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: 

Identify, record and report on geological features that could result in potentially hazardous conditions in the workplace 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262217  Identify, record and report on geological features that could result in potentially hazardous conditions in the workplace 
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  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
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 identifying, recording and reporting on geological features that could result in potentially hazardous conditions in underground and surface mining environments.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to identify, measure and record geological features in underground and surface mining environments.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to identify the potential hazards associated with geological features.
  • Plan and prepare to measure and record the geological features.
  • Measure and record the geological feature.
  • Compile and report on the geological features and associated hazardous conditions. 
    		•

    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.
  • Map reading skills.
  • Locate a geographical position or work place.
  • Identify hazards that may affect health and safety and the necessary corrective action to be taken.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the principle of rock groups and their characteristics.
  • Understanding of the relevant legal requirements on heath and safety matters.
  • Knowledge of the mechanism on the formation and generation of faulting, folding and jointing.
  • Understanding of relevant support systems to create a safe work environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to identify, measure and record geological features in underground and surface mining environments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant terminology relating to identifying, measuring and recording of structural features are explained in geological terms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Bedding plane.
  • Foliation plane.
  • Fracture zones.
  • Fault and joints.
  • Slickensides.
  • Potholes.
  • Fracture trace.
  • Folds.
  • Igneous intrusions.
  • Alteration zones.
  • Parting plane.
  • Layering plane.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Structural parameters are explained in terms of their characteristics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Strike.
  • True dip.
  • Apparent dip.
  • Plunge.
  • Trend.
  • Pitch.
  • Rake.
  • Lineation.
  • Line of intersection of two planes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The difference between true and magnetic north, the magnetic declination is explained in terms of the effect on the accuracy of the measuring if the magnetic inclination is not corrected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The calculation method to apply to calculate the current declination from published information, including annual change, is explained in geological terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The legal aspects relating to occupational health and safety and environmental considerations are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The consequences of not complying with the relevant statutory regulations are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on safety, equipment, the environment and potential future exploitation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to identify the potential hazards associated with geological features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The potential hazardous conditions are explained in terms of specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Unstable hanging wall.
  • Unstable footwall.
  • Unstable sidewall.
  • Water inflow.
  • Gas inflow.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The consequences of not identifying the potential hazardous conditions associated with geological features are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on safety, equipment, the environment and potential future exploitation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Plan and prepare to measure and record the geological features. 

    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 instruments, tools, materials and equipment that are required for the measuring and recording of geological features are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective items are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Consequences must include:
  • Suitable compass.
  • Clinometer.
  • Clinorule.
  • Stepladder.
  • Spirit level.
  • Hand held electronic measuring device.
  • Tape measure.
  • Recording media.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace details are determined and verified, all in accordance with the work instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The accessibility and suitability of the area to be investigated is verified and actions to be taken in the event of encountering anomalies are dealt with in accordance with the laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor visibility.
  • Broken rock.
  • Excessive accumulation of surface water.
  • Excessive surface gradients.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning).
  • Dangerous reptiles/animals and poisonous insects.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Measure and record the geological features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The geological feature is correctly identified and measured in accordance with sound geological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Bedding plane.
  • Foliation plane.
  • Fracture zones.
  • Fault and joints.
  • Slickensides.
  • Potholes.
  • Fracture trace.
  • Folds.
  • Igneous intrusions.
  • Alteration zones.
  • Parting plane.
  • Layering plane.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The appropriate instrument/s are correctly chosen to measure the geological feature in accordance with sound geological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Suitable compass.
  • Clinometer.
  • Clinorule.
  • Stepladder.
  • Spirit level.
  • Hand held electronic measuring device.
  • Tape measure.
  • Recording media.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The attitude of the identified geological feature is correctly measured and recorded according to laid down procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Strike.
  • True dip.
  • Apparent dip.
  • Plunge.
  • Trend.
  • Pitch.
  • Rake.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range must include:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and spinal injuries.
  • Diseases, such as bilharzia, tick fever, typhoid.
  • Snake and insect bites.
  • Communication failure.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Compile and submit reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The instruments, materials and equipment are cleaned and ensured to be fit for future use and any defective items are reported. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessary report(s)and/or plots are compiled in the required format and submitted to the relevant personnel in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Any identified potentially hazardous geological features are communicated to the relevant personnel timeously 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 cognitive ability to identify various geological features.
  • The ability to measure and record the attitude of geological features.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affect the accuracy of measuring techniques.
  • Understanding of the potential financial consequences if the geological features and potential hazards are inadequately described, recorded and timely reported. 
    		•

    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 cognitive ability of the learner to identify and distinguish between the different geological features and their relevance, contributes to his problem solving ability and will indicate the learner's problem solving capabilities by using critical and creative thinking to make decisions. The identification of potentially hazardous conditions in the working area and the application of effective corrective measures will indicate the learner's problem solving ability and the decision making process applied. 
    		•

    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 request permission to enter the work place (surface owners, restricted areas), when required, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organisational environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their 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. The selecting of the appropriate measuring equipment, instruments and material for the specific measuring procedure will indicate that the learner can manage and organise activities responsibly and effectively. 
    		•

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

    Note:
  • The ability of the learner to reconcile actual features on surface or underground with map data will enable him/her to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. The correct plotting of collected data will indicate that the learner can analyse 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 geological features and the reporting thereof in the correct format will indicate the learner's efficiency in written presentations. The appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to obtaining permission to enter the work place and the 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 correct identification of geological features and use of instruments and equipment to measure correctly these features in accordance with accepted geological procedures would indicate that the learner is proficient in the appropriate use of science and technology. The identification of hazardous and sub-standard conditions that can have an effect on the environment and the health of others indicate his 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 have more than one effect. 
    		•

    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 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.

    The area where the measurement of the geological structural attitudes are taken can be any of the following:
  • Underground and/or open pit mine.
  • Surface outcrop.

    Potential Hazard cab be a zone of structural weakness resulting from a geological feature such as:
  • Bedding plane.
  • Foliation plane.
  • Fracture zones.
  • Faults and joints.
  • Slickensides.
  • Potholes.
  • Fracture trace.
  • Folds.
  • Igneous intrusions.
  • Alteration zones.
  • Parting plane.
  • Layering plane. 
    		•

    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.