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: 

Fix diamond gemstones with cement for cutting 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253805  Fix diamond gemstones with cement for cutting 
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  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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 useful for people who intend following a career in the diamond processing sector and who are required to cement diamond gemstones for cutting. This process is known as fixing.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the use of the different sizes of dops for fixing stones.
  • Explain the implications for the fixing of a diamond gemstone.
  • Fix diamond gemstones onto appropriate dops.
  • Conduct post-fixing cleaning, checking and security activities.

    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, particularly in the aspect of beneficiation.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of the diamond processing industry 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 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope and context applies to the conversion of rough diamond gemstones into cut and polished diamond gemstones for sale into local and international markets.

    This unit standard applies to persons fixing sawn and/or makeable diamond gemstones under general supervision. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the use of the different sizes of dops for fixing stones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different sized dops and their components used to cut diamond gemstones are identified and their use in different applications are explained in terms of key features, applications and method of use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Practices are explained to maintain good housekeeping, safety and security in the workplace and care of dop fixing systems in line with workplace specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Security of diamonds must include:
  • Safeguarding of stones.
  • Allocation of stones received to the correct parcels.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of deviating from workplace specific practices are described in terms of potential impact on health, safety, equipment, products and productivity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Deviations from workplace specific practices must include:
  • Incorrect diameter of dop.
  • Incorrect height of dop.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the implications for the fixing of a diamond gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The naturals and girdle are identified and the position of gemstones when set on the dop is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The implications of incorrect fixing are explained in terms of types of problems that can be encountered, key features, impact on cutting and methods to avoid such problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The types of problems that can be encountered must include:
  • Incorrect diameter of dop.
  • Incorrect height of dop.
  • Shavings on platform of the dop.
  • Fixing incorrect for naturals.
  • Incorrect amount of cement.
  • Friability of cement.
  • Incorrect curing time.
  • Incorrect oven temperature.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Fix diamond gemstones onto appropriate dops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is selected and applied according to required standards of occupational health and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Stones are fixed on appropriate dops for cutting according to workplace specific setting standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace specific setting standards will be found in the employers':
  • Work specifications.
  • Tariff agreements.
  • Policies and procedures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The oven temperature is set to the required temperature. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Fixed stones are sorted, set in appropriate trays and located in the oven when the temperature is correct. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The time that each tray is located in the oven is recorded to ensure removal after the appropriate curing time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Once baked for the required period, fixed stones are removed from the oven and allowed to cool. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Fixing hints and techniques are explained in terms of different applications and the consequences of using inappropriate fixing cement mixtures, curing temperatures and times, cooling periods and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Stones that have been fixed and cooled are checked for correct fixing and remedial action, where necessary, is taken in line with workplace specific operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Dops are checked for any defects during the fixing process. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Fixed stones are handed over for cutting in accordance with workplace specific operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post-fixing cleaning, checking and security activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Diamond gemstones returned from cutting are checked in accordance with specific workplace operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Returned stones are staked in trays and heated in the oven sufficiently to permit their safe removal from dops without damage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stones and dops are removed from the oven safely and stones are removed from dops and cleaned without damage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after removal of diamond gemstones from dops. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean work area.
  • Clean workbench.
  • Cement is kept dry till required for mixing.
  • Replace dops and trays into correct storage facilities.
  • Dispose of used dops and cement in appropriate facility.
  • Maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for during and after fixing or removal from dops in terms of workplace security systems. 


    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 with 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.
  • 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 following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge relating to the properties of a diamond gemstone:
  • Understanding the various properties of the diamond and the effect that incorrect dop size can have.
  • Importance of diamonds being fixed properly and the implications of wrong fixing (retention of stone, damage to stone, cement coverage of stone).
  • Awareness of the damage to a diamond that can be caused by use or incorrect dops and incorrect fixing.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to gemstone processing, their consequences and mitigating actions.
  • Safety measures related to diamond processing.
  • PPE requirements and the reason for each.
  • Impact on the environment and mitigating actions.
  • Emergency procedures.

    Legislative and structural environment:
  • Importance of adherence to health and safety requirements during processing.
  • Importance of care and maintenance of tools and equipment.
  • Codes of practice.

    Communication:
  • Reporting requirements and ability.
  • Communicating with relevant personnel.
  • Liaison between personnel in various functions.

    Handling and custody of diamond gemstones:
  • Achieving specified production requirements.
  • Identify the equipment and explain the specification and functions.
  • Preparation.
  • Examination.
  • Handling of diamond gemstones.
  • Monitoring and control.

    Monitoring processing and impurities:
  • Security requirements.
  • Collection and disposal of diamond dust.
  • Use of tools and equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify incorrect size of dops when setting diamond gemstones and rectify this contributes to the problem solving ability. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation/community.
  • Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to know when to refer issues to the appropriate colleagues in an acceptable manner indicates the ability to work effectively as a team member within the structure of the organisation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The preparation of tools and equipment prior to commencing fixing of diamond gemstones and the complying with good housekeeping practices indicates the candidate's ability to organise and manage activities in the work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to assimilate instructions and be accountable for the custody of diamond gemstones indicates the ability to collect, organise and evaluate information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others).
  • Note: The ability to apply the correct dops and mixtures and to abide by safety and housekeeping standards demonstrates the critical use of science and technology in the safeguarding of the material, the environment, fellow workers and oneself. 
    		•

    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:
  • The Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry Main Agreement.
  • Regulations of the Diamonds Act, No 56 of 1986, as amended.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85/1993).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • The glossary of terms about the terminology of the industry issued by the Bargaining Council for the Diamond Cutting Industry.

    Site-Specific:
  • Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
  • Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Programme.
  • Managerial Instructions.
  • Workplace diamond gemstone security system.
  • Working Guides, tariff agreements, policies and procedures.
  • 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 2; Defined contexts with some variety.
  • Knowledge; Level 3; Relevant knowledge is required.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Processing restricted to selection of appropriate pots.
  • Problem Solving; Level 2; Only needs to apply given solutions to known problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 3; Directed, but has autonomy to select pot sizes.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 2; Under general supervision and quality control.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility for quality and quantity, and has implications on the work of others.

    Average Level: 20/9 = 2.222.
    Actual Levels Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 6 Hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 30 Hours.
  • Mentoring required; 12 Hours.
  • Other (Home study); 0 Hours.

    Total: 48 Hours.

    Credits Achieved: 48/10 = 4.8.
    Credits Assigned: = 5. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59851   National Certificate: Diamond Processing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  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. DIAMOND EDUCATION COLLEGE CC 
    2. HARRY OPPENHEIMER DIAMOND TRAINING SCHOOL NPC 
    3. NLP MINERALS COLLEGE 
    4. SOWETO DIAMOND ACADEMY 
    5. THE KIMBERLEY INTERNATIONAL DIAMONDAND JEWELLERY ACADEMY 
    6. ZUREL PRIVATE COLLEGE 


    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.