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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Certificate: Construction and Maintenance of Overhead Track Equipment 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
50020  National Certificate: Construction and Maintenance of Overhead Track Equipment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
TETA - Transport Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  146  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "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

The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop the required competencies in a learner for a career in Overhead Track construction, maintenance and repair.

Qualified learners will whilst under supervision be able to:
  • Perform construction and maintenance of overhead track equipment under isolated and earthed conditions.
  • Communicate effectively verbally and in written form with relevant role-players (e.g. peers, managers, etc.)
  • Calculate quantities and distances correctly.

    The core and elective Unit Standards provide credits that allow the learner access to both vertically and horizontally articulated qualifications in the electrical engineering and construction field. The social status, productivity and employability of the qualifying learner within the electrical engineering and construction field will be enhanced, thereby contributing to the quality and skills required in this field. Learners will able to demonstrate occupational skills, which will enable them to engage in life skills activities, creation of small businesses and health and environmental issues, through the critical cross-field component of the qualification.

    Rationale for the Qualification

    This qualification is for learners who want to follow a career in installation, maintenance and repair of Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE) and related fields. Overhead Track Equipment forms a critical part of the infrastructure of a rail transport system and contributes to reliable, available, safe and efficient train operations. It is therefore vitally important that Overhead Track Equipment be safely and correctly maintained on 3 kV DC and 25/50 kV AC under isolated and earthed conditions (dead conditions) in order to meet standards set in associated Overhead Track Equipment engineering specifications.

    The qualification equips the learner with the skills, knowledge and understanding to safely and correctly remove, assemble, replace/install and maintain Overhead Track Equipment to the required standards and specifications under supervision.

    Learners credited with this qualification and who apply the acquired knowledge and skills can help address the critical shortage of qualified personnel in the industry. For the new learner, this qualification is needed to enable him/her to be a productive person in a structured workplace.

    These skills and knowledge are essential in and to the following domains:
  • Enabling the rendering of electrical continuity to the rail transport service.
  • Enabling the rendering of a rail transport service.
  • Contributing to economic growth. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    This qualification may be obtained in part or in whole through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used. Support and guidance should be provided to the learner. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    Access to the Qualification

    Due to the safety requirements in the overhead track environment, learners must:
  • Not be colour blind.
  • Not be claustrophobic.
  • Be able to gauge distance.
  • Not suffer from acrophobia. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, credits and learning components assigned to this qualification:

    The Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components that make up this qualification, are listed below.

    Fundamental:
  • 36 credits at NQF Level 3.
  • Total credits 36.

    Core:
  • 5 credits at NQF Level 2.
  • 56 credits at NQF Level 3.
  • 29 credits at NQF Level 4.
  • Total credits 90.

    Elective:
  • 20 credits at NQF Level 2.
  • 6 credits at NQF Level 3.
  • Total credits 26.

    Motivation for the number of credits assigned

    Fundamental Credits:
  • A minimum of 20 compulsory credits is allocated to Communication and 16 credits to Mathematical Literacy.

    Core Credits:
  • 90 credits have been allocated to the Core Unit Standards to cover the field of Removal, assembling, installation and maintenance of overhead track equipment.

    Elective Credits:
  • 26 credits have been allocated to the Elective Component of the qualification. 20 credits must be selected from this category.

    In order to obtain the qualification, the learner needs to complete at least a total of 146 credits as stipulated above. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner must achieve the following exit level outcomes under isolated and earthed conditions whilst under supervision.

    (Note: Dead: can be defined as isolated and earthed conditions).

    1. Plan and prepare installation and preventive maintenance on overhead track equipment under isolated and earthed conditions.

    2. Install and maintain overhead track equipment according to overhead track equipment specifications, company-specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications under isolated and earthed conditions whilst under supervision.

    3. Finalise the installation and maintenance on overhead track equipment according to company-specific instructions under isolated and earthed conditions whilst under supervision.

    4. Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills.

    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the electrical environment in the rail sector. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Relevant documentation is evaluated and interpreted during the installation of and preventative maintenance on overhead track equipment.
  • Correct resources and material are procured after evaluating and interpreting relevant documentation.
    Range: This includes but is not limited to required personnel, transport, tools and lifting equipment.
  • Problems regarding the correctness, quantity and quality of materials, parts and components as measured against quantities needed and material specifications are solved, to remove, assemble, replace/install and maintain work on overhead track equipment, effectively under isolated and earthed conditions.

