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: 

Conduct a fall of ground incident or accident investigation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256895  Conduct a fall of ground incident or accident investigation 
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  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
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 and understanding of conducting a fall of ground incident or accident investigation in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to plan the investigation.
  • Conduct the investigation.
  • Demonstrate the ability to interpret data.
  • Record and communicate the investigation results. 
    		•

    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 
    Demonstrate the ability to plan the investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Working place related information required for the investigation is listed and explained according to mine specific conditions and systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Name.
  • Location.
  • Previous accident reports for this area (SAMRASS 3, Internal reports).
  • Rock Engineering reports.
  • Planning meeting minutes.
  • Geological or other service department reports.
  • Seismic history.
  • Risk ratings/continuous risk assessments.
  • Recommended support types and spacing.
  • Working plans.
  • Geology.
  • Code of practice.
  • Communication logs.
  • Monitoring results.
  • Support (test results, quality control reports).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need for using updated working plans of the working place is explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Geology.
  • Face shapes.
  • Face advance.
  • Mining layout.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need to interpret the data gathered during the planning phase for possible reasons for the fall of ground to occur, prior to visiting the scene of the accident, is explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Observations to be made that are essential to the investigation are listed and explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Fall of ground (dimension, extent, shape, boundaries, position with regards to support, geology, other excavations, face etc).
  • Geology (fault, dyke, joint, beddingplane, rock type).
  • Ground conditions (rock type, water, stress fracture).
  • Support (type, quality, yield, damage/condition).
  • Mining practices (support installation quality and method, drilling and blasting, cleaning practice).
  • Equipment (damage to mining equipment).
  • Personnel (position, action at time of accident, exposure).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equipment and tools required for the investigation are listed, described and checked for working condition according to supplier specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Camera.
  • Clino rule.
  • Tape.
  • Note book and Pen.
  • Distometer.
  • Mine specific accident checklists and report formats.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Conduct the investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The method of investigation of the scene of the accident is demonstrated in accordance with legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Observation.
  • Measurement.
  • Recording of data.
  • Discussion with relevant personnel.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sequence of observations is demonstrated in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Fall of ground scene.
  • Area immediately surrounding the fall of ground scene.
  • Panel/working place area.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Data is recorded in accordance with mine specific format. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate the ability to interpret data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The list of possible fall of ground causes is compiled by the completion of a basic fault tree analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The data gathered during preparation and that gathered at the scene of the fall of ground accident is compared in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • List the expected behaviour/conditions (preparation) against the observed.
  • Identify the expected behaviour/conditions that were not observed.
  • Identify the observed behaviour/conditions that were not expected.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for the similarities and dissimilarities between the expected behaviour/conditions and observed behaviour/conditions are derived and noted in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Hazards identified as fall of ground causes are listed, risk assessed and explained in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of deriving incorrect causes of the fall of ground are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Record and communicate the investigation results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The fall of ground investigation is recorded according to mine specific and legal requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Preparation/input data.
  • Observed data.
  • Interpretation/cause analysis.
  • Conclusion on hazards/risks/causes.
  • Recommendations/remedial action.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Accident forms (SAMRASS 3) are completed according to legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of inadequate recording or communication are explained in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need to ensure controlled archiving of the recorded data is explained in terms of legal 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:
  • Working place related information required for the investigation is explained.
  • Interpret the data gathered during the planning phase.
  • Observations to be made that are essential to the investigation.

    Processes and events:
  • Conduct the investigation.
  • Interpret data.
  • Record and communicate the investigation results.

    Causes and effects (Occupational Health and Safety):
  • Use of equipment and tools.
  • 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 WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to explain that well planned and executed accident investigations are instrumental in ensuring the team's safety. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to plan and execute the investigation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: The ability of the learner to observe, analyse and evaluate behaviour or conditions in an attempt to improve the safety of the team. 

    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 causes of the fall of ground. 

    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 use of modern measuring and recording devices. 

    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 and Regulations, 1991 (Act 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS 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
    Core  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.