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 an understanding of the rehabilitation using topsoil process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252714  Demonstrate an understanding of the rehabilitation using topsoil process 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
115635  Demonstrate an understanding of the rehabilitation using topsoil process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard will be useful to people who are responsible for demonstrating an understanding of the rehabilitation process.

People credited with this Unit Standard are able to:
  • Plan and prepare for topsoil stockpiling.
  • Conduct stockpiling.
  • Monitor stockpile activities.

    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 rehabilitation, using topsoil process 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 skills at NQF Level 1
  • Knowledge of in-pit operations at NQF Level 1.
  • Knowledge of plan reading at NQF Level 1.
  • Knowledge of geological and survey data at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare for topsoil stockpiling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Details of shift change is received, interpreted and clarified in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Appropriate type of equipment is selected according to the method of stockpiling and specifications to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of work activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Resources required for the work are coordinated and transported to the work site in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Stockpile materials are accurately identified and allocated to appropriate stockpiles in accordance with mine specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Job instructions are interpreted correctly and the sequence of operations is determined according to operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hazard identification and hazard control are conducted to comply with risk assessment requirements to eliminate, minimise or control risk of ill health and injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Pre-use inspection is conducted in such a way as to identify all equipment defects that may impair production or cause damage to equipment or injury to people. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Defects are reported or rectified as per site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The work area is examined and hazards and defects are reported or rectified in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and defects must include:
  • Large rocks.
  • Overhangs.
  • Bench edges.
  • Power lines.
  • Gassing.
  • Underfoot conditions.
  • Water accumulation.
  • Moving machinery.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Preparation work is performed in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The lockout procedure is described and adhered to in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Machine support procedure is explained and adhered to wherever applicable in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Consequences of inadequate preparation are described in terms of potential effects on safety, health and production. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation must include doing:
  • Lock-out procedure.
  • Work area examination.
  • Pre-use inspection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    Approved supplied personal protective equipment and hygiene consumables usage are explained and adhered to in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 15 
    The use of safety systems are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety system must include:
  • Manual fire extinguisher.
  • Reverse alarm.
  • Rotating flashing light.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct stockpiling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Stockpiles are constructed to appropriate dimensions maintaining soil biota. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment is operated in accordance to manufacturers instructions to avoid damage to stockpile and surrounding sites. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Excessive handling and compaction is minimized to prevent damage to soil structure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Topsoil is segregated from other materials preventing contamination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment, materials and service check is carried out in accordance with the work requirements and site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Warning signals and signs are erected prior to commencement of task in accordance with site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Warning signs and signals are displayed clearly visibly during daylight and night in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Road-building material is applied to the roadways in accordance with site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Roadway dust suppression is carried out in accordance with site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Run-off water is diverted and drained in accordance with site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Reporting and recording are conducted in accordance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reporting and recording must include:
  • Reporting to supervisor.
  • Submitting reports.
  • Logbook entries.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Feedback is provided to the in-coming shift with regard to vehicle condition, environmental Hazards and operational information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Tasks are completed to meet the operational requirements of downstream Operations in terms of quality and completion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    Work methods are applied in order to eliminate, minimise or control the risk of ill-health and injuries in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor stockpile activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Visual inspections of stockpile structures and surrounding areas are carried out in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Possible contaminants are managed and isolated where applicable in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The machine's performance and condition are monitored and hazards and defects are addressed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The machine's performance and condition must include:
  • Rate of consumable usage.
  • Instrument readings to be within limits of manufacturer's specifications.
  • Physical damage.
  • Performance rate as prescribed by manufacturer and mine specified requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The work area is continuously monitored and safety hazards are reported in accordance with the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Occupational environmental elements are monitored and hazards are reported in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Occupational environmental elements should include:
  • Dust.
  • Water.
  • Noise.
  • Illumination.
  • Fire.
  • Weather conditions.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated manner in the context of the unit standard:
  • Legal and site-specific requirements.
  • Requirements for topsoil stockpiling.
  • Methods and procedures of topsoil stockpiling.
  • Hazard and risk identification and mediation.
  • Stockpiling activities.
  • Monitoring stockpiling activities.
  • Relevant legislation.
  • Recording and reporting requirements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The learner demonstrates the understanding that in a mining production environment effective teamwork is of utmost importance in working safely and productively. 

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

    Note: The learner demonstrates understanding that activities, tools and equipment have to be managed effectively in the often isolated mining working environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The learner demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers in the mining working environment, in which team members are dependent upon each other. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: The learner demonstrates and 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 learner demonstrates understanding that various systems contribute to the overall safety and productivity of an underground working environment, and that it is as important to contribute to the efficiency of those systems as to be supported by them, particularly by means of following relevant procedures diligently. 

    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 115635, " Demonstrate an understanding of the rehabilitation using topsoil process", Level 2, 3 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 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.

    Motivation:

    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; Moderate in range.
  • Procedures;Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 1; Closely defined.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Basic processing of readily available information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; Directed with some outonomy.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Under general supervision and quality control.

    Average Level: 18/9 = 2.
    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; 10 Hours.

    Total = 30 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: 30/10 = 3.
    Level 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  59549   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  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. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    3. MMTI Holdings 
    4. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    5. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    6. 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.