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: 

Identify and deal with rock strata conditions pertaining to daily mining operations within an underground-working place 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119128  Identify and deal with rock strata conditions pertaining to daily mining operations within an underground-working place 
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  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2005-11-30  2007-08-16  SAQA 0763/05 
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
244486  Identify and deal with rock strata conditions pertaining to daily mining operations within an underground-working place  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who have responsibility for identifying and dealing with rock strata conditions pertaining to daily mining operations within an underground working place. Blasting operations - except charging of shot holes - are excluded from the above-mentioned daily mining operations.
People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • Demonstrate understanding of rock strata conditions
  • Identify and deal with rock strata conditions 
    		•

    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
  • Support an underground working place by means of stick support
  • Install and remove mechanical props
  • 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 
    Demonstrate understanding of rock strata conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation regarding the identification of geological conditions and the influence that these geological conditions have on the rock strata in an underground working place is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of geological conditions must include:
  • Jointing
  • Faults
  • Dykes and sills
  • Key blocks
  • Bedding planes
  • Reef rolls
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation regarding mining layouts and the consequences of non-conformance to these mining layouts is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of mining layouts must include:
  • Leads and lags
  • Advanced strike gullies
  • Headings
  • Sidings
  • Face shape
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The significant risks associated with geological and mining induced conditions in an underground working place are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation regarding the supporting of gullies, escape ways, sidings, winch cubbies, tip areas, lay-byes, breakaways, chambers and the consequences of non-conformance is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The explanation how the control of rock strata is influenced by the installation of pre-stressed support is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The explanation regarding the support requirements to accommodate significant changes in sizes of mining excavations is consistent with specified requirements 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of support requirements must include:
  • Working place heights related to the diameters for and types of elongate support
  • Working place heights related to the sizes for pack support
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The explanation regarding the identification of mining induced ground conditions and the influence that these mining induced ground conditions have on the rock strata in an underground working place is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of mining induced conditions must include:
  • Brows
  • Bed separation
  • Rock stresses
  • Fracturing
  • Loose rocks
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The explanation regarding the tendon support specifications to accommodate significant changes in spans of mining excavations is consistent with specified requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The explanation regarding the support specifications for geological and mining induced ground conditions is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of geological and mining induced conditions must include:
  • Jointing
  • Faults
  • Dykes and sills
  • Key blocks
  • Bedding planes
  • Reef rolls
  • Brows
  • Friable ground
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and deal with rock strata conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material and equipment are fit for purpose; operational and transported to the designated areas according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Precautions taken to prevent inadvertent entry of persons and mobile equipment into the area where geological and mining induced ground conditions are encountered and dealt with are according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace is examined and geological and mining induced ground conditions are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of specified requirements for dealing must include:
  • Demarcation
  • Method, size and type of support installed
  • Measures taken to prevent injuries, property damage and time delays
  • Use of tools and equipment
  • Position of persons
     
    		•

    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 
    Reports are completed and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences to health, safety and production of not adhering to specified requirements when identifying and dealing with rock strata conditions are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Selection and transport of tools, material and equipment.
  • Precautions taken to prevent inadvertent entry of persons and mobile equipment
  • Workplace examination and dealing with geological and mining induced ground conditions
  • Interpersonal interaction
  • Preparation of tools and equipment
  • Reports
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements, promotes effective teamwork and avoids dysfunctional conflict. 


    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. 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 following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and safety knowledge
  • Report writing
  • Legal and site-specific requirements 
    		•

    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 adhere to safety, health and environmental requirements illustrates his/her capability to use science and technology effectively. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 244486, which is "Identify and deal with rock strata conditions pertaining to daily mining operations within an underground-working place", Level 3, 5 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

    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


    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

    Level

    Attribute-Level-Justification
    Skills-3-The skills required have a significant variety and extend beyond the simple range
    Procedures-4-The choice procedure becomes more extensive, but choice is known and standard.
    Context-3-The candidate knows all contexts that the process occurs in but a variety and range of contexts occur.
    Knowledge-4-Broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
    Information processing-3-Interpretation of available information
    Problem Solving-4-A range of sometimes innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problem, based on informed judgement
    Orientation of activities-3-Follows instructions but have some autonomy to make own decisions and give instructions down ward.
    Application of responsibility-3-Under general supervision quality checking
    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: 30 / 9 = 3.3
    Actual level assigned: 3

    Credits

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

    Activity-Hours
    Classroom Teaching-24
    On-The-Job Training-24
    Total-48

    Credits achieved: 48/10 = 4.8
    Credits assigned: 5 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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 
    9. 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.