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: 

Support an underground working place by means of backfilling 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9601  Support an underground working place by means of backfilling 
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  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2004-12-02  2007-08-16  SAQA 1657/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-08-16   2011-08-16  

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
244391  Support an underground working place by means of backfilling  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful for people who have the responsibility of supporting an underground working place by means of backfilling.

People who have been credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain specified requirements pertaining to backfilling
  • Prepare to backfill
  • Backfill area 
    		•

    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:
  • Follow basic health and safety practices underground. 
    		•

    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 
    Explain specified requirements pertaining to backfilling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The basic principles of operation of a backfilling system are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to back filling are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Unsafe support conditions
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Visible dust
  • Inadequate ventilation
  • Open excavations
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The significant risks and consequences associated with the work-related hazards pertaining to back filling are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of work related hazards must include:
  • Unsafe paddocks
  • Excessive spillage
  • Sub-standard texture of backfill
  • Rolling rocks
  • Loose support units
  • Incorrect positioning of persons
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to backfill. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The required personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, operational and used according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The required tools and equipment are available in the workplace, fit for purpose, operational and used according to specified requirements and in line with ergonomic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The backfill area is examined for workplace hazards in accordance with specified requirements. Workplace hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Unsafe support conditions
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Visible dust
  • Inadequate ventilation
  • Open excavations
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The pre-use inspection of the backfill supply unit is completed and sub-standard conditions are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Tools, material and equipment are transported and the material and equipment are stacked according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of stacking must include:
  • Stacking heights
  • Safe positioning
  • Securing
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The area is cleaned and paddocks are built in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of building paddocks must include:
  • Placement
  • Securing
  • Construction
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The placement pipes are routed, connected, placed and secured in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The consequences to safety, health and production if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to backfill, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Selection, examination and use of tools, material and equipment
  • Area examination
  • Pre-use inspection of the backfill supply unit
  • Transportation of tools, material and equipment and stacking of material and equipment
  • Area preparation and building of paddocks
  • Routing, connection, placement and securing of placement pipes
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Backfill area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The area is backfilled in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Beaching
  • Delivery and stoppage of backfill material
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Work-related hazards are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of work related hazards must include:
  • Unsafe paddocks
  • Excessive spillage
  • Sub-standard texture of backfill
  • Rolling rocks
  • Loose support units
  • Incorrect positioning of persons
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those found defective, are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements, promotes effective teamwork and avoids dysfunctional conflict. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Reports are completed and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Consequences to health, safety and production if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst backfilling, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Backfilling
  • Preparation and storage tools and equipment
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • Reports
     
    		•


    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 embedded knowledge required for this unit standard is found in Specific Outcome "Explain specified requirements pertaining to backfilling." 

    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 sub-standard 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.
  • 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.
  • The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his / her intentions and 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 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.
  • 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 understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can 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 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 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 244391, which is "Support an underground working place by means of backfilling", Level 2, 4 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 & 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
    Elective  49013   National Certificate: Mining Operations: Underground Hard Rock  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  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. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    2. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    3. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    4. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    5. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    6. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    7. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    8. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    9. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    10. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    11. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    12. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    13. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    14. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    15. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    16. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    17. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    18. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    19. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    20. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    21. 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.