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: 

Demonstrate an understanding to control strata conditions in an underground coal mine 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
336981  Demonstrate an understanding to control strata conditions in an underground coal mine 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Fabrication and Extraction 
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 
People credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the concept of roof behaviour.
  • Demonstrate an understanding to monitor strata conditions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of different types of roof stresses and pillar design.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of various support systems in strata control.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the Mine Code of Practice for strata control. 
    		•

    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 knowledge of the concept of roof behaviour. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hazard identification and hazard control are conducted in accordance with risk assessment requirements to eliminate, minimize or control risk of ill health and injuries to others and self. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Factors that contribute to falls of ground are explained in accordance with specified company requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The effects of geological strata layers on roof and sidewall behaviour are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect of geological discontinuities on the stability of the surrounding strata are explained in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Geological discontinuities include but not limited to:
  • Slips.
  • Faults.
  • Dykes.
  • Intrusions.
  • Brows.
  • Fissures.
  • Guttering.
  • Floor heave.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The terms 'primary' and 'secondary' roof support are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Prevention of falls of ground is explained in terms of strata control principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Monitor strata conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Strata conditions within immediate proximity are assessed for safety during mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods used to monitor the surrounding strata conditions are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods for monitoring include but not limited to:
  • Visual examination.
  • Sounding and barring.
  • Tell Tales.
  • Acoustic energy meter.
  • Sonic Extensometer System.
  • Torque Tension Indicator.
  • Roof bolt pull tests.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various applications of monitoring techniques and devices are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the different types of roof stresses and pillar design. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Vertical and horizontal stresses are explained in terms of strata control principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various kinds of pillars and the application of the safety factor in terms of pillar design are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The dangers and implications of not adhering to mining parameters are explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of various support systems in strata control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Strata control support systems are explained in the manner they influence roof movements in an underground coal mine. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of support include but not limited to:
  • Mechanical roof bolt.
  • Point anchor roof bolt.
  • Full column roof bolt.
  • Forged head bolt.
  • Cable anchor.
  • Cable truss.
  • Oslo and W straps.
  • Temporary support.
  • Cluster packs.
  • Packs.
  • Steel Archers.
  • Mine Poles.
  • Chock Shields.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The different types of resin and their applications are explained in terms of safe work procedure and the mine Code of Practice (COP). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons of installing support systems are explained in terms of specified company requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The method for the safe installation and removal of temporary support is explained in terms of specified requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate knowledge of Code of Practice in Mines for strata control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The requirements for examining sounding and barring are explained in terms of legal and site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The Code of Practice for support rule is explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons of barricading and fencing dangerous areas are explained in terms of legal and 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 essential embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated manner in the unit standard:
  • The concept of roof behaviour.
  • Hazard identification and hazard control.
  • The factors that contribute to falls of ground.
  • Effects of geological strata layers on roof and sidewall behaviour.
  • Effect of geological discontinuities on the stability of the surrounding strata.
  • 'Primary' and 'secondary' roof support.
  • Prevention of falls of ground.
  • Strata conditions within immediate proximity.
  • Methods used to monitor the surrounding strata conditions.
  • Various applications of monitoring techniques and devices.
  • Vertical and horizontal stresses.
  • Various kinds of pillars and the application of the safety factor in terms of pillar design.
  • Dangers and implications of not adhering to mining parameters are.
  • Different types of support systems.
  • Different types of resin and their applications.
  • Method of installing support methods.
  • Method for the safe installation and removal of temporary support.
  • Mine Code of Practice for strata control. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify substandard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively:
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment are required, and to communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and the assistance required. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from visual and physical examinations and constantly evaluate the changing situation. 
    		•

    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 hazards and substandard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 
    		•

    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 candidate to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms his/her understanding of the fact that a specific observation, inference, action or decision may have a devastating 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 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, 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
    Elective  74490   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining 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.