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: 

Blast materials in Surface excavations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257039  Blast materials in Surface excavations 
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  15 
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
230012  Blast materials in quarry operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful for persons who intend following a career in the mining and minerals sector.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of blasting operations in Surface excavations.
  • Prepare for quarry blasting.
  • Charge up and initiate the blast.
  • Treat and blast misfires.
  • Destroy old explosives.
  • Conduct post-blasting operations.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of blasting materials in surface excavations in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    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 2.
  • Apply basic health and safety work principles and procedures in a workplace at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The whole standard refers to primary rock breaking operations in Surface excavations by means of blasting. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the blasting operations and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different types of explosives and accessories and initiation systems and components used are identified and their functions explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fundamentals of blast design are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fundamentals must include:
  • Patterns.
  • Timing.
  • Heave and throw requirements.
  • Sub drill.
  • Stemming.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Applicable legislation and the implications for blasting are explained and factors of highwall stability and their implications for blasting are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors must include:
  • Bench stability.
  • Smoothwall techniques.
  • Pre-splitting.
  • Smooth blasting.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The implications of environmental effects on blasting are explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Effects must include:
  • Ground vibration.
  • Flyrock.
  • Dust.
  • Noise.
  • Air blast.
  • Pollution (waste products).
  • Gas and vapours.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedure for and implications of the destruction of explosives and safety procedures and mechanisms to be implemented during blasting is explained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Risks and hazards that can be encountered during blasting are identified and mitigating measures explained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Risks and hazards must include:
  • Electrical hazard.
  • Charging hazard.
  • Firing hazards.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to conduct blasting operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Geological and survey data are determined and documented (blasting plan) and the blast plan is consulted and specific measures implemented in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Support requirements are anticipated and coordinated in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Personal protective equipment is selected, checked and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The blast site is examined and prepared and anomalies dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The placing of explosives by means of the mixer placer truck is conducted or co-ordinated and the blasting accessories are obtained, checked and transported to site in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safety procedures are implemented in accordance with specified requirements and the explosives register is completed and maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety procedures must include:
  • Guards.
  • Fences.
  • Signage.
  • Communication.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Charge up and initiate the blast. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazards and risks are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Blast holes are measured and dewatered in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Holes are loaded with explosives (coordinate with mixer-placer truck) and hand placing of explosives where required is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Primers are made up and installed, stemming is conducted, timing is installed, connections are tested, the warning siren is activated and all personnel cleared from site in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The blast is initiated and blasting operations are monitored and incidents and non-conformances dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Environmental aspects are monitored and anomalies dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Environmental aspects must include:
  • Dust.
  • Water.
  • Illumination.
  • Noise.
  • Fire and weather (lightning).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Treat and blast misfires. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The misfired area is examined and hazards identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Explosives and accessories are obtained, checked and prepared for use in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety procedures are implemented in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The area is cleared in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The misfired area is blasted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Post-blasting inspection is conducted to ensure effective treatment and blasting of the misfire. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Destroy old explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Old explosives are identified and handled in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Old explosives must include:
  • Damaged explosives.
  • Explosives accessories.
  • Frozen explosives.
  • Recovered explosives.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Explosives and accessories are obtained, checked and prepared for use in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety procedures are implemented in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The area is cleared in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Old explosives are destroyed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Destruction methods must include:
  • Burning.
  • Detonation.
  • Dilute with water.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Post destruction inspection is conducted to ensure effective destruction of old explosives. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Conduct post-blasting operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A post-blast inspection is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Inspection must include:
  • Fly rock.
  • Misfires.
  • Dangerous ground.
  • Large rocks (requiring secondary breaking).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The blast report is prepared and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Report must include:
  • Permit documentation.
  • Logbook.
  • Handover.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Unused explosives and accessories are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Blasting equipment is inspected and maintained in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Blasting equipment must include:
  • Shot exploder.
  • Siren.
  • Circuit tester.
  • Cabling.
     
    		•


    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.
  • 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 
    The following embedded knowledge will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard.

    Knowledge relating to the method:
  • Purpose of blasting material in quarry operations.
  • Blasting principles and methods.
  • Typical equipment used and their applications.
  • Relevant terminology.
  • Possible non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to quarry operations blasting, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to blasting in quarry operations.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Applicable statutory requirements:
  • Relevant clauses from applicable acts and regulations.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Blaster competency requirements and restrictions.

    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.
  • The ability of the learner to identify substandard 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.
  • The ability of the learner to work within a team to achieve targets in a safe manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • The ability of the learner to plan and organise work activities for the achievements of production targets safely. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • The ability of the learner to use equipment, follow processes and access and record data in a technological environment in accordance with environmental, occupational health and safety requirements. 
    		•

    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 standard 230012, "Blast materials in quarry operations", Level 3, 15 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 and Regulations, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines` Directives/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  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.