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: 

Identify and quantify the petrographic characteristics of coal materials by means of a microscope 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
11038  Identify and quantify the petrographic characteristics of coal materials by means of a microscope 
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 4  NQF Level 04  13 
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 the identification and quantification of the petrographic characteristics of coal macerals. It will apply to analysts working in a coal laboratory.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Prepare a sample for petrographic analysis
  • Identify and quantify the maceral and microlithotype composition of coal
  • Measure the reflectance of vitrinite 
    		•

    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:
  • Science, Communications, and Mathematics at ABET Level 4 or equivalent
  • Competent use of a microscope
  • Reduce bulk and particle size of a solid sample 
    		•

    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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare a sample for petrographic analysis. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Sample types must include:
  • Particulate block
  • Solid specimen of coal 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The sample is correctly identified against accompanying documentation. The sample particle size and mass are in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The prepared sample meets the requirement of a flat surface, which is free from pits, scratches and smears. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Hazards and risks pertaining to the process are identified and explained with reference to health and safety and environmental impact. The appropriate preventive measures are described in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Equipment needed for the process is correctly identified, is in good working order and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The relationship between the ash content of the coal and the pressure applied in the polishing process is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The reasons for performing petrographic determinations are briefly explained with reference to coal quality. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The correct personal protective equipment is operational and worn in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. Work practices comply with company health, safety and environmental practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    9. The consequences of non-compliance with specified requirements are explained with respect to personal and team health and safety, impact on the environment, production, costs and lost time. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify the maceral components and quantify the microlithotype of coal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Equipment needed for the process is correctly identified, is in good working order, used and maintained according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Quality control meets the requirements of the particular analysis with regard to repeatability and reproducibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Results are reported in the prescribed format to meet customer requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The different maceral components are correctly identified in three different types of coals. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components must include:
  • Vitrinite
  • Liptinite
  • Micrinite
  • Semifusinite
  • Fusinite
  • Inertinite
  • Sclerotinite
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The microlithotype content is determined from the ratio between the maceral components as defined in standard tables. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Common problems and their effect on the process are listed and suggested remedial actions are consistent with the nature of the problem and or process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common problems must include:
  • Surface finish
  • Accumulation of dust
  • Discolouration of immersion oil
  • Degeneration of the maceral
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Measure the reflectance of vitrinite. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Equipment needed for the process is correctly identified, is in good working order and used according to manufacturer's instructions and standard task procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Equipment is calibrated and the calibration is checked against certified standards. The values obtained do not differ by more than 2% (relative) from the certified values. The reflectance of vitrinite is determined in accordance with standard procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Quality control meets the requirements of the analysis with regards to repeatability and reproducibility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Results are reported in the prescribed format to meet customer requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Common problems and their effect on the process are listed and suggested remedial actions are consistent with the nature of the problem and or process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Problems must include:
  • Light source
  • Light intensity
  • Dust accumulation
  • Discoloration of immersion oil
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    3. 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. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. 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.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Report writing
  • Health and safety knowledge
  • Legal and site-specific requirements 
    		•

    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 technical problems, sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
    Note:
    The candidate is required to maintain the link in the process in order to achieve production, health, safety and environmental targets. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note:
    The candidate is required to prioritize and integrate the various activities in order to meet the set targets. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note:
    The ability of the candidate to collect and evaluate information from numerical data and/or physical observations in terms of specified requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and / or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.
    Note:
    The candidate is required to accurately and clearly convey information to relevant personnel. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Note:
    The candidate is required to use equipment responsibly to avoid environmental pollution and to safeguard team health. 

    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 candidate is aware of his/her role in the organization in terms of social, economic and environmental impact. 

    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 
    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 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

    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  64950   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  58952   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-08-05  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.