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: 

Produce bullion by means of a furnace 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9587  Produce bullion by means of a furnace 
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 3  NQF Level 03  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2007-10-30  2008-08-20  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-08-20   2012-08-20  

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
256693  Produce bullion by means of a furnace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for producing bullion by means of a furnace.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge relating to bullion production;
  • Prepare to produce bullion;
  • Produce bullion;
  • Complete the duties pertaining to the bullion production process. 
    		•

    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:
  • Literacy and numeracy at ABET 3 or equivalent
  • Using applicable tools and equipment
  • Safe handling of applicable hazardous substances 
    		•

    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.

    Note 1: Bullion includes all precious metals in lump form.
    Note 2: Furnaces must include the following:
  • Arc
  • Induction
  • Blast furnaces 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge relating to bullion production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The legal and specified requirements pertaining to a safe, healthy work environment when producing bullion and the consequences of not adhering to the above are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The importance of producing bullion in terms of achieving specified production requirements is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Hazards and associated risks, pertaining to bullion production, identified through specified risk assessment procedures, and the actions to be taken should they be encountered are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The principal components of the bullion production system are identified and explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Bullion production system components
  • Auxiliary systems
  • Safety devices
  • Interlock system
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The specified actions to be taken, should sub-standard conditions and problems pertaining to the bullion production process be encountered, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The specified security requirements pertaining to bullion production are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The specified elementary principles of the bullion production process are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The specified communication requirements pertaining to bullion production and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The specified operating parameters and control methods and the consequences of not adhering to these are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. The specified factors affecting the optimum performance of the smelting process are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to produce bullion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Personal protective and safety equipment is verified, examined and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment are verified and examined in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Workplace hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The bullion production system is examined and substandard conditions are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The charge is prepared and loaded in accordance with specified requirements. Specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Specified security requirements pertaining to bullion production are met. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Produce bullion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Personal protective and safety equipment is used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The start-up of the bullion production system is in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The bullion production process is monitored and controlled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Safe and optimum production is ensured through effective communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Tools and equipment are used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Operational problems encountered are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Specified security requirements pertaining to bullion production are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The production process is consistent with environmental policy and other specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    10. Safety and health precautions towards self and others are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the bullion production process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The bullion production system is stopped in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The products are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Bullion
  • Slag
  • Scrap
  • Dust
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Personal protective and safety equipment is dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Tools and equipment are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Good housekeeping practices are maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Specified security requirements pertaining to bullion production are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Specified reporting and data-recording requirements are met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Preparation for maintenance is in accordance with specified requirements. Specified lock-out procedures are adhered to. 


    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. Without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge, candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes to the standards described in the assessment criteria. 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. 

    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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 substandard conditions will indicate his / her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, thus 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 his / her understanding of the fact that a specific observation, inference, action or decision may 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 is able to 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, namely 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 256693, which is "Produce bullion by means of a furnace", Level 3, 5 credits.

    Terminology:

    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  49044   National Certificate: Mineral Processing, Gold Extraction  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-08-20  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.
     
    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.