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: 

Separate liquid from solids by means of a thickener 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9024  Separate liquid from solids by means of a thickener 
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  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2007-10-30  2007-11-28  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-11-28   2011-11-28  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
252282  Thicken slurry in a metallurgical plant  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for separating liquid and solids by means of a thickener.

People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to the thickening process;
  • Prepare to separate liquid and solids;
  • Separate liquid and solids; and
  • Complete duties pertaining to the thickening process. 
    		•

    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 outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Literacy and numeracy at ABET 3 or equivalent
  • Handling applicable hazardous substances safely
  • Making up a reagent
  • Using measuring instrumentation
  • Applying applicable sampling methods
  • Operating centrifugal pumps
  • Operating reagent pumps. 
    		•

    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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to the thickening process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The legal and specified requirements pertaining to the thickening process and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The importance of separating liquid and solids by means of a thickener in terms of achieving specified production requirements and up- and down stream operational requirements is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Hazards and associated risks, pertaining to the thickening process, identified through specified risk assessment procedures, and the actions to be taken should they be encountered are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The principal components of the thickening process are identified and their functions explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Principal components must include:
  • Thickener components,
  • Auxiliary systems,
  • Safety devices,
  • Interlock systems. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    5. Specified lock-out procedures pertaining to the thickening system and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    6. The specified communication requirements pertaining to the thickening process and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    7. The specified colour coding and symbolic signs pertaining to the thickening process are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    8. The specified operating parameters and control methods and the consequences of not adhering to these are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    9. The factors affecting the optimum performance of the thickening process are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    10. The elementary principles of the thickening process are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    11. The procedures to prepare and lock out the thickener for maintenance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 13 
    12. The specified actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems be encountered, are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to separate liquid and solids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Workplace hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The thickening system is examined and substandard conditions are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The specified security requirements pertaining to the thickening system are explained and met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Separate liquid and solids. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The start-up of the thickening process is in accordance with specified requirements. In the event of a continuous operation the start-up is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The thickening process is monitored and controlled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Safe and optimum production is ensured through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Tools and equipment are used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The specified security requirements pertaining to the thickening system are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The thickening process is consistent with environmental policy and other specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete duties pertaining to the thickening process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The thickening process is stopped in accordance with specified requirements and specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. In the event of a continuous operation the shut-down procedure is explained. 

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

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The specified security requirements pertaining to the thickening system are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Specified reporting and data-recording requirements are met. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    3. 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.

    Without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge, candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes to the standards described in the assessment criteria.

    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. 

    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.
  • 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 a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself / herself and his / her activities responsibly and effectively.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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, thus showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • 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.
  • 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 
    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 is able to 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, namely appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 252282, which is "Thicken slurry in a metallurgical plant", Level 2, 4 credits.

    Terminology

    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 & Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act No. 50/1991)
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SABS and other relevant standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines` Directives

    Site-Specific
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of Recorded OH&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  49045   National Certificate: Lump Ore Beneficiation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2007-11-28  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.
     
    1. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    2. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    3. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    4. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    5. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    6. MMTI Holdings 
    7. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    8. Nokaneng Environmental Management Consulting 
    9. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 


    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.