    2.
  • Installation, maintenance and quality checks on overhead track equipment are performed safely and correctly as per overhead track equipment specifications, company-specific instructions and manufacturer's specifications under isolated and earthed conditions whilst under supervision.
  • Problems regarding the suitability and functionality of equipment and tools are solved effectively by demonstrating the knowledge required for identifying sub-standards and by being able to improvise within acceptable overhead track practices.
  • Resources are utilised and tasks are executed safely and responsibly while working on OHTE.
  • The use and function of the equipment being installed in relation to the overhead track system are explained in terms of overhead track practices and philosophies.

    3.
  • Tools, equipment and material are removed safely and correctly according to company-specific instructions.
  • Problems regarding the finalisation of the installation and maintenance of OHTE under isolated and earthed conditions are solved effectively by demonstrating the knowledge required for identifying sub-standards and by being able to improvise within acceptable overhead track practices.
  • Tools, equipment and material are cleaned and stored according to company specific house keeping rules.

    4.
  • Information is presented timeously in the required format and to the appropriate parties as stipulated in company specific policies and procedures.
  • Relevant communication media and protocol are used while performing tasks.
  • Verbal communication is clear and concise.
  • Documentation relating to the task is completed in recognisable writing and as per company-specific instructions.
  • Procedures for reporting and recording of potential hazards are followed in terms of company specific policies and procedures.

    5.
  • Safe work procedures and instructions for working safely in the vicinity of or near high-voltage electrical systems are explained and applied in terms of safety work procedures.
  • The traction return rail circuits are explained using practical examples.
  • Interrelatedness of systems within the rail sector and the importance of applying the electrical safety instructions in an electrical environment are explained in the context of rail sector environment.
  • Sub-standard conditions relating to high-voltage overhead track equipment are identified and reported in accordance with company -specific instructions.

    Integrated Assessment

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably lined. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated.

    Assessment of the communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic OHTE contexts wherever possible.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was done with qualifications offered in countries that have extensive electrical rail systems using similar voltages to South Africa.

    United Kingdom:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualifications on the Qualification Framework in the United Kingdom. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
    NVQ in Rail Transport Engineering Maintenance, Levels 3.

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The UK Qualification incorporates the different railway engineering disciplines into one Qualification, i.e. a generic core with different streams representing the various disciplines, such as Signal Maintenance, Signal Faulting, Communications, Permanent way, Electrification, Traction & Rolling stock and Plant. In the South African model, each of the railway engineering disciplines are reflected in separate, specialised Qualifications. e g. cable joining, repairing lengths of cable and connecting them to overhead lines, repair overhead equipment, etc.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:
    There are many similarities with regard to the individual units or competencies included in this Qualification.

    These include competencies relating to:
  • Establishing and maintaining protection.
  • Health & Safety.
  • Implement safe systems for work on or near electrification and plant assets.
  • Coordinating activities with others.
  • Contributing to improving the organisation's working practices.
  • Plan requirements for safe access to work on or near electrification and plant assets.
  • Planning activities and preparing resources.
  • Reinstating the work area upon completion of activities.

    New Zealand:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualification and individual Unit Standards registered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
    National Certificate in Electrical Engineering level 3.

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The aim of the New Zealand Qualification is to provide recognition for a learner wishing to pursue employment and further training in the electrical and related industries. The South Africa qualification in Overhead Track Equipment, Level 3 focuser more or less on the same topics, with the exception on work to clearance from "live overhead track equipment and work in the vicinity of or near "live" overhead track equipment.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:
    There are many similarities with regard to the individual unit standards or competencies included in this Qualification.
  • Fundamental competencies, i.e. Communication & Mathematics.
  • Health & Safety.
  • Power and hand tools.
  • Principles of electricity.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of safe working in an electrical environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of electricity.
  • Fault finding, repair and installation of electrical equipment.

