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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Controller 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120664  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Controller 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CHIETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Intermediate Occupational Cert  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0614/23  2023-03-08  2028-03-08 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-03-08   2032-03-08  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
49555  National Certificate: Operation of Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Units  Level 3  NQF Level 03  120  Complete 
112283  Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Operator  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  48  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit (MEMU) Controller.

Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit (MEMU) Controllers mix and place bulk explosives by operating MEMUs in the blasting environment.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Conduct pre- and post-placement of bulk explosives activities.
  • Manufacture and place bulk explosives complying with safety, environment, efficiency and quality standards.

    Rationale:
    In keeping with their commitment to excellence, manufacturers of explosive materials assume the responsibility for the safe, environmentally sensitive, and efficient placement of mixed bulk explosive materials at clients' sites. This work is critical to surface mining and quarrying operations. The knowledge, skills and values needed to carry out this work is considered worthy of national recognition through a national qualification. Legislation requires that operators of mobile explosive manufacturing units (MEMU) must be competent; thus, it is imperative to have a suitable registered qualification to meet the legal requirement. Qualified and competent operators are essential to productive and safe mining and construction.

    There are currently similar registered qualifications which would be replaced by this qualification, as mentioned in the paragraph above in "qualifications to be replaced". Explosives and mining are some of the economic sectors that need specific knowledge and skills, especially safety of handling explosives and dangerous goods. People with this qualification could be exposed to employment opportunities in chemical manufacturing, construction, and mining sites. They will also be able to work independently, make judgements and decisions which is imperative in such a potentially hazardous context.

    Using bulk explosives emulsion offers the advantage of a perfect combination of the rock and explosives enabling superior performance of the product, optimisation of the drilling, blasting and downstream operations thereby minimising environmental damage. The key economic benefit of bulk emulsion is the replacement of relatively high, cost packaged explosives with a bulk product. Bulk explosives placement is most capable of delivering the lowest total cost of blasting.

    In addition to environmental protection, the key practical benefits include water resistance, improved coupling of explosive, reduced toxic gas production, increased shock energy and improved manual handling with bulk products.

    The qualification cuts across various industries, namely chemical manufacturing, mining and construction. It is therefore a sought-after qualification to ensure competent MEMU controllers across all sectors which will contribute to the general productivity and safety of operations in surface mining, underground mining, and construction sites.

    The savings potential of the introduction of bulk explosives systems can result in an improvement in drill and blast costs for a mine operator, or a significant increase in profit margin for a contract mining company.

    Typical learners include individuals practising, and those who have practiced in the mining and construction industries without a formal or a recognised qualification and new entrants into the occupation as per minimum entry requirements.

    The qualification addresses the knowledge, skills and values necessary for the mixing and placing of the bulk explosive products, liaison with the clients, operating, driving and first line maintenance of the Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit (MEMU), together with quality and related matters. This learning is underpinned by process specific calculations and chemistry as applied in the context of explosives and their use. Options for progression from this qualification are into supervision of distribution and placement or depot supervision. In addition, the qualification can lead to technical advising and technical marketing of explosives.

    Legislation requires that operators of mobile explosive manufacturing units (MEMUs) must be competent. Compliance with the Exit Level Outcomes ensures that the placement of bulk explosives are according to relevant legislation, regulations, and instructions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the
    QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through 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.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Any NQF Level 1 with Communications and Numeracy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Knowledge Modules
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-01, Occupational Health, Safety, Environment, Risk and Quality in the Manufacturing of Bulk Explosives, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-02, Quality Control and Process Problem Solving, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-03, Explosives Manufacturing Processes, Level 2,4 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-04, Sampling Theory and Testing, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-05, Basic Principles of Explosive Manufacturing and Placement, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-06, Technology and Routine Maintenance, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-07, Calculations for Manufacturing of Bulk Explosives, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-08, Communication and Teamwork, Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-KM-09, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 2, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 41

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 734209-001-00-00-PM-01, Adhere to Occupational Health and Safety Requirements when Handling Hazardous Materials, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-PM-02, Load and Transport Explosive Substances, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-PM-03, Conduct Pre-and Post-Placement Procedures of Bulk Explosives at the Blasting Block, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-PM-04, Ensure Safe Manufacturing and Placement of Bulk Explosives in Compliance with Legislation and Blasting Plan, Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-PM-05, Solve Problems and Assess Work for Quality Purposes, Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-PM-06, Drive, Operate and Maintain A MEMU In Compliance with Safety Regulations,
    Level 3, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skills Modules: 53

