaining on completion of charging operations.
  • Moving equipment and machinery
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation of the various initiating systems used for blasting with shock tube and the reasons for applying each type of initiating system is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Initiating systems must include:
  • Centralised blasting systems.
  • Non-electric delay starters.
  • Portable shot exploders.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specified requirements pertaining to burning speeds and delay times of accessories used for connecting and initiating a blast in a stope face with shock tube are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Accessories must include:
  • Starters.
  • Igniter cord.
  • Safety fuse (starter).
  • Extenders (Lead-in Units).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The meaning of the terms 'connecting' and 'initiating' are explained according to specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to connect and initiate the blast of a stope face using shock tube. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is selected, available on person, operational and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material, equipment and explosives accessories are selected, available in the workplace, operational and transported according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area where the blast is to be connected and initiated is examined for workplace hazards and these hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe support conditions.
  • Flammable gases
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Precautions to prevent inadvertent entry of persons during connecting operations are taken according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences to safety, health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to connect and initiate the blast of a stope face with shock tube are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include those relating to:
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Tools, material, equipment and explosives accessories.
  • Area examination.
  • Precautions to prevent inadvertent entry of persons
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Connect and initiate the blast of a stope face using shock tube. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The charged holes are connected according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Connecting must include:
  • Extension/installation of blasting wires.
  • Method of connecting the shock tubes.
  • Method of using extenders/lead-in units.
  • Minimum distance between shock tube blocks/connectors.
  • Precautions taken to prevent cut-offs.
  • Precautions taken to prevent damage to the accessories used.
  • Precautions taken to prevent shrapnel damage to shock tube by the initiating detonator
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are used in accordance to specified requirements and in line with accepted ergonomic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working with explosives accessories.
  • Working with hazardous chemicals within explosives.
  • Explosives accessories remaining on completion of charging operations.
  • Moving equipment and machinery
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The blast is initiated according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Required type of initiator.
  • Connecting to blasting point.
  • Adherence to connecting and blasting time schedules
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective, are dealt with according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Explosive accessories not used during connecting and initiating are transported and stored according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements and promotes effective teamwork 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Reports are completed and submitted according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Consequences to health, safety and production if specified requirements are not adhered to when connecting and initiating the blast in a stope face with shock tube are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include those relating to:
  • Connecting of charged holes.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Dealing with work related hazards
  • Initiation of the blast.
  • Preparation and storage of tools and equipment
  • Transportation and storage of explosive accessories
  • Interpersonal interaction
  • Reports
     
    		•


    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.

    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:
  • Significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards related to the connecting and initiation of a stope face with shock tube
  • Types of initiating systems used for blasting with shock tube and the reasons for applying each type of initiating system
  • Burning speeds and delay times of accessories used for connecting and initiating a blast in a stope face with shock tube
  • The meaning of the terms 'connecting' and 'initiating' 
    		•

    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 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 ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance with making safe in an appropriate manner as a team member. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself / herself and his / her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
    The preparation for making safe, the candidate must indicate what tools and personnel protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
    The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from the visual examination 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, thus 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 hazard conditions. The effect of non-compliance and deviation from mine procedures will indicate his her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken has more than one 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 is able to 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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 244463, which is "Connect and initiate a blast of a stope face using shock tube", Level 3, 3 credits.

    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
  • SANS and other relevant standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines

    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

    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 between activities/processes.

    Unit standard justification

    Level

    Attribute-Level-Justification

    Skills - 2 - The skills required have some variety but are still fairly simple
    Procedures - 2 - Although the procedure is known and familiar (as level 1) it is not as repetitive
    Context - 2 - Routine and familiar
    Knowledge - 3 - Relevant theoretical knowledge is required to be fully competent
    Information processing - 3 - Interpretation as opposed to basic processing is required.
    Problem Solving - 2 - The candidate will only have to apply given solution to known/familiar problems.
    Orientation of activities - 3 - Directed, with some autonomy
    Application of responsibility - 3 - Candidate's output is quality checked
    Orientation of scope of responsibility - 3 - Significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output, and possible responsibility for the output of others

    Average level: 23/9 = 2. 55
    Actual level assigned = 3

    Credits

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

    Activity - Hours

    Classroom Teaching - 6
    On-The-Job Training - 24
    Total - 30

    Credits achieved: 48/10 = 3
    Actual credits assigned: 3 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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  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. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    3. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    4. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    5. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    6. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    7. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    8. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    9. 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.