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: 

Operate adjustable tangs for polishing diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253808  Operate adjustable tangs for polishing diamond gemstones 
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 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to operate adjustable tangs in order to polish diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Identify the equipment and tools required to level tangs for polishing diamond gemstones and describe their application.
  • Level tangs with a bench and a scaiffe.
  • Operate adjustable tangs to polish the required facet of a diamond gemstone.
  • Conduct post tang-operating 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, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry 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:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Operating a scaiffe to polish diamonds. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify the equipment and tools required to level tangs for polishing diamond gemstones and describe their application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The equipment and tools required to level tangs are identified and their functions are described in terms of key features, applications and methods for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance for the bench, scaiffe, sleigh and tangs to be level is explained in relation to the polishing of diamond gemstones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Practices are explained to maintain good housekeeping, safety in the workplace and care of equipment in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequence of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and productivity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Level tangs with a bench and a scaiffe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and applied according to required standards of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The bench and scaiffe to be used are checked to ensure they are level. Remedial action is taken, where necessary, to ensure bench and scaiffe are level, in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sleighs are set level to the scaiffe and their height checked. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tang legs are adjusted until the tangs are set level with the scaiffe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The tang levels are tested to ensure they are level when used in different positions. Remedial action is taken to set the tangs level with the scaiffe. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different positions for tangs must ensure 360° rotation without taking a facet.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate adjustable tangs to polish the required facet of a diamond gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The bench, scaiffe and tangs, once levelled, are prepared for polishing in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tang is adjusted to the appropriate setting to polish the facet required to meet defined quality and output standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defined quality and output standards will be found in the employer's:
  • Work specifications.
  • Tariff agreements.
  • Parcel instructions.
  • Policies and Procedures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tang is frequently checked for any defects or deviations from setting during the polishing process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tangs are adjusted and set for the various facets required during the operation of polishing diamond gemstones. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post tang-operating activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The diamond gemstone is examined after the facet is polished and inspected for quality of finish in relation to workplace specifications. Remedial action is taken, where necessary, in line with workplace specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after operating tangs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean the operator's workplace of dust and lose particles.
  • Replace tools and equipment into correct storage facilities.
  • Return any equipment needing maintenance to the appropriate workshop/facility.
  • Maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Report that the tangs have been operated appropriately and stones handed over in accordance with workplace specific procedures. 


    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 with 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:

    Knowledge relating to the properties of a scaiffe:
  • Understanding the various components of a polishing bench.
  • The interdependence of the components in making the scaiffe suitable for polishing.
  • Importance of equipment being level for polishing.
  • Importance of tags being set correctly to polish the required facet.
  • Appreciating the activities of polishing that can influence the levels of equipment.
  • Awareness of the damage to a diamond that can be caused by equipment that is not level or set correctly.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to gemstone processing, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond processing.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during processing.
  • Importance of care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison between personnel in various functions. 
    		•

    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 candidate to take remedial action when the levels of the polishing equipment or setting of the tang are not suitable and take appropriate remedial action. 
    		•

    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 interact with other members in the workplace to acquire information and insight about operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to collect and collate information in order to understand why tangs are not level or why settings have changed and to use that information to adjust the equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to explain the operation and settings of tangs for polishing indicates the candidate's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to apply fundamental concepts of science to be able to set tangs for polishing. 
    		•

    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:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 4; Wide ranging technical skills.
  • Procedures; Level 4; Considerable choice of settings to apply.
  • Context; Level 4; Variety of familiar and unfamiliar.
  • Knowledge; Level 4; Broad knowledge base and theoretical concepts.
  • Information processing; Level 4; Basic analytical interpretation of information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; A range of known responses to familiar problems, based on limited discretion and judgement.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 4; Self directed.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 5; Within broad, general guidelines.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of own output.

    Average Level: 35/9 = 3.888.
    Actual Level Assigned = 4.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:

    Classroom Teaching; 6 hours.
    On-The-Job Training; 20 hours.
    Mentoring required; 20 hours.
    Other (Home study); 0 hours.

    Total: 46 hours.

    Credits achieved: 46/10 = 4.6.
    Credits assigned = 5. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59851   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  64729   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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. DE BEERS SIGHTHOLDER SALES SOUTH AFRICA PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    2. DIAMOND EDUCATION COLLEGE CC 
    3. HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND TRAINING SCHOOL NPC 
    4. NLP MINERALS COLLEGE 
    5. SOWETO DIAMOND ACADEMY 
    6. THE KIMBERLEY INTERNATIONAL DIAMONDAND JEWELLERY ACADEMY 
    7. ZUREL PRIVATE COLLEGE 


    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.