    Work Experience Modules
  • 734209-001-00-00-WM-02, Safe and Legally Compliant Bulk Explosive Manufacturing Processes, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-WM-03, Pre-and Post-placement of Bulk Explosives Processes, Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 734209-001-00-00-WM-04, Efficient and Optimised Explosives Manufacturing Processes, Level 3, 12 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 26 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, skills and values in the manufacturing and placement of bulk explosives.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to adhere to occupational health, safety, environment, risk and quality requirements to ensure compliance.
    3. Manufacture and place bulk explosives according to the blast plan/instruction by operating a MEMU.
    4. Execute efficient and optimised explosives manufacturing and placement processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO1: Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge, skills and values in the manufacturing and placement of bulk explosives.
  • Demonstrate Basic understanding of the composition and characteristics of bulk explosives and information on the material safety data sheets.
  • Understand and explain basic principles of explosives transportation, manufacturing processes and placement by operating MEMU.
  • Understand and evaluate basic principles of sampling and testing theory and the importance in ensuring quality explosives product.
  • Analyse basic understanding of implications of legal and regulatory requirements on occupational health, safety, environment and risk for the explosives manufacturing sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO2: Demonstrate the ability to adhere to occupational health, safety, environment, risk and quality requirements to ensure compliance.
  • Adhere occupational health, safety, and environment legal requirement to ensure compliance of the operation, equipment and MEMU.
  • Understand and comply with Quality principles, as used in bulk explosives placement, to ensure that the desired results are achieved.
  • Conduct appropriate in-process and product sampling and testing are conducted to ensure quality of the product.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO3: Manufacture and place bulk explosives according to the blast plan/instruction by operating a MEMU.
  • Conduct start- and end-of-shift procedures, perform operational checks, identify non-conforming items and assess potential risks using knowledge of equipment specifications, operational standards, and legal requirements.
  • Operate mobile explosive manufacturing unit, perform assigned tasks and respond to changing conditions to ensure production targets are met.
  • Identify operational and blasting block hazards, assess risks and eliminate such hazards, controlled, minimised, and reported in order to meet production, output and safety requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO4: Execute efficient and optimised explosives manufacturing and placement processes. > Interpret and adhere to product specifications, mixing instructions and blasting block instructions throughout the MEMU operation and the explosives manufacturing and placement processes.
  • Use the MEMU control panel to monitor machine operation, flow of product and placement volumes according to the blast plan and requirements.
  • Do the placement of bulk explosives in compliance with the relevant legislation, regulations, instructions, and blast plan/instruction.
  • Conduct quality checks to ensure explosive material is correctly placed and solve operating problems.
  • Evaluate and report effectiveness of work done and the results arising from the manufacturing operations.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the integrated external summative assessment.

    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. The assessment will be conducted through a written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by an assessor registered with the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was conducted using a unit of competency "Conduct mobile mixing of explosives" from the Australian qualification framework and the New Zealand qualification.

    Australia:
    The Australian unit of competency: "Conduct mobile mixing of explosives" offered by Australian Community and Management College (ACM) Training Services, an accredited training provider, describes the competencies and knowledge required for loading and mixing explosives using mobile processing units at blast holes in various contexts such as infrastructure, mining, drilling and extractive sectors. Licensing and legal requirements are alluded to, but not specified. The level, entry requirements and duration of this unit are not identified. Unit outcomes are:
  • Prepare to mix explosives using a mobile processing unit.
  • Load and mix explosives precursors.
  • Transport explosives precursors to delivery point.
  • Deliver explosives in blast hole.
  • Complete activity and store equipment.

    During assessment the learner must show competency in
  • Preparing for blasting operations.
  • Performing pre-start and shutdown checks.
  • Handling, loading, and transporting explosives precursors and explosives.
  • Mixing explosives.
  • Delivering explosives into blast hole.
  • Performing cup weight density checks and confirming that measurements are to specification.
  • Locate and apply required documentation, policies, and procedures.
  • Drive and operate mobile processing units in line with site conditions.
  • Identify common equipment faults.
  • Calibrate vehicle or unit where applicable.
  • Maintain security of explosives precursors.
  • Operate emergency shutdown systems.
  • Select and wear personal protective equipment required by work activities.
  • Use a spill kit.
  • Apply safe work practices.

    Similarities
    In terms of competencies and application contexts, the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Controller compares favourably with the unit of competency: "Conduct mobile mixing of explosives".

    Differences
    With the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Controller qualification the entry level, duration and level are specified, but it is not the case with the Australian unit of competency. In addition, the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit includes aspects related to maintenance, loading and transporting bulk explosives, teamwork, problem solving, etc. Furthermore, the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit includes work experience and theoretical components.

    New Zealand:
    A second comparability was done in terms of New Zealand best practices as it is expressed in the New Zealand Certificate in Surface Mining and Quarrying (Level 3) and the New Zealand unit standard in Manufacturing ANFO explosives is at Level 4 with 10 credits. This learning is offered by an accredited provider Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) New Zealand Incorporated which provides training services to various industries.

    Best practices include being able to select ingredients to manufacture ANFO; check the working order of the ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) mixing equipment; mix ANFO ingredients; carry out ANFO post-mixing procedures and knowledge of hazardous substances at an extractive site. Various conditions for achieving this unit include compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, current licenses, and procedural documentation available to the trainee. Best practices
    are:
  • 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.
  • Apply knowledge of surface mining and quarrying operations, basic geology, and material properties to safely complete workplace tasks as directed.
  • Safely and productively operate plant and/or machinery used in surface mining and quarrying.
  • Select ingredients to manufacture ANFO.
  • Check the working order of the ANFO mixing equipment.
  • Mix ANFO ingredients.
  • Carry out ANFO post-mixing procedures.
  • Adapt to change, communicate and work effectively as part of a team within a surface mining and quarrying workplace.

    Similarities
    In terms of content and competencies, Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Controller compares favourably with the best practices specified in Manufacturing ANFO and Surface Mining and Quarrying. Both qualifications are at Level 3.

    Differences
    The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit includes aspects related to maintenance, loading and transporting bulk explosives, teamwork, problem solving, etc. Furthermore, the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit includes a work experience component.

    Conclusion:
    The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: MEMU Controller compares favourably with the unit of competency from Australia and the best practices from New Zealand. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Miner, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Chemical Plant Operator, NQF Level 4.
  • National Occupational Certificate: Mine Shift Overseer, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable including Foundational Learning Competence.


    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • Valid driver's licence.
  • Medically fit.

    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 are: Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit Controller: 734209-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner:
  • Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA). 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    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.