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: Mining Technician: Mine Ventilation Observer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94572  Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician: Mine Ventilation 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
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  137  Not Applicable  NQF Level 03  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mining Technician: Mine Ventilation Observer to observe, measure, record and report aspects of the occupational mine environmental conditions in order to provide information for ventilation engineering decision making and legal compliance.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Collect/observe, record and report mine occupational environmental conditions.
  • Initiate appropriate actions to correct sub standard mine occupational environmental conditions and report on actions taken.

    Rationale:
    This is an entry level occupation that is required for entry and progression in the occupation.

    It is always crucial to maintain effective and efficient ventilation underground in the mines to avoid fatalities as a result of toxic gasses. There have been incidents that have happened underground in the mining sector and lives have been sacrificed in the process. The qualification is to develop and provide learners with opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the Ventilation, Occupational Health and Safety (VH and S) community.

    The qualification will contribute to providing a better and safer working place for all people in the Mining industry in the Republic of South Africa. It will assist those occupational health and safety professionals who play an increasingly complex and crucial role in ensuring that the health and safety of employees are guaranteed.

    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 covers the key issues involved at occupational level and the learning covers underground and surface mining in hard rock and coal.

    The work experience components of the curriculum are limited to the specific context in which the learner operates. 
    		•

    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 guided by the Institution's own RPL policy and the National Policy on RPL 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.

    Entry Requirements:
    Prospective learners are expected to have at least a:
  • NQF Level 2 qualification with Communication Skills and Mathematical Literacy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Emergency Preparedness for Mine Ventilation (001), NQF Level 3, 11 Credits.
  • Mine and Mineral Legislation for Ventilation (001), NQF Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • Mine Ventilation Engineering Practice (001), NQF Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • Occupational Hygiene Practice (001), NQF Level 3, 13 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 40.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Select, check, use and maintain ventilation and occupational hygiene measurement instruments, NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
  • Compile mine occupational environmental condition reports, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
  • Inform workers and management regarding sub standard mine occupational environmental conditions, NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 32.

    Work Experience Modules:
  • Exposure to the taking and recording of mine occupational environmental measurements, NQF Level 3, 40 Credits.
  • Exposure to the mining process relevant to the specific mining process being practiced on the mine, NQF Level 3, 25 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 65. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Collect record and report mine occupational environmental condition.
    2. Initiate appropriate actions to correct sub standard mine occupational environmental conditions and report on actions taken. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • All relevant instruments are correctly identified, calibrated and prepared for observations.
  • All procedures to conduct the observations are correctly applied and all required risk assessments are conducted according to the legal requirements.
  • Correct instruments are used and all procedures are correctly followed to take the required readings and measurements in all the specified conditions.
  • All instrument readings are accurately recorded and the required calculations are executed accurately to generate the information needed for the different ventilation reports.
  • Critical readings are identified and the correct reporting procedures are described.
  • Mine ventilation and occupational hygiene reports are prepared according to the stipulated requirements and all information in the reports is verified and supported by the required documentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The types, implications and control of various occupational hygiene stressors are correctly described and examples given of the consequences of occupational conditions where the limits of these stressors are exceeded.
    > Range: including chemical, physical and biological stressors such as: airborne pollutants, thermal stress, noise, vibration, illumination diesel particulate matter etc.
  • The properties, sources and measurement of gases found in mines are correctly described and the actions to be taken when these gasses are found to be present in working places are explained in detail.
  • A detailed sketch is developed explaining the operating principles of a mine ventilation system and indication of the effective positioning of refuge chambers and escape routes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The external assessment will take place once the candidate has successfully completed all the theory and practical skills modules and have gained the work experience as set out in the curriculum.
    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 external assessment model requires that the external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical task at an accredited trade test centre. The written examination will be concluded at an accredited trade test centre and marked by registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Mining activities occur in many countries all over the world, although the South African mining industry is more diverse than that of most other countries.

    The international comparability exercise was conducted by comparing the outcomes of the South African qualification to qualifications, skills programmes and training courses of a number of countries with established mining industries. The following countries were used for the comparison:
  • Australia.
  • New Zealand.
  • United Kingdom.
  • India.
  • Zambia.
  • Botswana.
  • Namibia.

    The countries chosen to compare this Qualification were selected based on proven best practice within similar mining conditions.

    The United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia are considered best practice because many aspects of their mining operations relate and compare to similar aspects of mining operations within the South African industry. However, mining practices and standards are influenced world-wide by the presence of large multinational companies such as Anglo American, Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton and others. In the United Kingdom, the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) as an awarding body provides the MPQC Level 3 Diploma in Overseeing Mine Ventilation (QCF). The Australian Qualifications Framework registers Vocational Competencies that are typically provided by Government Institutes of Technical and Further Education (TAFE).

    Training programmes in occupational hygiene and ventilation do not exist in the SADC region. No SADC countries have specific occupational hygiene and ventilation training programmes in place. It was found that the majority of occupational hygiene and ventilation training was conducted by South African companies in the SADC region. Therefore it was difficult to find any comparisons.

    This qualification could not be compared with equivalent qualifications from a range of other countries because they do not have the specialisations in ventilation/environmental control as we do in South Africa. Rather the courses and programmes are in occupational health and safety. The ventilation areas are contained in mining operations programmes.

    Differences in training in South Africa are created as a consequence of the need to comply with South African legislative requirements and specialisation in ventilation. Training in the area of Occupational Health and Safety in South Africa has shown to be in demand in several countries of the SADC region and further a field in sub-Saharan Africa.

    It can be concluded that the proposed qualification compares favourably with qualifications and courses presented internationally. This qualification is occupationally-directed and it focuses on the specific South African situation. The position of Mine Ventilation Observer does not exist internationally and for this reason most international programmes are pitched at a higher level and include aspects that lie outside the role defined here. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically with similar or related qualifications for career progression. In terms of career development, a Mining Technician in Mine Ventilation Observer could select from a number of occupational qualifications for career options which could be available in occupations such as:
  • Mine Ventilation Officer at NQF Level 3.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Officer at NQF Level 3.

    Vertically the qualification articulate with unit standard based qualifications on ventilation at NQF Level 4:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of airflow calculations and principles of airflow in a ventilation circuit NQF Level 4.
  • Commission air-conditioning and ventilation systems NQF Level 4.
    The qualification will in future articulate with new qualifications to be developed within the sector. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.