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:

Occupational Certificate: Mining Operator (Loading Equipment Operator: Underground Coal)

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
99706	Occupational Certificate: Mining Operator (Loading Equipment Operator: Underground Coal)
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MQA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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	64	Not Applicable	NQF Level 02	Regular-ELOAC
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 purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Loading Equipment Operator: Underground Coal.

A Loading Equipment Operator: Underground Coal operates multiple arm coal loading equipment to load coal in an underground coal mine.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Comply with standard operating procedures required of equipment operators.

Operate Coal Loading equipment to load coal in an underground coal mine.

Rationale:
The Occupation Mining Operator works in underground coal mines where they have to operate a range of equipment specifically designated for executing specialised mining operations. These operations include:

Installation of support units using a Roof Bolter.

Drilling of blast and service holes using a Drill Rig.

Operating a Coal Cutter to facilitate the winning of coal.

Operating a Continuous Miner to win coal.

Operating a multiple arm coal loader to load coal.

Operating coal hauling equipment to haul and discharge coal.

In terms of the Mines Health and Safety Act employees that operate the equipment described above must be found competent against the standards approved by the Mining Qualifications Authority. Once found competent these operators are then given a license to operate the equipment in the respective mines. The licenses must be periodically renewed and will expire if the person does not operate the equipment for a prescribed period of time.

One person will not be able to operate all the equipment and it is not practical or feasible to expect a learner to master the skills required for operating all the equipment. Therefore, for each of the above mentioned specialisation areas a separate qualification (Occupational Certificate) has been developed. In addition, underground coal mining and the environment is significantly different from the hard rock environments thus the knowledge and skills required to operate in a coal mine is significantly different from hard rock mines.

This qualification is one of a series of six qualifications for Mining Operators in underground coal mines. The qualifications are structured to ensure that they meet the legal requirements for competency and will enable individuals, based on the required work exposure, to be issued with an operator license.

The qualification will provide a national standard and it will facilitate mobility and open up possible career opportunities. This qualification will thus enable learners to progress to Production Operations Supervision occupations (OFO 312101) and it will enable them to articulate to the relevant occupational qualifications for those occupations.

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 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.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

Entry Requirements:

Open access (refer to additional notes).

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Knowledge Modules:

711101005-KM-01, Standard Operating Procedures for Mining Operators, Level 2, 13 Credits.

711101005-KM-02, Coal Loading Operations, Level 2, 6 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 19.

Practical Skill Modules:

711101005-PM-01, Complete Start of shift Procedures, Level 2, 4 Credits.

711101005-PM-02, Participate in conducting inspections and examinations of the environment, Level 2, 9 Credits.

711101005-PM-03, Conduct pre-use inspections of the equipment, Level 2, 4 Credits.

711101005-PM-04, Complete end of shift procedures, Level 2, 4 Credits.

711101005-PM-05, Operate gathering arm loaders to load out coal faces, Level 2, 4 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 25.

This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:

711101005-WM-01, Exposure to the safe operating practices and procedures applicable to machine operators, Level 01, 4 Credits.

711101005-WM-02, Exposure to the full spectrum of loading operations on the mine, Level 2, 16 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 20.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify and take appropriate corrective actions related to unsafe strata conditions.
2. Identify hazardous occupational environmental elements that could impact negatively on the work of a Mining Operator in an underground Coal Mine and take the appropriate actions to resolve the issues.
3. Describe the purpose and process of risk assessments.
4. Identify the hazards associated with the man/machine and machine/machine interfaces in an underground coal mine.
5. Describe the principles and processes of the lock out procedures for equipment and machines operated by the Mining Operator in an underground coal mine.
6. Identify all the major components on the specific machine, describe the function of these components and indicate how a pre-use check will be done.
7. Describe the processes for preparing and executing the key tasks associated with the machine (include work experience activities).
8. Describe the various capacities and performance targets for each of the activities executed with the machine.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

All geological anomalies in a given work environment typical to that within which the operator will normally work are identified.

