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

Excavate and load material using hydraulic excavator 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257076  Excavate and load material using hydraulic excavator 
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  26 
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
9705  Excavate and load material using Hydraulic Excavator with mass not exceeding 50000 Kg  Level 2  NQF Level 02  26   

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 useful to people who are responsible for excavating and loading material using a hydraulic excavator.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding regarding the excavation and loading of material using a hydraulic excavator.
  • Prepare to excavate and load material.
  • Excavate and load material.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the excavating and loading operation. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding regarding the excavation and loading of material using a hydraulic excavator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal and specified requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment in the excavating and loading process and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The legal and specified requirements must include the following:
  • The lockout procedure.
  • Pre-use inspection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazards and associated risks, pertaining to excavating and loading of material using a hydraulic excavator, identified through specified risk assessment procedures, and the actions to be taken should they be encountered are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The specified principal components of the hydraulic excavator are identified and their functions explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The specified actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems pertaining to the excavating and loading process be encountered, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The specified communication requirements pertaining to the excavating and loading process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The specified operating parameters and control methods and the consequences of not adhering to these are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The specified factors affecting the optimum performance of the excavating and loading process are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to and excavate material. 

    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 are 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:
  • Overhang.
  • Large rocks.
  • Bench edges.
  • Power lines.
  • Moving machinery.
  • Water accumulations.
  • Poor underfoot conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Preparation work is performed and consequences of inadequate preparation are described in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation work must include:
  • Lock-out procedure.
  • Work area examination.
  • Pre-use inspections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The uses of on-board safety systems are explained in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    On-board safety systems must include the following:
  • Automatic on-board or manual fire extinguisher.
  • Emergency stop.
  • Pre-start alarm.
  • Reverse alarm if applicable.
  • Rotating flashing light if applicable.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Excavate and load material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The machine is started up in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The machine operation is conducted and defects are reported or repaired in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The material is excavated and loaded at a rate that is in accordance with the pre-determined target. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The machine operations are co-ordinated in such a manner as to enhance teamwork and avoid conflict within complementary operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Relocation of machine is done in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The machines performance and condition are monitored and hazards and defects are addressed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Machines performance and condition must include the following:
  • Rate of consumable usage.
  • Instrument readings to be within limits of manufacturer's specifications.
  • Physical damages.
  • Performance rate as prescribed by manufacturer and mine specific requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Environmental and health elements are monitored, reported or dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Environmental elements must include the following:
  • Dust.
  • Water.
  • Illumination.
  • Noise.
  • Fire and weather conditions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the excavating and loading operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The excavating and loading operation is stopped in accordance with specified requirements. Specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. 

    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 
    Preparation for maintenance is in accordance with specified requirements. Specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. 

    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 machine condition, 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 is addressed in Specific Outcome 1.

    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:
  • Working in proximity of moving machinery.
  • Pedestrians and other workers.
  • Working in proximity of cables.
  • Hydraulic pressure.
  • Roadway conditions.
  • Access control.
  • Manipulation of controls.
  • Lock out procedure.

    Basic principles of using a hydraulic excavator:
  • Monitoring of instruments, gauges and safety systems.
  • Manipulation of controls.

    Processes and events:
  • Workplace examination.
  • Pre-use inspection of hydraulic excavator.
  • Preparation.
  • Take charge and operate paying attention to the manipulation of the controls, roadway conditions, pedestrians and prevention of injuries and property damage.

    Occupational safety, health 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.
  • Operator 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 9705, "Excavate and load material using Hydraulic Excavator with mass not exceeding 50000 Kg", Level 2, 26 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.

    Motivation for large number of credits:

    The credits allocated to the above unit standards can be justified due to the high level of operating complexity requirements for operating this machinery, the decision making of the operator which needs to happen at any given point during operation which can have detrimental effect on production and safety at any given time if wrong decisions are made. In current practices we have determined that the 230 hours of on-job-training in all the above unit standards is applicable and being practised at industry levels at surface mining operations. 
    		•

    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 
    Elective  90655   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Not Applicable  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.