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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Supervise an emergency operation involving trenches 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
260118  Supervise an emergency operation involving trenches 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Fire and Rescue 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Cleaning, Domestic, Hiring, Property and Rescue Services 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 for rescue practitioners that are required to respond to and supervise incidents involving trenches. People tasked with the responsibility to supervise incidents involving trenches are required to analyse the environment and its dynamics in order to quantify risks, determine action plans and institute remedial measures.

People credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Monitor and evaluate the safety of persons at an incident involving trenches.
  • Evaluate the soil condition.
  • Assess the dangers involving trenches.
  • Use and maintain trench rescue equipment.
  • Devise and implement a plan to deal with the incident. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner is already competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Trenches include but are not limited to man-made and natural trenches, excavations and depression.
  • Incident refers to rescue, recovery, collapses, un-shored trenches and shored trenches. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Monitor and evaluate the safety of persons at an incident involving trenches. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The incident scene is divided into zones that will ensure maximum safety of people, property and the environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Zones include but are not limited to hot, warm and cold zones, restriction of access, and evacuation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The magnitude of an emergency incident is evaluated in terms of resource requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential hazards are identified and analysed in terms of action required to minimize possible negative effects. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Potential hazards include but are not limited to ruptured water mains, ruptured gas lines or pipes, electrical cables, earthing cables, vibration from passing vehicles, aircraft and machinery.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Corrective measures are implemented to secure and stabilize a site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Inner and outer cordoning is set up to secure an incident scene. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Evaluate the soil condition. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Soil condition refers to but is not limited to type, density, moisture content, adhesion, cohesion, layering, water content soil type. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The soil type and layering is determined through collection of a suitable sample. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The soil sample in analysed to determine the density of the affected area. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The soil sample is analysed in terms of the moisture content, adhesion and cohesion properties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The findings of the analyses are interpreted and a plan of action is developed that is appropriate to the scenario. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assess the dangers relating to a trench at a specific incident. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • A trench refers to but is not limited to existing trench, trench to be dug and collapsed trench.
  • Incident refers to but is not limited to rescues and recoveries. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An incident scene is evaluated and conditions are identified that could lead to a probable collapse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The air is monitored for flammability and toxicity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information relating to possible dangers is collated and incorporated into an appropriate plan of action for the scenario. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Use and maintain trench rescue equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Trench rescue equipment is identified and evaluated in terms of its operational preparedness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Trench rescue equipment is assembled in accordance with the manufactures specifications and organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Limitations of specific items of equipment are identified and discussed in terms of adherence to safe working procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment is maintained and tested in terms of the manufacturers specification and organizational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Devise and implement a plan to deal with an incident. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The complexity of the environment is evaluated in terms of all factors that impact on the safety of the situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Resources needed to mitigate the situation are identified from available data. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources refer to but are not limited to equipment, staff, technical advice and finance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A plan is developed that will ensure safety on the scene. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Plan includes contingencies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The plan is communicated to all relevant personnel to coordinate rescue activities and implemented in accordance with industry accepted protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Guidelines are set that will assist in monitoring the effectiveness of the plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Deviations from the plan are identified and corrective action is taken that is appropriate to the situation. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The learner demonstrates the following:
  • Soil types
  • Incident Management System.
  • Legislation e.g. Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Incident scene zones.
  • Resources required to handle various incidents.
  • How to measure air quality.
  • How to develop a plan of action.
  • How to communicate with relevant personnel.
  • Corrective action required in certain situations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems related to trench rescue operations at the scene of an incident and by shaping own actions and a response plan according to the changing nature of the context. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a rescue team/group/section to ensure public and individual safety at the scene. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and know one's limitations in order to organise activities and resources so that all requirements are met in achieving effective rescue. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and organise information and critically evaluating information gathered in order to determine a plan of action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with other key roleplayers in order to ensure a coordinated effort for rescue. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using the correct trench rescue equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems in that rescue operations are conducted timeously and relevant information is gathered and documented to provide an integrated and total rescue plan. 

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  64390   National Certificate: Emergency Services Supervision: Fire and Rescue Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 


    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. Goldfields Emergency Fire Services Training Academy 
    2. Josmap Training Institute 
    3. Mortarboard Training Solutions 
    4. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    5. PTDEV (Pty) Ltd 
    6. Sebenzisanane Human Capital 
    7. South African Corporate Training Association 
    8. Tshwane Training Institute (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.