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: 

Measure track geometry in order to determine track condition 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119973  Measure track geometry in order to determine track condition 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Civil Engineering Construction 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner is capable of:

Performing vertical and horizontal alignment deviation measurements and measurements on curves. The learner is also able to interpret such measurements, in order to determine the track condition.

This Unit Standard will contribute to the full development of a professional community of Rail Construction and Maintenance workers.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the Rail Construction and Maintenance environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2
  • Communication at Level 2
  • Educational and Competency Certificate in overhead track equipment 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard:

    Competency must be demonstrated in:
  • Measuring and interpreting adherence to vertical and horizontal track standards on tangent tracks, curved tracks and turnouts
  • Measuring and interpreting measurements on a tangent track, a curves and turnouts

    Possible track deviations include:
  • Vertical alignment deviations include, but are not limited to:
    > Slack
    > Long slack
    > Cross slack
    > Blind slack
    > Joint slack
  • Horizontal alignment deviations:
    > Kink and kick-out
    > Super elevation (Cant)
    > Track Gauge
  • Types of curves include:
    > Curves with transitional curves
    > Curves without transitional curves
    > Compound circular curves
    > Reverse curves
  • Measurement tools include, but are not limited to:
    > Measuring tape
    > Ruler (Measuring rule)
    > Track Gauge
    > Measuring cord
    > Optometric instruments
    > Boning rods
    > Different types of coloured chalk
    > Taper gauge
    > Straight edge
    > Platform gauge
    > Track square
    > Thermometer
    > Levelling plank
    > Line level
    > Plumb bob
    > Expansion shims
  • Fixed points include:
    > Beginning of transition curve
    > Beginning of circular curve
    > Ending of transition curve
    > Ending of circular curve 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of track standards and measurements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of track standards and specifications are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purpose of track measurements are explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Possible track deviations and causes thereof are identified and explained correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose, properties and safe application of the range of measurement tools are explained according to specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to measure track geometry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Job instruction is obtained and interpreted form relevant information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant role-players including team members are informed and made available. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Measurement tools are obtained and verified for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant personal protective equipment is identified and applied correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate protection is afforded in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Work environment is safe-guarded in accordance with regulations and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform vertical and horizontal alignment deviation measurements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Measurements must be performed on tangents, curves and turnouts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Deviation area is identified correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Possible deviations and/or track standards for the allocated work area are identified for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate measurements are performed accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measurement tools are ensured to comply with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Appropriate measurement tools are utilised for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Measurements are recorded legibly and in accordance with specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Safe working methods are applied at all times. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Measure curves. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes horizontal and vertical measurements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fixed points of curve are identified correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The middle offset is measured correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Cant on curve is measured accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Gauge is measured accurately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Interpret measurements in order to determine track condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate formulas are utilised correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Calculations are done accurately. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Calculations include:
  • Radius
  • Cant
  • Gauge
  • Off sets
  • Tangent track
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Standards are calculated where required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Calculation is compared with required standard and track condition and deviations are classified accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Track condition and deviations are timeously communicated to supervisor and recorded accurately. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Complete post-measurement operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality of completed work is verified and corrective action is taken where required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work site is restored and cleared as per instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Protection is withdrawn in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant documentation is completed and reports accurately and legibly done. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Role-players including team members are informed of all relevant information. 


    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 ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • The relevant ETQA would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this Unit Standard. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Code of Practice 29
  • Track standards and specifications
  • Purpose of track measurements
  • Purpose, properties and safe application of a range of measuring equipment
  • Track and turnout measuring methods
  • Types of track alignment deviations
  • Causes of track alignment deviations
  • Different types of curves
  • Principles for the calculation of middle offset
  • Principles for the calculation of the radius of the curve
  • Principles for the calculation of cant on curve
  • Principles for the measurement of gauge
  • Track Geometry formulas
  • Health, Safety and Housekeeping procedures and regulations
  • Relevant Environmental regulations and legislation
  • Reporting and documentation requirements and procedures 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Learner and societal development

    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety in the workplace.
  • Being a team player in the work environment, organisation and in society.
  • Economic impact of rail track operations. 

  • UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation

    Learners can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Utilising appropriate formulas, performing measurements & interpreting measurements against standards.
  • Performing calculations accurately. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication

    Learners can communicate effectively by:
  • Completing relevant documentation.
  • Communicating with relevant parties for example, subordinates, technical personnel, etc.
  • Reporting and recording track conditions and deviations.
  • Interpreting and communicating results of measurements. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Using sophisticated measurement tools to perform measurements.
  • Performing measurements.
  • Performing calculations. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Inter relatedness of systems

    Learners can understand:
  • Impact of geometric deviations on the permanent way system (signalling and overhead track equipment).
  • Causes of alignment deviations.
  • The importance of a well constructed railway track as an integral part of the rail transport system. 

  • 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  49795   National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  61670   Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Construction and Maintenance  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  TETA 


    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. R and H Rail (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.