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: 

Maintain rail turnouts and turnout components 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119982  Maintain rail turnouts and turnout components 
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  12 
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:
  • Maintaining turnouts and removing and replacing turnout components, as well as obtaining measurements of turnouts, turnout components and replacement material. The learner will also be able to evaluate the completed work in accordance with track standards, specifications and instructions.
  • 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

    And are in possession of an Educational and Competency Certificate in overhead track equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard:

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because performance must be carried out:
  • In different weather and environmental conditions.
  • Preferably in daytime.
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/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.

    This unit standard includes the maintenance of turnouts and turnout components in all types of railway tracks.

    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 
    Prepare to maintain turnouts and components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant information pertaining to the type of maintenance work and location is obtained and interpreted from inspection reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quantities are calculated accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A work plan detailing time frames and resources is compiled according to organisationalrequirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Material, tools and equipment are obtained and verified for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Relevant role-players are informed of their roles and duties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Relevant personal protective equipment is identified and applied correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Appropriate protection is afforded in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Occupation is taken correctly in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    .Work environment is safe guarded in accordance with regulations and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Obtain measurements of turnouts, turnout components and replacement material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Replacement turnouts and turnout components are inspected to ensure that it complies with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Measurements of turnouts are taken accurately. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Temperatures are taken and correlated with destressing range tables for specific section. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Remove and replace turnouts and components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Jumper cables are fitted correctly and safely where applicable. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Turnout components are cut correctly and safely in accordance with track standard specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Turnout components are loosened and fastenings removed safely and correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Turnout components and fastenings are inserted correctly and safely in track, according to track standard specifications and company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Turn-out pre-assembled (complete or in part) is slotted into correct position, using an appropriate method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Gauge is aligned and turn out and turn out components fastened in accordance with track standards and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Hand tumbler is set in accordance with turnout plan and specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform post-maintenance operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Track is evaluated in accordance with relevant track standards, instructions and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Track is declared safe for the safe passage of trains. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Work site is restored and cleared in accordance with company specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Occupation is cancelled correctly and protection is withdrawn, in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Environmental regulations are adhered to during maintenance process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Relevant documentation and reports are completed accurately and legibly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Role-players including team members are informed of relevant information on an on-going basis. 


    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
  • The purpose, functions and use of different turnout components
  • Procedures, instructions and specifications related to the removal and replacement of turnout components
  • Safe handling of turnout components, equipment and tools (storage, stacking, loading, off-loading, transportation)
  • Methods of bending, cutting and drilling turnout components
  • Temperature ranges
  • Track standards and specifications
  • Track hand-over procedures
  • 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:
  • The correctness, quantity and quality of tools, equipment and materials.
  • Failure of equipment.
  • Temperature ranges/weather.
  • Availability of resources.
  • Non-availability of other departments.
  • The fitting and matching of components. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively with others and in teams when:
  • Relevant role-players are informed and available.
  • Allowing other departments to perform their functions.
  • Transporting materials to and from site. 
    		•

    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 preparing to build a turnout. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Reading, interpreting and applying information on turnout plan.
  • Observing the work site.
  • Assessing the turnout in order to determine if it is in accordance with the turnout plan and instructions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively by:
  • Completing relevant documentation.
  • Communicating with relevant parties for example, subordinates, technical personnel, etc. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Bending, cutting and drilling turnout components.
  • Using tools and equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners can understand:
  • Impact of insufficient quantities or inferior quality of materials on turnout.
  • Impact of unsafe and unproductive working methods.
  • The influence of well maintained turnouts on the efficiency of the rail track. 
    		•

    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.