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: 

Charge shot holes with bulk explosives 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116667  Charge shot holes with bulk explosives 
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 "Registered" 		 2004-12-02  2007-12-02  SAQA 0857/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-12-02   2011-12-02  

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 
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.

This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of charging shot holes with bulk explosives in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • Explain the specified requirements pertaining to charging shot holes with bulk explosives
  • Prepare to charge shot holes with bulk explosives
  • Charge shot holes with bulk explosives 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Follow basic health and safety practices pertaining to mining operations 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the specified requirements pertaining to charging shot holes with bulk explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace hazards pertaining to the charging of shot holes with bulk explosives are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Unsafe support conditions
  • Slippery surfaces
  • Unsafe ventilation conditions
  • Explosives spillage
  • Open excavations
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The significant risks and consequences associated with the work related hazards pertaining to the charging of shot holes with bulk explosives are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working with hazardous chemicals
  • Working at heights
  • Working in inclined areas
  • Working with explosives and accessories
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The product information relevant to the use of bulk explosives is explained in accordance to specified requirements in terms of type, quantity, densities and timing. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to charge shot holes with bulk explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, operational and used according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material and equipment are available in the workplace, operational and fit for purpose according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The area where shot holes are to be charged with bulk explosives is examined for workplace hazards and such hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Unsafe ground conditions
  • Unsafe support conditions
  • Slippery surfaces
  • Unsafe ventilation conditions
  • Explosives spillage
  • Open excavations
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Bulk explosives quantities are calculated and ordered according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Bulk explosives, tools, material and equipment are transported to the workplace according to specified requirements in terms of transport method, placement and securing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Precautions taken to prevent injuries and property damage are according to specified requirements in terms of the placement of barriers, warning signs and securing of persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The charging equipment is prepared for charging operations according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations must include:
  • Connecting of equipment
  • Engagement of power supply
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The consequences to safety, health and production, if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst preparing to charge shot holes with bulk explosives are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include those relating to:
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Selection and examination of tools, material and equipment
  • Area examination
  • Calculation and ordering of explosives and accessories
  • Transportation of explosives and accessories, material, tools and equipment
  • Safety precautions
  • Preparation of charging equipment
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Charge shot holes with bulk explosives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Shot holes are charged with bulk explosives and accessories according to specified requirements in terms of positioning of accessories, timing, mixing of chemicals, filling and tamping of holes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools and equipment are used in accordance with specified requirements and in line with accepted ergonomic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work-related hazards are dealt with according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working with hazardous chemicals
  • Working at heights
  • Working in inclined areas
  • Working with explosives and accessories
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Interpersonal interaction is positive, consistent with specified requirements and promotes effective teamwork. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Reports are completed and submitted according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequences to health, safety and production if specified requirements are not adhered to whilst charging shot holes with bulk explosives are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include those relating to:
  • Charging of shot holes
  • Use of tools and equipment
  • Dealing with work related hazards
  • Preparation and storage of tools and equipment
  • Interpersonal interaction
  • Reports
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA .
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • The significant risks and consequences associated with the workplace and work related hazards pertaining to the charging of shot holes with bulk explosives
  • The product information relevant to the use of bulk explosives. 
    		•

    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 of the candidate to identify sub-standard 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.
    Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is required and communicate to fellow workers his / her intentions and assistance required. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 

    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 the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and sub-standard conditions will indicate his / her proficiency in effective communication. 

    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 candidate 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 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 candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have a devastating effect. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    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, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991)
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SABS and other relevant Standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives
  • 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.

    Motivation regarding number of specific outcomes

    Even though there are less than four specific outcomes in this unit standard it represents a whole competency. It is NOT merely a description of tasks, jobs or procedures but it focuses on outcomes of activity. It also has a broad application across a range of contexts as stipulated in the unit standard.

    In addition this unit standard is considered as a milestone of learning in the sector. It is worth recognizing in its own right, as it is attributable to and achievable by an individual.

    This unit standard is fit-for-purpose for the sector and the specific outcomes jointly meet all the competence requirements of the title of the standard.

    In addition the unit standard has been integrated to avoid artificial distinctions between activities/processes.

    Unit standard justification

    Level

    Attribute-Level-Justification
    Skills-2-The skills required have some variety but are still fairly simple
    Procedures-2-Although the procedure is known and familiar (as level 1) it is not as repetitive.
    Context-2-Although the process could occur in different contexts, the contexts are repeatedly applicable and known to the candidate
    Knowledge-3-Relevant theoretical knowledge is required to be fully competent
    Information processing-2-Information is readily available but some processing is required
    Problem Solving-3-The key difference from level two is the application of some "judgement"
    Orientation of activities-3-Follow instructions but has some autonomy to make own decisions and give instructions down ward.
    Application of responsibility-2-Some responsibility towards quantity and quality, i.e. responsible for quantity and quality of item of competence and not the over al output
    Orientation of scope of responsibility-2-Candidate's output is quality control.

    Average level: 21 / 9 = 2.3 level assigned: 2

    Credits

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity-Hours
    Classroom Teaching-6
    On-The-Job Training-12
    Mentoring required-0
    Other (Specify)-0
    Total-18

    Credits achieved: 18 / 10 = 1.8 credits assigned: 2 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    NONE 


    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.