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: 

Locate an underground geographical position by employing plan reading techniques 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261817  Locate an underground geographical position by employing plan reading techniques 
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 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
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 locating an underground position.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required for locating an underground position.
  • Plan and prepare to locate an underground position.
  • Locate an underground position.
  • Clean up and compile a report. 
    		•

    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.
  • Plan interpretation skills.
  • Use of survey techniques and surveying equipment.
  • An understanding of mining terminology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard covers the locating of any underground position within mining lease areas or boundaries by employing basic plan interpretation skills and elementary survey equipment. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required for locating an underground position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal aspects are described relating to safety considerations when travelling to and locating an underground position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The techniques and equipment are described that can be utilised to locate an underground position. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Relevant and current plans of underground workings.
  • Elementary survey equipment.
  • Survey peg data.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The mining infrastructure indicated on the plans is described in terms of their geometry and effect on accessibility to a specific position. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Development and workings off the mining horizon.
  • Access ways to the reef horizon.
  • Development and workings on the mining horizon.
  • Bearing.
  • Gradient.
  • Surface and underground infrastructure.
  • Prohibited areas.
  • Distance determination.
  • Mine boundaries, escape routes and refuge bays.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The contents and requirements of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with the requirements are described in terms of the potential impact on the accuracy of the underground position. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare to locate the underground position. 

    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 the laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment that are required for locating the underground position are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessary plans and survey data required for locating the position are selected and examined to identify potential access routes and the most appropriate route is planned in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The actions to be taken in the event of encountering anomalies are in accordance with the laid down procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Locate the underground position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The planned route to the required underground position is followed and any anomalies encountered are dealt with in accordance with contingency plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Potential and actual hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the location of the underground position are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures and health and safety regulations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Spillage of fluids.
  • Broken rock.
  • Excessive accumulations of water.
  • Unsafe mining conditions.
  • Toxic and noxious gasses.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Salient features are verified to confirm the correct underground position in accordance with the relevant procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Survey pegs.
  • Sidewall markings.
  • Workplace signposts.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tools and equipment required for positioning are used in accordance with accepted procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Work related hazards and associated risks that have an effect on a safe and healthy work environment are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and back injuries.
  • Excess heat.
  • The presence of toxic and noxious gasses.
  • Communication failure.
  • Chemical burns.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The underground position is marked, if required, in accordance with the accuracy required and the work instruction and laid down procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Metal rod with location identification.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Clean up and compile a report. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The tools, materials and equipment are cleaned and ensured to be ready for future use. Defective equipment is dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

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

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel 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 is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • The ability to read and interpret underground survey plans.
  • The ability to recognise mining features from survey plans.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that effects the accuracy of the underground position. 
    		•

    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 accept and interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance, when required, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational structure. The standard of work performance will affect the efficiency of the team or group as a whole and the ability of the learner to correctly identify stratigraphic units and structural features present on the surface geological map will indicate his/her effective relationship with the group. 

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

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The effective preparation of the planned access route and the identification of potential constraints will indicate that the learner can organise and manage activities in his/her work environment. 

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

    Note: The ability of the learner to reconcile paleo topographical and/or structural features underground with plan data 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 written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel to obtain permission to enter the work place and reporting of hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective oral communication. 

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

    Note: The effective interpretation of plan data and the correct use of tools and equipment to accurately locate the underground position in accordance with the relevant legislation will indicate the appropriate use of science and technology. The identification of hazardous and sub-standard conditions that can have an effect on the health and safety of others indicate his/her responsible behaviour in these circumstances. 

    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 identify anomalous conditions and to deal with these conditions by applying problem solving techniques will indicate his/her proficiency in understanding that a specific action or decision taken has 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 effectively can be applied inside and 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:

    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 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:
  • Managerial instructions, including work instructions.
  • Codes of practice.
  • Standard task procedures.
  • Risk assessment documentation.
  • Working guides.
  • Training manuals.
  • Education manuals.

    Underground position can be any one or a combination of the following types:
  • Drill rig.
  • Borehole site.
  • Mining horizon intersections.
  • Specific infrastructure, such as mining levels, development ends, cross cuts, mining panels and pillars.
  • Rescue bays.

    Elementary survey equipment can include the following:
  • Hand held distance meter, such as laser or radio wave transmitters.
  • Tri-pod mounted distance meter and reflectors.
  • Compass.
  • Measuring tapes.
  • Measuring wheel. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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.