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: 

Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125102  Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA 
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  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  132  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0936/25  2025-11-13  2029-11-13 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-11-13   2033-11-13  

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
94572  Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician: Mine Ventilation Observer  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  137  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mine Environmental Control Observer. A Mine Environmental Control Observer observes, measures, collects, records, and reports Mine environmental conditions; develops short-term mine environmental control plans; takes required actions to correct sub-standard conditions; and reports on actions taken effectively and safely. They also apply, exercise, and ensure safety, health, and environmental control requirements, in accordance with statutory, regulatory and organisational procedures, policies, codes of practice, standards and agreements.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Observe, measure, collect, record, and report mine environmental conditions, including the development of short-term mine environmental control plans.
  • Take required actions, when required, to address sub-standard mine environmental conditions and report on actions taken.
  • Troubleshoot.
  • Communicate effectively.

    The qualifying learner will be able to carry out the required tasks effectively and confidently.
    This qualification offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the Ventilation and Occupational Health and Safety.

    A competent learner shall demonstrate, among others, the following attributes: honesty, integrity, punctuality, time management, self-motivation, responsibility, accountability, interpersonal relations, ethical behaviour, well organised, self-confidence and confidentiality.

    Rationale:
    The need for the Qualification is crucial to maintain effective and efficient ventilation underground in the mines to avoid fatalities because of toxic gasses. The role of the Mine Environmental Control Observer is to observe, record and report mine occupational environmental conditions and initiate appropriate actions to correct sub-standard Mine occupational environmental conditions. This qualification aims to equip potential learners with the required knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving technological, statutory, and mandatory requirements.

    There is a critical need in the industry to recognise learner competency regarding essential operations associated with a healthy, safe and productive working environment. This qualification offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of Ventilation and Occupational Health and Safety.

    In mining, especially underground mining, where access is limited and conditions are challenging, efficiency hinges on the effective management of ventilation systems, and a qualified Mine Environmental Control Observer is needed. By obtaining this qualification, the learner will be able to operate in a range of related environments. This enhances employment opportunities which benefit society and learners and ensures a wider coverage of Ventilation Practitioners in the South African work environment.

    This qualification will assist occupational health and safety professionals who play an increasingly complex and crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of employees. On completion of this qualification, learners will have a well-grounded and comprehensive understanding of the key issues that are essential to meeting these high demands.

    The qualification will assist in formalising the requirements for this very important occupation. There will be opportunities for RPL for mine employees, and this will allow new industry entrants to be fast tracked to productive careers.

    Learners entering this qualification will be new entrants to the mining sector or Mine Environmental Control Assistants; mine workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their careers. The typical learning pathway in mining operations would be Mine Environmental Control Assistant at NQF Level 2, Mine Environmental Control Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Environmental Control Officer at NQF Level 4, Mine Environmental Control Supervisor at NQF Level 7.

    Learning pathway across sub-frameworks could not be established because diagonal articulation was not possible.

    Collaboration with relevant stakeholders:
  • Workplace Practitioners,
  • Private Training Providers,
  • Employer association representatives,
  • Skills Development Facilitators and
  • Curriculum Development Specialist. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to Training:
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme.
    Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA): Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non- formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA, in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

    Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

    Entry Requirements:
    An NQF Level 2 qualification with Communication and Mathematics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 311701-003-01-KM-01: Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment, NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
  • 311701-003-01-KM-02: Emergency Preparedness and Response, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 311701-003-01-KM-03: Legislation, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.
  • 311701-003-01-KM-04: Mine Environmental Control Practice, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 311701-003-01-KM-05: Occupational Hygiene Practice , NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • 311701-003-01-KM-06: Teamwork and Supervision, NQF Level 3, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 311701-003-01-PM-01: Select, Check, Use and Maintain Mine. Environmental Control and Occupational Hygiene Measurement Instruments, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-003-01-PM-02: Compile Mine Occupational Environmental Condition Reports and Develop Short-term Mine Environmental Control Plans, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • 311701-003-01-PM-03: Communicate Substandard Mine Occupational Environmental Conditions, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 40

