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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Mix explosive and non-explosive materials 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114650  Mix explosive and non-explosive materials 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
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 in an explosive material manufacturing unit and who has the responsibility to pre-batch and mix raw materials for explosive product manufacturing.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding regarding the mixing procedure,
  • Prepare for mixing of raw materials,
  • Mix or blend components,
  • Perform end mixing procedures.

    Range: Pre-mixing procedures may refer to screening, drying, weighing and sampling.
    Explosive materials refer to all types of explosive materials including primary, secondary explosives and pyrotechnic compositions.

    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
  • Understand of appropriate measures and the relationships between different units of measure.
  • Solving of problems involving measurement, volume and time
  • Read and respond to a range of text types.
  • Apply sampling theory and practice in the chemical industry
  • Understanding of the behaviour, performance and uses of explosives
  • 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 20 h
    Recommended time spent in structured learning in the workplace and assessment 40h
    Total notional hours 60h 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding regarding the mixing procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of mixing as part of the production process is explained according to mixing principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of the correct mass and volume of the raw materials in terms of the final quality of the product, are explained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The working principles and procedures of the weighing equipment are described according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of mixing raw materials in product formulation is explained in terms of legal requirements, consistency of product composition and profitability of production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The functions of the raw materials used in the formulation of the product are identified according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of following the mixing procedure of raw materials according to standard operating procedures is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Mixing procedure refers to:
  • Correct quantities of raw materials,
  • Specific sequence during weighing, screening and mixing
  • Correct mixing rate,
  • Importance of temperature during mixing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons for mixing raw materials before further processing are explained according standard manufacturing principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Safety practices and procedures for mixing of raw materials are identified according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for mixing of raw materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Personal preparation is done according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal preparation refers to practices that ensure hygiene and personal and product safety.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Equipment and procedures are selected according to characteristics of the explosive materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The work environment and equipment are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation refers to cleaning and pre-start up checks on the equipment.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The raw materials is received, checked and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Receiving refers to sufficient quantity and checking if the raw materials are quality released according to work-site requirements. Maintaining refers to all the work-site requirements in order to maintain the quality of the raw materials.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Containers and/or wrappings used for mixing raw materials are prepared according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Raw material shortages are reported according to standard operating procedures.
    Problems during preparation for mixing are identified and solved within the scope of work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work-site documents are correctly interpreted according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Mix or blend components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Raw materials are weighed and measured according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Weights and/or volumes of raw materials are recorded according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Raw materials are released for further processing according to standard operating procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Releasing of raw materials can only take place if:
  • Any other process-related problems are solved within scope of work in order to ensure product quality,
  • Adjustments are made to the process when it does not meet the work-site requirements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Mixing equipment is operated according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Mixing of raw materials during product formulation is carried out according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A representative sample is taken for quality control purposes according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The mixing process is monitored and controlled according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Work areas are kept and maintained during mixing according to standard operating procedures 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform end of mixing and mixing procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment and work area are shut-down, cleaned and maintained according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Unused raw materials are distributed to the correct designation according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Mixing documentation is completed according to standard operating procedures. 


    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:
  • Identifying and solving problems during preparation for mixing and mixing of raw materials within the scope of work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community by:
  • Preparing for mixing of raw materials,
  • Performing end-of-process duties. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Performing personal preparation, workplace and equipment preparation in order to operate process and equipment according to standard operating procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Taking a representative sample for quality control purposes according to standard operating procedures,
  • Monitoring and controlling the mixing process. 
    		•

    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 and keeping records. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by.
  • Complying with safety and workplace procedures. 
    		•

    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


    Definition of terms within this unit standard:

    Protective clothing/gear refers to clothing that safeguards the person and the product.

    Standard operating procedures refer to company procedures, prescribed procedures from the manufacturer, personal, equipment and environmental safety procedures, good manufacturing practices, best practices, time frames, applicable legislation and specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    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 
    Elective  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 


    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.