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: 

Work in mineral product silos and bins for operational or maintenance purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252234  Work in mineral product silos and bins for operational or maintenance purposes 
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  3 
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 to people who are responsible for working in mineral product bins and silos (the workplace) or are responsible for inspecting the workplace prior to other people doing so.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of working in bins and silos.
  • Prepare to work in bins and silos.
  • Work in bins and silos.
  • Finalise working in bins and silos.

    The skills, 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 skills, knowledge and understanding of working in mineral product bins and silos for operational or maintenance purposes 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:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 1.
  • Occupational Health and Safety at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    In accordance with relevant regulations, learners who wish to be assessed against this unit standard are required to meet personal requirements in respect of:
  • Mental profile (claustrophobia, anxiety etc.)
  • Physical condition
  • Appropriate knowledge of plant, equipment and process

    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 
    Demonstrate an understanding of working in mineral product bins and silos. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of working in bins and silos and the specified requirements for doing so are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specified requirements pertaining to the entry of bins and silos are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The specified personal requirements for personnel working in bins and silos are explained and the candidate's compliance to those requirements established and/or demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal requirements must include the following:
  • Mental profile (claustrophobia, anxiety etc.).
  • Physical condition.
  • Appropriate knowledge of plant, equipment and process.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specific risks pertaining to working in bins and silos are identified and mitigating measures explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specific risks must include the following:
  • Being engulfed by falling material.
  • Sinking into soft material.
  • Fire or explosion (coal bins).
  • Suffocation.
  • Heights.
  • Dust inhalation.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Electricity.
  • Radiation (radioactive level sensors).
  • Reduced visibility.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to work in bins and silos. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter or work in bins and silos is obtained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Entry to the workplace (bins and silos) and the work to be done is planned in conjunction with a responsible person appointed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The bins and silos and associated plant and equipment are locked out in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace is inspected prior to entry to ensure compliance to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Inspection items must include the following:
  • Plant and equipment locked out.
  • Quality of air.
  • Access and lifting equipment.
  • Equipment to be used for doing the work.
  • Electricity supply (low voltage or equipment with transformer).
  • Fire protection equipment (coal bins).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety measures are put into place in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety measures must include the following:
  • Co-worker to stay at entrance while work is being done in bin or silo.
  • Rescue facilities.
  • Attachment points and lanyards for lifting a worker clear from material.
  • Communication facilities (radio).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Personal protective equipment is checked and worn in accordance with specified requirements. The reason for using each item is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal protective equipment must include the following:
  • Overalls.
  • Gloves.
  • Boots.
  • Goggles.
  • Dust mask.
  • Ear protection.
  • Safety harness.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Work in mineral product bins and silos. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The bin or silo is entered in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Contact is maintained with the contact person ("guard") at the entrance at all times and the work is stopped when that person has to leave the workplace for whatever reason. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The worker enters and remains above the highest level of the material in the workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Restraining devices (ropes) are attached in such a manner that the worker cannot fall below the highest level of the material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Tools and equipment are assured against falling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The condition of the workplace is assessed in order to determine the safest way of doing the work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The work is conducted in accordance with the terms of the authorisation (work permit). Any deviation from the terms is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Work is discontinued when the worker becomes exhausted (physically or mentally). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Finalise working in mineral product bins and silos. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cleared material is handled and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are retrieved, checked and stored in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The workplace is closed (locked) in accordance with specified requirements after ensuring that all personnel have vacated the area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Locked out plant and equipment are reinstated in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The workplace is handed over to the operating personnel after it has been inspected and tested in accordance with specified requirements. 


    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 embedded knowledge required for this unit standard is found in Specific Outcome 1. 

    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 candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate 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 candidate 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 health of others.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to use equipment, follow processes and access and record data in a technological environment in accordance with environmental, occupational health and safety requirements. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating 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 and Regulations, 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.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Site-specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    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, then 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 candidate 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 candidate 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 3; Well-developed range.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 2; Routine and familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Basic Operational.
  • Information processing; Level 1; Recall.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 3; Directed, with some autonomy.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Under general supervision and quality control.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for the quantity and quality of output, and possible responsibility for the output of others.

    Average Level: = 19/9 = 2.11.
    Actual level assigned: = 2.

    Credits:

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

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

    Total: 30.

    Credits achieved: = 30/10 = 3.0.
    Credits assigned: = 3. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  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.
     
    NONE 


    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.