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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of monitoring and instrumentation and the ability to take measurements from installed instrumentation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253026  Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of monitoring and instrumentation and the ability to take measurements from installed instrumentation 
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" 		 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 people who are responsible for ensuring excavation stability. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the effect of mining on the rock mass and the need for monitoring the response.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the type of instrumentation used in rock engineering.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the application of instrumentation used in rock engineering.
  • Demonstrate the ability to take and record measurements from basic instrumentation.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the consequences of inadequate monitoring.

    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, knowledge and demonstrating a basic understanding of principles of monitoring and instrumentation and the basic measurement from installed instrumentation 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 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following:
  • Outcomes related to National Introductory Certificate to Mining and Minerals (NQF Level 1). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge of the effect of mining on the rock mass and the need for monitoring the response. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Concepts relating to excavation stability are explained in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stress.
  • Strain.
  • Displacement.
  • Rock deformation.
  • Hanging wall and sidewall closure.
  • Rock mass.
  • Bed or layer separation related to beam behaviour.
  • Function of support.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Processes relating to excavation stability are explained in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Effect of mining on stress distribution.
  • The deformation effect of stress on various rock types.
  • Rock displacement into excavations during mining.
  • Behaviour of support units.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons for monitoring are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Determination of geotechnical data.
  • Monitoring of rock mass response.
  • Validate design assumptions.
  • Confirm layout performances.
  • Confirm support performances.
  • Assist in managing risk associated with fall of ground and rock burst hazards.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measurables in Rock Engineering instrumentation are explaine din the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Deformation.
  • Displacement.
  • Strain.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application of instruments in Rock Engineering are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Measure rock mass behaviour.
  • Indicate changes in rock mass behaviour.
  • Measure and test support performance.
  • Observe rock mass condition.
  • Determine seismic event locations and trends.
  • Indicate goafs.
  • Indicate failure.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate basic knowledge of the type of instrumentation used in rock engineering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Instrumentation types and equipment are explained in terms of identification and purpose thereof. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Tape.
  • Vernier calliper.
  • Closure meters.
  • Extensometers.
  • Load cells.
  • Strain gauges.
  • Geophone.
  • Ground penetrating radar and similar geophysical techniques.
  • Petroscope.
  • Camera.
  • Feeler gauge.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    A basic knowledge of the application of instrumentation used in rock engineering. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Measurables in Rock Engineering instrumentation are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Deformation.
  • Displacement.
  • Strain.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application of instruments in Rock Engineering are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Measure rock mass behaviour.
  • Indicate changes in rock mass behaviour.
  • Measure and test support performance.
  • Observe rock mass condition.
  • Determine seismic event locations and trends.
  • Indicate goafs.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The underground rock parameters to be measured are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stope closure and ride.
  • Tunnel closure.
  • Load in support units.
  • Stress.
  • Ground motion.
  • Condition of geological structures.
  • Condition of rock environment.
  • Deflection and bed/layer separation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Monitoring methods are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Visual observation.
  • Mechanical instrumentation.
  • Electronic instrumentation.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate the ability to take and record measurements from basic instrumentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Readings using basic monitoring instrumentation are taken in accordance with manufacturers specification and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Tape.
  • Vernier calliper.
  • Closure meters.
  • Extensometers.
  • Load cells.
  • Feeler gauge.
  • Camera.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Monitoring results are recorded and reported by means of using a standard pro-forma. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the consequences of inadequate monitoring. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need to measure accurately and precisely is explained in the context of excavation stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need to monitor diligently is explained in terms of the consequences of incidents occurring as a result of incorrect monitoring or failure to monitor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The potential effect of inadequate monitoring is explained in terms of impact on excavation stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The potential effect of inadequate monitoring is explained in terms of the impact on the health and safety of workers. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification 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:
  • Knowledge relating to the basic principles of monitoring and instrumentation.
  • Being able to record monitoring and instrumentation results.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
    > Safe working practices.
  • Applicable statutory requirements:
    > Codes of practice.
  • Communication:
    > Reporting requirements and ability.
    > Communicating with relevant personnel.
    > Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    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 monitoring as an essential responsibility towards the team's safety. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to take measurements on a regular and scheduled basis demonstrates a responsibility towards the safety of the mining operation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to record and report readings using basic monitoring instrumentation. 
    		•

    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 other personnel with regard to the need for monitoring, instrumentation principles and results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The use of science and technology is promoted through the use of basic understanding of modern instrumentation types and the metric system. 
    		•

    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 effect of poor instrumentation or non-diligent monitoring of rock mass behaviour and the potential influence on safety of mining personnel is confirmed. 
    		•

    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 and Regulations, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    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.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level: 2.

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 2; Moderate in range.
  • Procedures; Level 3; Significant choice.
  • Context; Level 3; Range of familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Basic operational.
  • Information processing; Level 1; Recall.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; Directed.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Under general supervision quality checking.

    Average Level = 2.11.
    Actual Levels Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 22 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 16 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total: 28 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 38/10 = 3.8.
    Credits Assigned = 4. 
    		•

    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. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    4. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    5. 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.