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: 

Screen diamond gemstones 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253813  Screen diamond gemstones 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10573  Screen diamond gemstones for polishing using the press pot system  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7   

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 screen diamond gemstones to enable them to be processed into polished diamond gemstones.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the importance of angles, table sizes, position and depth when setting.
  • Explain the implications for programming dimensions when screening a diamond gemstone.
  • Screen diamond gemstones on appropriate platforms and in pots and rings.
  • Conduct post-screening 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.
  • Hand-eye coordination. 
    		•

    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. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the importance of angles, table sizes, position and depth when setting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of angles for bruting and polishing diamond gemstones is described and their impact is explained in terms of table sizes, position and depth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Practices are explained to maintain good housekeeping, safety and security in the workplace and care of screening equipment, platforms, press pots and rings in line with workplace specific requirements. 

    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 setting of angles.
  • Inappropriate diameter setting.
  • Incorrect depth of stone.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the implications for programming dimensions when screening a diamond gemstone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The table and girdle are identified and the position of gemstones when set in the pot is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The implications of incorrect screening are explained in terms of types of problems that can be encountered, key features, impact on bruting and polishing and methods to avoid such problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The types of problems that can be encountered must include:
  • Incorrect pavilion angle.
  • Incorrect depth of stone.
  • Incorrect diameter.
  • Incorrect press pot/platform.
  • Incorrect ring position for polishing.
  • Failing to rotate the stone to test the setting.
  • Incorrect program selection.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Screen diamond gemstones on appropriate platforms and in pots and rings. 

    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 set in appropriate platforms/press pots for polishing are screened and the position on the platform/depth in the ring is set according to workplace specific setting standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace specific setting standards will be found in:
  • Work specifications.
  • Equipment manufacturers' manuals.
  • Tariff agreements.
  • Policies and procedures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Screening hints and techniques are explained in terms of different applications and the consequences of using inappropriate screening procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Stones that have been screened are checked for correct setting and remedial action, where necessary, is taken in line with workplace specific operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Platforms or rings are checked for any defects during the setting process. Remedial action is taken in line with workplace specific operating procedures. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Diamond gemstones are removed from the screening equipment without disturbing their setting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Good housekeeping is exercised after removal of diamond gemstones from screening equipment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Good housekeeping must include:
  • Clean work area.
  • Clean workbench.
  • Replace platforms, rings and press pots into correct storage facilities.
  • Maintenance of personal protective clothing and equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Diamond gemstones are accounted for after screening in terms of the workplace security system. 


    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 critical requirements of angles to setting diamond gemstones for bruting or polishing.
  • The importance of accuracy in determining program settings.
  • Importance of equipment being set accurately.
  • Awareness of the damage to a diamond that can be caused by incorrect setting.

    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:
  • Weight loss.
  • 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 adjust the screening equipment and position the platform/set the ring and/or pot at the appropriate settings requires critical and creative thinking to solve problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to communicate effectively and to maintain optimum production illustrates the capability to work effectively with others. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to maintain optimum production whilst adhering to safety and security procedures, illustrates the capability to organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to interpret instructions from the Marker/in the parcel in relation to the stone and implement corrective actions indicates the candidate's ability to analyse, organise and critically 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 select the appropriate program settings to screen and determine the resultant polished diamond gemstones demonstrates the critical use of science and technology. 
    		•

    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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 10573, "Screen diamond gemstones for polishing using the press pot system", Level 3, 7 credits.

    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 1; Limited skills required to set diamonds on platforms or in pots.
  • Procedures; Level 1; Repetitive processes.
  • Context; Level 2; Defined contexts with some variety.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; Knowledge is limited to the operation.
  • Information processing; Level 2; Processing restricted to selection of appropriate platforms/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 platforms/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: 17/9 = 1.888.
    Actual Level Assigned = 2.

    Credits:

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

    Activity; Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching; 4 hours.
  • On-The-Job Training; 24 hours.
  • Mentoring required; 20 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.