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: 

Measure and record water levels in boreholes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262239  Measure and record water levels in boreholes 
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  2 
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 to measure and record water levels in normal surface boreholes.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required for measuring and recording the level of water in boreholes.
  • Prepare to measure water levels in boreholes.
  • Measure water levels in boreholes.
  • 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 at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2.
  • Understanding of the underground water cycle.
  • Ability to locate a surface geographical site.
  • Measuring skills.
  • Understanding of general legal requirements on occupational health and safety matters. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate the knowledge required for measuring and recording the level of water in boreholes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The standard procedure is explained for the measurement of water levels in a borehole in accordance with site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Set-up of equipment.
  • Operational procedure.
  • Relevant safety practices.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The contents of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance with its requirements are described in terms of the potential impact on the groundwater survey. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of not complying with the relevant and specific statutory regulations are explained in terms of the possible and probable impact on occupational health and safety, equipment and the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The relationship between the presence of groundwater and the siting of boreholes is discussed in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The different types of borehole are identified, and the possible problems and dangers associated with the measuring of water levels within each discussed in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Artesian wells.
  • Cased boreholes.
  • Uncased boreholes.
  • Boreholes with pumps.
  • Inclined boreholes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons for variations in water level within a single borehole over time are discussed in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons for variations in water level between different boreholes over a geographical area are discussed, with particular reference to boreholes actively pumping water. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of understanding the general water level within the geographical area is discussed with regards the selection of the type of testing equipment selected for the procedure. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare to measure water levels in boreholes. 

    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 specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the procedure are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the requirements of the work instruction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The access route to the borehole is determined and confirmed in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The equipment is set up in accordance with standard operational and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include the following:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Sharp edge.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Poor visibility.
  • Operating machinery in close proximity.
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning).
  • Dangerous reptiles/animals, poisonous insects.
  • Chemical and solid mineral matter contamination.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The borehole details are determined, verified and recorded in the required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Borehole number.
  • Borehole location.
  • Previous reports relating to the borehole.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Measure water levels in boreholes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The borehole is accessed in accordance with the relevant safety precautions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for measuring water levels in a borehole are used in accordance with the laid down procedures and manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    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 borehole.
  • Reference survey point(s).
  • Borehole identification.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    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 NOTES 
    Must include the following:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Inhalation of noxious and toxic gases.
  • Escape of water from borehole. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Clean up and compile and submit 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 borehole is closed off in accordance with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Reports are compiled and submitted in the required format and in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel and anomalous conditions emphasised 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 purpose of measuring water levels in boreholes.
  • Standard procedures relating to measuring water levels in boreholes.
  • The relationship between the presence of ground water and the sitting of boreholes.
  • Different types of borehole.
  • The reasons for variations in water level within and between boreholes.
  • Hazards and risks associated with borehole water level measurement, mitigating actions and consequences of not adhering to specified requirements.
  • Requirements for setting up and operating equipment necessary to measure water levels in borehole.
  • The legal requirements relating to the correct use of personal protective equipment and the effect on the occupational health and safety of the individual.
  • Recording and reporting requirements and procedures. 
    		•

    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, verify and report various potential anomalous conditions and deviations in the measuring procedure will indicate the learner's proficiency in problem solving, although it is not the responsibility of the learner to make decisions by using critical and creative thinking processes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to interpret work instructions correctly and to request assistance, when required, in an appropriate manner indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organizational structure. Other personnel will use the derived information and his/her standard of work performance will affect the efficiency of the team or group as a whole. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Note: The correct set up and inspection of the measuring equipment and determination of the best route to the borehole site will indicate the learner's ability to organise and manage their work activities. These activities are managed within set legal and time constraints. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
  • Note: The ability of the learner to measure the water level in the borehole will indicate his/her ability to collect information. The learner is not expected to analyse or evaluate the 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 appropriate communication with the relevant personnel with regard to 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 occupational health of others.
  • Note: The correct use of tools and equipment within the constraints of the manufacture's specifications and safety procedures will indicate that the learner is showing responsibility towards the environment and the safety and occupational health of others. 
    		•

    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 by the learner of the relationship between groundwater, borehole siting and water levels will demonstrate his/her understanding of the world as an interrelated system. 
    		•

    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 understand the inherent hazards associated with this activity may be transferred into a domestic 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 no 29/1996), and Minerals Act and Regulations, 1991 (Act no 50/1991).
  • Mandatory Codes of Practice.
  • SANS and other relevant Standards.
  • Chief Inspector of Mines' Directives and 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.

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

    Tools, material and equipment can include the following:
  • Water level dipper.
  • Weighted string.
  • Pressure gauge.
  • Piezometer. 
    		•

    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.