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

Time, connect and initiate a blast of a face 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244457  Time, connect and initiate a blast of a face 
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 3  NQF Level 03  12 
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 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the specified requirements regarding the timing, connecting and initiating of a blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord or shock tube.
  • Prepare to time, connect and initiate the blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord or shock tube.
  • Time, connect and initiate the blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord or shock tube.
  • Perform post-timing, connecting and initiating 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 timing, connecting and initiating of a blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord as part of the mining process.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of persons responsible for timing, connecting and initiating of a blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord 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 2. 
    		•

    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 faces must be selected:
  • Development end face.
  • Stope Face.

    The learner must do the generic ranges within the unit standard and may select to do only the ranges applicable to a stope face or the ranges applicable to a development end face as specified within particular assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the specified requirements regarding the timing, connecting and initiating of a blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord or shock tube. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The explanation of the significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the timing, connecting and initiating of a blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord or shock tube, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must includethose relating to:
  • Ground conditions.
  • Support conditions.
  • Flammable and noxious gases.
  • Accumulation of combustible material.
  • Explosives and accessories remaining on completion of charging operations.
  • 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 work related hazards pertaining to the timing, connecting and initiating of a blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord or shock tube, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards must include:
  • Working with explosives accessories.
  • Working with hazardous chemicals within explosives.
  • Working in steeply inclined excavations.

    Stope face:
  • Working in the proximity of moving machinery.

    Development end face:
  • Working in the proximity of moving rolling stock.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various initiating systems used for blasting with fuses and igniter cord or shock tube are listed and the specified requirements regarding the reasons for applying each type of initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Initiating systems must include:
  • Centralised blasting systems.
  • Non-electric delay starters.
  • Portable shot exploders.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specified requirements pertaining to burning speeds and delay times of accessories used for timing, connecting and initiating a blast of a face with fuses and igniter cord are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Accessories must include:
  • Igniter cord.
  • Fuses.
  • Detonating cord.
  • Starters.
  • Indicators.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The specified requirements pertaining to connecting and initiating a blast in a face with shock tube are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Accessories must include:
  • Shock tube.
  • Starters.
  • Extenders (Lead-in Units).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The meaning of the terms; misfire, socket, timing, connecting and initiating are explained according to specified requirements and the specified requirements in terms of timing patterns are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Timing patterns must include those for:

    Stope face:
  • Reverse pattern timing.
  • Staggered pattern timing.
  • Box pattern timing.
  • Diamond pattern timing.

    Development end face:
  • Burn cut.
  • Drag round.
  • Wedge cut.
  • Sliping.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to time, connect and initiate the blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord or shock tube. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, in good working order and used according to design and 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 blast is to be timed, connected and initiated 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.
  • Flammable and noxious gases.
  • Accumulation of combustible material.
  • Explosives and accessories remaining on completion of charging operations.
  • Fire.
  • Exposure to unsafe Electrical connections.
  • Working under unsafe roof or sidewalls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The required types and quantities of explosives and accessories are selected, examined and transported according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Precautions to prevent inadvertent entry of persons during timing, connecting and initiating are taken according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to time, connect and initiate the blast of a face using fuses and igniter cord, 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.
  • Selection, examination and transportation of explosives and accessories.
  • Precautions to prevent inadvertent entry of persons.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Time, connect and initiate the blast of a face using (a) fuses and igniter cord or (b) shock tube. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    (a)The charged holes are timed and connected according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Timing and connecting must include and is applicable to either a stope face or a development end face:
  • Extension/installation of blasting wires.
  • Length of igniter cord between fuses.
  • Precautions taken to prevent out of sequence firing.
  • Firing sequence of charged holes.
  • Method of connecting the igniter cord to the fuses.
  • Method of cutting igniter cord.
  • Precautions taken to prevent injury to persons.
  • Precautions taken to prevent damage to the accessories used.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    (b)The charged holes are connected according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Connecting must include:
  • Extension/installation of blasting wires.
  • Method of connecting the shock tubes.
  • Method of using extenders/lead-in units.
  • Minimum distance between shock tube blocks/connectors.
  • Precautions taken to prevent cut-offs.
  • Precautions taken to prevent damage to the accessories used.
  • Precautions taken to prevent shrapnel damage to shock tube by the initiating detonator.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are used in accordance to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working with explosives accessories.
  • Working with hazardous chemicals within explosives.
  • Working in steeply inclined excavations.

    Stope face:
  • Working in the proximity of moving machinery.

    Development end face:
  • Working in the proximity of moving rolling stock.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements and promotes effective teamwork. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    (a)The blast is initiated according to specified requirements for fuses and igniter cord. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Connecting to blasting point.
  • Required type of initiator.
  • Adherence to connecting and blasting time schedules.
  • Method of initiation.
  • Precautions taken to prevent injuries and property damage.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    (b)The blast is initiated according to specified requirements for shock tube. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Required type of initiator.
  • Blasting times/schedules.
  • Method of initiation.
  • Precautions taken to prevent injuries to persons.
  • Precautions taken to prevent fires.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst timing, connecting and initiating the blast of a face using electric/electronic delay detonators, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include consequences of non-adherence to specified requirements in terms of:
  • Timing and connecting of charged holes.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • Initiating the blast.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform post-timing, connecting and initiating 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 
    Explosive accessories not used during timing, connecting and initiating are transported and stored according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the consequences to safety, occupational occupational health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst performing post-timing, connecting and initiating 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.
  • Transportation and storage of explosive accessories not used during timing, connecting and initiating.
     
    		•


    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:
  • Timing, connecting and initiation procedures.

    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 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 and to request assistance with making safe in an appropriate manner as a team member. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The preparation for making safe, the learner must indicate what tools and personnel protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: The ability of the learner to reconcile the information from the visual examination 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 identify hazard conditions. The effect of non-compliance and deviation from mine procedures will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken has more than one effect. 

    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; Routine and familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Relevant theoretical knowledge is required to be fully competent.
  • Information processing; Level 3; Interpretation as opposed to basic 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; Directed, with some autonomy.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Learner's output is quality checked.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output, and possible responsibility for the output of others.

    Average Level: 23/9 = 2.5.
    Actual Level Assigned: 3.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 40 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 80 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total: 120 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 120/10 = 12.0.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 12. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58760   National Certificate: Rock Breaking Underground Hard Rock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    8. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    9. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    10. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    11. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    12. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    13. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    14. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    15. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    16. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    17. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    18. MMTI Holdings 
    19. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    20. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    21. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    22. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    23. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    24. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    25. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    26. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    27. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    28. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    29. 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.