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 an understanding of the functions and the operation of signalling arrangements and safety devices in a shaft 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256304  Demonstrate an understanding of the functions and the operation of signalling arrangements and safety devices in a shaft 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
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 3  NQF Level 03  3 
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 required to demonstrate an understanding of the functions and operation of signalling arrangements and safety devices in a shaft. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the function and operation of signalling systems in a shaft.
  • Describe the function and operation of shaft safety devices. 
    		•

    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 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the functioning and operation of signalling systems in a shaft. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The function and principles of operation of the locked-bell system and the interaction between the bell system and winder brakes are explained in terms of site-specific and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The functioning and principles of operation of the call-bell system and the action to be taken, should a signal be given on the system, are explained in terms of legal, site-specific and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The functioning and principles of operation of shaft examination signalling systems, as well as the action to be taken should any of the systems become defective, are explained in terms of legal, site-specific and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Signalling systems must include the following:
  • Contact wire.
  • Radio communication and signalling system.
  • The pull bell system. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The functioning and principles of operation of the intercommunication bell system, as well as the action to be taken, should the system become defective, are explained in terms of site-specific and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the functioning and operation of shaft safety devices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The functioning and principles of operation of shaft safety devices, as well as the consequences to occupational health and safety, should they become defective, are explained in terms of legal, site-specific and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Shaft safety devices must include the following:
  • Arresting devices on shaft bank and stations.
  • Arresting devices in a headgear.
  • Arresting devices in shaft bottom. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The functioning and principles of operation of derailment devices, as well as the consequences to occupational health and safety should they become defective, are explained in terms of legal, site-specific and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Derailment devices must include those in the following contexts:
  • Vertical shafts.
  • Incline shafts. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The functioning and principles of operation of attachment devices, as well as the consequences to occupational health and safety, should they become defective, are explained in terms of legal, site-specific and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Attachment devices must include those in the following contexts:
  • Vertical shafts.
  • Incline shafts.
  • Multiple rope winders. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The functioning and principles of operation of electrical and mechanical over-wind protection devices, as well as the consequences to occupational health and safety, should they become defective are explained in terms of legal, site-specific and operational requirements. 


    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 functions and the operation of signalling arrangements and safety devices in a shaft:
  • Purpose.
  • Tools, materials and equipment.
  • Methods.

    Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Issues:
  • Significant hazards and risks related to winding operations, 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.
  • Competency requirements and restrictions of personnel conducting winding operations.

    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 WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The learner demonstrates the understanding that in an underground mining environment effective teamwork is of utmost importance in transporting people, equipment and materials by means of hoisting infrastructure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • The learner demonstrates understanding that activities, tools and equipment have to be managed effectively in the shaft and hoist environment is as important to contribute to the efficiency of those systems as to be supported by them. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note:
  • The learner demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers in the shaft and hoist environment, in order to ensure safe and effective hoisting operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note:
  • The learner demonstrates an understanding of and ability to use advanced mining equipment and technology in terms of operating the hoist, related equipment and communications systems. 
    		•

    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 learner demonstrates understanding that various systems contribute to the overall safety and productivity of an underground working environment, and that it is as important to contribute to the efficiency of those systems as to be supported by them. 
    		•

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

    Legal:
  • Relevant Acts, e.g. Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act No. 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SABS 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 and S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember, we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence-of the prescribed type and quality as specified in this unit standard-that the candidate is able to achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles of assessment, namely appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Motivation with respect to number of Specific Outcomes:

    Even though there are less than four specific outcomes in this unit standard it represents a whole competency. It is NOT merely a description of tasks, jobs or procedures but it focuses on outcomes of activity. It also has a broad application across a range of contexts as stipulated in the unit standard.

    In addition this unit standard is considered as a milestone of learning in the sector. It is worth recognizing in its own right, as it is attributable to and achievable by an individual. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  21841   National Certificate: Winding Engine Driving  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  59730   National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.