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: 

Construct a railway line 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119978  Construct a railway line 
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  10 
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:

Constructing a railway line in accordance with a design plan by calculating material quantities over distance, preparing the rails, placing the track materials, as well as finalizing and handing over the completed track.

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 NQF 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 different weather and environmental conditions.
  • Preferably in daytime.
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/sidings/private sidings/shed/workshop (might or might not include overhead traction and Railway signalling).
  • Within a specific time span.
  • Different site conditions, e.g. cuttings, embankments, multiple lines, tunnels, sites with restricted accessibility etc.

    Competence must be demonstrated in:
  • Junction rails
  • Check rails
  • Safety rails for bridges
  • Second hand rails
  • Reconditioned rails

    This Unit Standard is inclusive of all types of fastenings and sleepers.

    Material included:
  • Rail - Correct type and profile
  • Fastenings
  • Sleepers
  • Ballast

    Handling includes:
  • Storage
  • Loading
  • Transporting
  • Off-loading
  • Stacking
  • The use of push trolleys and rail transporters to transport permanent way materials 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Read, interpret and apply information on design plan of railway line. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Job instruction is interpreted correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Validity of layout is verified from design plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Class of line is identified from design plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Correct type of material is identified from design plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Material quantities are calculated in relation to rails, ballast, sleepers and fastenings accurately, over distance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A work plan detailing time frames and resources is compiled. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Conversion of distances is accurately calculated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to construct a railway line. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Materials, tools and equipment are obtained and verified for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant role-players including team members are informed of their tasks and relevant information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant personal protective equipment is identified and applied correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate protection is afforded in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work environment is safe - guarded in accordance with regulations and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Occupation is correctly taken of the site in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Temporary reference points are made in accordance with surveyor centre points as per design layout. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare rails for placement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct rail profile is selected to meet job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rails are handled in accordance with safe working methods and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct off-sets are calculated in accordance with formula. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rails are bent in accordance with rail bending instructions and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Measurements of track length are determined accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Rail is cut in accordance with track standard specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Rails are drilled in accordance with instructions and specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Place ballast, sleepers, fastenings and rails. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The sub-layer ballast thickness and width is correctly laid in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sleepers are placed, spaced, drilled and squared according to specifications and safe working procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct type of fastenings on the sleepers is spaced in the correct combination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rails are placed in accordance with design specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Track gauge is ensured within tolerance as per design specification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Gauge plate/clip combination are correct as per design specification. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Finalise ballast, lift, align and tamp track. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Ballast quantities are verified for the specific site. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sufficient ballast is offloaded safely and correctly, according to distance and volume requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Track is lifted, aligned and tamped correctly and safely, according to design specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rails are destressed using the appropriate method and within specified temperature ranges. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Ballast is boxed in accordance with specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Finalise track and hand over to client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Track is final tamped and aligned horizontally and vertically, following consolidation according to design specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ballast is trimmed correctly and safely, according to design specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Track geometry is measured, documented and evaluated and clearances correctly measured against design specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Final hand over is planned, documented, communicated and executed correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Track site is restored and cleared as per instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Speed restrictions are placed in accordance with specifications for consolidation of track. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Protection is cancelled and occupation withdrawn, in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Environmental regulations are adhered to. 


    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 
  • Reading and analysis of design plan/specifications
  • Composition of rails and different rail classes
  • Different rail profiles and properties
  • Factors to consider in the selection of rails for specific applications and in the re-use of rails
  • Typical rail defects and fractures
  • Principles of rail wear
  • Principles regarding the use of temporary reference points
  • Quantity calculations of ballast, sleepers, rails and fastenings
  • Safe handling of rails, equipment and tools (storage, stacking, loading, off-loading, transportation)
  • Applying of middle off sets
  • Methods of bending, cutting and drilling rails
  • Methods for placing rails
  • Rail fastening procedures
  • Sleeper spacing procedures and specifications
  • Gauge plate/clip combinations
  • Principles of gauge widening
  • Ballast off-loading procedures
  • Tamping procedures
  • Temperature ranges
  • Principles of track destressing
  • Track standards and specifications
  • Track hand-over procedures
  • Code of Practice 29
  • Relevant environmental regulations and legislation
  • Health, Safety and Housekeeping procedures and regulations
  • Reporting and documentation requirements and procedures 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    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 IDENTIFYING 
    Learners can solve problems with regard to:
  • Discrepancies between design plan and actual conditions.
  • The correctness, quantity and quality of tools, equipment and materials.
  • Failure of equipment.
  • Temperature ranges/weather.
  • Availability of resources.
  • Non-availability of other departments.
  • Quality of railway line, including adherence to track standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively with others and in teams when:
  • Constructing the line in varying and challenging circumstances.
  • Relevant role-players are informed and available.
  • Allowing other departments to perform their functions.
  • Occupation is taken and cancelled correctly.
  • Track is declared safe. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Learners can organise and manage one self:
  • By observing and assessing work area to determine if work can proceed.
  • When informing team members of hazards in the work area.
  • When calculating material quantities.
  • When preparing to construct the railway line. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Reading, interpreting and applying information on the job instruction and specifications of the railway line.
  • Preparing rails in accordance with the required specifications.
  • Observing the work site. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively by:
  • Interpreting the lay out plan, job instructions and specifications.
  • Completing relevant documentation.
  • Communicating with relevant parties for example, subordinates, technical personnel, etc.
  • Placing speed restrictions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Performing all calculations correctly.
  • Bending, cutting and drilling rails.
  • Using state of the art machinery, equipment and tools. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners can understand:
  • Influence of varying temperatures on continuous welded rails in the railway track.
  • Impact of insufficient quantities or inferior quality of materials on railway line.
  • The relation between track, overhead track equipment and signalling (track related systems).
  • 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 


    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 


    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.