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: 

Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
252874  Achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Mining and Minerals 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
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 will be useful to people who are responsible to achieve and maintain mining excavation stability with support in a large excavation in shallow or deep geotechnical conditions.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of support installation to achieve excavation stability.
  • Prepare for support installation.
  • Install support.
  • Conduct a post-installation procedure. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following:
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 1.
  • Knowledge of strata (identification of strata) at NQF Level 1.
  • Use relevant tools and measuring instruments at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria.

    At least one or both of the following ranges of geotechnical conditions must be selected:
  • Shallow geotechnical conditions.
  • Deep geotechnical conditions.

    The learner must do all the generic ranges within the unit standard. The learner must also do at least one or both the ranges applicable to shallow or deep geotechnical conditions where specified within particular assessment criteria. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of support installation to achieve excavation stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Procedures for entry and watering down are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Adverse conditions in terms of the means for recognition and actions for correction are explained in the context of mining stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Heat.
  • Dust.
  • Ventilation.
  • Ground conditions for shallow geotechnical conditions.
  • Ground conditions for deep geotechnical conditions.
  • Harmful gases.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The density and installation of the specified support are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose of the support installation is explained in the context of ensuring a safe production environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The requirements pertaining to the cleaning and preparation of the footwall prior to installation are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for support installation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is selected, examined and used in a way that is consistent with its purpose, design and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All tools, material and equipment required for support installation are selected, examined and ensured to be ready for use according to manufacturers and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tools, material and equipment are transported in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The work place is examined for substandard conditions and hazards in accordance with the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Workplace hazards and risks are dealt with in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of inadequate preparation to install support are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Install support. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The temporary support positions are marked off in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The installation for temporary support is conducted in accordance with the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The permanent support positions are marked off in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The installation of the permanent support is conducted in accordance with the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of inadequate support installation are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct a post installation procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Quality control inspections are performed according to operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Quality and monitoring of installation.
  • Spacing of support units.
  • Support failure.
  • Effectiveness or ineffectiveness.
  • Replacement of damaged units.

    Range for shallow geotechnical conditions must include:
  • Suitability of units installed in shallow geotechnical conditions.

    Range for deep geotechnical conditions must include:
  • Suitability of units installed in deep geotechnical conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quality control and identification of anomalous adverse ground conditions are explained in terms of potential hazards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Excessive closure or closure rate.
  • Sudden closure.
  • Back break.
  • Open fractures or joints.
  • Excessive bed separation.
  • Relative rock displacements.
  • Loosening.
  • Premature support unit failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defective tools and equipment is dealt with in accordance with the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Good housekeeping is practiced according to the relevant procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deviating from specific requirements are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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 associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification 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 following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Knowledge relating to achieving excavation stability with support.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues.
  • Significant hazards and risks related to installing of support:
    > Their consequences and mitigating actions.
    > PPE requirements and the reason for each.
    > Environmental issues and mitigating actions.
    > Safe working practices.
    > Emergency procedures.
  • Applicable statutory requirements:
    > Relevant clauses from applicable acts and regulations.
    > Codes of practice.
  • Communication:
    > Reporting requirements and ability.
    > Communicating with relevant personnel.
    > Liaison with associated operations and personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to achieve and maintain mining stability with support. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance with support installation in an appropriate manner as a member in the bigger organisational structure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The preparation for support installation must indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability to recognise changing ground conditions and has knowledge of the appropriate action to take. The learner must be able to interpret and apply mine standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.
  • Note: The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The use of mechanised equipment and support types as well as consideration of a variety of types indicates effective use of science and technology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to identify hazardous conditions. The effect of non-compliance and deviation from mine standards will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken has more than one effect. 
    		•

    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 
    Terminology:

    Specified Requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and site-specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act, 1996 (Act no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives.

    Site Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Mine Standard Procedures.
  • List of Recorded OH&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 2; The skills required to install support have some variety where the learner must install effective support in conditions specific to the working place, according to the mine standard.
  • Procedures; Level 1; The procedure is repetitive; the same sequence is repeated over and over.
  • Context; Level 2; The context in which the learner operates is routine and familiar, but can differ according to the changing environment.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; The knowledge component requires relevant theoretical knowledge of basic Rock Engineering to fully understand why the support is installed.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Information on installation of support is available; some processing to adjust for working area conditions is required.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Limited discretion and judgement is required as the local working conditions change.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; The overall process and activity is in accordance with documented and laid down procedures.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; The learner will perform his/her activities under line supervision with quality control measures.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 3; The incorrect support installation may have a significant effect on safety and production in the working area.

    Average Level = 2.
    Actual Levels Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 20 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 20 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total: 40 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 40/10 = 4.
    Credits Assigned = 4. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59549   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 


    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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    3. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    4. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    5. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    6. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    7. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(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.