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: 

Demonstrate understanding of the implementation of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260402  Demonstrate understanding of the implementation of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace 
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 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 useful for people who are required to demonstrate the ability to implement occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a workplace that processes diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the legislative framework of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace.
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to the requirements of a company's occupational health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and codes.
  • Explain the implementation and maintenance of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace.
  • Explain the requirements for handling, storage and prevention of exposure to hazardous substances that may be found in a diamond processing workplace.

    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, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of processing of diamond gemstones in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Security requirements for diamond gemstones in the workplace.
  • Communication and mathematical literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets.

    The occupational health, safety and environmental legislation relevant to a diamond processing workplace must include, but no be limited to:
  • Occupational Health & Safety Act, 1993.
  • National Environmental Management Act 1998.
  • Environmental Conservation Act 1989.
  • Water Act 1956.
  • National Water Act, 1998.
  • Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act 1965.
  • Compensation for Occupational Injuries and diseases Act, 1993. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the legislative framework of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The creation and promulgation of legislation relating to occupational health, safety and environment that applies to a diamond processing workplace is explained in terms of the legislative process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The contravention of legislation is explained in terms of the legal process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Contravention of legislation must include:
  • Criminal liability.
  • Civil liability.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of complying with legislation is explained in terms of the consequences to occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The objectives of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation are explained in terms of workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Applicable legislation is identified and listed according to workplace specific requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the requirements of a company's occupational health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and codes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The statutory requirements are explained in terms of applicability to occupational health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and codes of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Specific requirements are explained with reference to the content, outline and updating of policies, procedures and codes of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of compliance with policies, procedures and codes of practice are explained in terms of occupational health, safety and legislative requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The requirements of occupational health, safety and environmental policies, procedures and codes of practice are communicated to relevant personnel in terms of legislative and specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the implementation and maintenance of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The allocation of resources to implement and maintain occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in a diamond processing workplace is explained in terms of statutory requirements and relevant codes of good practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources must include:
  • Appointments.
  • Roles and Responsibilities of appointed persons.
  • Budget.
  • Materials.
  • Equipment.

    Occupational health, safety and environmental legislation and good practice in a diamond processing workplace must include:
  • Hazard identification and awareness.
  • Posture, seating and bench height.
  • Lighting and light source.
  • Types of light for different processes of examination.
  • Care of loupes and prevention of scratching.
  • Content of compounds for gluing and fixing diamond gemstones.
  • Content of compounds for working in scaiffes.
  • Moving machinery.
  • Electrical cables and connections.
  • Working with sawing and other equipment and the use or absence of guards.
  • Noise.
  • Ventilation and extraction.
  • Temperature and humidity.
  • Laser equipment.
  • Boiling of diamonds, making solutions and compounds, fumes and extraction procedures.
  • Powder collection.
  • Dust control and chips.
  • Hair nets.
  • Loose clothing.
  • Eating in the workplace.
  • The effect of heat on diamonds and equipment.
  • Loss of diamond from equipment whilst polishing or cutting.
  • Explosion of diamonds whilst processing.
  • Management of hazardous substances.
  • Grinding plates for scaiffes.
  • Striping scaiffes.
  • Electrolysis and associated chemicals and compounds for impregnating scaiffes.
  • Housekeeping and cleanliness.
  • Routine maintenance and operator checks.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The requirements to implement occupational health, safety and environmental legislation in the workplace is explained in terms of training and communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The objectives and targets with regard to implementing occupational health, safety and environmental legislation at a workplace are set according to workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Compliance is monitored to ensure implementation and maintenance of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation at the workplace through inspections, measurements, audits and reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The requirements for maintenance and control of documents and records are explained in terms of occupational health, safety and environmental legislation and effective management of a safe and healthy workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of recommending appropriate remedial action to ensure compliance with occupational health, safety and environmental legislation at a workplace is explained in terms of the consequences to occupational health, safety, the environment and business. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the requirements for handling, storage and prevention of exposure to hazardous substances that may be found in a diamond processing workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements for handling, storing and protecting personnel from the dangers of hazardous substances in a diamond processing workplace are explained in terms of the applicable regulations and workplace specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements for handling, storing and protecting personnel from the dangers of hazardous substances must include:
  • Risk assessments.
  • Use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment.
  • Manufacturers specifications and warnings.
  • Storage practices and procedures.
  • Labelling of hazardous substances.
  • Checking databases of hazardous substances.
  • Handling and moving procedures.
  • Training personnel about the hazards of such substances.
  • Maintenance of records.
  • Monitoring the condition of the substances.
  • Disposal of such substances including waste.
  • Provision of medical facilities and treatment in the event of exposure.
  • Use of air extraction equipment.

    Hazardous substances in a diamond processing workplace must include:
  • Dust and chips from diamonds.
  • Asbestos compounds.
  • Processes used to impregnate scaiffes.
  • Glues.
  • Acids (hydrofluoric,sulphuric, nitric).
  • Compounds.
  • Acetones and thinners.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The processes to assess potential risk and exposure to hazardous substances are explained in relation to a diamond processing workplace. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The duties and responsibilities of a person exposed to hazardous substances are explained in terms of legislation and workplace specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The requirements for disposal of hazardous substances are explained in terms of protecting personnel, equipment and the environment. 


    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 existence and promulgation of legislation and associated practices:
  • Different legislation and is application.
  • Assessing risk in a workplace.
  • Translating legislation into workplace procedures and codes of practice.
  • Relevant terminology.
  • Implications of non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Safety of the workplace and environment:
  • Realising the requirements of the law relating to occupational health, safety and the environment.
  • Codes of practice for issue, handling and safeguarding of protective equipment and hazardous substances.
  • Eliminating hazards through application of procedures and practices.
  • Upholding the standards to protect the environment.

    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 IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note: The ability of the learner to understand and implement the requirements of legislation and good practice requires critical and creative thinking to solve problems. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to communicate the requirements of legislation and practice indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the scope of the industry. 

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

    Note: The distinction between the different sections of the legislation and their application in the workplace requires the learner to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to interpret the legislation and practice indicates the learner's ability to analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note: The ability to explain the requirements of legislation and good practice and relate them to the applications in the workplace indicates the learner's ability to communicate effectively through visual and language skills. 

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

    Note: The interpretation of legislation and practice and their importance in maintaining a healthy and safe environment demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the implementation of effective procedures for the safeguarding of people, environment, fellow workers and oneself. 

    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 to reflect on legislation and practice in the context of a workplace shows understanding against a set of related systems, which are dynamic in nature. 

    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:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993.
  • National Environmental Management Act 1998.
  • Environmental Conservation Act 1989.
  • Water Act 1956.
  • National Water Act, 1998.
  • Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act 1965.
  • Compensation for Occupational Injuries and diseases Act, 1993SABS and other accredited standards and quality assurance measures.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Workplace rules and procedures regarding the issue and custody of diamonds and equipment.
  • Occupational Health and Safety risk management programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • User manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • 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  64729   Further Education and Training Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Core  78966   National Certificate: Diamond Design and Evaluation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  78843   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.