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: 

Demonstrate knowledge of evaluating and ensuring excavation stability when re-opening an excavation after a period of time 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253029  Demonstrate knowledge of evaluating and ensuring excavation stability when re-opening an excavation after a period of time 
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 Rock Engineering personnel who are responsible to assess the implementation of remedial actions to restore excavation stability when reopening an excavation after a period of time.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain the risks associated with hazards encountered when re-opening excavations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the causes of loss of excavation integrity.
  • Identify potentially hazardous ground conditions and support unit hazards.
  • Demonstrate the ability to record and report on the excavation stability evaluation.
  • Demonstrate ability to assess the implementation of remedial action.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, demonstrating a basic knowledge and an understanding of ensuring excavation stability when re-opening an excavation after a period of time in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers. 
    		•

    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 the following:
  • Outcomes related to National Introductory Certificate to Mining and Minerals (NQF Level 1).
  • Unit Standard "Achieve mining excavation stability with support installation" in the applicable geotechnical environment at NQF Level 1.
  • Removal of support at NQF Level 1.
  • Unit Standard "Demonstrate understanding of support installation quality" at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the risks associated with hazards encountered when re-opening excavations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The potential effects of time on support are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Support.
  • Ground conditions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Potential adverse conditions and the risks involved with opening up excavations are explained in terms of recognition and actions for correction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Heat.
  • Dust.
  • Airflow.
  • Water.
  • Ground conditions.
  • Harmful gases.
  • Time related deterioration of support.
  • Time related deterioration of ground conditions.
  • Installation quality of original support.
  • Integrity of original support.
  • Potential effect of future mining operations on the support and ground conditions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate understanding of the causes of loss of excavation integrity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need to investigate the cause of original closure is explained in the context of excavation stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reason for original closure is explained in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Loss of excavation integrity.
  • Grade.
  • Ventilation.
  • Labour.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The potential causes of loss of integrity is explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Seismic activity.
  • Falls of ground.
  • High stress to strength ratios.
  • Inadequate support installed.
  • Poor quality support installed.
  • Failure of individual support units.
  • Failure of support system.
  • Time-dependant rock mass or support unit failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of the cause of excavation loss are explained in terms of ground conditions and support integrity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate the ability to record and report on the excavation stability evaluation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The identification of potentially unstable areas are explained in the context of excavation stability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Excessive closure or closure rate.
  • Sudden closure.
  • Backbreak.
  • Excessive fracturing.
  • Open fractures or joints.
  • Excessive bed/layer separation.
  • Relative rock displacements.
  • Loosening or slabbing of rockwalls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The identification of potentially sub-standard support conditions are discussed in the context of excavation support. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Quality of installation.
  • Spacing of support units.
  • Condition of support units.
  • Effectiveness or ineffectiveness of installed support units.
  • Suitability of support units installed.
  • Replacement of damaged units.
  • Premature support unit failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of deviating from mine specific procedures in the recording and reporting of potentially unstable areas and/or support conditions are described in terms of the potential effect on safety, health, equipment and production. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate ability to assess the implementation of remedial action. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The remedial actions pertaining to support conditions are explained in accordance with the Opening-up Procedure on the Mine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Additional site-specific remedial actions are explained in the context of excavation stability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Adherence to the specified remedial actions is assessed in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The observations are recorded and communicated to the responsible persons in accordance with the legal and operational requirements. 


    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 opening up strategies and support evaluation, when opening up excavations after a period of time.
  • Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues.
  • Significant hazards and risks related to opening up excavations after a period of time:
    > 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 explain assessing excavation stability after a period of time. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to form part of the investigation and monitoring team in areas where excavation stability is being restored. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to organise the efforts of the rehabilitation team in following the opening up procedure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The learner must be able to recognise unstable ground conditions and have knowledge of the appropriate action to take. The learner must be able to interpret and apply mine opening-up 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 and actions 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 opening up strategies and innovative support types as well as consideration of a variety of support 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 29/1996), and Minerals Act, Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives and instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).

    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; Moderate in range.
  • Procedures; Level 2; Established and familiar.
  • Context; Level 3; Range of familiar.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Some relevant theoretical.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Basic processing of readily available information.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Known solutions to familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 2; Directed.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Under general supervision quality checking.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quantity and quality, and possible responsibility for guiding others.

    Average Level: 21/9 = 2.33.
    Actual Levels Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 16 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 24 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 0 hours.
  • Other (Specify); 0 hours.

    Total: 40 hours.

    Credits Achieved: 40/10 = 4.0.
    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
    Core  59549   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  64909   National Certificate: Small Scale Mining  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. MMTI Holdings 
    4. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    5. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    6. 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.