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 rock mass rating utilising rating systems typically used in mining 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256900  Conduct a rock mass rating utilising rating systems typically used in mining 
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  4 
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 rock mass ratings in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of rock mass rating systems typically used in mining.
  • Prepare to conduct a rock mass rating.
  • Conduct a rock mass rating.
  • Record and report results of rock mass ratings. 
    		•

    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 an understanding of rock mass rating systems typically used in mining. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of rock mass rating systems used are described in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Binieawski's rock mass rating.
  • Laubscher's rock mass rating.
  • CSIR modified rock mass rating.
  • Q-system.
  • Rockwall condition factor.
  • Rock Quality Designation.
  • Face shape indices.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The areas for application of typical rock mass rating systems are described in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Limitations of typical rock mass rating systems are provided in the context of mining operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to conduct a rock mass rating. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Data required to accomplish the rock mass rating is retrieved in accordance with accepted industry procedures and standards for data capture. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The data that will be used as input into rock mass rating systems is checked for integrity and consistency in accordance with the relevant procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Statistical.
  • Observational.
  • Historical data.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The format of data for input into rock mass rating systems is selected in accordance with accepted industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The consequences of substandard data retrieved and applied to rock mass ratings are explained in the context of mining design. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct a rock mass rating. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The data required for the rock mass rating is systematically organized for input into the rating system in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The rock mass rating is done using accepted methods and procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Rating sheets.
  • Computer programmes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The results of the rating are checked for integrity using previous rating results compiled for areas with similar geotechnical character. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The results of the rating are analysed in terms of the scope of its intended purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Hazard identification.
  • Excavation design.
  • Support selection and design.
  • Potential instability projections.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The results of ratings are displayed, filed and catalogued in accordance with mine specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Record and report results of rock mass ratings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Observations and evaluations made from the rock mass ratings are recorded and presented in accordance with mine specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The relevant personnel are informed of the results of the rock mass ratings effectively and timeously in accordance with the relevant procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of not communicating the results of ratings are 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 essential embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:
  • The types of rock mass rating systems used in mining are described.
  • The areas within the mining and minerals sector for application of typical rock mass rating systems are described.
  • Limitations of typical rock mass rating systems are provided.
  • Conducting a rock mass rating.
  • Recording and reporting results of rock mass ratings.

    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 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all components of typical rating systems. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to coordinate and organise the retrieval of data for the rock mass rating. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The sourcing of information relating to the learners working environment and relating this information to the rock mass rating to be performed. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The learner must be able to collect and analyse data and results within the scope of the rating being conducted. 
    		•

    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 the relevant personnel regarding the results of ratings will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The use of rock mass ratings to optimise excavation design, support selection and design and identify potential hazards shows responsibility towards the environment and self. 
    		•

    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 that the input data and rating results are interrelated and collectively indicate possible solutions. 
    		•

    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 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. 
    		•

    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.