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 311701-003-01-WM-01: Mine Occupational Environmental Control Operations, NQF Level 3, 52 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 52 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Observe, measure, collect, record, and report mine occupational environmental conditions, including developing short-term mine environmental control plans.
    2. Address substandard Mine environmental conditions; report actions taken and supervise Mine Environmental Control Assistants.
    3. Troubleshoot the possible root causes analysis of poor-performing ventilation systems.
    4. Communicate effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Observe, measure, collect, record, and report mine occupational environmental conditions, including developing short-term mine environmental control plans
  • Apply basic knowledge and understanding of problem-solving, occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, mine environmental control, and statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Identify, calibrate, and prepare instruments for observations.
  • Apply all procedures, and complete risk assessments, in accordance with requirements.
  • Short-term mine environmental control plans are developed.
  • Use instruments, and apply procedures in accordance with requirements.
  • Complete calculations in accordance with requirements reports.
  • Complete Mine ventilation and occupational hygiene in accordance with requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Address substandard mine environmental conditions; report actions taken and supervise Mine Environmental Control Assistants
  • Apply basic knowledge and understanding of problem-solving, occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, mine environmental control, and statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
  • Describe the types, implications, and control of various occupational health stressors, and give examples of the consequences of occupational conditions, where the limits of these stressors are exceeded.
  • Describe the properties, sources and measurements of flammable gasses found in mines, and explain the actions to be taken when these gasses are found to be present in working places.
  • Develop a sketch explaining the operating principles of a mine ventilation system and give an indication of the effective positioning of refuge chambers and escape routes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Troubleshoot the possible root causes analysis of poor-performing ventilation systems
  • Identify and investigate problems.
  • Conduct measurements for analysis.
  • Analyse problems with the scope of work.
  • Report outcomes to relevant stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Communicate effectively
  • Utilise oral and written communication skills to convey outcomes.
  • Communicate outcomes effectively.
  • Use applicable documentation to communicate outcomes.
  • Communicate fluently and understandable, in accordance with requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, nonformal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

    Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

    Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

    An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

    Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case
    studies, etc.

    The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or
    alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The purposes of this exercise Australia and Canada were used as reference points. Due to the legislative requirements and the collaboration of the Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa, similar practices will be found in most countries where mining is conducted.

    Australia:
    Institution: Ventism
    Qualification: Ventism training programme
    Duration: 4 days split into Part A and B
    Entry Requirements: Course is open

    PART A is suitable for beginners and covers:
  • Ventilation basics such as Airflow.
  • Stages.
  • Calibration.
  • Constructing and simulating ventilation ducts and auxiliary ventilation systems.
  • Surveying for Modelling.
  • Optimisation of Airway Sizes and Fans.

    PART B is suitable for the more advanced learners and covers:
  • Recapitulation.
  • Contaminates.
  • Gases.
  • Reticulation.
  • Heat.
  • Cooling.
  • Fire simulation and blast pressure.

    Similarities:
    Topics listed in Part A and B cover many topics found in the Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer qualification such as Basic Mine Environmental Control principles, correcting substandard mine environmental conditions, Fires, Gases, Heat, different methods of ventilating working places, fans, and preparing and conducting ventilation surveys.

    Differences:
    The Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer qualification seems to be on a higher level/more advanced than the course offered by Ventism as many of the part B course topics which are for the more advanced learners are covered by the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer.

    Canada:
    Institution: Workplace safety North
    Qualification: Mine ventilation
    Duration: Period of a week
    Entry Requirements:
  • Introduction to Mining Safety course.
  • Mining regulations course.

    Topics:
  • The sources and health effects of airborne contaminants.
  • Ventilation and air quality controls; airflow requirements for diesel equipment.
  • The functions and maintenance of main and auxiliary ventilation systems.

    For practical work experience, learners must return to their workplace and demonstrate to a qualified trainer their skills and their understanding of the company's specific requirements according to government legislation, company standards and manufacturer specifications for ventilation systems in the workplace.

    Similarities:
    Topics listed above are also covered in the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer qualification.

    Differences:
    In the South African Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer qualification, additional topics such as gas testing, troubleshooting and reporting are included, whereas these are not included as topics in the Mine Ventilation course offered by this training provider.

    Conclusion:
    There are no qualifications for Ventilation at this level only short courses offered by training providers. The learning programmes/courses and regulatory practices in both the two countries reviewed are similar to the South African context, and this Intermediate Occupational Certificate compares favourably with both these international courses. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Sampling Observer, NQF Level 3.
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 3.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Occupational Health and Safety Officer, NQF Level 4.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A. 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA), in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner.

    For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating:
  • The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical and Work Experience modules,
    OR
  • The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • Physical requirements: Meet health and medical requirements.
  • Legal requirements: Meet all organisation and legal requirements to enter the training programme. (Mine Health and Safety Act No. 29 of 1996 and Regulations).

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
  • The curriculum title and code are: Mine Environmental Control Observer: 311701-003-00-00.

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

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA). 
    		•

    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.