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: 

Carry out blasting environmental testing 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
230017  Carry out blasting environmental testing 
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 4  NQF Level 04  6 
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 will be useful for persons who intend following a career in the mining and minerals sector, particularly in the domain of cement, lime aggregates and sand.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Plan and prepare for environmental testing of blasts in surface mines and quarries.
  • Operate the environmental testing equipment.
  • Produce results, interpret findings and make inputs to the rockbreaking processes.

    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 carrying out blasting environmental testing in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    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 3.
  • 9532: "Demonstrate basic knowledge of computers" at NQF Level 3.
  • 230010: "Demonstrate knowledge of the geological nature of surface extraction sites" at NQF Level 3.
  • 230012: "Blast materials in quarry operations" at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare for environmental testing of blasts in surface mines and quarries. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The applicable limits for environmental tests for the site are explained in accordance with legal requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explanation must include:
  • Shock wave frequency.
  • Shock wave peak particle velocity.
  • Sound-over-pressure.
  • Dust collection equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The equipment required for environmental testing is checked and prepared in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The sites for positioning the equipment are selected in accordance with the location and direction of the blast as well as the impact on the neighbouring areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Estimates of the expected results are calculated taking into account the blast design, relevant location of the blast and test sites and specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate the environmental testing equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The vibration recording equipment is set up and operated as per manufacturer's instructions and site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sound-over-pressure equipment is positioned and operated as per manufacturer's instructions and site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dust collection equipment is positioned and operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equipment faults are diagnosed and rectified or reported to appropriate personnel and routine servicing and housekeeping is carried out to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Environmental testing is conducted in accordance with site specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hazards and risks are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Produce results, interpret the findings and make inputs to the rockbreaking process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The results are computed; compared to expected figures and anomalies reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Records of the results are maintained in conjunction with the relevant blast data in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Historical trends are computed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Result anomalies are investigated and evaluated and adjustments to the rockbreaking process proposed in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Results are communicated to the responsible personnel as well as interested and affected parties in accordance with site-specific 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 by 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 
    The following embedded knowledge will be assessed in an integrated way in the context of the unit standard.
  • Knowledge relating to the practice of blasting environmental testing:

    > Purpose of conducting blasting environmental testing.
    > Blasting environmental testing principles and methods.
    > Typical equipment used and their applications.
    > Relevant terminology.
    > Possible non-conformances, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Issues:

    > Significant hazards and risks related to conducting blasting environmental testing, their consequences and mitigating actions.
    > Safety measures related to conducting blasting environmental testing.
    > PPE requirements and the reason for each.
    > Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Applicable statutory requirements:

    > Relevant clauses from applicable acts and regulations.
    > Codes of practice.
    > Tester 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 IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • The ability of the learner to identify substandard 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.
  • The ability and willingness of the learner to accept, interpret and apply work instructions correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • The ability of the learner to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation when conducting environmental testing. 
    		•

    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).
    > 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
    Elective  57121   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Quarrying  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-09-17  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  74490   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.
     
    1. Anglo American Platinum Limited - Mogalakwena Mining Training Centre 
    2. COLLIERY TRAINING COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    3. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    4. DEI GRATIA TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION 
    5. ELITE OPERATOR AND SKILLS TRAINING 
    6. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    7. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    8. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    9. KOLOMELA MINE 
    10. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    11. MATHABA MINING GROUP 
    12. MEDIRO TRAINING ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    13. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    14. PPC Ltd 
    15. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    16. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    17. TEC HRD CONSULTANTS 
    18. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(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.