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: 

Make up primer and charge holes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257022  Make up primer and charge holes 
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  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
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 is intended to promote knowledge and understanding of making up primers and charging holes on surface mines and quarries in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of explosives handling, transport and storage.
  • Make up a primer.
  • Prepare to charge shot holes with explosives and accessories.
  • Charge shot holes with explosives.
  • Perform post-charging 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. 
    		•

    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 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of explosives handling, transport and storage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Explosives and accessories are identified in terms of industry standard appearance, packaging and terminology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Identification must include the following:
  • Types of explosives and accessories.
  • Generic and brand name.
  • Packaging codes.
  • Blasting tools and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The handling, transport and storage of explosives and accessories are explained in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specified requirements must include the following:
  • Prevention of accidental detonation.
  • Access to explosives.
  • Separation of explosives and accessories.
  • Transportation.
  • Security.
  • Quantities (transportation, stacking).
  • Storage facilities.
  • Expired and spoiled explosives.
  • Lightning.
  • Treatment and disposal of misfired explosives.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The significant risks associated with the charging of shot holes with explosives and accessories are explained in terms of the environment, loss of production and injury to personnel. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and risks must include:
  • Handling of explosives.
  • Transporting explosives.
  • Preparing explosives.
  • Charging with explosives.
  • Storage of explosives.
  • Working with hazardous chemicals/Explosives. (Material Sefty Data Sheets).
  • Explosives spillages.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Make up primer and charge holes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, in good working order and used in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools, material and equipment required are available in the workplace, in good working order and fit for purpose in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The work area is examined and made safe in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The blast area barricade is installed to prevent inadvertent access in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Explosives and accessories are transported and stored in terms of types and quantities in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare to charge shot holes with explosives and accessories. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, in good working order and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The preparation area is located in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Types of explosives and accessories required are assembled in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    In the event that boosters are used range must include:
  • Quantity of primers required.
  • Correct type.
  • Handling of the detonators.
  • Positioning of the detonators in the boosters. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Quantity of primers required.
  • Handling of the detonators.
  • Method of piercing cartridged explosives.
  • Positioning of detonator inside the cartridge.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Charge shot holes with explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, in good working order and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The depth, diameter and direction of the drilled holes are in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Tape measure.
  • Line and weight.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Holes are charged with explosives and accessories in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Charging must include:
  • Insert primer and ensure correct positioning in the drilled hole.
  • Timing.
  • Mixing of chemicals.
  • Method of charging.
  • Inserting explosives into drilled holes.
  • Quantity per hole.(distance from the top).
  • Stemming.
  • Precautions taken to prevent premature explosions.
  • Dealing with spillage.
  • Ensure that the MMU do not drive over charged or primed holes.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform post-charging activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Excess explosives and accessories are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reports are completed and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements are described in terms of the consequences to safety, occupational health and production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Explosives packaging are dealt with in accordance with specified 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 is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the process:
  • Purpose of making up primers and charging holes on surface mines and quarries.
  • Methods of making up primers and charging holes.
  • Principles related to making up primers and charging holes and equipment used.
  • Relevant terminology and names of systems and major components of equipment.
  • Possible non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to making up primers and charging holes.
  • Safety measures related to making up primers and charging holes in surface mines and quarries.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Applicable statutory requirements:
  • Relevant clauses from applicable acts and regulations.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Support competency requirements and restrictions.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    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 various other workers in the mine or quarry in order to ensure consistent adherence to mine operations and safety. 
    		•

    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 interact with sophisticated equipment related to blasting activities. 
    		•

    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 ability of the learner to understand the relationship between upstream, downstream and associated processes, and the impact that he may have in each 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 
    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, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • 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.
  • 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
    Core  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  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.