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: 

Perform standard aggregates physical tests 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115553  Perform standard aggregates physical tests 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
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  16 
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 will be useful for people who are responsible for performing standard physical tests in the aggregates industry.
People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • Femonstrate an understanding of the principles of aggregates testing;
  • Prepare for testing;
  • Conduct physical tests;
  • Interpret and report results; and
  • Follow basic health and safety practices. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of aggregates industry
  • Communication and literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent
  • Basic computer skills at NQF Level 1 or equivalent
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of how to perform standard aggregates physical tests in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the principles related to aggregates physical testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of physical testing in the aggregates industry is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Physical properties of aggregates
  • Establishing standards
  • Quality control of product
  • Certification of final product quality
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relevant standards regulation authorities are identified and their purpose explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • SABS
  • TMH
  • ASTM
  • COLTO
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relevant physical measurements and their application are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Shape determination
  • Plasticity
  • Densities (bulk and relative) and water absorption
  • Crushing strength
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for physical testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The sample to be tested is identified and prepared for physical testing in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate physical testing method is determined in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The appropriate materials and equipment to be used during the physical testing is assembled in accordance with specified requirements and checked before use. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct physical tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physical testing to determine shape is conducted in accordance with specified standard method. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Grading analysis
  • Flakiness index
  • ALD
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Physical testing to determine density is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Relative density
  • Loose bulk density
  • Compacted bulk density
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Physical testing to determine plasticity index is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Physical testing to determine strength is conducted in accordance with specified requirements 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • ACV
  • 10% FACT wet/dry
  • LA abrasion test
  • Treton impact value
  • Durability mill index
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Interpret and report physical testing results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physical testing results are recorded and reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Physical testing results are interpreted in accordance with product specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Anomalies are recorded and reported to designated personnel in accordance with specified requirements 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Follow basic health and safety practices during physical testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    PPE is selected, checked and worn in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of complying with specified requirements and the consequence to health, safety and environment of non-compliance to such requirements, are described. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    This unit standard covers specific knowledge and application pertaining to SABS methods no. 827, 828 and 829, which are widely used. It is not intended to exclude knowledge and application related to any other methods (e.g. in-house procedures) or methods to be developed in future. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to identify substandard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
    Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself / herself and his / her activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment are required, and to communicate to fellow workers his / her intentions and the assistance required. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and / or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written presentations.
    Note: The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazards and substandard conditions will indicate his / her proficiency in effective communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, thus showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Note: The use of science and technology is not relevant for this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms his / her understanding of the fact that a specific observation, inference, action or decision may have a devastating effect. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember, we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence - of the prescribed type and quality as specified in this unit standard - that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles of assessment, namely appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terminology:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29/1996), and Minerals Act, Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991)
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SANS and other relevant Standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives and instructions
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines

    Site-specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme
  • Managerial Instructions
  • Mine Standard Procedures
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks
  • Working Guides
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications

    Unit standard justification

    Level:

    Attribute-Level-Justification
    Skills-2-Moderate in range
    Procedures-2-Established and familiar
    Context-2-Routine and familiar
    Knowledge-3-Some relevant theoretical
    Information processing-3-Interpretation of available information
    Problem solving-2-Known solutions to familiar problems
    Orientation of activities-3-Directed with some autonomy
    Orientation and scope of responsibility-2-Some responsibility for quantity and quality
    Application of responsibility-3-Under general supervision and quality checking

    Average level: 22/ 9 = 2.44
    Actual level assigned: 2

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity-Hours
    Classroom teaching-12
    On-the-job training-120
    Mentoring required-30
    Other (specify)-0
    Total-162

    Credits achieved: 162 / 10 = 13.2
    Credits assigned: 16 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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.