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: 

Operate hydraulic rail shearing machine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120449  Operate hydraulic rail shearing machine 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
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 is for a learner within the fabrication and welding fields. Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to operate the hydraulic rail-shearing machine safely and to a high degree of accuracy in accordance with required quality specifications and standards.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Identifying and obtaining the relevant rail shearing machines.
  • Identifying and obtaining relevant consumables.
  • Preparing the rail-shearing machine according to manufacturer's instructions and specifications correctly and safely.
  • Planning and preparing for shearing.
  • Identifying the different rail profiles 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • The unit standard "Care for, select and use hand and measuring tools". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate, because performance may be carried out:
  • In different weather conditions.
  • During day and night time.
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/siding/shed/workshop (might or might not include overhead traction).
  • Within a specific time-span.
  • Under hazardous conditions.

    This unit standard is inclusive of all IC-, hydraulic-driven rail-shearing machines. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to operate the hydraulic rail-shearing machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The hydraulic rail-shearing machine is identified and obtained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relevant consumables and tools are identified and obtained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The fire-fighting and first-aid equipment is identified and obtained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The hydraulic rail-shearing machine is prepared and the prescribed start up procedure is followed safely and correctly according to manufacturer's procedures and specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate hydraulic rail-shearing machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant hand tools are used safely and correctly in accordance with manufacturer's/company specifications and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Shearing blades are fitted correctly according to manufacturer's specifications and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Adjusting arms are adjusted safely, correctly and securely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct start-up procedure is followed safely and correctly according to manufacturer's specifications and company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct testing procedure is followed safely and correctly according to manufacturer's and company specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The correct operating procedures are followed safely and correctly according to manufacturer's and company specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The correct shutdown procedure is followed safely and correctly according to manufacturer's/company specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform post-operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The hydraulic rail-shearing machine is placed safely and correctly according to company/manufacturer's specifications and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The maintenance tasks are performed safely, correctly and timeously according to company/manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The hydraulic rail-shearing machine, tools, equipment and consumables are stored safely and correctly according to company/manufacturer's specifications and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All documentation is completed accurately and timeously in accordance with company instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Petrol/equipment/consumables requisitions.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply safe working procedures and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct personal protective clothing is identified, obtained and used at all times as required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fire and safety hazards in work area are identified, limited or removed in accordance with set requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Applicable fire-fighting equipment is placed in and removed from work area safely and correctly according to company policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment is loaded and off-loaded in accordance with company and legislative safety policy and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessary precautions are taken to prevent injury to personnel and damage to hydraulic rail-shearing machine and equipment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete the relevant technical documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work orders and instructions are interpreted and understood in accordance with company's policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information is reported to the relevant parties in line with the set standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The completed documentation is administered in accordance with company's policies and procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard 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 unit standard 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 Unit Standard.
  • 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 
    1. The purpose, function and use of measuring equipment.
    2. The identification and handling of fire hazards.
    3. The identification and handling of safety hazards.
    4. The purpose, function, identification and operation of tools and equipment.
    5. The purpose, function, identification and use of consumables.
    6. Relevant clauses of ACT 85 related to applicable equipment and machines used.
    7. The stowage of tools, equipment and consumables.
    8. Track Welding specifications and instructions related to the operation of the hydraulic rail-shearing machine.
    9. Safe work procedures related to the operation of the hydraulic rail-shearing machine.
    10. The purpose, function and use of Personal protective equipment.
    11. Material identification and verification.
    12. The purpose, function and use of fire-fighting and first-aid equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Learners have the generic ability to identify and solve problems with regard to:
  • Equipment failures.
  • Weather conditions.
  • Equipment handling during unforeseen circumstances.
  • Correctness, quantity and quality of material. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Loading and off-loading of the hydraulic rail-shearing machine.
  • Working with cross-functional disciplines.
  • Setting up of rail hydraulic rail-shearing machine on railway track. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Learners can organise and manage one-self by:
  • Observing and assessing the work area to limit hazards and ensure safe working conditions for self, fellow employees and other persons on the worksite.
  • Planning and organising to obtain, prepare, operate and handle the hydraulic rail-shearing machine. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners can evaluate information:
  • Related to company and manufacturer's instructions and specifications.
  • Related to different types of consumables and tools.
  • Related to work processes and procedures.
  • Related to fire and safety hazards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively:
  • By means of verbal and written reports.
  • By receiving and giving instructions verbally and in writing.
  • With relevant parties, for example sub-ordinates, technical personnel, etc. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Preparing, operating and handling the hydraulic-rail shearing machine.
  • Identifying and using the correct fuel mixtures and size of stripping blades to suite the specific material. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners can understand that handling and operating the hydraulic rail-shearing machine safely and correctly will enhance the life-span and efficiency of this specific equipment, thus contributing to the safe passage of rail traffic. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety procedures and guidelines in the usage of IC- and hydraulic-driven rail-shearing machines, equipment and consumables.
  • Working and living in a multi-cultural environment. 
    		•

    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 
    Values:
  • Safety conscientiousness.
  • Time conscientiousness.
  • Sobriety.
  • Reliability.
  • Trustworthiness.
  • Responsibility towards assets and equipment.
  • Integrity.
  • Quality conscientiousness.

    Supplementary information:

    A learner need to be certified and validated according to the company and legislative requirements for the specific equipment used. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  49795   National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    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.
     
    1. R and H Rail (Pty) Ltd 


    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.