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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of the behaviour, performance and use of explosives 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114644  Demonstrate an understanding of the behaviour, performance and use of explosives 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for a person who works or wants to start a career in the explosive manufacturing environment where hazardous materials would be handled. Knowledge regarding properties, behaviour, performance, safety requirements, identification and uses of hazardous materials in explosive material and ammunition manufacturing environment is essential for safe and effective working conditions.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Identify types and categories of explosive materials,
  • Identify and explain explosive material properties.
  • Select the correct explosive type for the particular application.

    Explosive materials refer to:
  • high and low explosives,
  • primary and secondary explosives,
  • military and commercial explosives,
  • dynamites,
  • ammonium nitrate fuel oil explosives,
  • slurries and water-gel explosives,
  • emulsion explosives

    This unit will contribute to the full development and further mobility and transportability within the fields of manufacturing and technology. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and progression within the manufacturing context where hazardous materials are being handled. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills, knowledge and understanding on:
  • Understand and use the number system, ABET level 3.
  • Read and respond to a range of text types, ABET level 3.
  • Handle and use explosive materials manually.
  • Understanding of occupational health, safety and environment legislation relevant to the explosive manufacturing environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is moderate in range, established and familiar and offers clear choices of routine responses. The learning demand employs basic operational knowledge and readily available information. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification.

    The credit value assigned to this unit standard is appropriate and reflects the average length of time for an average qualifying learner to become competent.

    Recommended contact time and individual learning 60h
    Recommended time spent in structured learning in the workplace and assessment 20h
    Total notional hours 80h 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify types and categories of explosive materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various types of explosive materials are identified according to visual and behaviour characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    South African examples are identified and named according to various types and categories of explosive materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Explosives manufactured or used in the learners working environment are identified and categorised according to main types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A typical explosion reaction and impact of each explosion reaction is descried and according to explosive characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    A typical reaction must included detonation, deflagration, transfer from one process to the other. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and explain explosive material properties. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Properties refer to sensitivity to friction, heat, sparks, shock, impact, explosion reaction, velocity of detonation, chemical stability and typical products formed upon explosion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The typical properties of each type of explosive are recognised and explained according to basic explosive reactions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Detonation as a typical process of high explosive reactions is explained according to basic explosive reactions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Deflagration as a typical process of low explosives is explained according to basic explosive reactions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Explosives manufactured or used in working environment are identified according to explosive material properties using site examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Select the correct explosive type for the particular application. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Select the correct explosive type for the particular application. The uses of explosives in the South African environment refer to electric and non-electric detonators, boosters, primers, percussion caps, power cartridges, delay elements, detonating cords, safety fuse, igniter cord, main charges, warheads, propellants, demolition charges, bombs and mines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Explosive trains are described according to explosive characteristics and properties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Typical uses of explosives are identified in the south African context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Main types of explosives are identified for typical applications in the military and commercial environment 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Specific explosives as manufactured or used in the learners working environment are identified as the best option for a particular application. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons for selecting a specific explosive for a specific application are explained according the properties and characteristics of explosives. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome and critical cross-field outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Solving process related problems within the scope of work in order to select applicable products and applications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Analysing and interpreting properties and characteristics of explosive materials. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Verbal and non-verbal communication methods. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information:

    Legal requirements:
    The following acts and/or codes, current and future regulations and amendments may be applicable:
  • The Explosives Act and Regulations, Act 26 of 1956
  • The Hazardous Substances Act and Regulations, Act 15 of 1973
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993. Regulations No 24272 of January 2003
  • The Mine Health and Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996
  • The Environmental Conservation Act, Act 73 of 1989
  • ISO 9001 & 14000 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48725   National Certificate: Explosives Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2007-04-07  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  78527   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.