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: 

Sample stream sediment material for economic and environmental purpose 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376247  Sample stream sediment material for economic and environmental purpose 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  3 
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
9771  Sample stream sediment material for economic and environmental purposes  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding to sample stream sediment material.
  • Plan and prepare to sample stream sediment material.
  • Sample the stream sediment material.
  • Clean up and compile and submit reports. 
    		•

    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 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following range applies to the entire unit standard:
  • This unit standard covers stream sediment sampling exercises and the collecting of sample material by means of mechanical or manual devices, excluding toxic contaminated areas. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding to sample stream-sediment material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal aspects are described pertaining to safety and environmental considerations during a stream sampling activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The techniques and equipment that can be utilised are described to sample stream sediment material in accordance with site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Hand scoops.
  • Excavators, such as mechanical back-actors/front-end loaders for bulk sampling.
  • Auger drills.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The appropriate sampling procedure to be used is explained in terms of the scientific principles and the effect on the interpretation of the sampling results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The contents and requirements of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential effect on the sampling procedure and sampling results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effect on the occupational health and safety of personnel is explained if the required health and safety procedures are not adhered too. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The characteristics of the surface environment are described in terms of the geomorphology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Weathered consolidated/unconsolidated soils.
  • Rock debris.
  • Drainage systems of perennial and non-perennial streams and/or rivers in the sampling.
  • Area.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan stream sediment material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, when required, is obtained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the sampling procedure are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace details are determined and verified in accordance with the work instruction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Locality and accessibility.
  • Grid/line pattern, orientation and intervals when sampling on a grid pattern.
  • Surface geological and topographical features.
  • Starting point.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The accessibility and suitability of the stream sampling area is verified and actions to be taken in the event of encountering anomalies are in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Uncleared vegetation.
  • Rapid flowing water.
  • Unsuitable for stream sediment sampling procedures (outcrop material over the majority of the area).
  • Slopes and gradients.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Include any one or a combination of the following:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor visibility.
  • Broken rock.
  • Excessive accumulation of surface water and water depth.
  • Excessive topographical gradients and rapids.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning)
  • Dangerous reptiles/animals.
  • Poisonous insects.
  • Chemical and solid mineral matter contamination.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Sample the stream sediment material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    It must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and spinal injuries.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Diseases, such as bilharzia, tick fever and typhoid.
  • Snake and insect bites.
  • Communication failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools and equipment required for stream sediment sampling are used in accordance with accepted procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct identification and recording of all the stream sediment types are conducted in accordance with accepted geological principles and nomenclature. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include the following:
  • Sediment type and geological characteristics.
  • Lithological types, if limited solid material is collected.
  • Locality/reference point.
  • Method of sample collection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The representative stream sediment sample material is collected in accordance with the work instruction and accepted sampling methods by using the required tools, materials and equipment in an appropriate manner under safe and healthy. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The collected stream sediment sample is bagged and labelled in accordance with the work instruction and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The surface geographical position is marked, when required, in accordance with the accuracy required and the work instruction and specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include an approved marker of the following kind:
  • Stacked beacon with location identification.
  • Wooden peg with location identification.
  • Metal rod with location identification.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Clean up and compile a report. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned and ensured for future use in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The accepted stream sediment sample handling procedures are adhered to in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The report(s) are compiled in the required format and submitted to the relevant personnel in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel in accordance with 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 by 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 context of the unit standard:
  • The cognitive ability to read and interpret geological and topographical maps, aerial photographs and water flow patterns.
  • The ability to recognise surface geological and topographical features from aerial photographs and ortho-photographs.
  • The legal requirements regarding access and the removal of stream sediment material in terms of the current legislation.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that effects the accuracy of the sampling procedure and analytical results.
  • The correct and appropriate stream sampling methods and how bias can affect the reliability of the geological information and subsequent strategic decision making processes. 
    		•

    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 cognitive ability of the learner to identify and locate sediment traps contributes to his problem solving ability.
  • The ability to effectively identify and reconcile deviations between the information on a map and actual conditions on the ground will indicate the learner's problem solving capabilities by using critical and creative thinking to make decisions. The identification of potentially hazardous and/or sub-standard conditions in contaminated areas and the application of effective corrective measures will indicate the learner's problem solving ability and the decision making process applied. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request permission to enter the work place (surface owners, restricted areas), when and if required, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organizational environment. The effective evacuation of personnel from contaminated areas, where required, will indicate the learner's relationship with team members. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The effective preparation of the planned access route and the identification of potential constraints will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her work environment. The selecting of the appropriate sampling equipment, tools and material for the specific sampling procedure will indicate that the learner can manage and organise activities responsibly and effectively. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to reconcile actual topographical features on surface with map data will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and 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 recording of anomalous conditions and the reporting thereof in the correct format will indicate the learner's efficiency in the mode of written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to obtain permission to enter the work place, reporting of, and managing of actual and potential hazardous and sub-standard 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 effective interpretation of map data and the correct use of tools and equipment to take samples correctly and effectively in accordance with accepted sampling procedures will indicate the learner's application of science and technology.The rehabilitation of the sampling area in accordance with the relevant legislation will indicate the learner's responsibility towards the environment and health of others. The identification of hazardous and sub-standard conditions that can have an effect on the environment and the health of others indicate his responsible behaviour in these circumstances. 
    		•

    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 identify anomalous field conditions and to deal with these conditions by applying problem solving techniques will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken have more than one 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 ID 9771, "Sample stream sediment material for economic and environmental purposes", Level 3, 15 credits.

    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

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

    Legal:
  • Minerals Act and Regulations 50/1991.
  • Mine Health and Safety Act 29/1996.
  • Site Specific Environmental Management Programme and Rehabilitation Plan.

    Site Specific:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.

    Sampling Area can be any one or a combination of the following:
  • Riverbank and/or over-bank area at regular or irregular sampling intervals.
  • Single line section with incremental sampling.
  • Random sampling at specific reference points.
  • Sub-outcrop. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  77963   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining/Exploration Geology  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.