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: 

Drill small diameter blast holes using a percussion drilling rig and compressor 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230020  Drill small diameter blast holes using a percussion drilling rig and compressor 
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  5 
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 
This unit standard will be useful for persons who intend following a career in the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the domain of cement, lime, aggregates and sand.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of small diameter blasthole drilling.
  • Prepare to drill small diameter blastholes.
  • Drill small diameter blastholes.
  • Finalise drilling operations.

    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 drilling small diameter blast holes using a drilling rig and compressor in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following scope and context applies to the whole unit standard:
  • Percussion drill (Drifter) - 64-104 mm. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the requirements for small diameter blasthole drilling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The operating principle of the drill rig and associated plant and equipment is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Drill rig.
  • Compressor.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The components of the drill rig and associated plant and equipment are identified and their functions explained in commonly used and understood terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Safety systems.
  • Components.
  • Controls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The components of the compressor are identified and their functions explained in commonly used and understood terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Safety systems.
  • Components.
  • Controls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Drilling practices are described in terms of good practice and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Consumables required for drilling are identified and their functions explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Environmental issues and hazards and risks relating to drilling are described in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Description of hazards and risks must include:
  • Noise (hearing).
  • Explosives material.
  • Burst hoses.
  • Air and hoses.
  • Couplings.
  • Compressed air.
  • Dust.
  • Loose clothing.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to drill small diameter blast holes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The blast design layout plan is studied in order to establish drilling requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    PPE is selected, checked and worn and lock-out procedures are followed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-start checks are conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-start checks must include:
  • Compressor.
  • Drill rig.
  • Consumables.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ground area is checked to ensure working conditions comply with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Inspection must include:
  • Misfires and old explosives.
  • High wall stability.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The drill rig is trammed to the bench, moved into position, started up and run to operating state and the drill is positioned and levelled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hazards, risks, emergencies and non-conformances are identified and dealt with, and consequences of inadequate preparation explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Drill small diameter blastholes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The compressor and drill rig are operated in accordance with specified requirements and manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operation of the drill rig must include:
  • Collaring.
  • Retracting of rods.
  • Movement from hole to hole.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazards and risks are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Holes are drilled, drill depth is inspected and measured, holes are secured (plugged) in accordance with the blast design layout plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Samples are collected in accordance with specified requirements if required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Drilling conditions are monitored in accordance with good practice and specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Monitoring must include:
  • Instrument readings.
  • Penetration rate.
  • Replace rods.
  • Add rods.
  • Dust/environmental.
  • Chippings.
  • Water in hole.
  • Cracks, faults.
  • Work area.
  • Illumination (night work).
  • Weather conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Drilling problems are dealt with in accordance with good practice and specified requirements and the consequences of inadequate drilling are explained in terms of productivity and specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problems must include:
  • Bit stuck.
  • Broken bit (tungsten carbide).
  • Rods stuck that won't separate.
  • Rods broken.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Dust extraction and monitoring and operator maintenance are conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Finalise drilling operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hole depths, sampling activities and consumables usage are recorded in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The drill rig and compressor are shut down in accordance with specified requirement and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The drill rig, compressor and associated equipment are inspected and operator maintenance conducted n accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Anomalies and non conformances are reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Consequences of inadequate shutting down and reporting are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Plant and equipment is stored in accordance with specified requirements. 


    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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard:
  • Knowledge relating to the method:

    > Purpose of drilling small diameter blast holes.
    > Small diameter blast hole drilling principles and methods.
    > Typical equipment used and their applications.
    > Relevant terminology and names of systems and components.
    > Possible non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:

    > Significant hazards and risks related to small diameter blast hole drilling, their consequences and mitigating actions.
    > Safety measures related to small diameter blast hole drilling.
    > PPE requirements and the reason for each.
    > Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
    > Emergency procedures.
  • Applicable statutory requirements:

    > Relevant clauses from applicable acts and regulations.
    > Codes of practice.
    > Drill operator competency requirements and restrictions.
  • Communication:

    > Reporting requirements and ability.
    > Communicating with relevant personnel.
    > Liaison wiith associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • The learner is expected to accept and interpret work instructions, and coordinate his/her activities to meet organisational productivity targets. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • The consequences of ineffective work organisation on downstream processes are understood and plans are put in place to ensure that this does not occur. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • The learner is expected to present information and observations to ensure continuity of operations. 
    		•

    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 
    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 and Regulations, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  57121   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Quarrying  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-09-17  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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. AMAMDAWU TRAINING AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    2. Anglo American Platinum Limited - Mogalakwena Mining Training Centre 
    3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    4. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    5. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    6. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    7. BAS COACHING,TRAINING,MARKETING 
    8. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    9. DEI GRATIA TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION 
    10. ELITE OPERATOR AND SKILLS TRAINING 
    11. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    12. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    13. FRASER ALEXANDER PTY LTD 
    14. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    15. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    16. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    17. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    18. JAREMA TRAINING AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    19. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    20. KHUMANI IRON ORE MINE 
    21. KOLOMELA MINE 
    22. KUDUMANE MANGANESE RESOURCES (PTY) LTD 
    23. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    24. Kumba Iron Ore Thabazimbi 
    25. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    26. MEDIRO TRAINING ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    27. MK TRAINING PTY LTD 
    28. MMTI Holdings 
    29. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    30. PMC TRAINING CONSULTANTS AND ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD 
    31. POWERGATE TRAINING PTY LTD 
    32. PPC Ltd 
    33. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    34. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    35. SARCHA TRAINING SOLUTIONS(PTY)LTD 
    36. Sebenzani Nonke Consulting Pty Ltd 
    37. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    38. Test Organisation 
    39. THARISA MINERALS (PTY) LTD 
    40. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    41. TOTAL COVERAGE CONSULTING 
    42. TSHUANA DI SA HWEGO HRD SOLUTIONS 
    43. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    44. ZULEK TRAINING SPECIALISTS 


    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.