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: 

Flux samples in preparation for the fire assay fusion 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256626  Flux samples in preparation for the fire assay fusion 
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  6 
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
9744  Flux samples in preparation for the fire assay fusion  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are required to flux samples in preparation for fusion. It will apply to laboratory personnel on a precious metal mine.

This unit standard is intended to promote general skills and knowledge of fluxing samples in preparation for fusion in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to occupational health, safety and environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to fluxing.
  • Flux samples in preparation for fusion.
  • Explain or deal with problems relating to fluxing. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard is applicable to the fluxing of material containing any of the precious metals. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate and apply knowledge relating to occupational health, safety and environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazards and risks pertaining to the process are identified and explained with reference to health and safety and environmental impact in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate preventive actions are described in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personal protective and safety equipment required are examined, verified and used in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The work is conducted to meet health, safety and environmental standards in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Housekeeping.
  • Waste disposal.
  • Storage.
  • The control of dust and spillage.
  • Personal Hygiene.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of non-compliance with specified requirements are explained with respect to personal and team health and safety and impact on the environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to fluxing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The use of each flux reagent is explained with reference to its primary purpose during the fusion process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need for different fluxes is explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The purpose of including control samples and replicates is explained in terms of maintaining process and quality control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of fluxing is explained in terms of the fire assay process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Preparation for fusion by fluxing samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is used in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment must include:
  • Balance.
  • Crucibles.
  • Mixing equipment.
  • Extraction equipment.
  • Spatula.
  • Dispenser.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of cleanliness of equipment is explained with reference to the risk of contamination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sample is visually inspected and verified prior to fluxing in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The sample and flux are mixed in accordance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Quantity and type appropriate to sample type and mass.
  • Mixture of sample and flux homogeneous in appearance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Fluxed samples and controls are sequenced, coded and recorded according to operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of sequencing in the fluxing process and the use of an identification pattern is explained with reference to maintaining unique sample identification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Fluxing is performed in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Data is recorded in accordance with operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain or deal with problems relating to fluxing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for checking the flux and performing blank determinations are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Homogeneity.
  • Contamination.
  • Mass of button.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of incorrect measurements and ineffective mixing are explained in terms of the effect on the assay process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The work is conducted in a manner that prevents problems relating to a smooth flow of work throughout the process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Problems relating to production, costs, lost time and turnaround time for analytical results are identified, explained and dealt with 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 
    The following essential embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated manner in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to fluxing samples in preparation for fire assay fusion:
  • The purpose of fluxing.
  • The need and use for different fluxes.
  • The purpose of including control samples.
  • Equipment used for fluxing.
  • The importance of cleanliness of 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 learner's 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 fluxing samples in preparation for fire assay fusion. 

    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 fluxing samples in preparation for fire assay fusion. 

    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 9744, "Flux samples in preparation for the fire assay fusion", Level 2, 6 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 


    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.