    Scotland:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualifications on the Qualification Framework in Scotland. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
    City & Guilds, Level 3, NQF in Railway Engineering (Unit y/102/6887: Unit 220)

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The Scottish Qualification incorporates the different railway engineering disciplines into one Qualification, i.e. a generic core with different streams representing the various disciplines, such as Signal Maintenance, Signal Faulting, Communications, Permanent way, Electrification, Traction & Rolling stock and Plant. In the South African model, each of the railway engineering disciplines is reflected in separate, specialized Qualifications.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:
    There are many similarities with regard to the individual unit standards or competencies included in this Qualification. (Unit 220)

    Individual Unit Standards registered, which correlate with some of the South African Unit Standards, include:
  • Work within approved procedures and specifications.
  • Support health and safety practices in the workplace.
  • Prepare work sites and materials for electrification.
  • Coordinating activities with others.
  • Contributing to improving the organisation's working practices.
  • Identify and deal with hazards in the railway environment.
  • Obtain authorisation before work is carried out.
  • The complexity of the preparations.
  • Planning activities and preparing resources.
  • Maintain the condition of the work site, materials and equipment.

    Australia:

    The National Certificate in Overhead Track Equipment has been benchmarked against the corresponding Qualification and individual Unit Standards registered by the Australian Qualifications Authority. The following emanated from the benchmarking process:

    Title of corresponding Qualification/s:
    Electrical Engineering - Electrical Installations, e.g. testing; inspection, repairing, maintaining, etc.

    Differences with South African Qualification:
    The Australian Qualification incorporates the different railway engineering disciplines into one Qualification, i.e. a generic core with different streams representing the various disciplines, such as, High-voltage testing, Installations which includes sets and testing. The Australian Qualification provides recognition for a broader range of competencies related to the maintenance of electrical equipment.

    Similarities with South African Qualification:
    There are a lot of similarities with regard to the individual unit standards and competencies included in these Qualifications.

    These include competencies relating to:
  • Planning and preparing work.
  • Joining of electrical cables.
  • Testing of cables.
  • Installation of circuit breakers.
  • High-voltage switchgear above 1000 kV.
  • Clean up.

    In conclusion it can be stated that this qualification compares well with those qualifications mentioned above. Despite the differences, the essential competencies relating to the work that will be done by learners are contained in the South African qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This is a qualification in a series in overhead track equipment qualifications varying from NQF Level 2 to 4. As one of the focus areas within the overhead track equipment is on safety, the embedded safety consciousness within the working environment will be favourable to any employer. This series of qualifications articulates directly to learning programs and qualifications in overhead track equipment. It also opens the possibility for further learning in the sub-fields of Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Engineering and Related Design and Manufacturing and Assembly:

    Vertical articulation is possible with:
  • 49745: "National Certificate: Value Engineering" at NQF Level 5
  • 49511: "National Certificate: Lift Inspection" at NQF Level 5

    Horizontal articulation is possible with:
  • 48474: "National Certificate: Electrical Engineering" at NQF Level 4
  • 49067: "Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Signalling: Fault-finding and Repair of Equipment" at NQF Level 4 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant (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 (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 (ETQA) or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as the integrated competence described in the Qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators wishing to assess candidates against this qualification must:
  • Be registered as assessors with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA body.
  • Be in possession of a relevant qualification in OHTE or Electrical Engineering at least at NQF Level 4 or above.
  • Have practical work experience in the OHTE environment. 
    		•

    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  120021  Afford on-track protection  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
    Core  120215  Install a height gauge  Level 2  NQF Level 02  2 
    Core  120218  Assemble and fit small steelwork to overhead track equipment steel structures under isolated and earthed conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
    Core  120219  Erect, assemble and fit OHTE steelwork under isolated and earthed conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15 
    Core  120222  Install and secure OHTE switches under isolated and earthed conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  10894  Interpret electrical circuits  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
    Core  116438  Operate earthing devices on electrical networks  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
    Core  123469  Prepare and install OHTE conductors under isolated and earthed conditions  Level 3  NQF Level 03  11 
    Core  119881  Prepare and install a booster return conductor on 25/50 kV AC overhead traction equipment (OHTE) under isolated and earthed conditions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  119883  Remove, replace/install and adjust section insulator/phase break/runners on 25/50Kv AC overhead traction equipment (OHTE) under isolated and earthed conditions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Core  119890  Sag and tension overhead conductors on OHTE under isolated and earthed conditions  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12 
    Fundamental  119456  Write/present for a defined context  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
    Fundamental  119472  Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed 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  119457  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  119467  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 
    Elective  116253  Operate a truck mounted loader crane  Level 2  NQF Level 02  20 
    Elective  120216  Obtain, issue and cancel a work permit  Level 3  NQF Level 03  6 


    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.
     
    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.