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: 

National Certificate: Operation of Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Units 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49555  National Certificate: Operation of Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Units 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHIETA - Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose of this qualification

This qualification is used to recognise the competence of people to mix and place bulk explosives through the use of MMUs.
It is achieved through the following exit level outcomes:
  • Apply knowledge skills and values in the manufacturing and placement of bulk explosives.
  • Manufacture and placement of bulk explosives by operating a MMU.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of work done and the results arising from manufacturing and placement of bulk explosives.

    Compliance with these exit level outcomes ensures that the placement of bulk explosives is done in compliance with the relevant legislation, regulations and instructions. It also promotes social development, the minimization of environmental damage, and economic transformation by enabling effective open cast mining and use of bulk explosives in similar industries where rock has to be broken.

    Rationale of the qualification

    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 carryout this work is considered worthy of national recognition through a national qualification.

    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 maintaining of the Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Unit (MMU), together with quality and related matters. This learning is underpinned by appropriate Mathematical Literacy and Science as applied in the context of explosives and their use.

    An individual who qualifies in terms of this qualification will have the ability to carryout bulk explosives placement. This includes the ability to work independently, make judgements and decisions.

    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 the required driving licence for an MMU and/or competence in open cast mining are also well positioned to register for this qualification.

    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. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners wishing to register for programmes leading to this qualification are expected to have achieved NQF Level 2 with competence in the following areas:
  • Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Communications and Science (applied process chemistry and related technology)
  • Basic safety

    The level and extent of the above learning assumed to be in place should be equivalent to the relevant unit standards used by the chemical industry.

    Recognition of prior learning

    Recognition of prior learning must be carried out in accordance with the policy and rules specified and used by the ETQA responsible for evaluation of people seeking RPL. This may include a few or all the competencies described in the relevant unit standards. When RPL is recognised the demonstration of competence at, at least one production site is required. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge, skills and values in the manufacturing and placement of bulk explosives.
    2. Manufacture and place bulk explosives by operating a MMU.
    3. Evaluate the effectiveness of work done and the results arising from the manufacturing operations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Knowledge of bulk explosives, including understanding of their composition, in the manufacture and placement of bulk explosives is applied to achieve the desired results.
  • A quality system, as used in bulk explosives placement, is complied with to ensure that the desired results are achieved.
    2.
  • Instructions are interpreted prior to placing explosives.
  • The site is assessed prior to placing explosives.
  • A MMU is used to mix and place explosives in accordance with instructions.
  • Quality checks are conducted to ensure explosive material is correctly placed.
    3.
  • The documentation required for legal, technical and other purposes is completed in accordance with instructions.
  • The manufacturing and placement activities carried out are compared with instructions and relevant explosives technology.

    Integrated Assessment
  • The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved when a candidate is able to carryout the activities required to place explosives in accordance with instructions. This is done by operating a MMU, understanding related concepts, applying the relevant technology and evaluating the results of the work done.
  • Appropriate methods and tools must be used to assess practical, foundational and reflexive competence of the learner in all the exit level outcomes listed above, as well as to determine a learner's ability to solve problems where the solutions are not always obvious, using known technology (including drawing on experience and using instruction manuals). The assessment requires that the work be carried out as part of the greater 'mining/quarrying or construction' team at a client's site. This requires that the candidate organizes him/herself, applies science and understands the implications of actions and reactions in the workplace as a set of related systems. Such a formative assessment process will determine development of the whole person, and the integration of applied knowledge and skills and values.
  • Assessors should develop, conduct, and ensure integration of assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods against the unit standards that form part of the qualification. Combinations of applied, foundational and reflective competencies, including critical cross-field outcomes, should be assessed wherever possible.
  • Assessment must include workplace/site-based practical work, ensuring that quality of work is done. Minimization of wastage must be emphasized and the effective operation and maintenance of the MMU also requires attention in the assessment process. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • No qualification specific to the Bulk Explosives Industry was found in other qualifications frameworks. The local industry was not able to source equivalent educational qualifications from international associates.
  • However, this qualification is of a higher standard than the United Kingdom's NVQF qualification for the transport of explosives in that the application of technology required is of a more complex level. More advanced machine operating skills also form part of the qualification.
  • No equivalent qualification or unit standards were found in the qualifications frameworks of New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Ireland, the United Kingdom or American Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
  • The experts involved in this qualification further commented that this is probably due to the lack of bulk explosive manufacture and placement practiced in countries that have well developed National Qualifications Frameworks. They also commented that South African programmes related to this qualification are used in SADEC. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally to qualifications relating explosive materials or component manufacture. Qualifications used for horizontal articulation include:
  • National Certificate in Explosives Manufacturing Operations NQF Level 3
    Articulation to other careers and associated qualifications relating to the manufacture of other chemical substances or manufacturing activities are possible. This qualification enables articulation into various road transport learning areas such as the transport of hazardous materials.

    Vertical articulation is possible in the explosives industry using the following qualifications:
  • FETC Supervision of Explosives Placement 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators should ensure that assessment is valid, consistent and integrated into work or learning, and that there is sufficient and authenticated evidence of learner competence against the whole qualification. This checking should include confirmation of competence in a production context, over a period of time that is adequate to ensure customer and employer satisfaction with learners who are declared competent.
  • Anyone moderating the assessment of learners against this qualification must be registered as a moderator with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited or recognized as a provider with the relevant ETQA. This accreditation must include both technical and operational/production learning and assessment.
  • Assessment and moderation will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation should encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • 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. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    In order to assess this qualification, the assessor needs:
  • Well developed interpersonal skills, personal credibility, and a record of ethical behaviour
  • Registration with the relevant Education, Training and Development Practitioners' ETQA as a generic assessor.
  • Competence against the unit standard 'Plan and conduct assessment of learning outcomes'.
  • Documentary proof or 'peer/expert' recognition of educational qualification, practical training undergone, and/or experience gained at an appropriate level of bulk explosives manufacture and placement. This must meet the relevant ETQA policies and guidelines. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  14783  Conform to and apply legislation and operational instructions in chemical processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Core  119354  Manufacture and place explosive material using a mobile manufacturing unit  Level 3  NQF Level 03  20 
    Core  14801  Solve operating problems using process chemistry and related technology  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Core  10953  Operate a rigid vehicle  Level 4  NQF Level 04  32 
    Fundamental  8968  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9010  Demonstrate an understanding of the use of different number bases and measurement units and an awareness of error in the context of relevant calculations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Fundamental  9013  Describe, apply, analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  4 
    Fundamental  8969  Interpret and use information from texts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  9012  Investigate life and work related problems using data and probabilities  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8973  Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  7456  Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business and national issues  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Fundamental  8970  Write texts for a range of communicative contexts  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Elective  14784  Apply sampling theory and practice in the chemical industry  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Elective  13221  Perform routine maintenance  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
    Elective  8000  Apply basic business principles  Level 3  NQF Level 03  9 
    Elective  7995  Communicating and conducting interpersonal relations in industry  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  113847  Foster and maintain customer relations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
    Elective  11913  Obtain and communicate transport operational information  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
    Elective  9913  Perform first line maintenance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  14 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.
     
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    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.