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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Lamproom Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
78323  National Certificate: Lamproom Operations 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
MQA - Mining Qualifications Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  126  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This qualification will provide qualifying learners with the necessary skills, understanding and technical knowledge, to competently perform the duties and responsibilities required in the lamproom in the underground mining sector; as well as provide an opportunity for learners to apply appropriate skills in relation to the workplace.

The lampman's technical support is vital to the smooth running of underground mining operations. It covers a wide variety of fields such as portable mine lighting and associated equipment, gas detection instruments and associated equipment, self contained self rescuers, mine specific associated equipment as well as hazard identification and risk assessment in the lamproom environment.

Learners achieving this qualification will be able to understand the role and apply required competencies consistently and effectively in the execution of duties. They will contribute to the mining operation and discipline by effectively adhering to quality and occupational safety requirements.

This qualification will have a positive impact on society through the development of the competencies to effectively manage and control lamproom activities; the application of first line maintenance to lamproom operations and health and safety equipment. It will also improve the Occupational health and safety standards in the mining environment through input into hazard identification programmes.

Learners credited with this qualification will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental standards in the workplace.
  • Perform lamp room procedures and maintain equipment in a mining environment.
  • Manage activities in a lamp room in the mining environment.
  • Select and use lamp room equipment and tools (e.g. portable mine lighting, self contained self rescuers, gas detection instruments, etc).
  • Perform basic maintenance on portable mine lighting equipment and gas detection instruments.
  • Plan and execute mine health and safety programmes efficiently.

    Learners will implement a comprehensive mining workers programme in a designated lamproom by effectively communicating rules and regulations as required by mining operating procedures. This qualification will enable the qualifying learner to function as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. The learner will be skilled in communication, basic maintenance and conducting statutory reporting.

    Rationale:

    The South African mining industry recognises Lamproom operations as key competencies, Lamps persons are legally appointed as per the Minerals Act and company requirements. The mining industry regulates quality standards, especially the Lamproom, Occupational Health and Safety standards for effeciency and effectiveness of the industry. Maintenance and management of such standards are key components in Lamproom training and serves to ensure safety in the underground mining environment.

    The increasing complexity of South Africa mining has resulted in a greater need for skilled personnel in the management of lamp rooms and lamproom equipment. These factors have been recognised and emphasis has been placed on providing such technical training at all levels within this discipline.

    This qualification accommodates learners from mining, safety, environmental control, engineering operations and administration sections. In some cases learners may come from outside the mining industry, however, they would have to become familiar with the lamp room environment, equipment and processes before they can proceed with this qualification.

    A typical learning pathway in this field would start with the National Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety NQF Level 2 and proceed to the National Certificate: Lamproom Operations at NQF Level 3. Learners will obtain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills pertinent to lamprooms. The learner, once equipped with the competencies of this qualification will be a recognized Lampman. This qualification is designed to give learners access to demonstrate the competencies in management of lamproom operations and equipment maintenance in the mining and minerals sectors.

    Previously learners have been trained and developed on an informal basis and examined by the Department of Minerals and Energy, with little chance of advancement. It also gives recognition for learners to further their skills by entering the lamproom environment with the possibility to articulate to other qualifications in Occupational Health and Safety, Human resources or electrical engineering. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification can be obtained by completing all the required unit standards in a structured learning programme, or through Recognition of Prior Learning. The criteria for Recognition of Prior Learning would need to be in line with the MQA's ETQA requirements.

    Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

    All such evidence would be judged according to the general principles of assessment.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access is open; however it is preferable that learners have completed the General Education and Training Certificate: Mining and Minerals Processes. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Rules of Combination:

    A minimum of 126 credits is required to complete the qualification. In this qualification, credits are allocated as follows:

    Fundamental:
  • All unit standards totaling 36 credits are compulsory.

    Core:
  • All unit standards totaling 72 credits are compulsory.

    Electives:

    Unit standards totaling a minimum of 18 credits must be completed. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate and solve problems in a lamproom environment.

    2. Demonstrate an understanding of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental standards in the workplace.

    3. Perform lamp room operations and basic maintenance.
    > Range: Basic maintenance refers to maintenance performed by operations personnel not qualified as artisans.

    4. Manage lamp room activities.

    5. Conduct statutory reporting and collate reports.

    Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

    Critical Cross-field outcomes have been addressed by the Exit Level Outcomes as follows:

    While performing operations in a lamproom, qualifying learners are able to:

    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Monitoring operational procedures in a lamproom in compliance with relevant procedures and quality assurance requirements.
  • Applying maintenance procedure in a lamproom context.
  • Responding to non-conformances in a lamproom environment.
  • Responding to emergencies in a lamproom (processes, equipment and building).
  • Applying preventative or remedial action in accordance with operating procedures.

    The above are evident in the following Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Communicate and solve problems in a lamproom environment.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental standards in the workplace.
  • Perform lamp room operations and basic maintenance.
  • Manage lamp room activities.

    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Contributing to team goals and achievements by adhering to agreed working methods and processes.
  • Contributing to team efficiency by supporting other team members in the lamp room environment.
  • Adhering to team protocols, codes of conduct and generally promoting a positive team spirit.
  • Coordinating one's work with that of others in the direct surrounding area, internal and external operations.

