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: 

Remove hazardous ground by means of blasting 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257056  Remove hazardous ground by means of blasting 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9714  Remove hazardous ground by means of blasting  Level 2  NQF Level 02  1   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
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.

This unit standard will be applicable to people who are responsible for the removal hazardous ground by means of blasting. Persons not yet competent in the rock breaking certificate are prohibited by Law to remove hazardous ground by means of blasting (Reg. 9.1.1).

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding regarding removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting.
  • Prepare to remove hazardous ground by means of blasting.
  • Remove hazardous ground by means of blasting.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the removal hazardous ground by means of blasting. 
    		•

    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:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    Range: Hazardous ground must include the following:
  • Overhang.
  • Bench edges.
  • Large rocks. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding regarding the removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal and specified requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in the removal hazardous ground by means of blasting and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specified actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems pertaining to the removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sub-standard conditions and problems must include:
  • Overhangs.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of removal hazardous ground by means of blasting to achieving specified production requirements is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hazards and associated risks, pertaining to the removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting are explained.
    The specified actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems pertaining to the removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sub-standard conditions and problems must include:
  • Overhangs.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The specified communication requirements pertaining to the removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Explain the removal of persons from the hazardous area in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The measurement of shot holes are explained in accordance with mine specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The barricading procedure is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The delivery of explosives is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The placing of explosives in shot holes is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Placing of explosives must include the following:
  • Making up of primers.
  • Priming.
  • Charging up.
  • Stemming.
  • Timing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Described consequences to health and safety, and production due to inadequate preparation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to remove hazardous ground by means of blasting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment are verified, examined and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Job instructions are interpreted correctly and the sequence of operations is determined according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hazard identification and hazard control is conducted to comply with risk assessment requirements to eliminate, minimise or control risk of ill health and injuries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pre-use inspection is conducted in such a way as to identify all equipment defects that may impair production or cause damage to equipment or injury to people. Defects are reported or rectified as per site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The work area is examined and hazards and defects are reported or rectified in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards and defects must include the following:
  • Overhangs.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
  • Power lines.
  • Moving machinery.
  • Water accumulations.
  • Poor underfoot conditions.
  • Weather conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Preparation work is performed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Persons are removed from the hazardous area in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Barricades are erected in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Shot holes are measured in accordance with mine specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Explosives delivered to site are checked and stored in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    Explosives are placed in shot holes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Placing of explosives must include the following:
  • Making up of primers.
  • Priming.
  • Charging up.
  • Stemming.
  • Timing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    Shot holes are connected up in accordance with the blast design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 14 
    Over inspection and/or continuity test is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Remove hazardous ground by means of blasting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Persons and equipment are evacuated from the area in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Guards are placed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Placing of guards must include the following:
  • Public roads.
  • Access ways.
  • Railway lines.
  • Rivers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Audible alarm is activated in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Blasting operations are co-ordinate with complimentary operations in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The blast is initiated in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Post-blast inspection is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Post-blast inspection must include the following:
  • Fly rock.
  • Misfires.
  • Dangerous ground.
  • Large rocks.
  • Fire conditions.
  • Fumes, dust and smoke.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Removal of hazardous ground by means of blasting is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Guards are withdrawn in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reporting and recording are conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specified reporting and recording must include the following:
  • Reporting to supervisor.
  • Submitting reports.
  • Logbook entries.
  • Permit documentation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Feedback is provided to the in-coming shift with regard to removal of hazardous ground, environmental hazards and sub-standard conditions in terms of specified requirements. 


    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 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:

    Risks associated with workplace hazards:
  • Overhang.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
  • Environmental conditions e.g. dust, excessive water, visibility.
  • Power lines.
  • Moving machinery.

    Risks associated with work related hazards:
  • Misfires in rocks.
  • Overhang.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
  • Moving machinery.
  • Weather conditions.

    Basic principles of removing of hazardous ground:
  • Monitoring of instruments and safety systems.
  • Manipulation of controls.

    Processes and events:
  • Preparation e.g. pre-use inspection and workplace examination.
  • Erect barricades.
  • Measure shot holes.
  • Check and store delivered explosives.
  • Place explosives in shot holes.
  • Connect and test for continuity.

    Occupational health and safety, and environment:
  • Hazards and risks encountered.
  • Safety systems and health protection.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Environmental protection and pollution controls.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Applicable statutory requirements:
  • Applicable Acts and Regulations.
  • Codes of Practice.
  • Rock breaker competency requirements.

    Communication requirements:
  • Reporting.
  • Liaison with associated operators.
  • Interpreting and implementing instructions. 
    		•

    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 ability of the candidate to identify substandard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment are required, and to communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and the assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

    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 hazards and substandard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The use of science and technology is not relevant for this unit standard. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms his/her understanding of the fact that a specific observation, inference, action or decision may have a devastating effect. 
    		•

    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 9714, "Remove hazardous ground by means of blasting", Level 2, 1 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, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions.

    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.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: Appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  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.