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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of ventilation systems in an underground coal mine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115608  Demonstrate an understanding of ventilation systems in an underground coal mine 
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 4  NQF Level 04  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2004-08-11  2007-08-11  SAQA 0655/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-08-11   2011-08-11  

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 to people intending to over inspect a ventilation system in an underground coal mine.
People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • State the legal requirements regarding ventilation;
  • Explain the ventilation systems of mine workings;
  • Measure and calculate air quantities; and
  • Conduct section ventilation survey.

    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. 
    		•

    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:
  • National Certificate in Rock Breaking Underground Coal 
    		•

    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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    State the legal requirements regarding ventilation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality of mine air is explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Stoppage of ventilation is explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Starting fans is explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Quantity of ventilation is explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Installation of fans is explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Operating conditions of fans are explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Stoppings are explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Brattices are explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Doors are explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Air crossings are explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the system of ventilation in mine workings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The main fan is explained in terms of the safety devices and the causes that may result in the fan to stall. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The conventional ventilation signs used on ventilation plans are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Brattice screens
  • Line brattices
  • Scoop brattice
  • Stoppings
  • Ventilation doors
  • Air crossings
  • Regulator
  • Air flow
  • Air split
  • Auxiliary fan and ducting
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The method of air coursing and splitting is explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The advantages and disadvantages of coursing and splitting are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The need for auxiliary ventilation is explained in terms of the ventilation code of practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The auxiliary ventilation requirements are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Intake air quantity
  • Velocity of air in last through road
  • Face quantity
  • Distance of ducting from face
  • Positioning of fans
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Factors influencing the need for auxiliary ventilation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Heading advance
  • High methane concentration
  • Working of dykes
  • Excessive dust
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Measure and calculate air quantities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The method required to calculate air quantities is explained in terms of velocity of air and the cross sectional area of a roadway. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measuring instruments for measuring the velocity is explained in terms of the vane anemometer, smoke tube and velometer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Influencing factors that will reduce the efficient utilization of air is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Leakage through permanent stoppings
  • Condition of brattices and fan ductings
  • Leakage through temporary stoppings
  • Installation of fan ductings
  • Number of open roads
  • Falls of ground
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct section ventilation survey. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The air measurements and observations are made and recorded in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Total intake and return quantities
  • Face quantity at the heading being mined
  • Intake air velocity at the last through road relevant to the heading being mined
  • Return air quantity at the last through road from the section
  • At least three velocity readings in the last through road
  • Fan delivery quantity
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The observation of section ventilation and the recording of are explained.e 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Condition of all temporary and permanent stoppings
  • Fan ducting
  • Position of section fans and distance of the ducting from the fac
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Environmental survey is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Noise level measurements
  • Illumination level measurements
  • Water analysis
  • Dust allaying procedures
  • Flammable gas testing
  • General hygiene
  • Fire fighting equipment
  • Stonedusting
     
    		•


    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 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and safety knowledge
  • Report writing
  • Legal and site-specific requirements 
    		•

    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 members 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 themselves and their 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 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: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terminology

    Specific requirements

    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 and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991)
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SABS and other Standards
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives

    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

    Level
    Attribute-Level-Justification
    Skills-4-The skills required are now not only operational, but also require scholastic skills, which need to be applied. They will have a wide variety and are more complex.
    Procedures-4-Here the choice procedure becomes more extensive, but choice will be known and standard. Dealing with adverse environmental conditions.
    Context-3-The candidate knows all contexts that the process occurs in but a variety and range of contexts occur.
    Knowledge-4-The theoretical knowledge required is extended to theoretical concepts. E.g. The varying densities and hardness of surrounding rock types.
    Information processing-4-Basic analysis of information is required, e.g. A combination of sample results indicates a problem in a process and the source of the problem has to be identified.
    Problem Solving-4-Problem solving has to be in some cases innovative but the problems will be concrete (operational rather than theoretical).
    Orientation of activities-4-The candidate is self-directed and gives instructions but is not directive in the entire process. Will follow lead.
    Application of responsibility-3-Here the responsibility extends towards, although not entirely, the output as well as, when applicable, the output of others.
    Orientation of scope of responsibility-4-Candidate is given guidelines and output is evaluated rather than checked.
    Average level: = 3.7
    Actual level assigned: = 4


    Crerdits
    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:
    Activity-Hours
    Classroom Teaching-50
    On-The-Job Training-50
    Mentoring required-0
    Other (Specify)-0
    Total-100
    Credits achieved: = 100 / 10 = 10.0
    Credits assigned: = 10 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  74490   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.