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: 

Conduct an inspection to evaluate ground conditions in an on-reef development excavation prior to, during and after ledging operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115555  Conduct an inspection to evaluate ground conditions in an on-reef development excavation prior to, during and after ledging operations 
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  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2004-08-11  2007-08-11  SAQA 0655/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-08-11   2011-08-11  

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 conducting inspections to evaluate the influence of changing ground conditions during ledging operations.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Evaluate ground conditions prior to ledging;
  • Evaluate ground conditions during and after ledging;
  • Effectively communicate results;
  • Conduct follow-up visits. 
    		•

    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:
  • National Introductory Certificate to Mining and Minerals (Level 1)
  • National Certificate in Strata Control (Level 2) 
    		•

    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 
    Evaluate ground conditions prior to ledging operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate tools for recording data and information is available for the inspection and checked timeously for operability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Underground note book, tape, clino rule, compass, camera, plans.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The type and characteristics of the exposed natural state of the rock mass are noted in accordance with prescribed methodologies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dip, dip direction, spacing, persistence, roughness, filling, presence of water, aperture
  • Rock type(s)
  • Faults, dykes, joints, bedding and layering, potholes, shear zones, rolls, slumps, pilloid structures
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The type and nature of induced discontinuities is noted in accordance with prescribed methodologies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dip, dip direction, spacing, persistence, roughness, presence of water
  • Stress fractures, blast induced fractures
  • Closure rate
  • Brows
  • Falls of ground
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The actual dimensions of the excavation is compared to the desired dimensions and noted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The positions of adverse geological structures, falls of ground and potentially hazardous rock blocks are noted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The information gathered is evaluated onsite or at an appropriate time to establish the existence of rock related hazards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Evaluate ground conditions during and after ledging operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate tools for recording data and information is available for the inspection and checked timeously for operability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Underground note book, tape, clino rule, compass, camera, plans.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Changes in the nature, exposure and orientation of natural and induced discontinuities are noted relative to that recorded prior to ledging operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dimensions of the on-reef development excavation is noted to establish the influence of the increase in mined span on stope closure and ride. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of the location and orientation of flat dipping stress fractures is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The support type(s), condition and layout is evaluated to confirm appropriateness for the changes in ground conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Effective operation of support units
  • Quality of installation of support units
  • Quality assurance of support units
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The positions of adverse geological structures, falls of ground and potentially hazardous rock blocks are noted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The status of remedial measures to reduce rock related risks if recommended during prior inspections is confirmed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The information gathered is evaluated onsite or at an appropriate time to establish the existence of rock related hazards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Communicate the results of the inspections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Observations and evaluations are presented in accordance with mine specific specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relevant personnel are informed of the results of the inspection effectively and timeously. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct a follow-up on the recommended actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The follow-up visit establishes the status of implementation of recommended actions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Reference to previous reports
  • Identify shortcomings
  • Observe and measure compliance
  • Communicate results of follow-up
     
    		•


    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. 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:
  • Health and safety 
    		•

    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 conduct an inspection and evaluate ground conditions confirms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to communicate results effectively indicates effective operation within a team. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The preparation for the inspections and the collecting of data used to make informed decisions indicates responsibility and effectiveness. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The candidate must be able to recognise changing ground conditions and have knowledge of the appropriate action to take. 
    		•

    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 hazardous and sub-standard 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 knowledge of the potential effect of ledging operations on ground stability confirms. 
    		•

    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 understanding of changing conditions and the implications of this on health and safety indicates responsibility towards the health of others. 
    		•

    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 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. 
    		•

    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, 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/instructions

    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
  • Skills: Level 3: Well-developed range
  • Procedures: Level 3: Significant choice.
  • Context: Level 3: Range of familiar.
  • Knowledge: Level 3: Some relevant theoretical
  • Information processing: Level 3: Interpretation of available information
  • Problem Solving: Level 3: A range of known responses to familiar problems, base on limited discretion and judgement.
  • Orientation of activities: Level 3: Directed, with some autonomy.
  • Application of responsibility: Level 4: Complete responsibility for quantity and quality of output others
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility: Level 4: Under broad guidance and evaluation.

    Average Level: = 3.22
    Actual Level Assigned: = 3


    Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:
  • Classroom Teaching: 8 hours
  • On-The-Job Training: 24 hours
  • Total: 32 hours

    Credits Achieved: = 32 / 10 = 3.2
    Credits Assigned: = 3 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  60369   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  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.