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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Extinguish a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244448  Extinguish a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher 
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  1 
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
119127  Extinguish a fire underground by means of a portable fire extinguisher  Level 1  NQF Level 01  1   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who have to extinguish a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the critical factors pertaining to the extinguishing of a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher.
  • Prepare to extinguish the fire.
  • Extinguish the fire.
  • Perform post-extinguishing 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 being competent to extinguish a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher as part of the mining process.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of persons co-responsible for the safety of an underground workplace 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:
  • Open. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the critical factors pertaining to the extinguishing of a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the extinguishing of a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Spreading/size of fire.
  • No escape way.
  • Harmful gases.
  • 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 work related hazards pertaining to the extinguishing of a fire by means of a portable fire extinguisher, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards must include:
  • Working with hazardous chemicals.
  • Handling heavy material and equipment.
  • Change in direction of air flow.
  • Working in proximity of open flames.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The specified requirements pertaining to the basic principle of operation of the portable fire extinguisher are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various types of fires that could be encountered are listed and the specified requirements pertaining to the substances required to extinguish each type of fire are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to extinguish the fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required fire extinguisher is selected and examined to be ready for operation according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area where the fire is to be extinguished is examined for workplace hazards and such hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Spreading/size of fire.
  • No escape way.
  • Harmful gases.
  • Fire.
  • Exposure to unsafe Electrical connections.
  • Working under unsafe roof or sidewalls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Inadvertent entry of persons into the affected area is prevented according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to extinguish the fire, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include consequences of non-adherence to specified requirements in terms of:
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Readiness of fire extinguisher.
  • Area examination.
  • Preventing inadvertent entry.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Extinguish the fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The fire is extinguished in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Safe positioning.
  • Operation of the fire extinguisher.
  • Method of extinguishing.
  • Precautions taken to prevent re-ignition of the fire.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work-related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards must include:
  • Working with hazardous chemicals.
  • Handling heavy material and equipment.
  • Change in direction of air flow.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Working in proximity of open flames.Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements and promotes effective teamwork. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst extinguishing the fire, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include consequences of non-adherence to specified requirements in terms of:
  • Extinguishing the fire.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform post-extinguishing activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The fire extinguisher is prepared and stored for subsequent use and if defective, it is 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- extinguishing 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:
  • Names & functions of different fire extinguishers.
  • Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties of different fires.
  • Processes and events:
    > Area examination processes.
    > Analysis processes.
    > Problem solving and evaluation processes.
  • 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:
    > Method of extinguishing a fire.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
    > Safety, occupational health and environmental legislation and regulations.
    > Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 timeously extinguishing a fire within 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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 119127, "Extinguish a fire underground by means of a portable fire extinguisher", Level 1, 1 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.

    The following particular issues should be taken into consideration when assessing against this unit standard:
  • The learner will be required to be assessed in a simulated, protected environment.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 1; Limited in range: A limited number of simple skills are required.
  • Procedures; Level 1; The same sequence or takes place again, with no alternatives.
  • Context; Level 1; Only occurs in defined contexts with no variety.
  • Knowledge; Level 1; Limited knowledge is required, mainly the application of simple skills.
  • Information processing; Level 1; The information required for competency can be recalled without any processing.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; The learner will only have to apply given solution to known/familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; Follows instructions.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Under general supervision and quality control.

    Average Level: 12/9 = 1.33.
    Actual Level Assigned: 1.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 6 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 6 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.
  • Total; 12 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 12/10 = 1.2.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 1. 
    		•

    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. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    4. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    5. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    6. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    7. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    8. BOOYSENDAL PLATINUM (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. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    16. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    17. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    18. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    19. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    20. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    21. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    22. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    23. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    24. MMTI Holdings 
    25. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    26. MOTOTOLO MINE 
    27. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    28. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    29. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    30. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    31. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    32. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    33. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    34. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    35. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    36. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    37. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    38. TSHUANA DI SA HWEGO HRD SOLUTIONS 
    39. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    40. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    41. 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.