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: 

Operate a geophysical measuring instrument to record data for a geophysical survey 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261777  Operate a geophysical measuring instrument to record data for a geophysical survey 
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  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
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 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 responsible for operating a geophysical measuring instrument to record data for a geophysical survey.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to operate a geophysical measuring instrument.
  • Prepare to operate a geophysical measuring instrument.
  • Operate a geophysical measuring instrument.
  • Clean up and compile and submit reports. 
    		•

    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.
  • Understanding of the principles of physics as they pertain to geophysics.
  • Ability to locate a surface geographical site.
  • Measuring and recording skills equivalent.
  • Understanding the use of an elementary grid or traverse equivalent.
  • Understanding of general legal requirements on occupational health and safety matters.
  • Effective communication skills, both oral and written, and proficiency in compiling reports in accordance with scientific principles and the use of the appropriate nomenclature at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard covers the operation of a geophysical measuring instrument to record data for a geophysical survey. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to operate a geophysical measuring instrument. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principles of physical science pertinent to geophysics are explained in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Magnetism.
  • Gravity.
  • Electromagnetism.
  • Seismics.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The possible effects on the integrity of the relevant geophysical data of natural features and man-made structures and installations are explained in the mining context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Metallic objects.
  • Metalliferous deposits.
  • Power lines.
  • Geological features.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The operating procedure of the selected geophysical measuring instrument is described in terms of its specific characteristics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The geology of the area to be surveyed is described in terms of the expected stratigraphic sequence, potential geological features and background noise of the specific geophysical parameter to be measured. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The content of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance are described in terms of the potential impact on the collection of the geophysical data and future exploitation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The legal aspects relating to occupational health and safety when travelling to and working in a surface site are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to operate a geophysical measuring instrument. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, when required, is obtained in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and laid down procedures. Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment required are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential and actual hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor illumination.
  • Spillage of fluids.
  • Excessive accumulation of water.
  • Poor visibility.
  • Excessive gradients.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Dust.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning).
  • Excessive vegetation.
  • Dangerous animals/reptiles/insects.
  • Chemical and/or solid waste material.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The pre-survey procedures are explained and demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Charging of main and spare batteries.
  • Check geophysical measuring instrument settings.
  • Verify the locality of the grid or traverse on a site map.
  • Check the type, numbering, orientation and marking of the grid or traverses and station intervals to be employed.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate the geophysical measuring instrument. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Unstable terrain in the form of slopes, subsiding or collapsing ground.
  • Adverse weather conditions.
  • Wild animals.
  • Veld fires.
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools, materials and equipment required are used in accordance with laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    All information is recorded and stored on accordance with the laid down procedure and work requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The details of the locality are determined and recorded in accordance with the laid down procedure in the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Co-ordinates of the selected location.
  • Reference survey point(s).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Conduct post survey activities and compile and present reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned and ensured to be ready for future use in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The workplace is cleaned to comply with documented and recognised good housekeeping practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessary report(s) are compiled in the required format and communicated to the relevant personnel in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel and anomalous conditions emphasized in accordance with site-specific 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 will be addressed in an integrated manner in the unit standard:
  • The procedures to operate a geophysical measuring instrument.
  • The legal requirements to the correct use of personal protective equipment and the effect on the health and safety of the individual.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affects the reliability of the derived information.
  • An understanding that the learner's output can have a significant effect on the survey process and processing of the geological data where the data is utilised for geological modeling purposes. 
    		•

    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 identify anomalous conditions and deviations in the exercise and the reporting thereof contributes to his/her problem solving ability. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to delegate work, when required, in an appropriate manner, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. 

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

    Note: The preparation of equipment and data required for the exercise will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to operate the geophysical measuring instrument to collect data, reconcile the information on surface plans and at the exploration site will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. 

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

    Note: The recording of anomalous conditions and the reporting thereof in the correct format will indicate the learner's efficiency in the mode of written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to the reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 

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

    Note: The correct use of the geophysical measuring instrument and understanding of the basic principles of physics will demonstrate the learner's effective use of technology and science. 

    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 ability of the learner to understand the implications of not correctly identifying and recording anomalous conditions encountered during the exercise will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken may have more than one effect. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Reflect on, and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively and to contribute to the full development of each learner to enhance the social and economic development of the society at large.

    Note: The ability of the learner to explore more than one strategy to solve problems, communicate effective and to organise his/her work can be applied outside the work environment. 

    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 and/or Laid Down Procedures are contained in one or more of the following:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.

    Legal Requirements are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • Relevant Acts: e.g. Mine Health & Safety Act and Regulations, 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/Instructions.
  • Guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines.

    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.

    Tools, Material and Equipment can include the following:
  • Magnetometers.
  • Seismometers.
  • Resistometers.
  • Ground penetrating radar. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65549   National Certificate: Mining Technical Support  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.
     
    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.