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: 

Sample soil material for economic and environmental 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376280  Sample soil material for economic and environmental 
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  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
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
11691  Sample soil material for economic and environmental purposes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sampling soil material.
  • Plan to sample soil material.
  • Sample soil material.
  • Clean up the sampling area 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 and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The following range statement applies to the entire unit standard:
  • This unit standard covers soil sampling exercises and the collecting of sample material by means of mechanical and manual devices, excluding toxic contaminated areas. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge to sample soil material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The legal aspects are described relating to safety and environmental considerations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The techniques and equipment are described that can be utilised to sample soil material. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Hand scoops.
  • Excavators, such as mechanical back-actors/front-end loaders for bulk sampling.
  • Auger drills.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    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 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 effect on the sampling procedure and sampling results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effect on the occupational health and safety of personnel is described if the required health and safety procedures are not adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The characteristics of the surface environment are described in terms of the type of the expected soils and outcrops. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Weathered consolidated/unconsolidated soils.
  • Rock debris.
  • Outcrops.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare to sample soil material. 

    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 the laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tools, materials and equipment that are required for the soil sampling procedure are selected, examined and verified in accordance with the work instruction received. Defective tools, materials and equipment are dealt with in accordance with laid down procedures. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The accessibility and suitability of the surface area to be sampled is verified and actions to be taken in the event of encountering anomalies are in accordance with site-specific requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Uncleared vegetation.
  • Unidentified grid pegs or unmarked reference pegs.
  • Unsuitable for soil sampling procedures (outcrop material over the majority of the area.
  • Slopes gradients.
     
    		•

    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 
    Must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • 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.
  • Poisonous insects.
  • Chemical and solid mineral matter contamination.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Sample soil material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work related hazards and associated risks are dealt with in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include any one or a combination of the following:
  • Eye/facial injuries.
  • Hand and foot injuries.
  • Incorrect lifting procedures and spinal injuries.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Diseases, such as Bilharzia, tick fever, typhoid.
  • Snake and insect bites.
  • Communication failure.
     
    		•

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct identification and recording of all the soil types are in accordance with accepted geological principles and nomenclature. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Soil type and geological characteristics.
  • Lithological type when limited solid material is collected.
  • Grid locality/reference point.
  • Method of sample collection.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The immediate recent soil cover is removed to prevent contamination with fresh soil material and separately sampled, if required in accordance with the work instruction and accepted sampling procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include any one of the following when present:
  • Recent windblown material.
  • Recent water transported material.
  • Dumped material.
     
    		•

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The collected soil sample is bagged and labelled in accordance with the work instruction and laid down procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The surface geographical position is marked, if required, in accordance with the accuracy required and the work instruction and laid down procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include an approved marker of the following kind:
  • Stacked beacon with location identification.
  • Wooden peg with location identification.
  • Metal rod with location identification.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Clean up the sampling area and compile a reports. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The soil sampling area is rehabilitated in accordance with the requirements of the Minerals Act 50/1991 and the site specific Environmental Management Programme and Rehabilitation Plan (EMPR). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The accepted soil sample handling procedures are adhered to in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessary report(s) are compiled in the required format and submitted to the relevant personnel in accordance with site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    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 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 cognitive ability to read and interpret geological and topographical maps, aerial photographs and grid patterns.
  • The ability to recognise surface geological and topographical features from aerial photographs and ortho-photographs.
  • The legal requirements regarding access to and the removal of surface material in terms of the current legislation.
  • The ability to identify and recognise anomalous conditions that effects the accuracy of the sampling procedure and analytical results. 
    		•

    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 distinguish between recently transported and fresh residual soil material contributes to his problem solving ability. The ability to effectively identify and reconcile deviations between the information on a map 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 conditions in contaminated areas 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:
  • 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. The effective evacuation of personnel from contaminated areas, where required, will indicate the learner's relationship with team members. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively:
  • 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 sampling equipment, tools and material for the specific sampling 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:
  • The ability of the learner to reconcile actual topographical features on surface with map data will enhance his/her proficiency to collect, analyse, organise and evaluate information. The correct separation of transported material from fresh residual soil 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:
  • 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 with regard to obtain permission to enter the work place, 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:
  • The effective interpretation of map data and the correct use of tools and equipment to take samples correctly in accordance with accepted sampling procedures would indicate that the learner is proficient in the appropriate use of science and technology. The rehabilitation of the sampling area in accordance with the relevant legislation will indicate the learner's responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 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:
  • The ability of the learner to identify anomalous field 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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 11691, " Sample soil material for economic and environmental purposes", Level 4, 12 credits. 

    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.