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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Sample and describe surface rock outcrops 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376219  Sample and describe surface rock outcrops 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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 are able to:
  • Demonstrate the knowledge required to sample surface outcrops.
  • Sample surface outcrops.
  • 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 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following range applied to the entire unit standard:
  • This unit standard covers the sampling, description and collection of material from a surface outcrop by means of mechanical or manual devices (Excluding bulk samples). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of sampling surface outcrops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety and environmental considerations during a surface outcrop sampling activity are described in terms of specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effect on the occupational health and safety of personnel is explained if the relevant procedures are not adhered too. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The techniques and equipment that may be utilised to sample surface outcrops are described in terms of site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Hammers and chisels.
  • Drills and expansion wedges.
  • Mechanical borers.
  • Diamond Saw.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The appropriate sampling procedure to be used is explained in terms of the scientific principles and the effect on the interpretation of the sampling results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The contents and requirements of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance are described in terms of the potential effect on the sampling procedure and sampling results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of taking a homogeneous rock sample is explained in terms of the potential effect on the sampling procedure and sampling results. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Lithological banding or zoning.
  • Heterogeneous rock material.
  • Concentrations of mineral phases.
  • Grain size.
  • Inclusions.
  • Xenoliths.
  • Joints.
  • Faults.
  • Intrusive bodies.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of ensuring that all potential contaminated material is removed to prevent bias is explained in terms of the potential effect on the sampling procedure and subsequent results. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Weathered material.
  • Joints and associated effects.
  • Faults and associated effects.
  • Intrusive bodies and associated metamorphic effects.
  • Soil.
  • Float.
  • Organic material.
  • Dumped material.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The characteristics of the surface geology are described in standard geological terminology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Major lithologies.
  • Intrusive bodies.
  • Faults.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and sample surface outcrops. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Permission to enter the workplace, when required, is obtained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment is selected and examined for any defects and used in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. Defective personal protective equipment is dealt with in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment required for the sampling procedure are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The workplace details are determined and verified in accordance with the work instruction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Locality and accessibility.
  • Grid/line pattern, orientation and intervals when sampling on a grid pattern.
  • Surface geological and topographical features.
  • Starting point.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The accessibility and suitability of the sampling area is verified and actions to be taken in the event of encountering anomalies are in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Uncleared vegetation.
  • Rapid flowing water.
  • Unsuitable for surface outcrop sampling procedures (soil cover over the majority of the area or inhomogeneous rock material).
  • Slopes and gradients.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Hazardous and sub-standard conditions found during the examination of the workplace are dealt with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Slippery surfaces.
  • Electricity in close proximity to water.
  • Excessive accumulation of surface water.
  • Poor visibility.
  • Excessive surface gradients.
  • Sharp edges (tools, containers).
  • Improperly/incorrectly stacked containers
  • Operating machinery in close proximity
  • Spillage of fluids
  • Adverse weather conditions (lightning)
  • Dust.
  • Excessive vegetation.
  • Dangerous vegetation.
  • Dangerous animals/reptiles/insects.
  • Organic/chemical and/or solid waste material.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The appropriate containers are selected to accommodate the sample size and cleaned in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The relevant containers are identified, labelled and placed in a sequential order by employing safe lifting procedures, in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The sample site details are determined, certified, recorded and checked against the relevant sample containers, all in accordance with the work instruction received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Sample site number.
  • Type of sample.
  • Geological description of sample.
  • Relevant associated features (faults, intrusives, joints, layering, zoning).
  • Weight of sample.
  • Sample split or whole and relevant details.
  • Number of samples taken at site.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the surface outcrop. 

    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 specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and spinal injuries.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Diseases, such as malaria, bilharzia, tick fever, typhoid.
  • Snake and insect bites.
  • Communication failure.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools and equipment required for surface rock sampling are used in accordance with accepted procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct identification and recording of all the surface rock types is in accordance with accepted geological principles and nomenclature. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Rock types and geological characteristics.
  • Locality/reference point.
  • Method of sample collection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The soil cover is removed to prevent contamination with fresh rock material in accordance with accepted sampling procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Recent windblown material.
  • Recent water transported material.
  • Weathering material.
  • Dumped material.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The surface rock sample is collected to the required mass in accordance with the work instruction and accepted sampling methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The collected surface rock sample is bagged and labelled in accordance with the work instruction and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The surface geographical position is marked, when required, in accordance with the accuracy required, the work instructions and specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Stacked beacon with location identification.
  • Wooden peg with location identification.
  • Metal rod with location identification.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Compile and submit reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Acceptable surface rock sample handling procedures are adhered to in accordance with legal and site-specific requirements. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The sampling reports reflect the geological findings accurately and completely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The completion of the work is communicated to the relevant personnel, and anomalous conditions emphasised in terms of site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Potential solid or chemical waste contaminants within sampling area.
  • Potential organic contaminants within sampling area.
  • Adverse sampling conditions.
  • Underweight samples.
     
    		•


    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 by 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 context of the unit standard:
  • The ability to recognise surface geological and topographical features from aerial photographs and ortho-photographs.
  • The legal requirements regarding access and the removal of surface rock material in terms of the current legislation.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that affect the accuracy of the sampling procedure and analytical results.
  • The correct and appropriate sampling methods and how bias can affect the reliability of the geological information and subsequent strategic decision making processes. 
    		•

    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:
  • The cognitive ability of the learner to identify and locate homogeneous sampling sites contributes. The ability to effectively identify and reconcile deviations between the information on a map/aerial photograph and actual conditions on the ground will indicate the learner's problem solving capabilities by using critical and creative thinking to make decisions. The identification of potentially hazardous and/or sub-standard conditions in contaminated areas and the application of effective corrective measures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • 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 and if required, indicates that he/she can work effectively as a team member in the bigger organizational environment and will indicate the learner's relationship with team members. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively:
  • The effective preparation of the planned access route and the identification of potential constraints. The selecting of the appropriate sampling equipment, tools and material for the specific sampling procedure. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • The ability of the learner to reconcile actual topographical features on surface with map/aerial photograph data. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations:
  • 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 obtaining permission to enter the work place, reporting of, and managing of actual and potential hazardous and sub-standard conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • The effective interpretation of map/aerial photograph data and the correct use of tools and equipment to take samples correctly and effectively in accordance with accepted sampling procedures. Good housekeeping principles within the sampling area. The identification of hazardous and sub-standard conditions that can have an effect on the environment and the 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:
  • The ability of the learner to identify anomalous field conditions and to deal with these conditions by applying problem solving techniques. 
    		•

    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:
  • The ability of the learner to explore more than one strategy to obtain sample material and the solving of problems, effective communication and to organize his/her work effectively can be applied inside and outside the work environment to enhance the socio-economic development of family-life and the community at large. 
    		•

    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.

    Sampling area can be any one or a combination of the following types:
  • Laid out grid area.
  • Single line section with incremental sampling.
  • Random sampling at specific reference points.

    Containers can be any one or a combination of the following types:
  • Metal tins.
  • Plastic bottles/jars.
  • Plastic bags.
  • Sacks.

    Material and equipment can include the following:
  • Hammers and chisels.
  • Drills.
  • Diamond Saw.
  • Expansion wedges.
  • Mechanical borers.
  • Splitting equipment.
  • Scales.
  • Sample labels. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  77963   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mining/Exploration Geology  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.