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: 

Build an advanced rail turnout 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119985  Build an advanced rail turnout 
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  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 qualifying learner is capable of:

Preparing, laying out and building an advanced turnout, in accordance with the turnout plan and instructions. The learner will also be able to assess the built turnout and stock- and switchblades, in order to ensure adherence to the turn out plan and specifications.

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

    The learner should prove competence in the construction of the following types of left hand or right hand turnouts in railway tracks:
  • All single slips irrespective of angles in railway tracks.
  • Scissor turnout irrespective of angles or track centres in railway tracks.
  • Double slips irrespective of angles in railway tracks.
  • Diamond crossing irrespective of angles or track centres in railway tracks.
  • Tandem turnout irrespective of angles in railway tracks.

    In order to be awarded the credits for this Unit Standard, the learner has to prove competence in the building of only one type of turnout, applicable to his/her context. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare to build a turnout. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Relevant information including the correct turnout plan pertaining to the type of turnout, material and location is obtained and interpreted from relevant reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant role-players including team members are informed and made available. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Material turnout components, tools and equipment are obtained and verified for correctness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant personal protective equipment is identified and applied correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The most suitable site for the building of turnout is selected according to work plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Appropriate protection is afforded in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The work site is levelled according to work procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Work environment is safe guarded in accordance with regulations and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Lay out and build turnout in accordance with specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sleepers are laid down in accordance with turnout plan and instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correct fastenings are placed at required position, as per turnout plan and instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Turnout components for alignment rail are placed and aligned correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sleeper spacing on alignment rail of turnout is marked correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Sleepers are spaced correctly according to sleeper reference marks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Turn out components are cut, bent, drilled and placed correctly (for example frog, curve lead and closure rails, stock and switch rail). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Tumbler is assembled, fitted and set in accordance with turn out plan and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Equipment and material are handled in a safe and correct manner. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assess turnout. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Overall length is set in accordance with turnout plan and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Spacing of sleepers is corrected in accordance with turnout plan and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Gauge of turnout is correct, in accordance with turnout plan and instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Horizontal alignment of straight and turnout is within tolerances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Squareness of sleepers is correct according to work plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Squareness at stock rail joint (srj), guardrail joints and switchblades is correct. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Expansion gaps are correct. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Assess stock and switchblades. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Switchblades are closing over the full distance against stock rail. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Clearance between switchblade and stock rail is set correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Connecting rods are placed and secured correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Distance between tumbler and centre of track is set correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Heel block holing and spacing hole are measured and drilled correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Ferrule is set correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Complete post-construction operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality of completed work is evaluated in accordance with relevant track standards, instructions and specifications, and appropriate corrective action 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 
    Environmental regulations are adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Relevant documentation and reports are completed accurately and legibly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Role-players including team members are informed. 


    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 qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Code of Practice 29.
  • The purpose, functions and use of different turnout components.
  • Reading and analysis of design plan/specifications related to turnout.
  • Principles regarding the use of temporary reference points.
  • Safe handling of turnout components, equipment and tools (storage, stacking, loading, off-loading, transportation).
  • Applying of middle and quarter off sets.
  • Methods of bending, cutting and drilling turnout components.
  • Sleeper spacing procedures and specifications.
  • Procedures and specifications for placement of turnout components.
  • Procedures and specifications for fitting of hand tumbler.
  • Gauge plate/clip combinations.
  • Principles of gauge widening.
  • 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.
  • Quality of completed turnout.
  • Preparation of the work site. 
    		•

    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.
  • Assessing the turnout in order to determine if it is in accordance with the turnout plan and instructions.
  • Observing the work site. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Bending, cutting and drilling turnout components.
  • Using tools and equipment.
  • Building new generation turnouts on concrete sleepers. 
    		•

    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 importance of turnouts in the infrastructure network. 
    		•

    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
    Elective  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.
     
    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.