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: 

Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115756  Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process 
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  4 
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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
256870  Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are responsible for evaluating the influence of changing ground conditions during the mining process.

People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the reasons for deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process;
  • Identify and evaluate ground conditions during mining operations;
  • Communicate the results of the evaluation;
  • Conduct a follow-up on the recommended actions.

    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 to Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining processt in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers 
    		•

    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 Strata Control (Level 3) 
    		•

    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 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the reasons for deteriorating ground conditions. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the reasons for deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge and understanding of the influence of geological structures within the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions are provided 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Proximity to geological structures
  • Characteristics of geological structures
  • Orientation and spacing of geological structures
  • Zones of influence of geological structures
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Knowledge and understanding of the influence of the variable properties of the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions are provided 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Composition of rock mass
  • Strength of rock mass
  • Change in shape and profile
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Knowledge and understanding of the influence of induced discontinuities within the rock mass on deterioration of ground conditions are provided 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stress fractures
  • Blast induced fractures
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Knowledge and understanding of the influence of the changes in field stress around the excavation on deterioration of ground conditions are provided 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Change in frequency and orientation of stress fractures
  • Evidence of seismic shake down
  • Presence of shear fractures
  • Differential fracture displacements
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Knowledge and understanding of the influence of closure rates on deterioration of ground conditions are provided 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Excessive deformation of support units
  • Premature failure of support units
  • Open discontinuities
  • Bed and layer separations
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Knowledge and understanding of the influence of poor mining practice on deterioration of ground conditions are provided 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Poor quality, installation and layout of support
  • Poor drilling and blasting practice
  • Poor adherence to mining configurations
  • Poor profiling and maintenance of planned excavation dimensions
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and evaluate ground conditions during mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The appropriate tools for recording data and information is available for the evaluation and checked timeously for operability 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Underground note book
  • Tape
  • Clino rule
  • Compass
  • Camera
  • Plans
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Changes in the nature, exposure and orientation of natural and induced discontinuities are noted relative to that recorded during previous evaluations 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dimensions of the excavation are noted to establish the closure and ride 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The support type(s), condition and layout is evaluated to confirm appropriateness for conditions observed and adherence to desired specifications 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Effective operation of support units
  • Quality of installation of support units
  • Quality assurance of support units
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The drilling and blasting practice is evaluated against mine specific requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The mining configuration is evaluated and checked against the desired configuration at an appropriate time 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The positions of adverse geological structures, falls of ground and potentially hazardous rock blocks are noted 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The status of remedial measures to reduce rock related risks if recommended during prior evaluations is confirmed 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The information gathered is evaluated onsite or at an appropriate time to establish the existence of rock related hazards, to institute changes to design and to formulate remedial measures 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Communicate the results of the evaluation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Observations and evaluations are recorded and presented in accordance with mine specific specifications 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relevant personnel are informed of the results of the inspection effectively and timeously 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct a follow-up on the recommended actions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The follow-up visit establishes the status of implementation of recommended actions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Reference to previous reports
  • Identification of shortcomings
  • Observe and measure compliance
  • Communicate results of follow-up
     
    		•


    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 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and safety 
    		•

    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 conduct an inspection and evaluate ground conditions confirms. 

    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 communicate results effectively indicates effective operation within a team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note: The preparation for the inspections and the collecting of data used to make informed decisions indicates responsibility and effectiveness. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note: The candidate must be able to compile a database of ground conditions, recognise changes and have knowledge of the appropriate action(s) to take. 

    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 hazardous and sub-standard conditions and remedial action(s) 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 knowledge of the potential effect of changing ground conditions on excavation stability confirms. 

    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 understanding of changing conditions and the implications of this on health and safety indicates responsibility towards the health of others. 

    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. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 256870, which is "Identify and evaluate signs of deteriorating ground conditions during the mining process", Level 4, 4 credits.

    Terminology

    Specified 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 no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991)
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice
  • SABS and other relevant 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 justification

    Level

    Attribute-Level-Justification
    Skills-4-Wide-ranging scholastic or technical
    Procedures-4-Considerable choice.
    Context-5-Variety of routine and non-routine.
    Knowledge-4-Broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
    Information processing-5-Analytical interpretation of a wide range of data
    Problem Solving-4-A range of sometimes innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problem, based on informed judgement.
    Orientation of activities-5-Self-directed, and sometimes directive.
    Application of responsibility-3-Significant responsibility for the quantity and quality of output, and possible responsibility for the output of others
    Orientation of scope of responsibility-4-Under broad guidance and evaluation.

    Average level: = 4.22
    Actual level assigned: = 4

    Credits

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

    Activity-Hours
    Classroom Teaching-16
    On-The-Job Training-24
    Mentoring required-0
    Other (Specify)-0
    Total-40

    Credits achieved: = 40 / 10 = 4.0
    Credits assigned: = 4 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  50082   Further Education and Training Certificate: Minerals Surveying  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  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.