    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Applying operating instructions to control and respond to lamproom conditions.
  • Taking preventive and remedial action to solve operating problems in a lamproom.
  • Adhering to relevant operational procedures in a lamproom.

    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Collating, interpreting and reporting on lamp room data.
  • Understanding and applying routine maintenance requirements.
  • Managing records, reports and stock.

    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Interpreting, recording and reporting of lamp room data obtained from visual inspections, instrument readings and exception report feedback.
  • Completing reports, control sheets, shift handover activities and other process control activities effectively, ensuring that all other team members are aware of critical information.
  • Preparing and submitting reports, non-conformance reports and other required documentation.
  • Working with modern communications technology such as computer messaging and cellular phones in a lamproom environment.

    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Working according to health and safety regulations; Evident in all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Controlling technologically advanced lamp room equipment according to operating procedures.
  • Working and interpreting technologically advanced instrumentation and computer systems, e.g. automation systems.

    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Understanding the impact of upstream, downstream and parallel lamproom systems upon each other and their own role in each context.
  • Requesting assistance from other team members and support personnel.
  • Assisting other team members and working together with support personnel to investigate and resolve problem areas.
  • Adjusting equipment and machinery while taking cognizance of the impact on other processes. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Information related to work tasks is accessed and interpreted from a range of written and oral sources to ensure that work requirements are understood.
  • Numeracy skills are applied while performing tasks in relation with the operational context.
  • Problems and solutions are recorded and monitored for re-occurrence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental polices, procedures and requirements are adhered to at all times as per workplace requirements.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmentally related activities are conducted in a lamp room environment according to the Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental conditions are monitored and reported on a continual basis to ensure the safety of persons in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The operational procedures of a lamp room are understood and explained in terms of the range indicated below:
    > Range: Must include but is not limited to lamp room processes and management.
  • The operational procedures are applied in the operational context of a lamp room.
  • Operational procedures are monitored and reported on; in line with the needs of a lamproom.
  • Maintenance procedures in a lamp room are understood, explained and applied according to standard operating procedures.
  • Routine maintenance procedures and operations are understood and applied according to original equipment manufacturer's instructions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Concepts and principles of the activities of a lamproom are understood and explained in accordance with the work context.
  • Lamproom tasks are performed in accordance with the needs and requirements of the organisation.
  • Lamproom procedures are supervised in accordance with legal and site specific requirements.
  • Health and Safety requirements are understood and applied in accordance with legal requirements.
  • Financial planning and cost control in a lamproom operation are understood and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Reporting of faulty/damaged/abused/missing equipment and replacement of equipment are explained and applied in accordance with statutory requirements.
  • The reporting in relation to equipment not taken or returned are explained and adhered to in accordance with statutory requirements.
  • The reporting in relation to equipment not tested for functionality are explained and adhered to in accordance with statutory requirements.
  • Shift clearance procedures are explained and the necessary reports completed in accordance with specified (legal and site-specific) requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show they are able to integrate concepts, actions and. ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts.

    Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of observable performance as well as the thinking behind the performance, and must be based on a summative assessment guide. The guide will spell out how the assessor will assess different aspects of the performance and will include:
  • Observing the learner at work (both in the primary activity as well as other interactions).
  • Asking questions and initiating short discussions to test understanding.
  • Looking at records and reports in the portfolio and reviewing previous assessments.

    In some cases interference will be necessary to determine competence depending on the nature and context within which performance takes place.

    It is necessary to ensure that the fundamental part of the qualification is also targeted to ensure that while the competence may have been achieved in a particular context, learners are able to apply it in a range of other contexts and for future learning. The assessment should also ensure that all the critical cross-field outcomes have been achieved.

    The learner may choose in which language s/he wants to be assessed. This should be established as part of a process of preparing the learner for assessment and familiarising the learner with the approach being taken.

    While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit-level outcomes. The assessment process should cover both the explicit tasks required for the qualification as well as the understanding of the concepts and principles that underpin the activities associated with processing diamonds. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The competencies required for the proposed National Certificate: Lamproom Operations Level 3 qualification were compared to international qualifications to ensure that the qualification structure and unit standards are comparable in terms of level, scope of qualification and competencies covered.

    A study was conducted for information pertaining to Mining and related Qualifications, Courses and Programmes from several countries around the world such as:
  • Canada.
  • United Kingdom.
  • India.
  • Australia.
  • New Zealand.
  • SADC countries such as Zambia and Botswana.

    Lamprooms, also known as Lamp Cabins or Lamp Stations, are defined as:
  • Rooms or buildings at the surface of a mine for charging, servicing and issuing all cap, hand and flame safety lamps.
  • Fixed places in the intake airway of a coal mine where the miners' safety lamps are externally examined by a deputy before the workers proceed to their working places. In a safety lamp mine, the lamp station is the only place where flame safety lamps may be opened and re-lighted.
  • Locations in gaseous mines where safety lamps are opened, cleaned and refilled or charged by a qualified attendant.

