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 knowledge and understanding of factors that affect gully stability 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253017  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of factors that affect gully stability 
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 for people who are pursuing a career in Rock Engineering.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the environments in which gullies are used.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the use of gullies in the mining industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of controllable factors that affect gully stability.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of uncontrollable factors that affect gully stability.

    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 and understanding of the interaction between rock strength, stress and fracturing 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 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Outcomes relating to the National Introductory Certificate to Mining and Minerals (NQF Level 1). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the use of gullies in the mining industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The term gully is defined in terms of position and dimension. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Position.
  • Dimension.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The function of gullies is explained according the mine specific use of gullies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Access to the working place.
  • Long-term travelling route.
  • Cleaning of blasted stuff towards tip.
  • Transport of material to the working face.
  • Waterway.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Gully types are sketched and explained according to their mine specific application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Advanced strike gully.
  • Dip gully.
  • Diagonal gully.
  • Strike gully.
  • Wide heading gully.
  • Wide raise.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The critical role played by gullies within the mine specific layout is explained, with the emphasis on rock related hazards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the environments in which gullies are used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different hazards associated with gullies are explained in terms of different geotechnical environments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Gold deposits.
  • Platinum and associated deposits.
  • Diamond deposits.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different hazards associated with gullies are explained in terms of different depth environments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Deep.
  • Intermediate.
  • Shallow.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of uncontrollable factors that affect gully stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mine specific uncontrollable factors are listed and explained in terms of their effect on gully stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Geological structures.
  • Rock types.
  • Stress levels.
  • Seismic activity.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The hazards associated with geological structures are explained for the mine specific geotechnical environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Creation of keyblocks.
  • Blocky ground conditions.
  • Creation of wedges.
  • Poor rock conditions.
  • Ground water.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hazards associated with rock type are explained for the mine specific geotechnical environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Poor ground conditions.
  • Increased stress fracturing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hazards associated with stress are explained for the mine specific geotechnical environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Fracturing.
  • Fracture dip.
  • Fracture strike.
  • Blocky ground conditions.
  • Poor ground conditions.
  • Spalling pillars.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The hazards associated with seismic activity are explained for the mine specific geotechnical environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Sidewall/hangingwall collapse.
  • Siding abutment ejection.
  • Falls of ground.
  • Support failure/collapse.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of controllable factors that affect gully stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Controllable factors that affect gully stability are listed and explained in terms of layout, drilling, blasting and cleaning practices and support. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Gully layout.
  • Drilling and blasting practice.
  • Cleaning practices.
  • Support.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The factors to consider when evaluating gully layout are explained for the mine specific mining method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Presence of siding.
  • Siding depth.
  • Siding/gully face/stope face configurations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hazards associated with incorrect gully layout are explained for the mine specific mining method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stress fracturing.
  • Unsupported spans.
  • Pillar spalling.
  • Support dislodge due to scraping operations.
  • Support dislodge due to sidewall scaling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hazards associated with incorrect drilling and blasting practice are explained for the mine specific practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Damage to hangingwall/sidewall.
  • Creation of blocky ground conditions.
  • Scaling of sidewalls.
  • Falls of ground.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The hazards associated with cleaning practices are explained for the mine specific practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dislodge support due to scraping.
  • Dislodge gully sidewall.
  • Vibrations caused by snatch blocks.
  • Vibrations caused by scraper rope against gully hangingwall.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The hazards associated with incorrect support installation are explained for the mine specific support strategy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Falls of ground.
  • Increased spans.
  • Loss of long-term access.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard 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 unit standard 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.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard 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:
  • The uses of gullies in the mining industry.
  • The environments in which gullies are used.
  • Uncontrollable factors that affect gully stability.
  • Understanding of controllable factors that affect gully stability.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Adherence to safety requirements.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Quality control inspections.
  • Good housekeeping.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Safety, 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 WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to explain the need for increased awareness and efforts in and around the gullies in ensuring the team's safety. 
    		•

    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 other personnel to assist their understanding and acceptance of acceptable gully practices. 
    		•

    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 understanding of the effect of correct gully design and implementation on the safety of workers confirms. 
    		•

    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 3; Well-developed range.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 3; Range of familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Basic processing of readily available information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; A range of known responses to familiar problems, base on limited discretion and judgement.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 2; Directed.
  • 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: = 22/9 = 2.44.
    Actual Level Assigned: = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 16 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 24 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 Hours.

    Total = 40 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: = 40/10 = 4.0.
    Credits Assigned: = 4. 
    		•

    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. 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.