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: 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effect of seismicity on support units and workplace stability 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
254580  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effect of seismicity on support units and workplace stability 
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 3  NQF Level 03  4 
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 to rock engineering personnel who are responsible for evaluating the effect of seismic activity on support and workplace stability.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of mining-induced seismic activity.
  • Identify and assess the effect of seismic activity on ground conditions.
  • Identify and assess the effect of seismic activity on support units.
  • Communicate adverse conditions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of mining-induced seismic activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Definitions related to seismicity are given in a mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Seismic event.
  • Wave formation and propagation.
  • Seismic monitoring.
  • Rock spitting.
  • Strain bursts.
  • Face bursts.
  • Dyke burst.
  • Fault slip.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mechanisms of seismic activity are described in a mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stress.
  • Stress vs. strength of material.
  • Geological structures.
  • Changing stress levels due to mining.
  • Stress increasing slip potential on geological structure vs. shear strength of geological structure.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and assess the effect of seismic activity on ground conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effects of seismic waves on the mining excavation and surrounding rock are identified in a mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Relationship between event size and location vs. site location and relative damage.
  • Rock fall or shake down.
  • Correlation of recorded data with underground observations.
  • Geological discontinuities.
  • Creation or displacement of brows.
  • Dynamic closure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effect of seismic activity on ground conditions is assessed in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Evidence of solid rock failure, fracturing, disintegration.
  • Evidence of displacement of geological discontinuities.
  • Evidence of rock fall or shake down.
  • Creation or displacement of brows.
  • Evidence of dynamic closure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Unsafe conditions are reported to the workplace supervisor/workers underground. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and assess the effect of seismic activity on support units. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Seismic activity is identified in terms of effect on support conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dynamic closure.
  • Support unit deformation.
  • Support unit failure.
  • Changes in direction of loading of support units.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Seismic activity is assessed in terms of effect on support conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Support unit condition.
  • Support unit stability.
  • Support unit integrity.
  • Support unit failure mode.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Unsafe conditions due to ineffective support units are reported to the workplace supervisor/workers underground in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Communicate adverse conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Observations are communicated verbally to workers/supervisors underground in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A written report stating the observations and decisions taken underground is compiled in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An appropriate scale plan showing observations is drawn or annotated in accordance with operational requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification 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 
  • Definitions relating to mining induced seismic activity.
  • Mechanisms of seismic activity.
  • Identification and assessment of seismic activity.
  • Unsafe conditions.
  • Communication.
  • Safety, health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 and assess evidence of seismic damage with reasons for the damage and compile a report. 
    		•

    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 and to request assistance with identification and assessment in an appropriate manner as a team member. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • In preparation for identification and assessment of seismic damage, the candidate must indicate what tools are required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • The ability of the candidate to reconcile the measured and analysed data with visual information and prepare a written report. 
    		•

    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 reporting evidence of seismic damage 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 use of seismic monitoring devices and instrumentation indicate effective use of science and technology. 
    		•

    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 assess seismic damage. The effect of non-compliance and deviation from mine standards and procedures will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken has more than one effect. 
    		•

    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 and Safety Act, 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.

    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH and S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 3; The skills required now have a significant variety and extend beyond the simple range.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Although the procedure is known and familiar (as level 1) it is not as repetitive.
  • Context; Level 3; The candidate knows all contexts that the process occurs in but a variety and range of contexts occur.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; The knowledge required is merely related to the operation and no theory needs to be applied.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Information is readily available but some processing is required.
  • Problem Solving; Level 3; The key difference from level two is the application of some "judgement".
  • Orientation of activities; Level 3; Follows instructions, but has some autonomy to make own decisions and give instructions down ward.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; Here the responsibility extends towards, although not entirely, the output as well as, when applicable, the output of others.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Candidate's output is quality checked, i.e. on random basis.

    Average Level = 24/9 = 2.67.
    Actual Level Assigned = 3.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 16 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 24 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0.
  • Other (Specify); 0.

    Total = 40.

    Credits Achieved = 40/10 = 4.
    Credits Assigned = 4. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  60369   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    3. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    4. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    5. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    6. 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.