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: 

Inspect compliance to a set standards with regards to ground and support conditions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252595  Inspect compliance to a set standards with regards to ground and support conditions 
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  8 
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 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 rock engineering personnel who are responsible for measuring compliance to set standards.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Measure and record distances/spacing/dimensions.
  • Observe and record ground and support conditions.
  • Compare the measurements and observations with set standards.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results.
  • Follow up on the recommended actions.

    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.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills and understanding of the interaction between rock strength, stress and fracturing 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 the following:
  • Outcomes related to Introductory Certificate to the Mining Industry at NQF Level 1.
  • Use relevant tools and measuring instruments at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Measure and record distances/spacing/dimensions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is selected, examined and used to protect the safety of the operator, team and equipment in accordance with its purpose, design and legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Hand protection.
  • Ear protection.
  • Safety boots.
  • Safety hat.
  • Safety chain.
  • Eye protection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The measuring devices for the intended task are selected according to task requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Tapes.
  • Vernier calliper.
  • Clinorule (distances and angles).
  • Electronic/optical measuring devices.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Distances/spacing/dimensions are measured to the relevant/required degree of accuracy. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • SI units (micro meter, mm, cm, m).
  • Support size/length/diameter.
  • Support unit spacing.
  • Distances between support units and excavation boundaries.
  • Excavation dimensions.
  • Drilling and blasting practice (burdens, hole length, hole diameter).
  • Face shapes, leads and lags.
  • Excavations in close proximity.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measurements are recorded in accordance with operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Observe and record ground and support conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Adverse ground and support conditions are identified and recorded according to legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include adverse ground and support conditions due to:
  • Geological structures.
  • Seismic activity.
  • Poor barring practice.
  • Brows.
  • Stress levels.
  • Drilling and blasting practice.
  • Rock types.
  • Closure.
  • Support installation quality.
  • Support material quality.
  • Support unit behaviour.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The observed ground and support a condition is photographed in accordance with operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Ability to operate the camera according to product specific user guidelines.
  • Ability to acclimatize the camera to underground conditions.
  • Ability to compose useful images.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The observed ground and support conditions is recorded to the required degree of accuracy in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of incorrectly observing and recording ground and support conditions are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Compare the measurements and observations with set standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of the applicable mine standards is demonstrated at a level which will enable the learner to work safely and effectively in the context of the unit standard. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Support type and size.
  • Support unit spacing (skin-to-skin, centre-to-centre).
  • Allowable distances between support units and excavation boundaries.
  • Excavation dimensions.
  • Face shapes, leads and lags.
  • Drilling and blasting practice (burdens, hole length, hole diameter).
  • Support quality.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The applicable mine standards are obtained from the appropriate issuing authority in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The applicable standard is compared with actual practice in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of failing to observe the incorrect implementation of the applicable standard is explained in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of incorrect comparison of measurements to set standards are explained in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate pro-forma for the measurements and observations made is selected in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The selected pro-forma is completed according to legal and operational requirements is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The mining excavation is sketched, the recorded measurements added and observations in plan and section views made in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A structured written report complete with photographs is compiled in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The results of the observations and measurements is communicated verbally in accordance with operational requirements and utilising effective communication skills. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Follow up on the recommended actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to conduct a follow-up visit is demonstrated in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Reference to previous report.
  • Identification of shortcomings found and recommendations made previously.
  • Follow-up observation and measurement of the compliance with such recommendations.
  • Communicate findings of the follow-up visit.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body must be, 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 unit standard:
  • The ability to measure correctly.
  • The ability to communicate the results.
  • Follow up on the recommended actions.

    Processes and events:
  • Preparation.
  • Work site examination.
  • Measure and record distances/spacing/dimensions.
  • Observe and record ground and support conditions.
  • Compare the measurements and observations with set standards.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Use of equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Adherence to safety requirements.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Quality control inspections.
  • Good housekeeping.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 identify non-standard conditions, assess and complete the appropriate forms. 

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

    Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance with measurements and recording of measurements in an appropriate manner as a team member. 

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

    Note: The preparation for the underground visits and measurements, the learner must indicate what tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to reconcile the information from the visual examination and prepare a written report demonstrates this ability. 

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

    Note: The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of 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 use of electronic/optical measuring devices and cameras indicates effective use of science and technology. 

    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 sub-standard conditions. The effect of non-compliance and deviation from mine standards will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken has 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 
    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 29 of 1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50 of 1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS 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 hazards.
  • Working guides.
  • Equipment and materials specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 4; The skills required are now not only operational, but also require scholastic skills, which need to be applied. They will have a wide variety and are more complex.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Although the procedure is known and familiar (as Level 1) it is not as repetitive.
  • Context; Level 2; Although the process could occur in different contexts, the contexts are repeatedly applicable and known to the learner.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; The knowledge required is merely related to the operation and no theory needs to be applied.
  • Information processing; Level 1; The information required for competency can be recalled without any processing.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Limited discretion and judgement required as local working conditions change.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 3; Follows instructions, but has some autonomy to make own decisions and give instructions down ward.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 4; The learner is entirely responsibility for the output, Responsibility for others as per 3.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Learner's output is quality controlled.

    Average Level: = 22/9 = 2.44.
    Actual Level Assigned: = 2.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 40 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 40 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 Hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 Hours.

    Total = 80 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: = 80/10 = 8.
    Credits Assigned: = 8. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59549   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  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.
     
    1. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    3. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    4. 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.