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: 

Restore track alignment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119979  Restore track alignment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
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 
The qualifying learner is capable of:

Correctly determining the cause of horizontal and vertical alignment deviations, identifying the appropriate corrective action and applying the appropriate methods in order to restore the alignment.

This Unit Standard will contribute to the full development of a professional community of Rail Construction and Maintenance workers.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the Rail Construction and Maintenance environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2
  • Communication at NQF Level 2
  • Educational and Competency Certificate in overhead track equipment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this Unit Standard:

    Competency must be demonstrated
  • In different weather and environmental conditions
  • Preferably in daytime
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/sidings/private sidings/shed/workshop (might or might not include overhead traction and Railway signalling)
  • Within a specific time span
  • Different site conditions, e.g. cuttings, embankments, multiple lines, tunnels, sites with restricted accessibility etc

    The learner should prove competence in the restoring of track alignment deviations in accordance with the required track standards, on the following:
  • Short rails
  • Continuous welded rails
  • Tangent (Straight) rails
  • Curved rails
  • Turnouts

    Vertical alignment deviations include, but are not limited to:
  • Slack
  • Cross slack
  • Blind slack
  • Joint slack
  • Hump

    Horizontal alignment deviations include:
  • Kinks
  • Kick-outs
  • Track gauge

    The learner should prove competence in the restoration of horizontal and vertical deviations on tracks that have been built with steel, wooden and concrete sleepers. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to restore alignment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information pertaining to the type and location of restoration work is obtained and interpreted from the inspection reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Material, tools and equipment are obtained and verified for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant role-players including team members are informed and made available. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant personal protective equipment is identified and applied at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work environment is safeguarded in accordance with regulations and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Appropriate protection is afforded in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Occupation is taken correctly in accordance with procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Restore vertical alignment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The cause and magnitude of the deviation is determined correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate corrective action is applied according to standard practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct restoring method is applied according to standard practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment is used correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safe working methods and procedures are applied at all times. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Restore horizontal alignment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The cause and magnitude of the deviation is determined correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate corrective action is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct restoring method is applied. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment is used correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safe working methods and procedures are applied. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the restoring process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality of completed work is verified and appropriate corrective action taken where required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measurements are performed in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work site is restored and cleared as per instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Track is declared safe for passage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Protection is withdrawn and occupation cancelled in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Environmental regulations are adhered to at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Relevant documentation is completed and reports accurately and legibly done. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Role-players including team members are informed of the situation on an ongoing basis. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • The relevant ETQA would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this Unit Standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Different types of track alignment deviations
  • Possible causes of track alignment deviations and preventative actions
  • Track maintenance and specifications
  • Track restoring methods
  • Track hand-over procedures
  • Health, Safety and Housekeeping procedures and regulations
  • Environmental regulations and legislation
  • Reporting and documentation requirements and procedures 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Learner and societal development.

    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety in the workplace.
  • Being a team player in the work environment, organisation and in society.
  • Economic impact of rail track operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Learners can solve problems with regard to:
  • Identification of appropriate corrective action to restore alignment.
  • The correctness, quantity and quality of tools, equipment and materials.
  • Failure of equipment.
  • Temperature ranges/weather.
  • Availability of resources.
  • Non-availability of other departments.
  • Quality of restoration work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively with others and in teams when:
  • Relevant role-players are informed and available.
  • Allowing other departments to perform their functions.
  • Occupation is taken and cancelled correctly.
  • Track is declared safe.
  • Appropriate corrective action is implemented and reported to relevant role-players. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Learners can organise and manage one self:
  • By observing and assessing work area to determine magnitude of work.
  • When informing team members of hazards in the work area.
  • When preparing to restore alignment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Observing the work area.
  • Measuring the track and comparing track with track standards.
  • Correctly identifying the cause of deviations and the appropriate corrective action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively by:
  • Completing relevant documentation.
  • Communicating with relevant parties for example, subordinates, technical personnel, etc.
  • Reporting the appropriate corrective action to role-players. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Applying the correct restoring method.
  • Using equipment correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter relatedness of systems.

    Learners can understand:
  • Cause of deviations, including impact of traffic on track.
  • Impact of deviation on track condition.
  • The importance of a well constructed railway track as an integral part of the rail transport system. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49795   National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  61670   Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Construction and Maintenance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    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. R and H Rail (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.