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: 

Support an underground working place by means of area coverage of the rock surface 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244370  Support an underground working place by means of area coverage of the rock surface 
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  8 
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 people who have to support an underground working place by means of rock surface covering.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the specified requirements pertaining to supporting an underground working place by means of rock surface covering.
  • Prepare to support an underground working place by means of rock surface covering.
  • Support an underground working place by means of rock surface covering.
  • Perform post-supporting activities.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard contribute to social and economic transformation and the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector by supporting an underground working place by means of rock surface covering as part of the mining process.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of persons responsible for supporting an underground working place by means of rock surface covering in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable, competent and informed workers. 
    		•

    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 occupational health and safety practices underground at NQF Level 1.
  • Lift and move a heavy load at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    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.

    At least one out of the following range of rock surface covering support must be selected:
  • Sets.
  • Wire mesh and lacing.
  • Thin-sprayed lining.

    The learner must do the generic ranges within the unit standard and may select to do only the ranges applicable to sets or wire mesh and lacing or the ranges applicable to thin-sprayed lining as specified within particular assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the specified requirements pertaining to supporting an underground working place by means of rock surface covering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to supporting an underground working place by means of rock surface covering are according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include those relating to:
  • Ground conditions.
  • Support conditions.
  • Excessive heat.
  • Dust.
  • Insufficient airflow.
  • Misfires.
  • Fire.
  • Exposure to unsafe Electrical connections.
  • Working under unsafe roof or sidewalls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of the significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to supporting an underground working place by means of rock surface covering are according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working at heights.
  • Working in the proximity of moving rolling stock.
  • Handling heavy material and equipment.
  • Placement and stacking of material and equipment.

    Wire mesh and lacing:
  • Working with ropes that have protruding wire strands.
  • Tensioning of lacing.

    Thin-sprayed lining:
  • Working with equipment and spray under pressure.
  • Inadvertent manipulation of controls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation of rock surface covering support specifications is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specifications must include:

    Sets:
  • The purpose of installing sets in an underground workplace.

    Wire mesh and lacing:
  • The support pattern for the installation of wire mesh and lacing.

    Thin-sprayed lining:
  • Basic principles of thin-sprayed lining support.
  • Thickness.
  • Coverage.
  • Timeousness.
  • Strength and composition.
  • Monitoring.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to support an underground working place by means of rock surface covering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material and equipment are available in the workplace, fit for purpose and in good working order according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area where the sets are to be installed is examined for workplace hazards and such hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include those relating to:
  • Ground conditions.
  • Support conditions.
  • Excessive heat.
  • Dust.
  • Insufficient airflow.
  • Misfires.
  • Fire.
  • Exposure to unsafe Electrical connections.
  • Working under unsafe roof or sidewalls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools, material and equipment are transported, positioned and material and equipment are stacked according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The area that is to be supported is safeguarded according to specified requirements to prevent inadvertent entry of persons and moving equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The area that is to be supported is prepared in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations must include:
  • Removal of obstructions.
  • Electrical cable suspension.
  • Air and water column suspension.
  • Ventilation columns suspension.

    Sets:
  • Cleanliness of footwall.
  • Vent door clearances.
  • Height and side clearances.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to support an underground working place by means of rock surface covering, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include consequences of non-adherence to specified requirements in terms of:
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Selection and examination of tools, material and equipment.
  • Area examination.
  • Transportation and positioning of tools, material and equipment and stacking of material and equipment.
  • Safeguarding the area.
  • Area preparation.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Support an underground working place by means of rock surface covering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The underground working place is supported in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:

    Sets:
  • Erecting of scaffolding where required.
  • Lifting and placement of material.
  • Positions and distances.
  • Securing of sets.
  • Vent door clearances.
  • Height and side clearances.

    Wire mesh and lacing:
  • Lace pattern.
  • Securing of wire mesh.
  • Tensioning of lacing.
  • Precautions taken to prevent injuries and property damage.

    Thin-sprayed lining:
  • Sequence.
  • Technique.
  • Operation of controls.
  • Thickness.
  • Setting Times.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools and equipment are used according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work-related hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working at heights.
  • Working in the proximity of moving rolling stock.
  • Handling heavy material and equipment.
  • Placement and stacking of material and equipment.

    Wire mesh and lacing:
  • Working with ropes that have protruding wire strands.
  • Tensioning of lacing.

    Thin-sprayed lining:
  • Working with equipment and spray under pressure.
  • Inadvertent manipulation of controls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements and promotes effective teamwork. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst supporting an underground working place by means of rock surface covering, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include consequences of non-adherence to specified requirements in terms of:
  • Installing sets.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform post-supporting activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reports are completed and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst performing post-supporting activities, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include consequences of non-adherence to specified requirements in terms of:
  • Preparation and storage of tools and equipment for subsequent use.
  • Completion and submission of 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 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Hazards and risks not dealt with.
  • Sub-standard work practices.
  • Sub-standard use of tools and equipment.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Installation and lifting techniques.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Safety, occupational health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Interpersonal interaction with team members. 
    		•

    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 learner 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 learner 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 learner 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 learner 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 occupational health of others.
  • Note: The learner demonstrates an understanding of and ability to use advanced mining technology in terms of production, safety and 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.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to recognise the importance of supporting an underground workplace safely and to understand the consequences of not adhering to standards in terms of the safety of all persons working underground. 
    		•

    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, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS 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 Risks.
  • 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, 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 learner 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 learner 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; Level 2; The skills required have some variety but are still fairly simple.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Although the procedure is known and familiar (as level 1) it is not as repetitive.
  • Context; Level 2; Although the process could occur in different contexts, the contexts are repeatedly applicable and known to the learner.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Relevant theoretical knowledge is required.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Information is readily available but some processing is required.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; The learner will only have to apply given solution to known/familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 2; Follows instructions.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility towards quantity and quality, i.e. responsible for quantity and quality of item of competence and not the over al output.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Learner's output is quality control.

    Average Level: 18/9 = 2.
    Actual Level Assigned: 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 30 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 50 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 Hours.
  • Total; 80 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: 80/10 = 8.0.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 8. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58739   National Certificate: Mining Operations for Underground Hard Rock  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    5. AUCTUS TUTORS (PTY) LTD 
    6. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    7. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    8. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    9. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    10. BLACK MOUNTAIN MINING PTY LTD 
    11. BOOYSENDAL PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    12. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    13. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    14. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    15. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    16. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    17. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    18. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    19. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    20. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    21. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    22. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    23. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    24. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    25. MMTI Holdings 
    26. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    27. MOTOTOLO MINE 
    28. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    29. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    30. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    31. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    32. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    33. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    34. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    35. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    36. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    37. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    38. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    39. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    40. 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.