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 holes by means of a hand-held rock drill 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244415  Drill holes by means of a hand-held rock drill 
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  4 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9694  Drill holes by means of a hand-held rock drill machine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who have to drill holes by means of a hand-held rock drill.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the drilling of holes.
  • Prepare for drilling.
  • Drill holes.
  • Perform post-drilling 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 drilling holes by means of a hand-held rock drill as part of the mining process.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of persons responsible for drilling holes by means of a hand-held rock drill 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 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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the drilling of holes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the drilling of holes is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include those relating to:
  • Ground conditions.
  • Support conditions.
  • Rocks that could possibly roll down inclined excavations.
  • Misfires.
  • Fire.
  • Exposure to unsafe Electrical connections.
  • Working under unsafe conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of the significant risks and consequences associated with the work related hazards pertaining to the drilling of holes is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working in steeply inclined excavations.
  • Working in confined areas.
  • Handling heavy material and equipment.
  • Using compressed air/hydropower as energy supply.
  • Working on slippery surfaces.
  • Working in a noisy environment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The basic principle of the operation of the rock drill, air leg, lubricator and the function of the hoses are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specified requirements regarding the possible problems that may be encountered while drilling holes and the methods of dealing with each are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Possible problems must include:
  • Stuck drill steel.
  • Inadequate machine performance.
  • Water in compressed air.
  • Inadequate lubrication.
  • Inadequate air pressure.
  • Inadequate water pressure.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for drilling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is available, in good working order, fit for purpose 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 holes are to be drilled 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.
  • Rocks that could possibly roll down inclined excavations.
  • 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 drilling equipment is assembled according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Assembling must include:
  • Cleaning of components.
  • Lubrication.
  • Connecting and securing.
  • Sequence of connecting.
  • Testing the operational effectiveness of drilling equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to drill holes, 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.
  • Assembly of drilling equipment.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Drill holes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Holes are drilled according to specified requirements in terms of the position, direction, dip, length and continuous examination for possible deteriorating ground conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Holes to be drilled must include:
  • Horizontal holes.
  • Inclined holes.
     
    		•

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working in steeply inclined excavations.
  • Working in confined areas.
  • Handling heavy material and equipment.
  • Using compressed air/hydropower as energy supply.
  • Working on slippery surfaces.
  • Working in a noisy environment.
     
    		•

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Drilled holes are de-sludged according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst drilling holes, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include consequences of non-adherence to specified requirements in terms of:
  • Drilling of holes.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • De-sludging of holes.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform post-drilling 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 according to 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-drilling 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:
  • Drilling 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 
    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 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 understand how correct or incorrect following of the drilling process influences the broader process of mining. 

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 9694, "Drill holes by means of a hand-held rock drill machine", Level 2, 4 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.
    > 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, e.g. Opening valves and adjusting pressure.
  • 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 3; Relevant theoretical knowledge is required to be fully competent.
  • 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; Learner's output is quality control.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility towards quantity and quality.

    Average Level: 19/9 = 2.1.
    Actual Level Assigned: 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 12 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 24 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 Hours.

    Total: 36 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: 36/10 = 3.6
    Actual Credits Assigned: 4. 
    		•

    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. AUCTUS TUTORS (PTY) LTD 
    5. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    6. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    7. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    8. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    9. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    10. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    11. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    12. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    13. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    14. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    15. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    16. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    17. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
    18. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    19. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    20. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    21. MMTI Holdings 
    22. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    23. MOTOTOLO MINE 
    24. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    25. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    26. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    27. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    28. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    29. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    30. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    31. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    32. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    33. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    34. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    35. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    36. 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.