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: 

Cut rails of various profiles and grades 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120438  Cut rails of various profiles and grades 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5 
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 
This unit standard is for a learner within the fabrication and welding fields. Learners credited with this unit standard will be able to cut rails of various profiles and grades by means of the relevant rail cutting equipment safely and to a high degree of accuracy in accordance with required quality specifications and standards.

The qualifying learner can:
  • Identify, select and use of the correct equipment, tools and material.
  • Do Operational testing of equipment.
  • Plan and prepare for cutting.
  • Identify rail types.
  • Cut rails.
  • Deal with unforeseen circumstances during the cutting operation.
  • Remove equipment from rail after the cutting process. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.
  • The unit standard: "Care for, select and use hand and measuring tools". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Performance must be carried out:
  • In different weather conditions
  • During day and night time
  • In different yard layouts/mainline/siding/shed/workshop (might or might not include overhead traction)
  • Within a specific time span
  • Under hazardous conditions

    This unit standard is inclusive of chrome-manganese rails, rail-bound and rail-manufactured frogs.
    This unit standard is exclusive of mono-block frogs. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare resources and equipment prior to the cutting of rails. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct tools, equipment and consumables required for the specific activity are identified, obtained and verified in accordance with the set specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment can include, but is non-limited to personal protective, fire fighting, first aid equipment etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operation of relevant machines and equipment is checked and tested correctly according to company-specific procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The relevant tools, equipment and consumables are loaded or off-loaded safely and correctly in accordance with company and legislative safety policies, procedures and instructions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare for the cutting of different rail types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work area is observed and assessed for accessibility and hazardous conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazardous conditions are identified and reacted to in accordance with company and legislative safety policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Rail type is correctly identified according to Permanent way specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Perway preparatory work done is confirmed with relevant role players. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Rail-cutting equipment is selected to suit the rail type and is prepared according to company specific procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Rail components are prepared correctly in accordance with Permanent way specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Cut rails of various profiles and grades. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Rail disc-cutting clamp is placed and secured to the rail correctly according to company specific procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Rail is marked off accurately in accordance with company prescribed instructions and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Rail disc-rail cutting machine is placed and secured onto the mounted clamp according to company specific procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Relevant rail cutting equipment is used correctly and safely to cut rails according to company specific procedures and manufacturer's instructions and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Rail is cut safely and accurately in accordance with rail-cutting procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    All equipment is removed safely and correctly from the rail in accordance with company specific procedures and manufacturer's instructions and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Relevant tools, equipment, consumables and debri are removed from worksite safely and correctly in accordance with company and legislative safety policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Complete the relevant technical documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work orders and instructions are interpreted and understood in accordance with company's policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information is reported to the relevant parties in line with the set standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The completed documentation is administered in accordance with company's policies and procedures. 


    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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding 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 Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the Unit Standard.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners can understand and explain:
  • The purpose, function and use of measuring equipment.
  • District asset diagram reading.
  • The purpose, function and operation of tools and equipment.
  • The purpose, function, identification and use of consumables.
  • Act 85 related to applicable equipment and machines used.
  • Lifting equipment (Code of Practice No 29 & 30).
  • The stowage of equipment.
  • Track maintenance instructions, procedures and specifications related to the cutting of rails.
  • Track welding specifications related to the cutting of rails.
  • Safe work procedures related to the cutting of rails.
  • Basic electricity.
  • The purpose, function and use of personal protective equipment.
  • Rails identification (Roll marks).
  • The parameters of limits as stated in specification for the length and depth of defects.
  • Crack detection by non-destructive test.
  • The identification, purpose and use of specific fastenings.
  • The pre-heating process and procedures for different rail types. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving

    Learners can identify and solve problems with regard to:
  • Equipment failures
  • Weather conditions
  • Equipment handling
  • Equipment availability in a specific area or circumstances
  • Temperature stresses of rails
  • Correctness, quantity and quality of material
  • Overlapping of the rail crown 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Teamwork

    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Working with cross-functional disciplines
  • Handling material and equipment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Self-organisation and management

    Learners can organise and manage one-self by:
  • Observing and assessing the work area to limit hazards and ensure safe working conditions for him/her self and fellow employees.
  • Planning and organising various activities related to the cutting of rails. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information evaluation

    Learners can evaluate information:
  • Related to work processes and procedures
  • When measuring a rail 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication

    Learners can communicate effectively:
  • By means of verbal and written reports.
  • By receiving and giving instructions verbally and in writing.
  • With relevant parties, for example sub-ordinates, technical personnel, etc. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use of Science and technology

    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Using an electronic tachometer.
  • Performing a dye-penetrating test.
  • Controlling the speed of the rail disc-cutting machine.
  • Controlling the size and metallurgic structure of the heat-affective zone. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Interrelatedness of systems

    Learners can understand that, by eliminating the dynamic effects on the track, the life span of the component and track structure is enhanced, thus contributing to the safe passage of rail traffic. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Learner and societal development

    Learners can understand the importance of:
  • Safety rules and guidelines in the usage of electrical/gas equipment and appliances.
  • Working and living in a multi-cultural environment. 
    		•

    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 
    Values:
  • Safety conscientiousness
  • Time conscientiousness
  • Sobriety
  • Reliability
  • Trustworthy
  • Responsibility towards assets and equipment
  • Integrity
  • Quality conscientiousness

    Supplementary information:

    Rail vehicles include all trains and other on-track inspection and maintenance vehicles capable of travelling on railway track. 
    		•

    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 


    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.