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: 

Cut borehole core with a mounted circular saw for logging and sampling purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254534  Cut borehole core with a mounted circular saw for logging and sampling purposes 
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 3  NQF Level 03  2 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
11688  Cut borehole core with a mounted circular saw for logging and sampling purposes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible to cut borehole core with a mounted circular saw for logging and/or sampling purposes.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required for cutting borehole core with a mounted circular saw.
  • Prepare to cut borehole core.
  • Cut and handle borehole core.
  • Clean up and compile and submit reports. 
    		•

    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 outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Prepare borehole core for logging and sampling purposes at NQF Level 2.
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • Tape measuring skills at NQF level 2.
  • Understanding of general legal requirements on Occupational health and safety at NQF Level 2.
  • Introduction to first aid to dress superficial wounds at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is applicable to core diameters that can be man handled. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to cut borehole core with a mounted circular saw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The standard procedure is explained for the use of a mounted circular saw to cut core according to standard operational and manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Set-up cutting equipment.
  • Operational procedure.
  • Inspection of blades.
  • Replacement of blades.
  • Waste cutting fluid management.
  • Relevant safety practices.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The contents of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with its requirements are described in terms of the potential impact on further processing of the core. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of not complying with the relevant and specific statutory regulations are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on safety, equipment and the environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to cut borehole core. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace and cut core, when required, is obtained in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for core cutting are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the requirements of the work instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The core cutting equipment is set up in accordance with standard operational and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water and cutting fluids.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Sharp edges (trays, boxes).
  • Improperly/incorrectly stacked trays/boxes.
  • Sharp core edges.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Spillage of fluids and adverse weather conditions (lightning).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The borehole details are determined, verified and recorded in the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Borehole number.
  • Cutting interval(s).
  • Previous reports relating to the borehole and core-cutting preparation reports.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The core is examined to ensure it is clean and clearly marked for cutting and dirty and/or unmarked core is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Cut and handle borehole core. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for cutting core are used in accordance with the laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The marked core segment is selected and sized to be within the maximum length that can be accommodated by the saw table, orientated according to the cut line and placed on the saw table. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The core is cut along the cut line adhering to Occupational Health and Safety procedures and manufacture's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Broken or friable core segments are handled in an approved manner. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include any one of the following as required in the work instruction:
  • Taping.
  • Epoxy resin.
  • Plastic sleeve.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The saw blade is cleaned when required to ensure optimum cut efficiency by use of an approved medium according to manufacturers specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Before cutting.
  • During cutting.
  • After cutting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The cut core is replaced in the core box/tray in the correct position and orientation according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Inhalation of noxious and toxic gases.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The core boxes/trays are dealt with in accordance with the work instruction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include one of:
  • Stored.
  • Transported.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Clean up and compile and submit reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned, and ensured to be ready for future use in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned to comply with documented and recognised good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reports are compiled and submitted in the required format and in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, when required as per laid down procedures. 


    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 as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • The ability to set up and operate a powered mounted circular saw.
  • The legal requirements to the correct use of personal protective equipment and the effect on the health and safety of the individual.
  • The ability to handle and cut broken and friable core sections.
  • An understanding that incorrect core cutting and handling can have a significant negative effect on any logging or sampling of the borehole core where this data is utilised for geological modelling purposes and resource/reserve estimations. 
    		•

    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 cognitive ability of the candidate to identify, verify and report various potential anomalous conditions and deviations in the laid out core material will indicate the candidate's proficiency in problem solving, although it is not the responsibility to make decisions by using critical and creative thinking processes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The cognitive ability of the candidate to interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance, when required, in an appropriate manner indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. Other personnel will use the cut core and his/her standard of work performance will affect the efficiency of the team or group as a whole. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The correct set up and inspection of the cutting equipment, identification of the marked core segments for cutting and the correct handling of broken/friable core will indicate the candidate's ability to organise and manage their work activities. These activities are managed within set legal and time constraints. 
    		•

    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 reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective oral communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note:
  • The correct use of tools and equipment within the constraints of the manufacture's specifications, safety procedures and approved cutting fluids will indicate that the candidate is showing responsibility towards the environment and the safety and health of others. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 11688, "Cut borehole core with a mounted circular saw for logging and sampling purposes", Level 3, 2 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Minerals Act and Regulations 50/1991.
  • Mine Health and Safety Act 29/1996.

    Site Specific:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.

    Tools, material and equipment can include the following:
  • Mounted circular saw.
  • Measuring tape.
  • Cleansing liquids and/or fluids and material.
  • Drying materials and equipment.
  • Various saw blade types.
  • Blade dressing material.
  • Binding tape.
  • Epoxy mix.
  • Blade mounting spanners.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Core containers.
  • Hammers.

    A Core Segment:
  • A core segment is a piece of core of varying length that was marked-off for cutting. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  60349   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  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. CADDIS TRADING CC 
    2. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (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.