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: 

Identify and use fibre ropes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253591  Identify and use fibre ropes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
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 is for learners within the mechanical handling (rigging) field and focuses on the competencies which apply to the use fibre ropes.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Identify and explain the application of fibre ropes.
  • Splice, join and inspect fibre ropes.
  • Maintain, care and store fibre ropes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This unit standard has been designed as part of a progression. It is one of a series of unit standards for the mechanical handling qualifications or related engineering environment.

    The credits allocated to this unit standard assume that a learner has already learned to use hand tools in order to apply knowledge and skills in a wide range of workshop processes. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    General guide for scope, context and level for the purpose of learning and assessment:
  • Fibre ropes, inclusive of the range of natural and synthetic types and applications.
  • Joining includes knots, bends and hitches of all types relevant to different industries.
  • Splicing includes methods relevant to different industries (grommet-, long-, short, eye-, back-splices).
  • Inspection and the checking of fibre ropes, includes visual inspection.

    Safe control and storage, include:
  • OHS Act and local authority requirements.
  • Maintaining a record of usage.
  • Care and general storage methods.

    Environment contexts include but are not limited to:
  • Manufacturing and Engineering (Metals, Plastics, Tyre and Rubber, Electrical Power Generation, Automotive Manufacturing).
  • Chemical and Petrochemical.
  • Mining.
  • Transport (Maritime, Road, Rail and Aviation).
  • Civil Engineering and Construction.
  • Food and Beverages.
  • Other engineering-related industry sectors.

    The learner should be able to:
  • Work autonomously with minimal supervision and according to worksite and manufacturer specifications and occupational safety, health and environmental legislation.
  • Work in a workshop, plant or underground environment with varying levels of light, space and safety risks.
  • Work in a team environment.

    Other considerations:

    Work site practices include written and/or verbal procedures, application of preventative measures (in terms of the legislative requirements, example, OHS Act).

    Context:
  • Formal, informal learning and RPL can be obtained for this unit standard.
  • The learner should be assessed under supervision.

    Level:

    Level (for Level 2).

    A learning programme leading to the awarding of this unit standard should develop learners who demonstrate:
  • Ability to carry out moderate tasks that are familiar.
  • Ability to offer a clear choice of routine responses.
  • Basic operational knowledge base as indicated in the embedded knowledge component and that are readily available.
  • An understanding of known solutions to familiar problems with little generation of new ideas.
  • Ability to work under direct supervision with some responsibility. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and explain the application of fibre ropes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various types of fibre ropes and their applications are identified and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Charts and/or calculations must be used in order to select the applicable fibre rope.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of the unsafe use of fibre ropes, is explained and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Splicing and joining methods are explained and demonstrated according to industry practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Terms and definitions used are consistent with generally accepted mechanical handling work-site practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Splice, join and inspect fibre ropes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Methods of splicing and joining fibre ropes are explained in terms of industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods of splicing and joining of fibre ropes are demonstrated according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The splicing method is performed correctly and corresponds with specification and work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The splice is checked for serviceability in accordance with standard regulatory and worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    For the purpose of learning and assessment:
  • Fibre ropes, inclusive of the range of natural and synthetic types and applications.
  • Joining includes knots, bends and hitches of all types relevant to different industries.
  • Splicing includes methods relevant to different industries (grommet-, long-, short, eye-, back-splices).
  • Inspection and the checking of fibre ropes, includes visual inspection.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Maintain, care and store fibre ropes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fibre ropes are stored in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The proper care and storage procedures for fibre ropes in accordance with work site practices, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information regarding the use of the fibre ropes is recorded in accordance with regulations and accepted worksite practice. 


    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 in terms of the criteria laid down by the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names & functions of:
  • Types of fibre ropes.
  • Splicing and joining methods.
  • Splicing and joining tools and equipment.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Different types of applications of fibre ropes.
  • Characteristics of different types of fibre ropes.
  • Common defects.
  • Hazards.

    Sensory cues:
  • Visual observance.
  • Alertness.

    Purpose of:
  • Fibre ropes.
  • Safety checks.
  • Quality checks.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of using incorrect fibre ropes.
  • Implications of ignoring fibre rope defects.
  • Implications of not following fibre rope checking procedures.
  • Implications of not preparing adequately.
  • Implications of not caring for fibre ropes.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Techniques related to the safe use of fibre ropes.
  • Methods for the safe storage of fibre ropes.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Procedures for maintaining and recording the status of fibre ropes and accessories.
  • Quality procedures.
  • Recording and reporting procedures.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards.
  • Driven Machinery Act.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable basic lifting theory related to the safe use of fibre ropes.
  • Calculations related to safe working load (SWL) and safe load limit (SLL).
  • Safety principles governing the use of fibre ropes.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of the load to the use of appropriate fibre ropes.
  • Quality of workmanship. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise problems while splicing and joining fibre ropes.
  • Recognise and solve problems while splicing and joining. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work together with others:
  • Participate in efforts of workgroup. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • Plan the sequence of operations based on job instructions for splicing and joining of fibre ropes appropriately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Interpret information off job instructions and make decisions based on that information.
  • Identify fibre rope defects. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Provide feedback on outcome of work to appropriate personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Relationship between mechanical handling and the broader engineering environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Relationship between mechanical handling and the broader engineering environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following general 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 assessments at title level are 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, directness, authenticity, sufficiency, openness and consistency. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Credits may be obtained by applying to an accredited/approved training provider/institution in order to have prior learning recognised in lieu of past work experience. Past experience must relate to the specific outcomes contained within this unit standard. The ensuing assessment of candidates seeking recognition of prior learning should not be so onerous as to deter them from doing so. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59729   National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.