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 knowledge and understanding of blasting products and their usage in an underground hard rock environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244429  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of blasting products and their usage in an underground hard rock environment 
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  2 
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 sectors, particularly in the domain of underground hardrock.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the characteristics of explosives and initiation systems.
  • Explain the safe handling and characteristics of blasting products and systems.
  • Explain the application of blasting products and systems.

    The 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 knowledge and understanding of the principles of blasting products and their usage in an underground hard rock environment 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 
    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:
  • Understanding of basic mining terminology 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 characteristics of explosives and initiation systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the terms "explosives" and "initiator" is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of the identification of cartridged, ammonium nitrate, pumpable emulsions and their accessories is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation of the principles of operation of various initiating systems is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Electrical centralised blasting system.
  • Remote controlled mobile (hand held) electric blasting system.
  • Non-electric delay starters.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the safe handling and characteristics of blasting products and systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the characteristics of cartridged, ammonium nitrate, pumpable emulsions and their accessories and how their characteristics determine the application of these explosives is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Solubility in water.
  • Sensitivity to detonation.
  • Generation of fumes, gases and levels of toxicity.
  • Application of different explosives and the effect thereof on safety.
  • Standing time of charged holes.
  • Tamping of charged holes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of the basic principles of the safe handling of explosives and the effects to occupational health, safety and production if the basic principles are not adhered to is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Open flames near explosives.
  • Transporting and storing of different explosives and accessories together.
  • Exposure of explosives and accessories to impact and damage.
  • Explosives in the pathway of moving machinery and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation of the implications of illegally removing, abandoning or hiding explosives and accessories is consistent with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the application of blasting products and systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the application of various blasting products and systems is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Fuses, igniter cord and starters.
  • Electric detonators.
  • Shock tubes.
  • Cartridged explosives.
  • Ammonium nitrate based explosives.
  • Pumpable emulsion explosives.
  • Explosives and accessories not placed in shot holes - secondary blasting.
  • Detonating fuses.
  • Pentolite boosters.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The explanation of the application of various initiating systems is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Electrical centralised blasting system.
  • Remote controlled mobile (hand held) electric blasting system.
  • Non-electric delay starters.
     
    		•


    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.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Characteristics of explosives.
  • Safe handling techniques. 
    		•

    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 understand the potential hazardous nature of explosives and the action required to safeguard persons from explosives. 

    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. ather 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.

    Motivation regarding number of specific outcomes:

    Even though there are less than four specific outcomes in this unit standard it represents a whole competency. It is NOT merely a description of tasks, jobs or procedures but it focuses on outcomes of activity. It also has a broad application across a range of contexts as stipulated in the unit standard.

    In addition this unit standard is considered as a milestone of learning in the sector. It is worth recognizing in its own right, as it is attributable to and achievable by an individual.

    This unit standard is fit-for-purpose for the sector and the specific outcomes jointly meet all the competence requirements of the title of the standard.

    In addition the unit standard has been integrated to avoid artificial distinctions between activities/processes.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 2; The skills required have some variety but are still fairly simple.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Procedure is known and familiar.
  • 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.
  • 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 3; Follows instructions but has some autonomy to make own decisions and give instructions down ward.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Learner's output is quality checked, i.e. on random based.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility towards quantity and quality.

    Average Level: 21/9 = 2.3.
    Actual Level Assigned: 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 10 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 10 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total: 20 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 20/10 = 2.0.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 2. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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. Anglo American Platinum Amendelbult Concentrators 
    4. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    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. BOOYSENDAL PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    11. COLLIERY TRAINING COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    12. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    13. DWARSRIVER CHROME MINE (PTY) LTD 
    14. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    15. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    16. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    17. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    18. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    19. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    20. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    21. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    22. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    23. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    24. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
    25. malandela Training and Development (PTY)LTD 
    26. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    27. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    28. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    29. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    30. MMTI Holdings 
    31. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    32. MOTOTOLO MINE 
    33. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    34. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    35. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    36. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    37. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    38. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    39. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    40. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    41. SETLOBOKGO HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 
    42. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    43. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    44. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    45. TSHUANA DI SA HWEGO HRD SOLUTIONS 
    46. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    47. WESTERN CHROME MINES 
    48. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    49. 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.