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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Take representative samples of slurries and liquids in a metallurgical process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256596  Take representative samples of slurries and liquids in a metallurgical process 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9624  Take representative samples of slurries and liquids in a metallurgical process  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful for people who are required to take representative samples in a metallurgical process.

This unit standard is intended to promote general skills in and knowledge of taking representative samples in a metallurgical process in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to the taking of representative slurry and liquid samples in a metallurgical process.
  • Prepare to and take representative samples. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This competence applies to metallurgical processes in the mining industry. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to the taking of representative samples in a metallurgical process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazards and risks pertaining to the sampling process are identified and explained in terms of team safety, health and environmental issues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate preventative measures are described in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for taking samples are explained in terms of process control, analysis required and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The operation of equipment required for sampling liquids and slurries is described with reference to obtaining a representative sample. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The principles of sampling liquids and slurries are explained with reference to obtaining a representative sample. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles must include:
  • Size of increment.
  • Frequency of increment.
  • Location of sampling point.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Security procedures are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The interlock systems and lockout procedures pertaining to the taking of samples are listed in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Common problems are explained in terms of their effect on the process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common problems must include:
  • Contamination.
  • Sample identification.
  • Blockage of sampling equipment.
  • Power failures.
  • Incorrect calibration.
  • Lack of maintenance.
  • Incorrect sampling equipment/method.
  • Spillage/loss of sample.
  • Transport of sample.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Appropriate preventative or corrective actions to address common problems are described and/or applied in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The consequences of non-compliance with specified requirements are explained with respect to personal and team health and safety, impact on the environment, production, costs and lost time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to and take representative samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective, safety and lockout equipment is used and maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools and equipment to be used are identified, verified, used and maintained in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Authority to proceed with the sampling process is obtained in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Representative samples are taken in accordance with operational requirements to meet sampling, security, safety, health and environmental standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety, health and environmental issues must include:
  • Housekeeping.
  • Waste disposal.
  • Storage.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Data is recorded and handled in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The samples are handled and forwarded to the next processing step in accordance with operational requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against 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 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be addressed in this unit standard in an integrated manner:

    Knowledge related to taking representative samples of slurries and liquids in a metallurgical process:
  • Reasons for taking sample.
  • Operation principles of equipment required for sampling liquids and slurries.
  • Principles of sampling liquids and slurries are explained.
  • Security procedures.
  • Common problems and solutions.
  • Use and care of Tools and equipment.

    Critical factors and functions relating to the process:
  • Safety, health and risk management requirements.
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Emergency procedures.
  • Security requirements.
  • Specified communication requirements.

    Processes and events:
  • Process flow and interlock systems.
  • Factors affecting the performance of the process.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Condition of safety devices.
  • Utilisation of process equipment and consumables.
  • Workplace hazards and associated risks.
  • Effective communication.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Methods of collecting and analysing, organising, summarising and presenting data.
  • Fault finding and correction technique.
  • Quality related procedures.
  • Operating procedure.

    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 
    The learners ability to work to high levels of accuracy and inconsistency will contribute to the overall performance of the laboratory team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner's ability to follow work procedures closely, adhering meticulously to relevant procedures when taking representative samples of slurries and liquids in a metallurgical process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner's ability to keep accurate records and make accurate entries into the relevant log sheets. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner's ability to use and interact with technologically advanced procedures and equipment in a modern laboratory environment when taking representative samples of slurries and liquids in a metallurgical process. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is aware that in the mining (refining) industry various systems are dependent on each other, and accepts responsibility in that regard. 

    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 9624, "Take representative samples of slurries and liquids in a metallurgical process", Level 2, 4 credits.

    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 and Safety Act and Regulations and Minerals Act and Regulations.
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    Site-Specific
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH and S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64949   National Certificate: Laboratory Practice  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  59305   National Certificate: Mineral Processing  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.
     
    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.