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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of natural (Macro) environmental principles 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243764  Demonstrate an understanding of natural (Macro) environmental principles 
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 1  NQF Level 01  6 
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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
421884  Demonstrate an understanding of natural (Macro) environmental principles  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons who are entering employment and need to have an awareness of the environment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the atmosphere.
  • Explain and discuss macro (natural) environmental factors.
  • Explain and discuss the water cycle and the need for water conservation.
  • Explain and discuss water pollution.
  • Explain and discuss air pollution.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard would contribute to the 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 macro (natural) Environmental Awareness 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:
  • Numeracy and language literacy at ABET Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the atmosphere. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the names of the five main layers of Earth's atmosphere is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of the two most important factors scientists can measure to distinguish the layers is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation of the difference of air pressures at different altitudes above sea level is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the role of ozone in the atmosphere and the effect of certain manmade chemicals (CFCs) on the ozone layer are according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The gases in Earth's atmosphere that can have an influence on weather are identified and are in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Greenhouse gases are named and the manner in which they cause global warming is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain and discuss environmental factors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The identification of the principal macro (natural) environmental factors that can affect well-being in the working place confirms understanding and is in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of the sources of workplace contaminants is according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects that hazardous macro (natural) environmental conditions have on the safety and health of workers are explained in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Temperature.
  • Humidity.
  • Air movement.
  • Contaminants.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of trees and plants in providing oxygen to maintain life on Earth is explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The concept of macro (natural) environment planning is explained according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The role of coal fires in reducing natural resources and increasing pollutants, especially greenhouse gas levels, is explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain and discuss the water cycle and the need for water conservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of rain forests for providing both a source of oxygen and of water is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of inadequate good quality water on vulnerable people is explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity to explain and promote an awareness of water, health and sanitation issues to community members is as per specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the link between polluted water and water shortages is given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The need to conserve water to ensure food security is as per specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Earth's water cycle is described in terms of evaporation and rain, runoff and seepage and potential water losses are identified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain and discuss water pollution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Water pollution - causes, sources and prevention is discussed in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity to monitor the effectiveness of community water, health and sanitation interventions is explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need to monitor water quality and water quantity is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different water and sanitation related disease transmission routes are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The explanation of how water used within an industrial plant can become polluted with waste products is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Disease-producing organisms.
  • Inorganic and organic solids.
  • Chemicals may be added to the water, either in liquid or gaseous form.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A typical water cycle in an industrial process is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Use - treatment - source - treatment - use.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain and discuss air pollution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Air pollution is defined in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • The contamination of the atmosphere with solids, liquids or gases.
  • Substances present in the atmosphere in concentrations great enough to interfere directly or indirectly with man's comfort, safety or health, or with the full use or enjoyment of his property.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of how the degree of air pollution varies is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • According to population density.
  • Industrial development.
  • Geographical situation.
  • Meteorological characteristics.
  • Social and economic structures.
  • Local customs.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Contaminants arising from human activities, which all have clearly defined effects on vegetation, property and local climate and on human health, are explained and are according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Power production.
  • Metallurgical and petrochemical industries.
  • Transport include - sulphur oxides, Nitrogen oxides, Carbon Monoxide and Soot.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect of traffic congestion on pollution levels is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessity to monitor air quality is explained and conforms to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The primary symptoms of the effects of air pollution on humans are given in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dizziness.
  • Headaches.
  • Eyes sore and inflamed.
  • Nasal drip.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Coughing and vomiting.
  • Sore throat.
  • Pains in chest.
  • Lung damage.
  • Poisons swallowed into stomach.
  • Lung cancer.
     
    		•


    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 items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:

    Knowledge and understanding of:
  • The five main layers of the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Difference of air pressure at different altitudes.
  • Temperature inversion.
  • Role of ozone in the atmosphere.
  • Composition of the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Gases in the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Greenhouse gases and their effect.

    Purpose of:
  • Environmental planning.
  • Prevention of coastal erosion.
  • Maintenance of wetlands.
  • Prevention of marine pollution.
  • The water cycle and water conservation.
  • Prevention of water pollution.
  • Prevention of air pollution.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Hazardous environmental conditions e.g. temperature, humidity, air movement and contaminants.
  • Biological environmental factors e.g. fungi, bacteria, algae and viruses.
  • Water pollution.
  • Air pollution. 
    		•

    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 anomalous conditions and deviations in environmental conditions in the working place and reporting contributes to his/her problem solving ability. 
    		•

    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 and to delegate work instructions, in an appropriate manner, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • The ability of the candidate to recognise and be aware of the environmental conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • The understanding of measuring and monitoring strategies requires the individual to communicate effectively with other groups. 
    		•

    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
    Core  58267   General Education and Training Certificate: Mining and Minerals Processes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    4. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    5. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    6. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    7. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    8. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    9. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    10. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    11. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    12. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    13. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    14. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    15. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
    16. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    17. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    18. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    19. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    20. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    21. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    22. PPC Ltd 
    23. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    24. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    25. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    26. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    27. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    28. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (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.