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: 

Install and remove mechanical prop 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9693  Install and remove mechanical prop 
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  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2005-04-13  2008-04-13  SAQA 0859/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-04-13   2012-04-13  

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 will be useful to people who have the responsibility to support an underground working place by means of mechanical props.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the installation and removal of mechanical props;
  • Pepare to install mechanical props;
  • Install and remove mechanical props. 
    		•

    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 pertaining to mining operations. 
    		•

    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 the specified requirements pertaining to the installation and removal of mechanical props. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The specified requirements regarding the basic principle of the operation of the mechanical prop are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Prepare to install a mechanical support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Install and remove mechanical support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    2. The significant risks associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the installation and removal of mechanical props are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe support conditions
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Rocks that could possibly roll down inclined areas
  • Slippery areas
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    3. The significant risks associated with the work related hazards pertaining to the installation and removal of mechanical props are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of work related hazards must include:
  • Working in confined areas
  • Handling of tools, material and equipment
  • Working in steeply inclined areas
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to install mechanical props. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment are available, operational and fit for purpose according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Tools and equipment are transported to the designated workplace and the stacking and securing is according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The area where mechanical props are to be installed is examined for workplace hazards and workplace hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include those for:
  • Unsafe support conditions
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Rocks that could possibly roll down inclined areas
  • Slippery areas
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Support positions are marked/indicated according to specified requirements in terms of distances and positions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The consequences to health, safety and production of not adhering to specified requirements when preparing to install mechanical props are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Selection and examination of tools and equipment
  • Transport, stacking and securing of tools and equipment
  • Area examination
  • Indication/marking of support positions
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Install and remove mechanical props. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The mechanical props are installed according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Installation must include:
  • Support pattern
  • Distances apart
  • Installation sequence
  • Method of installation
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The mechanical props are removed according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Removal must include:
  • Safety precautions
  • Sequence of removal
  • Method of removal
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The tools and equipment are used according to specified requirements and in line with accepted ergonomic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Work related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include those for:
  • Working in confined areas
  • Handling of tools, material and equipment
  • Working in steeply inclined areas
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements, promotes effective teamwork and avoids dysfunctional conflict. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Reports are completed and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The consequences to health, safety and production of not adhering to specified requirements while installing and removing mechanical props are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Installation of mechanical props
  • Removal of mechanical props
  • Using tools and equipment
  • Interpersonal interaction
  • Preparation and storage of tools and equipment
  • 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 following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and safety knowledge
  • Report writing
  • Legal and site-specific requirements 
    		•

    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 ability of the candidate to adhere to safety, health and environmental requirements illustrates his/her capability to use science and technology effectively. 
    		•

    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 
    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
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks
  • Working Guides
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications of 1993 
    		•

    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. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    2. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    3. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    4. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    5. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    6. DEI GRATIA TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION 
    7. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    8. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    9. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    10. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    11. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    12. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    13. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    14. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    15. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    16. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    17. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    18. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    19. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    20. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    21. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    22. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    23. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    24. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    25. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    26. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    27. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    28. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    29. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    30. ZULEK TRAINING SPECIALISTS 


    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.