SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Measure track geometry in order to determine track condition

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119973	Measure track geometry in order to determine track condition
ORIGINATOR
SGB Civil Engineering Construction
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction			Civil Engineering Construction
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 3	NQF Level 03	15
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 qualifying learner is capable of:

Performing vertical and horizontal alignment deviation measurements and measurements on curves. The learner is also able to interpret such measurements, in order to determine the track condition.

This Unit Standard will contribute to the full development of a professional community of Rail Construction and Maintenance workers.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the Rail Construction and Maintenance environment.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners are already competent in the following:

Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2

Communication at Level 2

Educational and Competency Certificate in overhead track equipment

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

The typical scope of this unit standard:

Competency must be demonstrated in:

Measuring and interpreting adherence to vertical and horizontal track standards on tangent tracks, curved tracks and turnouts

Measuring and interpreting measurements on a tangent track, a curves and turnouts

Possible track deviations include:

Vertical alignment deviations include, but are not limited to:
> Slack
> Long slack
> Cross slack
> Blind slack
> Joint slack

Horizontal alignment deviations:
> Kink and kick-out
> Super elevation (Cant)
> Track Gauge

Types of curves include:
> Curves with transitional curves
> Curves without transitional curves
> Compound circular curves
> Reverse curves

Measurement tools include, but are not limited to:
> Measuring tape
> Ruler (Measuring rule)
> Track Gauge
> Measuring cord
> Optometric instruments
> Boning rods
> Different types of coloured chalk
> Taper gauge
> Straight edge
> Platform gauge
> Track square
> Thermometer
> Levelling plank
> Line level
> Plumb bob
> Expansion shims

Fixed points include:
> Beginning of transition curve
> Beginning of circular curve
> Ending of transition curve
> Ending of circular curve

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of track standards and measurements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The purpose of track standards and specifications are explained with examples.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

The purpose of track measurements are explained with examples.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Possible track deviations and causes thereof are identified and explained correctly.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

The purpose, properties and safe application of the range of measurement tools are explained according to specifications.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Prepare to measure track geometry.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Job instruction is obtained and interpreted form relevant information.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Relevant role-players including team members are informed and made available.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Measurement tools are obtained and verified for correctness.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Relevant personal protective equipment is identified and applied correctly.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Appropriate protection is afforded in accordance with procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Work environment is safe-guarded in accordance with regulations and procedures.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Perform vertical and horizontal alignment deviation measurements.

OUTCOME RANGE

Measurements must be performed on tangents, curves and turnouts.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Deviation area is identified correctly.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Possible deviations and/or track standards for the allocated work area are identified for correctness.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Appropriate measurements are performed accurately.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Measurement tools are ensured to comply with specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Appropriate measurement tools are utilised for correctness.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Measurements are recorded legibly and in accordance with specific instructions.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

Safe working methods are applied at all times.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Measure curves.

OUTCOME RANGE

Includes horizontal and vertical measurements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Fixed points of curve are identified correctly.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

The middle offset is measured correctly.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Cant on curve is measured accurately.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Gauge is measured accurately.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Interpret measurements in order to determine track condition.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Appropriate formulas are utilised correctly.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Calculations are done accurately.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Calculations include:

Radius

Cant

Gauge

Off sets

Tangent track

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Standards are calculated where required.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Calculation is compared with required standard and track condition and deviations are classified accurately.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Track condition and deviations are timeously communicated to supervisor and recorded accurately.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6

Complete post-measurement operations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Quality of completed work is verified and corrective action is taken where required.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Work site is restored and cleared as per instructions.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Protection is withdrawn in accordance with procedures.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Relevant documentation is completed and reports accurately and legibly done.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Role-players including team members are informed of all relevant information.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

The relevant ETQA would be responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this Unit Standard.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

Code of Practice 29

Track standards and specifications

Purpose of track measurements

Purpose, properties and safe application of a range of measuring equipment

Track and turnout measuring methods

Types of track alignment deviations

Causes of track alignment deviations

Different types of curves

Principles for the calculation of middle offset

Principles for the calculation of the radius of the curve

Principles for the calculation of cant on curve

Principles for the measurement of gauge

Track Geometry formulas

Health, Safety and Housekeeping procedures and regulations

Relevant Environmental regulations and legislation

Reporting and documentation requirements and procedures

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME

Learner and societal development

Learners can understand the importance of:

Safety in the workplace.

Being a team player in the work environment, organisation and in society.

Economic impact of rail track operations.

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES

N/A

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Information evaluation

Learners can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:

Utilising appropriate formulas, performing measurements & interpreting measurements against standards.

Performing calculations accurately.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communication

Learners can communicate effectively by:

Completing relevant documentation.

Communicating with relevant parties for example, subordinates, technical personnel, etc.

Reporting and recording track conditions and deviations.

Interpreting and communicating results of measurements.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Learners can use science and technology by:

Using sophisticated measurement tools to perform measurements.

Performing measurements.

Performing calculations.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Inter relatedness of systems

Learners can understand:

Impact of geometric deviations on the permanent way system (signalling and overhead track equipment).

Causes of alignment deviations.

The importance of a well constructed railway track as an integral part of the rail transport system.

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

N/A

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	49795	National Certificate: Rail Construction and Maintenance	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	TETA
Elective	61670	Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Construction and Maintenance	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	TETA

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.	R and H Rail (Pty) Ltd