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 maintain an initiating system in a surface mine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257042  Install and maintain an initiating system in a surface mine 
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" 		 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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
120436  Install and maintain an initiating system in a surface mine  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of installing and maintaining an initiating system used in an open pit mine in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system.
  • Prepare to install and maintain an initiating system.
  • Install and maintain an initiating system.
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system.

    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 installing and maintain an initiating system in a surface mine in order to ensure knowledgeable; competent 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 or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principle of operation of an initiating system are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation of workplace hazards includes:
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Unsafe underfoot conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the work related hazards pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation of work-related hazards includes:
  • Working in proximity of mobile equipment.
  • Working with electrical equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the reasons for applying an initiating system used for blasting is consistent with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Initiating systems must include:
  • Centralised blasting systems.
  • Portable shot exploders.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to install and maintain an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material and equipment are available in the workplace, fit for purpose and operational according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area where the initiating system is to be installed and maintained is examined for workplace hazards and these hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Unsafe underfoot conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The selection of the appropriate method of initiation system is consistent with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The workplace is secured to prevent inadvertent entry of persons and moving equipment into the work area according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences to safety, health and production if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to install an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Selection, examination of tools and equipment.
  • Area examination.
  • Securing the workplace.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Install and maintain an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Precautions taken to prevent injuries, property damage, time and production. The initiating system is installed according to specified requirements in terms of type of system required, method of installation, operational check, use of tools and equipment and precautions taken to prevent injuries, property damage and time and production delays. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work-related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards must include:
  • Working in proximity of rolling stock/moving equipment/self propelled mobile machinery.
  • Working with electrical equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with according to specified requirements. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reports are complete, accurate, in the required format and submitted to the designated personnel on time according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Consequences to health, safety and productivity if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst installing an initiating system are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Installing the initiating system.
  • Dealing with work related hazards.
  • Preparation and storage of tools and equipment.
  • Interpersonal interaction.
  • Reports.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the duties pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The installation completed in accordance with specified requirements. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reporting and recording are conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specified reporting and recording must include:
  • Reporting to supervisor.
  • Submitting reports.
  • Logbook entries.
  • Permit documentation.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Feedback is provided to the in-coming shift with regard to machine condition, environmental hazards and sub-standard conditions in terms of specified requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a leaner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA, according to 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 basic principle of operation of an initiating system.
  • The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace and work related hazards pertaining to the installation of an initiating system.
  • The reasons for applying an initiating system used for blasting. 
    		•

    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 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.

    Note:
  • 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.

    Note:
  • 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.

    Note:
  • 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.

    Note:
  • 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 showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note:
  • 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.

    Note:
  • 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 
    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 120436, "Install and maintain an initiating system in a surface mine", Level 2, 2 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 and Safety Act and Regulations, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
  • Material Safety Data Sheets

    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH and S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Notes to Assessors:

    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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.
     
    NONE 


    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.