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: 

Time and connect blast initiating systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257058  Time and connect blast initiating systems 
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 2  NQF Level 02  2 
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 intended to promote knowledge and understanding of timing and connecting blast initiating systems on surface mines and quarries in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of explosives handling, transport and storage.
  • Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system.
  • Prepare to connect blast initiating system.
  • Install the blast initiating system and time the blast.
  • Perform post-installation activities.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector. 
    		•

    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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of explosives handling, transport and storage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Explosives and accessories are identified in terms of name and appearance. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Identification must include the following:
  • Types of explosives and accessories.
  • Generic and brand name.
  • Packaging codes.
  • Blasting tools and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The handling, transport and storage of explosives and accessories are explained in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specified requirements must include the following:
  • Prevention of accidental detonation.
  • Access to explosives.
  • Separation of explosives and accessories.
  • Transportation requirements.
  • Security.
  • Quantities (transportation, stacking).
  • Storage facilities.
  • Expired and spoiled explosives.
  • Lightning.
  • Treatment and disposal of misfired explosives.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Explosives, accessories and tools are handled in accordance with specified requirements (No unauthorised items are handled). 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the specified requirements pertaining to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principles of operation of an initiating system are explained in terms of application within a surface mine environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Risks related to the installation and maintenance of an initiating system are explained in terms of impact on the environment, production and injury to people. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Unsafe underfoot conditions.
  • Working in proximity of mobile equipment.
  • Working with electrical equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for applying an initiating system used for blasting are explained in terms of application and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Initiating systems must include:
  • Centralised blasting systems.
  • Portable shot exploders.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare to connect blast initiating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is checked and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools, material and equipment required are available in the workplace, in good working order, fit for purpose and used in accordance with legal and operational requirements and manufacturers specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hazards and sub-standard conditions are identified and dealt with or reported to responsible persons in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The blast area barricade is installed to prevent inadvertent access in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Install the blast initiating system and time the blast. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, in good working order and used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The initiating system is installed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Type of system required.
  • Method of installation.
  • Operational check.
  • Use of tools and equipment and precautions taken to prevent injuries, property damage and time and production delays.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work-related hazards are dealt with in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work-related hazards include:
  • Working in proximity of rolling stock/moving equipment/self propelled mobile machinery.
  • Working with electrical equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The blast is timed in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Timing to be done according to the accessories being used.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Perform post-installation activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reports are completed and submitted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Incidents and accidents are reported in accordance with specified requirements. 


    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 with 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 
    Knowledge relating to the process:
  • Purpose of timing and connecting blast initiation systems to a standard pattern on surface mines and quarries.
  • Methods of timing and connecting blast initiation systems to a standard pattern.
  • Principles related to timing and connecting blast initiation systems to a standard pattern and equipment used.
  • Relevant terminology and names of systems and major components of equipment.
  • Possible non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to timing and connecting blast initiation systems to a standard pattern.
  • Safety measures related to timing and connecting blast initiation systems to a standard pattern in surface mines and quarries.
  • 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.
  • Support 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 WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to interact with various other workers in the mine or quarry in order to ensure consistent adherence to mine operations and safety. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: The ability of the learner to interact with sophisticated equipment related to timing and connecting blast initiating systems iin surface mines and quarries. 

    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 ability of the learner to understand the relationship between upstream, downstream and associated processes, and the impact that he may have in each regard. 

    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 
    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).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • 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
    Core  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.