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: 

Destress rails 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119981  Destress rails 
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  8 
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:

Destressing continuous welded rails conventionally, as well as by using a rail tensioner. The learner will also be able to destress jointed rails, identify the cause of and repair creep in the track and determine stress free temperatures in the rail.

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 NQF Level 2.
  • And are in possession of an Educational and Competency Certificate in overhead track equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this Unit Standard:

    Competency must be demonstrated in
  • In normal weather conditions within specified temperature ranges during daytime.
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/sidings/shed/workshop (might or might not include overhead traction and railway signaling).
  • Within a specific time span.
  • Different site conditions, e.g. cuttings, embankments, multiple lines, tunnels, sites with restricted accessibility etc.

    This Unit Standard is inclusive of:
  • Continuous welded rails
  • Short rails
  • Turn out frog
  • The setting of splice joints
  • Determining stress free temperatures in the rail

    The learner should prove competence in the destressing of rails conventionally (manually), as well as by using a rail tensioner. The learner should also be able to determine stress free temperatures in the rail.

    This Unit Standard excludes mechanised destressing.

    Destressing should be performed under the supervision of a superior.

    "Points" include but are not limited to:
  • Cutting point
  • Reference point
  • Starting point
  • Point for placing destressing rollers

    Handling includes:
  • Storage
  • Loading
  • Transporting
  • Off-loading
  • Stacking
  • The use of push trolleys and rail transporters to transport permanent way materials 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to destress rails. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant information pertaining to the type of track, relevant material and location is obtained and interpreted from relevant documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correctness of the notice is verified in terms of the type of work to be performed, as well as for the specific section. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant tools, equipment and material are obtained and verified for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant temperature ranges pertaining to the specific work area is obtained and interpreted in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Relevant role players including team members are informed and made available. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Relevant personal protective equipment is identified and applied correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Appropriate protection is applied in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Occupation is taken correctly in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Work environment is safe guarded in accordance with regulations and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Destress continuous welded rails conventionally. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Temperature measurements are observed and recorded correctly in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Out fixed points are measured for destressing correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Both rails are cut and moved sideways safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All fastenings are loosened from cutting point to starting point. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Destressing rollers are inserted and removed correctly and safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Both rails are vibrated from starting point towards cutting point, within the prescribed temperature range. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Rails are placed in the correct position and fastenings tightened from furthest loosened mark (starting point) towards the cutting point, within the prescribed temperature range. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Rails are joined correctly and safely, in accordance with company specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Destress continuous welded rails using a rail tensioner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Temperature measurements are observed, recorded and reported according to organisational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Destressing specifications are obtained from relevant role-players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Fixed points are correctly measured out for destressing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Both rails are cut at prescribed mark. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Rail tensioner is fitted in accordance with safe working methods and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    All fastenings are loosened from cutting point to starting point. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Destressing rollers are inserted and removed correctly and safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Both rails are vibrated from starting point towards cutting point, within the prescribed temperature range. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Rails are placed in the correct position and fastenings tightened from furthest loosened mark (starting point) towards the cutting point, within the prescribed temperature range. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Rails are welded exothermically in accordance with company specifications and safe working methods and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Rail tensioner is removed safely and correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Destress jointed rails. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Temperature measurements are observed and recorded correctly in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Out fixed points are measured for destressing correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Fish plates are removed according to accepted procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All fastenings are loosened from fixed points. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Destressing rollers are inserted and removed correctly and safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Both rails are vibrated from fixed points within the prescribed temperature range. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Rails are placed in the correct position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Expansion gaps are set in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Fish plates are lubricated and joints fastened in accordance with procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Rails are joined correctly and safely and in accordance with company specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Repair creep in the track. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Cause of creep is identified correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Preparation for creeping repair is done correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Repair of rail creep is started in the correct place. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Fish plates are removed in accordance with accepted procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All fastenings from fixed points are removed according to accepted procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Destressing rollers and/or creep tensioner are inserted and removed correctly and safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Expansion is set in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Fish plates are lubricated and joints fastened in accordance with accepted procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Rails are joined correctly and safely and in accordance with company specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Determine stress free temperatures in the rail. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and function of destressing measurements is explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Temperature measurements are observed and recorded correctly in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Apply The correct measurement procedure is applied safely and in accordance with company specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Stress free rail temperature is determined accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Measurement tools and equipment is used safely and in accordance with specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Complete post-operational tasks related to destressing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Completed work is evaluated in accordance with relevant track standards, instructions and specifications and appropriate corrective action is taken where required. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Occupation is cancelled correctly and protection withdrawn in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hand over of track is planned, documented, communicated and executed correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Environmental regulations are adhered to during maintenance process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Complete Relevant documentation and reports are completed accurately and legibly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Role-players including team members are informed. 


    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
  • Principles of track destressing for continuous welded and jointed rails
  • Types and application of fastenings as per specifications
  • Types and condition of rails as per specification
  • Safe handling of rails, equipment and tools, including destressing rollers
  • Procedures and specifications with regard to the use of the rail tensioner
  • Different methods of bending and cutting rails
  • Possible causes of creep
  • Methods to repair creep
  • Purpose of and procedures for determining stress free temperatures in the rail
  • Properties and application of destressing measurement tools and equipment
  • Track standards and specifications
  • Track hand-over procedures
  • Relevant environmental regulations and legislation
  • Health, Safety and Housekeeping procedures and regulations
  • Reporting and documentation requirements and procedures 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    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 IDENTIFYING 
    Learners can solve problems with regard to:
  • The correctness, quantity and quality of tools, equipment and materials
  • Failure of equipment
  • Temperature ranges/weather
  • Availability of resources
  • Non-availability of other departments
  • Rails that are not within the prescribed temperature range
  • Loosening and preparation of existing track material 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively with others and in teams when:
  • Relevant role-players are informed and available
  • Allowing other departments to perform their functions
  • Occupation is taken and cancelled correctly
  • Track is declared safe
  • Temperature measurements are recorded
  • Destressing specifications are obtained and interpreted from relevant role-players
  • Vibrating and placing rails 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Learners can organise and manage one self:
  • By observing and assessing work area to determine if work can proceed
  • When informing team members of hazards in the work area
  • When preparing to destress rails
  • By completing destressing task before the required temperature is reached 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Observing temperature measurements
  • Identifying the cause of creep
  • Determining the stress free rail temperature
  • Interpreting the temperature ranges 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively by:
  • Completing relevant documentation
  • Communicating with relevant parties for example, subordinates, technical personnel, etc
  • Recording measurements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Bending and cutting rails
  • Using measurement tools and equipment
  • Using a rail tensioner
  • Using a destressing roller
  • Ensuring that rails are exothermically welded 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners can understand:

    . The impact of stress in a rail track on signalling and overhead track equipment 

    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 


    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.