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: 

Maintain grinding medium load in a rod mill 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256697  Maintain grinding medium load in a rod mill 
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  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 will be useful to people who are responsible for maintaining grinding medium load in a rod mill.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to maintaining grinding medium load.
  • Determine rod replacement requirements.
  • Prepare to load rods.
  • Load rods.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the rod loading operation. 
    		•

    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 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to maintaining grinding medium load. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in maintaining the grinding medium load and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of maintaining the grinding medium in a rod mill is explained in terms of achieving specified production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazards and associated risks pertaining to maintaining the grinding medium load are identified through relevant risk assessment procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The actions to be taken should hazards and risks be encountered are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The specifications of the rods and the load are stated in terms of operational requirements and manufacturers design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Lock-out procedures pertaining to the maintenance operation and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The communication requirements pertaining to the maintenance operation and the consequences of non-compliance are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The tools, equipment and auxiliary systems required for the maintenance operation are identified and their functions explained in the minerals processing context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The interlock system pertaining to the maintenance operation is explained in terms of operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The security requirements pertaining to the maintenance operation are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Determine rod replacement requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are verified, examined and used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Workplace hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with recommendations set out in the applicable risk assessment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Lock-out, mill access and exit are conducted in accordance with standard task procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The rod load is examined, worn rods are removed and replacement requirements are determined in accordance with standard task procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Security requirements pertaining to the maintenance operation are met in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Minimum production down time, as a result of the maintenance operation, is ensured through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Occupational safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Reporting requirements are met in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare to load rods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools, equipment and replacement components are verified and examined in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Lock-out procedures pertaining to the loading operation are adhered to in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Workplace hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with recommendations set out in the applicable risk assessment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Security requirements pertaining to the loading operation are met in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Minimum production down time, as a result of the maintenance operation, is ensured through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Occupational safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Load rods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are used in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Loading of rods is in accordance with standard task procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Minimum production down time, as a result of the loading operation, is ensured through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with recommendations set out in the applicable risk assessment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Security requirements pertaining to the loading operation are met in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Problems encountered are dealt with or potential problems explained in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Occupational safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the rod loading operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are dealt with in accordance with prescribed practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Security requirements pertaining to the rod loading operation are met in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Redundant rods are dealt with in accordance with standard task procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The mill is cleared for production in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with plant policy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Reporting and data-recording requirements are met in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 


    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 will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to maintaining grinding medium load in a rod mill:
  • Purpose and importance.
  • Plant, equipment, tools and machinery used.
  • Principal components of plant and equipment.

    Critical factors relating to maintaining grinding medium load in a rod mill:
  • Legal and specified requirements.
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Risk Assessment procedures and actions.
  • Identify the principal components and explain the specification and their functions.
  • Specified communication requirements.
  • Elementary principles of the process.

    Processes and events relating to maintaining grinding medium load in a rod mill:
  • Principles of the process.
  • Preparation.
  • Monitor and control.
  • Operating parameters and control methods.
  • Factors affecting optimum performance.

    Causes and effects (Occupational safety and health):
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Workplace hazards and associated risks.
  • Housekeeping.

    Procedures and techniques relating to maintaining grinding medium load in a rod mill:
  • Methods of collecting, analysing, organising, summarising and presenting data.
  • Fault finding and corrective techniques.
  • Handling procedure and controls.

    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 IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The learner is able to monitor plant and process conditions, identify anomalies and non-conformances and take appropriate action to resolve the issue with regards to maintaining grinding medium load in a rod mill. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The learner contributes effectively to teamwork in the mineral processing plant by contributing to team output and adhering to relevant codes of conduct. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The learner demonstrates the ability to constantly monitor plant and process conditions, record information accurately and interpret plant and process information effectively. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, thus showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The learner interacts confidently with the technology which is used to monitor and control conditions in the minerals processing plant and related systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: The learner understands the synergy between upstream, downstream and parallel processes, and his/her own role with regards to maintaining grinding medium load in a rod mill. 
    		•

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

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives.

    Site Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&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  62769   National Certificate: Mineral Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.