    We were not able to find a model similar to the proposed National Certificate: Lamproom Operation Level 3, i.e. a unit standard based qualification in a vocational environment; even in Australia and New Zealand which have systems very similar to ours (i.e. unit standards based qualifications).

    The only reference to a lamproom that could be found was in an Australian Qualification, where lamproom Operations is listed as an elective unit of competency (unit standard).

    The content of the unit found is as follows:
  • Plan and prepare for operations:
    > Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity.
    > Resolve coordination activities with others at the site prior to commencement of and during the work activity.
    > Obtain and prepare materials and resources required for work in accordance with the work requirements and relevant manufacturer and/or site requirements.
  • Operate and maintain lamp cabin:
    > Maintain safety and personal equipment in accordance with site requirements and safe working practices.
    > Maintain records/list/logs in accordance with site requirements.
    > Lamp cabin equipment is monitored and faults are identified and responded to in accordance with site requirements.
    > Perform work according to target outcomes.
    > Dispose of hazardous and environmentally sensitive waste products in accordance with site procedures.
    > Complete general maintenance and housekeeping to maintain the lamp cabin in an operational condition.

    The content of the Australian unit standard correlates well with the core lamproom and related unit standards found in the proposed National Certificate: Lamproom Operation:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of lamprooms and lamproom equipment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to issue and receive lamproom equipment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in lamproom procedures.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of generic repairs on lamproom equipment.
  • Demonstrate understanding and application of legal requirements regarding Gas detection instruments.
  • Manage a lamproom in the mining environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the legal requirements pertaining to lamp room operations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of equipment control within a lamp room.

    Despite the absence of a specific qualification, an Australian learner electing the Lam Cabin Operations unit of competence will be able to structure a qualification (Certificate II in Underground Coal Mining) which is very similar in content to the proposed National Certificate: Lamproom Operations.

    Core (Mandatory) Units:
  • RIICOM201A: Communicate in the workplace.
  • RIIERR203A: Escape from hazardous situation unaided.
  • RIIOHS201A: Work safely and follow OHS policies and procedures.
  • RIIGOV201A: Comply with site work processes/procedures.
  • RIIRIS201A: Conduct local risk control.

    Elective Units:
  • RIIERR205A: Apply initial response First Aid.
  • RIIMCU206A: Install, maintain and recover gas drainage systems.
  • RIIMCU216A: Maintain lamp cabin operations.
  • RIIMCU402A: Apply spontaneous combustion management measures.

    SADC Countries:

    Discussions with a senior consultant, a former Mining Engineer and Mine Manager in several SADC countries, confirmed that people working in lamp rooms would have been trained informally at operational level and would not have any qualification other than an in-company certificate.

    This is in keeping with the practice internationally, where statutory compliance is still determined by means of examinations of competence over a broad spectrum of topics, and not as specific as entertained by qualifications such as the proposed National Certificate: Lamproom Operations.

    Conclusions:

    While we have not been able to find a course or programme structured similarly to the National Certificate: Lamproom Operations, the proposed qualification should be seen in the context of the drive to maximise commitment and compliance to Occupational Health and Safety in the South African mining industry.

    Mining workers who have the necessary competence (knowledge, skill and experience) will thus be able to specialise in lamp room Operations and thereby render a significant service in a critical skill. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • ID 50063: Further Education and Training Certificate: Occupational Hygiene and Safety, NQF Level 4.

    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • ID 50062: National Certificate: Occupational Hygiene and Safety, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    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. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should be in possession of:
  • An appropriate qualification above the level of the qualification and preferably relevant workplace practical experience.
  • Registration as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  376466  Apply lamproom procedures  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  246575  Apply safety concepts to a gas installation site  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  376462  Demonstrate an understanding of lamprooms and lamproom equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  376460  Dispatch and receive lamproom equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  244073  Receive, handle and store hazardous chemicals safely  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Core  113852  Apply occupational health, safety and environmental principles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  376467  Apply the legal requirements regarding gas detection instruments  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  120330  Conduct a continuous risk assessment in a workplace  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  244422  Demonstrate knowledge of the most common harmful gases and vapours  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  116714  Lead a team, plan, allocate and assess their work  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  376464  Perform generic repairs on lamp room equipment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Core  117877  Perform one-to-one training on the job  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  376463  Supervise activities in a lamproom in the mining environment  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 
    Core  376465  Apply effective equipment control within a lamproom  Level 4  NQF Level 04  3 
    Core  376461  Apply legal requirements pertaining to lamproom operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  10981  Supervise work unit to achieve work unit objectives (individuals and teams)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  119457  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119467  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  119465  Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  117416  Comply with good housekeeping practices  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  13961  Demonstrate Knowledge and Use of Hand Operated Fire Fighting Equipment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
    Elective  120496  Provide risk-based primary emergency care/first aid in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  264375  Adhere to disciplinary code and grievance procedures  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  113836  Apply basic computer technology  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Elective  13912  Apply knowledge of self and team in order to develop a plan to enhance team performance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  253656  Communicate with clients  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3 
    Elective  252170  Apply the principles of customer care in client interactions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.