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: 

Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in coal-mining panels 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253034  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in coal-mining panels 
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 people who are responsible for achieving and maintaining excavation stability with support installation in various coal mining panels.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of support installation to achieve excavation stability.
  • Prepare for support installation.
  • Install support.
  • Conduct a post-installation procedure.

    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 knowledge to achieve and maintain excavation stability with support installation in various coal mining panels 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 the following:
  • Outcomes related to National Introductory Certificate to Mining and Minerals (NQF Level 1).
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 1.
  • Knowledge of strata (identification of strata) at NQF Level 1.
  • Use relevant tools and measuring instruments at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    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 or more of the following ranges of coal mining panels must be selected:
  • Long and short wall coal-mining panels.
  • Bord and pillar coal mining panels.
  • Pillar extraction coal mining panels.

    The learner must do all the generic ranges within the unit standard. The learner must also do at least one or more of the ranges applicable to the different types of coal mining panels listed above where specified within particular assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of support installation to achieve excavation stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The entry procedures are explained in line with mine specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Adverse conditions are explained in terms of the means for recognition and actions for correction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dust.
  • Ventilation.
  • Ground conditions.
  • Harmful gases.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The density and installation of the specified support are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of the support installation are explained in terms of ensuring a safe production environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Long and short wall coal mining panels must include:
  • Purpose of support in long and short wall coal mining panels.
  • Shield types of support used in long wall panels.
  • Purpose of support in bord and pillar coal mining panels.
  • Pillars providing support.

    Pillar extraction coal mining panels must include:
  • Purpose of support in pillar extraction coal mining panels.
  • Goafing and its effect on support and stability of the coal-mining panel.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for support installation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is selected, examined and used in a way that is consistent with its purpose, design and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All tools, material and equipment required for support installation are selected, examined and ensured to be ready for use according to purpose, design and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools, material and equipment are transported in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The work place is examined for substandard conditions and hazards in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Substandard conditions and hazards in the workplace are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of inadequate preparation to install support are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Install support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The temporary support positions are marked off in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The installation procedure for temporary support is conducted according to legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The permanent support positions are marked off in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The installation of the permanent support is conducted according to legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of inadequate support installation are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct a post installation procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality control inspections on support are performed according to operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Quality and monitoring of installation.
  • Spacing of support units.
  • Support failure.
  • Effectiveness or ineffectiveness.
  • Suitability of units installed.
  • Replacement of damaged units.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quality control and identification of anomalous adverse ground conditions are explained in terms of potential hazards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Excessive stress fracturing.
  • Face break.
  • Pillar punching.
  • Floor heave.
  • Goaf hang-ups.
  • Open fractures or joints.
  • Undue support unit failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defective tools and equipment are dealt with according to legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Good housekeeping is practiced according to the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deviating from specific requirements are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 


    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 the knowledge to achieve and maintain excavation stability with support installation.
  • Being able to measure and record support spacing.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues.
    > Safe working practices.
  • Applicable statutory requirements:
    > Codes of practice.
  • 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 WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to achieve and maintain excavation stability with support installation towards the team's safety. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to take measurements on a regular and scheduled basis demonstrates a responsibility towards the safety of the mining operation. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to record and report support installation. 
    		•

    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 with regard to excavation stability and results of measurements. 
    		•

    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 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.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 2; Moderate in range.
  • Procedures; Level 3; Significant choice.
  • Context; Level 3; Range of familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Basic operational.
  • Information processing; Level 1; Recall.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; Directed.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Under general supervision quality checking.

    Average Level: = 2.11.
    Actual Level Assigned: = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 22 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 16 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 Hours.

    Total = 38 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: = 38/10 = 3.8.
    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.