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: 

Perform geotechnical mapping of a highwall/slope and evaluate the results 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256840  Perform geotechnical mapping of a highwall/slope and evaluate the results 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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 for people who are pursuing a career in Rock Engineering.

This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of performing geotechnical mapping of a highwall/slope and analyse the results in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Prepare for geotechnical mapping of the highwall/slope.
  • Record geotechnical data.
  • Transfer geotechnical mapped data into formats required to conduct an analysis.
  • Evaluate the results of geotechnical data. 
    		•

    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 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare for geotechnical mapping of the highwall/slope. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment required for geotechnical mapping are prepared for desired operability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Compass clinometers.
  • Scale rules, tape.
  • Clino-rules.
  • Callipers.
  • Distometers.
  • Photographic equipment.
  • Field stereonets.
  • Stereoscopes.
  • Theodolites.
  • Global positioning systems.
  • Ground penetrating radar.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The types of geotechnical structure to be included in records is described for local conditions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Lithology, faults, dykes, sills, potholes, rolls, joints, veins, shear bands, thrusts, bedding, layering, domes, slips (coal), weathered zones.
  • Existing failures, potential failures, water accumulations, cracks, blasting fractures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The geotechnical data to be recorded is ensured to be in line with mine specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Orientation.
  • Spacing.
  • Persistence.
  • Roughness.
  • Wall strength.
  • Aperture.
  • Filling.
  • Seepage.
  • Number of sets.
  • Block size.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relevant supervisory personnel responsible for the area being mapped are informed effectively and timeously in accordance with operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Record geotechnical data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Geotechnical data recording is conducted in accordance with mine specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The record sheets are prepared and presented in a format consistent with mine specific format requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The completed record sheets are appropriately referenced and filed in accordance with mine specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of non-compliance in recording geotechnical data are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Transfer geotechnical mapped data into formats required for analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information is transferred from field recording sheets into the relevant formats required for analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The integrity of the data is analysed using mine specific methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The position of lines for drawing sections from the geotechnical plan are annotated and appropriately referenced in accordance with operational procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    All result data is appropriately referenced and filed in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate the results of geotechnical data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The mean or modal spacing and orientation of discontinuities and hence block sizes and shapes are determined using accepted mine specific techniques. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Statistical.
  • Graphical.
  • Empirical.
  • Numerical.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The geotechnical data is used in mine specific rock mass rating systems to assess the quality and stability of the mapped rock mass in accordance with mine specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Q-system.
  • Modified rock mass rating.
  • Hoek and Brown estimates of field properties.
  • Rock quality designations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The geotechnical data is compared to that used to define existing ground control districts. 


    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 essential embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge and understanding that the assessor will evaluate:
  • Equipment required for geotechnical mapping.
  • The types of geotechnical structure to be included in records.
  • The mine specific methods used for geotechnical data recording.
  • Record geotechnical data.
  • Analysed using mine specific methods.
  • Drawing sections from the geotechnical plan.
  • Determining the mean or modal spacing and orientation of discontinuities.
  • Determining block sizes and shapes.

    Causes and effects (Occupational Health and Safety):
  • Use of equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Adherence to occupational health and safety requirements.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Occupational health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 relate recorded and transferred data to the intended purpose of the geotechnical mapping exercise. 
    		•

    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 explain the methods employed to record and transfer data into formats required for analysis. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to source equipment, prepare and systematically conduct the tasks required to perform geotechnical mapping. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to record the observations, transfer it onto required formats and analyse the results. 
    		•

    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 other personnel to assist their understanding of the implications of the contents of the records, plans and results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Note: The use of science and technology is promoted through the understanding of improved ways to catalogue, format and analyse data relevant to mine design and thus safety. 
    		•

    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 understanding of the importance of accurate data capture and transfer on mine design and the safety of workers. 
    		•

    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.
  • 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&S Risks.
  • Working Guides.
  • Equipment and Materials Specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  62796   Further Education and Training Certificate: Strata Control Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.
     
    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.