The consequences of these anomalies of an equipment operator are accurately described according to the generally accepted strata control standards for underground coal mines.

The required primary and secondary support requirements for the given work areas are identified accurately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

How, where and when to test for flammable/noxious gas is described according to the standard operating procedures for the specific mine.

All actions are taken when gas is encountered and is correctly identified and prioritised.

Actions are taken and described to minimise/eliminate dust during the various operations according to the mine specific standard operating procedures and codes of conduct.

Steps are accurately explained and taken when ventilation diminishes, stops or reverse and the steps are listed in the correct sequence as per the mine specific standards.

Purpose and application of non-combustible matter in a work environment is explained and aligned to the generally accepted descriptions and standards associated with underground coal mining. (Stone dust).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

The purpose and process of risk assessment is explained.

Realistic and feasible practical examples of hazards, risks and controls associated with the range of operating activities are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The correct safe positions of people related to the machine during the various operations are correctly identified according to the generally accepted standards for safety in underground coal mines.

The role of the various safety devices relevant to the man/machine interface are accurately described according to the manufacturers specifications.

The risks and consequences of the machine/machine interfaces are clearly described.

Practical and relevant examples of the responsibilities of the operator are given to ensure the safe operations of multiple machines in a work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Why lock out procedures is used is accurately described.

The responsibilities of the operator are outlined in line with the mine specific operating procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

All the major equipment components for the specific equipment is accurately identified according to the manufacturers specifications.

Where, how and why the components must be inspected is explained and conducted according to the manufacturers requirements.

All actions are taken if defects are found in pre use inspections and explanations are given according to the mine specific operating procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

The generic operating procedures for each of the work activities are described.

The machine design and processes for executing the tasks are described according to the mine specific operating procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

The optimum capabilities of the machine under normal conditions are accurately identified.

The various operating tasks that the machines are designed for according to the OEM manual is clearly explained.

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 leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment:
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (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.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

A comparability study was conducted of qualifications or training programmes in the United States of America and Sweden. The common international practice is to train equipment operators on the job.

An apprenticeship programme is where the learners gain the competencies to not only operate the equipment but also to maintain the equipment or to perform the related mining activities like blasting. An example of this is Loading Equipment Operator Trade Programme which is presented by the Heavy Equipment Operator Trade School in Orlando, Florida. This programme is conducted over a year. The curriculum covers safe and efficient work practices and equipment maintenance, and learners are exposed to a combination of classroom training and on-the-job experience. Learners who complete the apprenticeship programme advance to journeymen status.

In Sweden Sandvik Mining and Construction offers the worlds widest range of equipment for rock drilling, rock excavation, processing, demolition and bulk-materials handling. The training focuses on enabling the operators to understand their role as Loading Equipment Operator in underground mines within the excavation process. It makes winning operators who manage even the most difficult rock conditions. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with the knowledge gained during the programme, thus enabling operators to enter the workplace with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Conclusion:
The qualification compares with the cited in terms of main focus. Learners will gain a basic understanding and application of the mechanical and electrical operation of the equipment.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal articulation is possible to the following Mining Operator qualifications currently being developed:

Occupational Certificate: Mining Operator (Drill Rig Operator: Underground Coal).

Occupational Certificate: Mining Operator (Coal Cutter Operator: Underground Coal).

Occupational Certificate: Mining Operator (Hauling Equipment Operator: Underground Coal).

Occupational Certificate: Mining Operator (Roof Bolt Operator: Underground Coal).

Vertical articulation is possible to the following qualification currently being developed:

Occupational Certificate: Mining Operator (Continuous Miner Operator: Underground Coal).

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for external assessment:

In order to qualify for the external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

Additional legal or physical entry requirements:

Learners must meet the occupational health requirements to work in an underground coal mine. Learners must meet all legal requirements for obtaining a drivers license.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers:

Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) website.

The curriculum title and code is: 711101005: Loading Equipment Operator: Underground Coal.

This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

This is not a trade qualification.

Part Qualifications

None.

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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