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: 

Charge shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119107  Charge shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives 
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 2  NQF Level 02  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2005-11-30  2008-11-30  SAQA 0763/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-11-30   2012-11-30  

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 have the responsibility of charging shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain specified requirements for charging shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives.
  • Prepare to charge shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives.
  • Charge shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives. 
    		•

    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 underground. 
    		•

    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 charging of shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the work-related hazards pertaining to the handling of explosives and to working with compressed air while charging shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the charging of shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Unsafe support conditions.
  • Flammable gasses.
  • Insufficient ventilation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The specified requirements in terms of characteristics and properties of the explosives and accessories used for charging shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of characteristics and properties must include:
  • Water solubility.
  • Detonation sensitivity.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The basic principle of operation of the explosive's loader is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The advantages of charging of holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to charge holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is made available, fit for purpose, operational and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material, equipment, explosives and accessories are available, functional and fit for purpose in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The areas where holes are to be charged with ammonium nitrate based explosives are examined for workplace hazards and such hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Unsafe support conditions.
  • Flammable gasses.
  • Insufficient ventilation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Precautions to prevent inadvertent entry into the charging area are taken in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Explosives and accessories are transported to the designated area in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of transportation must include:
  • Quantity.
  • Type.
  • Securing.
  • Method of transporting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences to health, safety and production, should the specified requirements not adhered to while preparing to charge holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Tools and equipment.
  • Area examination.
  • Precautions taken to prevent inadvertent entry.
  • The transporting of explosives and accessories.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Charge holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Holes are charged with ammonium nitrate based explosives in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of charging must include:
  • The connecting of the explosives loader.
  • The filling of holes with explosives.
  • Quantity per hole.
  • Method of charging.
  • Precautions taken to prevent injuries and property damage.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Excess explosives are transported and stored in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of transportation and storage must include:
  • Separation of types of explosives and accessories.
  • Quantities allowed.
  • Securing of explosives and accessories.
  • Method of transporting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The work-related hazards involved in the handling of explosives and in working with compressed air while charging shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives, are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools and equipment are used in accordance with specified requirements and in line with accepted ergonomic principles. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, in accordance with specified requirements, promotes effective teamwork and avoids dysfunctional conflict. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Reports are completed and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The consequences to health, safety and production of not adhering to specified requirements while charging holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • The charging of holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives.
  • The transportation and storing of excess explosives.
  • The use of tools and equipment.
  • The 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 by SAQA.
  • 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. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. 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.

    The embedded knowledge required for this unit standard is found in:
  • Specific Outcome 1: Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the charging of shot holes with ammonium nitrate based explosives. 
    		•

    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:
  • 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:
  • 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:
  • 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 COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations:
  • 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 DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • 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 
    N/A 

    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.

    Notes to assessors:

    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 justification:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
    Skills; 2; The skills that are required show some variety, but are still fairly simple.
    Procedures; 2; Although the procedure is known and familiar (as in Level 1), it is not as repetitive.
    Context; 2; Although the process could occur in different contexts, these contexts are repeatedly applicable and known to the candidate.
    Knowledge; 2; The knowledge that is required is related to the operation and no theory therefore needs to be applied.
    Information processing; 2; Information is readily available but some processing is required.
    Problem solving; 2; The key difference between this and Level 2 is the fact that a degree of judgement has to be applied.
    Orientation of activities; 3; Instructions are to be followed, but there is some autonomy to make own decisions and hand down instructions.
    Orientation of scope of responsibility; 2; Candidate has some responsibility for quantity and quality.
    Application of responsibility; 3; Candidate's output is checked for quality on a random basis.

    Average level: 20/9=2.2
    Actual level assigned: 2

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

    Activity:
    Classroom teaching: 6 hours
    On-the-job training: 18 hours
    Total: 24 hours

    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
    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 


    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. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    6. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    7. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    8. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    9. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 


    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.