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: 

Drill holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks using a mechanised drill rig 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116632  Drill holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks using a mechanised drill rig 
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  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 
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 drilling holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks using a mechanised drill rig in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of drilling holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks by mean s of a mechanised drill rig
  • Prepare to drill holes
  • Drill holes
  • Finalise drilling operations 
    		•

    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:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 1
  • Occupational Health and safety at NQF Level 1
  • Working in a quarry
  • Hand drilling operations 
    		•

    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 following applies to the entire unit standard:
  • Liners (pneumatic or hydraulic)
  • Zoom rig
  • Slab rig
  • Mobile line drilling rig 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate a basic understanding of drilling holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks by means of mechanised drill rigs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic principle of the operation of the drill rig, accessories and drilling consumables are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Safety systems
  • Components
  • Controls
  • Operating principle
  • Air hoses and couplings
  • Hydraulic hoses and couplings
  • Lubrication
  • Dust extractor
  • Drilling consumables
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Workplace hazards and risks pertaining to the drilling of holes in a dimension stone quarry and their mitigating actions are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • High walls (height)
  • Rocks that could possibly roll down inclined areas
  • Slippery areas
  • Mobile equipment
  • Blasting
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work-related hazards and risks pertaining to the drilling of holes in a dimension stone quarry and their mitigating actions are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Misfires and sockets
  • Handling of tools, material and equipment
  • Noise (hearing)
  • Compressed air and hoses/power supply
  • Hydraulic hoses
  • Dust
  • Loose clothing
  • Moving parts
  • Lifting of equipment
  • Slings
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The significant environmental risks and consequences associated with the drilling of holes in a dimension stone quarry and their mitigating actions are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Dust
  • Oil spillages
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Drilling practice relating to drilling of holes in a dimension stone quarry is explained in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Positioning, alignment and levelling of drill rig
  • Collaring of holes
  • Vertical and horizontal alignment of holes
  • Drilling technique
  • Changing of drillsteels and correct rotation of knock-off bits
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The possible problems that may be encountered while drilling holes and the specified methods of dealing with each are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stuck drill steel
  • Inadequate machine performance
  • Water in air
  • Water in hole
  • Inadequate lubrication
  • Inadequate air pressure
  • Hydraulic failure
  • Geological features
  • Wear plate failure
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to drill holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is available, operational, fit for purpose and used in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Ear plugs and/or ear muffs
  • Safety belt (where applicable)
  • Dust mask
  • Hard hat
  • Safety boots
  • Goggles
  • Gloves
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required tools, material and equipment are fit for purpose, operational and transported to the work place according to specified requirements in terms of safety, securing and positioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The drillng equipment is assembled and checked according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Cleaning of components
  • Lubrication
  • Hydraulic oil levels
  • Air supply
  • Connecting and securing
  • Sequence of connecting
  • Testing the operational effectiveness of drilling equipment
  • Drill steel condition and quantity
  • Checklist
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Marked holes are verified and drilling sequence is determined in accordance with production requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The drilling area is checked to ensure safe working conditions in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The drilling area is checked for misfires and old explosives in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Consequences of inadequate preparation are explained in terms of occupational health and safety, damage to equipment, consumables consumption and production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Hazards and risks are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Emergencies and non conformances are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Drill holes for blasting and/or splitting dimension stone blocks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The drill rig is positioned, aligned and levelled in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Collaring is conducted to start drilling process and collared holes are rechecked against marking. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Holes are drilled and aligned in accordance with marks and to required depth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Drilling is conducted and monitored in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Change rods
  • Bit diameter
  • Dust/environmental
  • Water in hole
  • Work area
  • Weather conditions
  • Geological inconsistencies
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Hazards and risks are identified and dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Problems are dealt with in accordance with specified procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Stuck drill steel
  • Broken drill steel or bit
  • Inadequate machine performance
  • Water in air
  • Inadequate lubrication
  • Inadequate air pressure
  • Marking of problematic holes
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Dust extraction is monitored in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The consequences to safety, health and production of not adhering to specified requirements when drilling holes are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Inappropriate drilling technique
  • Misalignment of holes
  • Incorrect use of tools and equipment
  • Inappropriate preparation and storage of tools and equipment
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Finalise drilling operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment are prepared and stored for subsequent use and those defective are dealt with according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The rock drill is inspected, faultfinding is performed and operator maintenance is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Anomalies are reported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Consequences of inadequate shutting down and reporting are explained in terms of effect on occupationale health and safety, damage to equipment, consumables usage and production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reporting is conducted in accordance with specified requirements. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • 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:
  • Basic principle of operation and names of components of drill rig, accessories and consumbales
  • Relevant drilling practice
  • Relevant Occupational risks and hazards and their mitigating actions
  • Relevant environmental issues and mitigating actions
  • Typical non conformances and their mitigating actions 
    		•

    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 sub-standard 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 is required and communicate to fellow workers his / her intentions and 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 sub-standard 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 ability of the candidate to use equipment, follow processes and access and record data in a technological environment in accordance with environmental, occupational health and safety requirements. 

    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 understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can 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. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    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
  • Guidelines issued by 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

    Attribute, Level, Justification
  • Skills - Level 2 - Moderate in range
  • Procedures - Level 2 - Established and familiar
  • Context - Level 3 - Routine and familiar
  • Knowledge - Level 2 - Basic operational
  • Information processing - Level 2 - Basic processing of readily available information
  • Problem Solving - Level 3 - A range of known solutions to familiar problems
  • Orientation of activities - Level 2 - Directed
  • Application of responsibility - Level 2 - Under general supervision
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility - Level 2 - Some responsibility for quantiy and quality

    Average Level: 20/9 = 2.22
    Actual Level Assigned: 2


    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:
  • Classroom Teaching: 12 hours
  • On-The-Job Training: 30 hours
  • Mentoring required: 20 hours
  • Total: 62 hours

    Credits Achieved: 62/10 = 6.2
    Actual Credits Assigned: 6 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57121   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Quarrying  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-09-17  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  62869   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Surface Excavations  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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.
     
    1. AMAMDAWU TRAINING AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    2. Anglo American Platinum Limited - Mogalakwena Mining Training Centre 
    3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    4. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    5. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    6. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    7. BAS COACHING,TRAINING,MARKETING 
    8. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    9. DEI GRATIA TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SOLUTION 
    10. ELITE OPERATOR AND SKILLS TRAINING 
    11. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    12. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    13. FRASER ALEXANDER PTY LTD 
    14. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    15. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    16. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    17. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    18. JAREMA TRAINING AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    19. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    20. KHUMANI IRON ORE MINE 
    21. KOLOMELA MINE 
    22. KUDUMANE MANGANESE RESOURCES (PTY) LTD 
    23. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    24. Kumba Iron Ore Thabazimbi 
    25. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    26. MEDIRO TRAINING ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    27. MK TRAINING PTY LTD 
    28. MMTI Holdings 
    29. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    30. PMC TRAINING CONSULTANTS AND ASSOCIATES (PTY) LTD 
    31. POWERGATE TRAINING PTY LTD 
    32. PPC Ltd 
    33. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    34. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    35. SARCHA TRAINING SOLUTIONS(PTY)LTD 
    36. Sebenzani Nonke Consulting Pty Ltd 
    37. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    38. Test Organisation 
    39. THARISA MINERALS (PTY) LTD 
    40. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    41. TOTAL COVERAGE CONSULTING 
    42. TSHUANA DI SA HWEGO HRD SOLUTIONS 
    43. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    44. ZULEK TRAINING SPECIALISTS 


    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.