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 QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112283  Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  48  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 10126/19  2019-10-24  2024-10-24 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-10-24   2028-10-24  

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 qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
120664  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Controller  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator in underground mining, surface mining or construction operations as applicable. The qualification cut across various industries, and the 48 Credit value justifies the contact time a learner will take to complete the qualification. There are no currently registered qualifications or part-qualifications linked to this qualification. A Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator will be able to, place bulk explosive material using a mobile explosives manufacturing unit and perform related operations.

The manufacturing units are generally mobile self-contained structures. The qualification includes one of the following types of mobile explosives manufacturing units: Medium or large truck-mounted; utility vehicle mounted (in standard or low-profile configuration) towed, rail-mounted, free-standing, or portable.

Compliance with the Exit Level Outcomes ensures that the placement of bulk explosives is according relevant legislation, regulations and instructions. The qualification promotes social development, the minimisation of environmental damage and economic transformation by enabling effective mining and construction and use of bulk explosives in similar industries where rock blasting is required.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Operate a Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit.

    Rationale:
    Legislation requires that operators of mobile explosive manufacturing units must be competent. This qualification has 48 Credits designed to meet regulatory requirements. There are no currently registered qualifications or part-qualifications linked to this qualification. The Industry identified the need to develop this full qualification. Qualified and competent operators are essential to productive and safe mining and construction.

    Typical learners will be current operators and new entrants to the mining and construction industry. This qualification addresses the knowledge, skills and values necessary for the operation of a mobile explosive manufacturing unit and placing bulk explosive products, liaison with the clients, operating and maintenance of the Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit (MEMU), including quality and related matters. This learning is underpinned by appropriate Mathematical Literacy and Science as applied in the context of explosives and their use.

    Qualifying learners will have the ability to carry out bulk explosives placement that includes the ability to operate a mobile explosive manufacturing unit, perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets. The qualification is designed for progression from an entry-level in the bulk explosives industry at bulk explosives manufacturing factories or bulk explosives distribution depots. Individuals who have been authorised to operate a MEMU and/or who are competent in mining and construction are also well positioned to register for this qualification.

    Options for progression from this qualification are into the supervision of distribution and placement or depot supervision. In addition, the qualification can lead to technical advising and technical marketing of explosives as occupations in the mining, construction and civil engineering sectors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment.
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may Recognise Prior Learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    NQF Level 1 qualification with Mathematics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge Modules, Practical Skills Modules and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 734209-000-00-00-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 734209-000-00-00-KM-02, Health, Safety and the Environment, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 734209-000-00-00-KM-03, Explosive Manufacturing Processes, Level 2, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 20.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 734209-000-00-00-PM-01, Work Safely and Respond to Emergencies, Level 2, 1 Credit.
  • 734209-000-00-00-PM-02, Carry out Pre-Operational Activities, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 734209-000-00-00-PM-03, Operate the Unit and Complete Placing Activities, Level 2, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 12.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 734209-000-00-00-WM-01, Workplace Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operations, Level 2, 16 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 16. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct start-and end-of-shift procedures and perform operational checks, identify non-conforming items and assess potential risks using knowledge of equipment specifications, operational standards, electrical, electronic, hydraulic and mechanical systems.
    2. Operate mobile explosive manufacturing unit, perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to meet production targets.
    3. Identify operational and environmental hazards, assess risks and eliminate, control, minimise and report such hazards while meeting production and output requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria:
  • Complete the start-of-shift and end-of-shift activities according to all site-specific standards.
  • Conduct operational checks of the equipment's systems and components according to the original equipment manufacturers and site-specific requirements.
  • Complete all relevant documentation according to site-specific standards.
  • Explain the purpose of all the checks, precautionary measures and documentation.
  • Include the correct use of relevant names and terms for all answers to questions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria:
  • Meet applicable production targets for the equipment.
  • Perform the prescribed sequence of operations safely and effectively.
  • Operate equipment within the original equipment manufacturers and site-specific operating parameters.
  • Identify and report any equipment malfunctions, damage or maintenance requirements.
  • Identify, assess and report changes in the working environment or conditions.
  • Operate human-machine interfaces in a healthy, safe and effective manner.
  • Describe and explain the purpose of the equipment operations and the role of these operations in the mining and construction process accurately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria:
  • Identify, assess and report hazards that could affect health, safety, the environment and production targets.
  • Explain the concepts of hazard elimination, control and minimisation and give examples of each.
  • Explain the importance of compliance with legal and procedural requirements.
  • Describe the consequences of not complying with legislative, health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Accurately describe machine-specific emergencies according to the site-specific guidelines and how they should be dealt with.
  • Ensure that all equipment and safety checks and equipment operations comply with the relevant occupational, health, safety, environmental and legislative and site-specific requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated formative assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules through statements of results and work experience record including the Foundational Learning Competence.

    Integrated summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and associated assessment criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study conducted specifically focused on identifying occupational standards or qualifications used in other countries that might contain indicators of best practice that could be used for comparison to or in the development of the Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator qualification at Level 2.

    No full qualification specific to the Bulk Explosives Industry was found in other qualifications frameworks. The mobile explosive operator outcome forms a part of other qualifications in New Zealand as well as the Australian explosives manufacture (mobile processing unit) licence.

    New Zealand:
    Certificate in Surface Mining and Quarrying (2785):
  • Identify hazards and participate in risk assessments to work safely in a surface mining and quarrying workplace, and comply with workplace health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Safely and productively operate plant and/or machinery used in surface mining and quarrying.
  • Adapt to change, communicate and work effectively as part of a team within a surface mining and quarrying workplace.

    Australia:
  • Demonstrate the conduct of a business that involves the operation of explosives mixing vehicles and apply an Explosives Management Plan (EMP), including a security plan.

    Differences:
    The experts involved in this qualification commented that there is no other qualification internationally. This is due to the lack of bulk explosive manufacture and placement practice in countries that have well developed National Qualifications Frameworks. They also commented that South African programmes related to this qualification are used in SADC (Southern African Development Community).

    Similarities:
    It is very difficult to find a comparable qualification elsewhere. In most other countries, e.g., Australia or Canada, operators typically have technical qualifications and are also responsible for the maintenance of the equipment. There is no evidence of formal qualifications in developing countries for such an operator.

    Conclusion:
    The training in this qualification is designed to be fit-for-purpose for South African mining construction site conditions. The Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator's content compares favourably internationally with the content found in terms of best practices. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation:
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation with the following qualifications:
  • Occupational Certificate: Mobile Mining Equipment Operator, Level 2.
  • National Certificate: Chemical Operations, Level 2.

    Vertical articulation:
  • National Certificate: Explosives Manufacturing Operations Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Chemical Operations, Level 3. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for external assessment:
  • In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
  • Meets physical and legislative requirements.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
  • Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code is:
  • Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator: 734209-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • CHIETA. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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.