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: 

Repair points blades 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120447  Repair points blades 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
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 repair points blades safely and to a high degree of accuracy by means of welding, and grinding processes in accordance with required quality specifications and standards.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Repairing the point blades by means of welding and grinding processes.
  • Grinding rails in accordance with relevant procedures, instructions and specifications.
  • Applying safe work procedures and instructions according to prescribe instructions.
  • Dealing with unforeseen circumstances during the welding and grinding operation.
  • Removing equipment from rail after the grinding process in accordance with company specific and manufacturer's instructions.
  • Executing none destructive tests. 
    		•

    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 3.

    The following unit standards at NQF Level 3:
  • Join rails by means of the exothermic welding process.
  • Repair rail-manufactured frogs.
  • Grind rails of various profiles and grades. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate, because performance may 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 exclusive of undercut point's blades. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and prepare machines, equipment, vehicle and resources prior to the repairing of points blades. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Welding machine.
  • Rail grinding machine. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment, tools, consumables and fire-fighting equipment are obtained, verified, loaded and off- loaded in accordance with company and legislative safety policies, procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct personal protective equipment is identified, obtained and used at all times as required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessary precautions are taken to prevent injury to personnel when working with Perway and welding equipment in accordance with the Permanent way welding specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Vehicle inspection is done in accordance with company procedures and specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Road Transport Act.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare for the repairing of points blades in accordance with company procedures and permanent way welding specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    On-track protection is placed correctly and timeously according to company specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Point blades are measured, and the location is logged and specific repair process is determined according to set specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Area to be welded is measured and marked out in accordance with the prescribed standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Preparatory work is done in accordance with company procedures and instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Grinding of points blades.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Points blades are cleaned and checked for cracks by means of non-destructive tests. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Repair points blades. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Extremities of defect in the rail are correctly measured and marked out according to company procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct welding process is performed safely and correctly according to company-specific procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Grinding process is performed correctly and safely according to company specific procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Measurements are taken to ensure that points blades conforms to specified tolerances as per company specific specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment, tools and consumables are removed from track safely and correctly, and work area is cleaned in accordance with company and legislative safety policies, procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Non-destructive tests are performed correctly and in accordance with company procedures and instructions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-destructive tests on welding area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Information on register block is recorded safely and correctly according to company specifications. 

    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 
  • 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 and specifications related to the repairing of points blades.
  • Permanent way welding specifications related to the repairing of points blades.
  • The safe work procedures related to points blades.
  • Basic electricity.
  • The purpose, function and use of personal protective equipment.
  • Point's blade type identification.
  • Rail type identification (Roll marks).
  • The parameters of limits as stated in specification for the length and depth of defects.
  • Crack detection by non-destructive test.
  • Point's blade welding processes, procedures and specifications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Learners have the generic ability to identify and solve problems with regard to:
  • Equipment failures.
  • Weather conditions.
  • Deviances in rail heights that exceeds specified limits.
  • Correctness, quantity and quality of material. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners can work effectively in teams when:
  • Preparing for and performing the repair process of point's blades.
  • Working with cross-functional disciplines. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Learners can organise and manage one-self by:
  • Observing and assessing the work area to limit hazards and ensure safe working conditions for him self, the public and fellow employees.
  • Planning and organising the repairing of points blades, taking into account prevailing conditions that might hinder activities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners can evaluate information:
  • Related to work specifications and procedures.
  • Whilst measuring defects in the points blades to determine specific process to be applied.
  • By analysing the cause and effect of defects in the points blades which affect the wheel/rail interaction. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Learners can communicate effectively:
  • By means of verbal and written reports.
  • With relevant parties, for example sub-ordinates, technical personnel, etc. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Learners can use science and technology by:
  • Performing various non-destructive tests.
  • Controlling the current, and the travelling speed of the specific electrode used must be such that the heat induced to the casting is minimised, thereby ensuring acceptable metallurgical structures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners can understand that, by eliminating the dynamic effects on the frog, the life-span of the component and track structure is enhanced, thus contributing to 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.
  • Trustworthiness.
  • 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.
     
    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.