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 rock engineering terminology, theory and mensuration 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252834  Demonstrate an understanding of rock engineering terminology, theory and mensuration 
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  4 
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 rock engineering personnel who are responsible for auditing and evaluating excavation and support quality and stability.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of rock engineering terminology.
  • Demonstrate understanding of rock engineering theory.
  • Calculate the area, volume, mass and weight of simple shaped bodies.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the possible consequences of incorrect measurements and/or calculations in strata control. 
    		•

    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:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of rock engineering terminology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rock engineering terminology is defined in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Mass.
  • Gravity.
  • Weight.
  • Stress (virgin, induced, field, compression, tensile, shear).
  • Strain.
  • Deformation.
  • Rock strength.
  • UCS.
  • Elasticity.
  • Convergence.
  • Closure.
  • Fracture zone.
  • Seismic event.
  • Rockburst.
  • Poisson's ratio.
  • Displacement.
  • K-ratio.
  • Sign conventions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate understanding of rock engineering theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rock engineering theory is explained in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Units of measurement (SI).
  • Force.
  • Stress.
  • Strain, Poisson's ratio.
  • Young's Modulus.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Calculate the area, volume, mass and weight of simple shaped bodies and relate them to mining activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The area and volumes of simple shape bodies are calculated in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Circle, square, rectangle, oval, tri-angle.
  • Cubes, cylinders, pyramids.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mass and weight of simple shape bodies are calculated in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Cubes, cylinders, pyramids.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Simple body shapes are related to mining activities in the context of generic mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Tunnels, roadways, boreholes, support units, rock piles, shaft barrels, pillars, falls of ground.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the possible consequences of incorrect measurements and/or calculations in strata control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of correct measurements taken (recorded and reported) is discussed in terms of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The influence of incorrect data supplied is discussed in terms of the future rock engineering designs. 


    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 way in the unit standard:
  • Knowledge relating to basic rock engineering terminology, theory and mensuration:
    > Purpose.
    > Tools, materials and equipment.
    > Methods.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
    > Significant hazards and risks related to rock engineering theory, and mensuration.
    > Safe working practices.
    > Emergency procedures.
  • Applicable statutory requirements:
    > Codes of practice.
    > Competency requirements and restrictions of personnel carrying out basic rock engineering mensuration.
  • Communication:
    > Reporting requirements and ability.
    > Communicating with relevant personnel.
    > Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    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 relate basic roc engineering principals. 
    		•

    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 calculations in an appropriate manner as a team member. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to reconcile the theory with the conrect measuring tools. 
    		•

    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 results of the calculations 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 use of computing instruments indicates effective use of science and technology. 
    		•

    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 simple geometrical shapes in mining activities and apply basic rock engineering principles. 
    		•

    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 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 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.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 4; The skills required are now not only operational, but also require scholastic skills, which need to be applied. They will have a wide variety and are more complex.
  • Procedures; Level 1; The same sequence or procedure takes place again, with no alternatives.
  • 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 to be fully competent.
  • 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 1; Follows instructions.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility towards quantity and quality, i.e. responsible for quantity and quality of item of competence and not the over al output. Sometimes responsible for guidance of others.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Learner's output is quality checked, i.e. on random basis.

    Average Level: 20/9 = 2.22.
    Actual Level Assigned = Level 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 32 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 8 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total: 40 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 40/10 = 4.
    Cedits Assigned = 4. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    4. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    5. 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.