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: 

Make a working place safe in a mine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254587  Make a working place safe in a mine 
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  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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9804  Make a workplace safe in a tunnel development end in deep geo-technical conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9794  Make a working place safe in a coal pillar extraction panel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9795  Make a working place safe in a bord and pillar coal mining panel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9797  Make a working place safe in a tabular hard rock stope in deep geo-technical conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9798  Make a large excavation safe in shallow geo-technical conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9799  Make a large excavation safe in deep geo-technical conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9800  Make a workplace safe in a vertical shaft  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9801  Make a workplace safe in an incline or decline shaft  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9802  Make a workplace safe in a highwall, openpit or strip mine  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   
9803  Make a workplace safe in a tunnel development end in shallow geo-technical conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4   
9793  Make a working place safe in a long and short wall in a coal panel  Level 3  NQF Level 03  3   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for making a working place safe in a mine before continuing with any further mining activities.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of examination and making safe.
  • Prepare for visual and physical examination in order to make safe.
  • Conduct a visual examination.
  • Conduct a physical examination.
  • Make safe. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Competence must be assessed in one or more of the ranges for any one of the mining contexts listed below. The learner must do all the generic or specific ranges required within the unit standard.

    Coal Mine:
  • Long and short wall.
  • Coal pillar extraction panel.
  • Bord and pillar.

    Tabular Hard Rock Stope Panel:
  • Shallow geotechnical conditions.
  • Deep geotechnical conditions.

    Large Excavation:
  • Shallow geotechnical conditions.
  • Deep geotechnical conditions.

    Shaft:
  • Vertical shaft.
  • Incline or decline shaft.

    Tunnel Development:
  • Shallow geotechnical conditions.
  • Deep geotechnical conditions.

    Highwall Mine:
  • Openpit.
  • Strip mine. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of examination and making safe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Text is interpreted and geological structures and fracturing described in the context of making safe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Requirements regarding entry, watering down and barring are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Recognising and dealing with adverse conditions are explained in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for visual and physical examination in order to make safe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is selected, examined and used in a way that is consistent with its purpose and design in order to ensure that the safety of the operator, team and equipment is protected. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Hand protection.
  • Safety boots.
  • Safety hat.
  • Safety chain.
  • Eye protection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All tools, material and equipment required for examinations and making safe are selected, examined and ensured to be ready for use according to specified mine procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods for high panel observation are explained in line with mine specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace is watered down according to mine specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of inadequate preparation are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct a visual examination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The possible mining hazards relating to the hanging wall, sidewall and footwall/shaft bottom are identified in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The geological structures are identified and interpreted in terms of potential associated hazards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Faults and dykes.
  • Joints, dip and strike orientation.
  • Bedding.
  • Thickness of strata.
  • Mine specific rock types and their basic qualities.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Mining and stress related fractures are identified and interpreted in terms of potential associated hazards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    For vertical shafts must include:
  • Mining induced vertical or horizontal stress fractures.
  • Blast related fractures.
  • Friable rock.
  • Condition of support systems.
  • Support spacing and quality.
  • Excavation width-height-dimension.
  • Bed separation.
  • Brow support.
  • Sidewall scaling.

    For incline/decline shafts must include:
  • Mining induced vertical or horizontal stress fractures.
  • Blast related fractures.
  • Friable rock.
  • Condition of support systems.
  • Support spacing and quality.
  • Excavation width-height-dimension.
  • Bed separation.
  • Brow support.
  • Sidewall scaling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of conducting thorough examinations and consequences of inadequate examinations are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct a physical examination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The selected tools, equipment and materials are used in accordance with mine specified requirements, without injury to self or others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The working area is tested and sounded to identify hazardous conditions in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate decisions are taken for physical action for dealing with the identified hazards in line with the practical reach of the equipment, in accordance with mine specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Barring down.
  • Barricading off.
  • Install temporary support.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The potential unstable areas are immediately reported, recorded and monitored according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of conducting thorough examinations and consequences of inadequate examinations are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Make safe. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The decisions for physical action are implemented in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Barring down.
  • Barricading off.
  • Installation of temporary support.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The excavation is made safe according to mine specific procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The actions taken and status of the excavation are reported to designated personnel according to mine specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of deviating from mine specific procedures are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND 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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Knowledge relating to understanding of the correct making safe and support installations.
  • Significant hazards and risks related to the making safe process.
  • Applicable statutory requirements:
    > Codes of practice.
  • Communication.
    > Reporting requirements and ability.
    > Communicating with relevant personnel.
    > Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    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 to assess the risks associated with strata related hazards confirm ability to critically evaluate. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability of the candidate to promote the making safe of the working place as part of the mining team as a way to ensure his or her own safety confirms. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to understand that making safe and support installations must be planned and managed confirms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to identify various strata control related hazards and assess the associated risks. 
    		•

    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 other personnel with regard to the need for correct support spacing and installation quality confirms ability. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standards:
  • ID: 9793, Make a working place safe in a long and short wall in a coal panel, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9794, Make a working place safe in a coal pillar extraction panel, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9795, Make a working place safe in a bord and pillar coal mining panel, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9797, Make a working place safe in a tabular hard rock stope in deep geo-technical conditions, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9798, Make a large excavation safe in shallow geo-technical conditions, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9799, Make a large excavation safe in deep geo-technical conditions, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9800, Make a workplace safe in a vertical shaft, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9801, Make a workplace safe in an incline or decline shaft, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9802, Make a workplace safe in a highwall, openpit or strip mine, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • ID: 9803, Make a workplace safe in a tunnel development end in shallow geo-technical conditions, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • ID: 9804, Make a workplace safe in a tunnel development end in deep geo-technical conditions, Level 3, 3 Credits.

    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:
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Voluntary Codes of Practice.
  • Manufacturers Specifications.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.
  • Working Guides.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • Risk Assessment Documents.
  • South African Bureau of Standards and other standards. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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.
     
    1. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    4. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    5. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    6. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    7. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    8. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(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.