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 of natural (Macro) environmental principles 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
421884  Demonstrate an understanding of natural (Macro) environmental principles 
ORIGINATOR
QCTO Task Team - 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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  8 
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
243764  Demonstrate an understanding of natural (Macro) environmental principles  Level 1  NQF Level 01  6   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful to people who are entering employment and need to have an awareness of the environment.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the atmosphere.
  • Explain and discuss macro (natural) environmental factors.
  • Explain and discuss the water cycle and the need for water conservation.
  • Explain and discuss water pollution.
  • Explain and discuss air pollution. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the atmosphere. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The names of the five main layers of Earth's atmosphere are given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The two most important factors that can be scientifically measured to distinguish the layers are given in generally accepted scientific terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The difference in air pressures at different altitudes above sea level is explained in general scientific terms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of ozone in the atmosphere and the effect of certain manmade chemicals (CFCs) on the ozone layer are explained in terms of scientific and environmental management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The gases in Earth's atmosphere that can have an influence on weather are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Greenhouse gases are named and the manner in which they cause global warming is explained in terms of generally accepted scientific data. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain and discuss environmental factors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principal macro (natural) environmental factors that can affect well-being and productivity in the working place are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The common sources of workplace contaminants with regard to typical mining processes are named. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The gross physiological and pathological effects of hazardous macro (natural) environmental conditions on the workers are explained in terms of their safety and health. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to:
  • Temperature.
  • Humidity.
  • Air movement.
  • Contaminants.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of trees and plants in providing oxygen to maintain life on Earth is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The concept of macro (natural) environment planning is explained in terms of scientific and environmental management concepts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The role of coal fires in reducing natural resources and increasing pollutants, especially greenhouse gas levels, is explained in terms of health and productivity. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain and discuss the water cycle and the need for water conservation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of rain forests for providing both a source of oxygen and of water is explained in terms of environmental management principles and knowledge. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The impact of inadequate good quality water on vulnerable people is explained in terms of the possible consequences to OH and S and productivity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity to explain and promote an awareness of water, health and sanitation issues to community members is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The link between polluted water and water shortages is explained in terms of its consequences to OH and S and productivity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The need to conserve water to ensure food security is discussed in terms of specified environmental management principles and best practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Earth's water cycle is described in terms of evaporation and rain, runoff and seepage and potential water losses. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain and discuss water pollution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Causes, sources and prevention of water pollution are discussed in terms of typical mining processes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The necessity to monitor the effectiveness of community water, health and sanitation interventions is explained in terms of its possible consequence to OH and S and productivity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The need to monitor water quality and water quantity is explained in terms of site-specific requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The different water and sanitation related disease transmission routes are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The manner in which water sources within an industrial plant can become polluted with waste products is explained in terms of typical industrial processes and techniques. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to:
  • Disease-producing organisms.
  • Inorganic and organic solids.
  • Chemicals added to the water, either in liquid or gaseous form.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A typical water cycle in an industrial process is explained in terms of best practice standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to:
  • Use.
  • Treatment.
  • Source.
  • Treatment.
  • Use.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain and discuss air pollution. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Air pollution is defined in terms of scientific and environmental management principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to:
  • The contamination of the atmosphere with solids, liquids or gases.
  • Substances present in the atmosphere in concentrations great enough to interfere directly or indirectly with man's comfort, safety or health, or with the full use or enjoyment of his property.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Variations in the degree of air pollution are explained in terms of the typical mining or metallurgical processes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to:
  • Population density.
  • Industrial development.
  • Geographical situation.
  • Meteorological characteristics.
  • Social and economic structures.
  • Local customs.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Contaminants arising from human activities, which all have clearly defined effects on vegetation, property, local climate and human health, are explained in terms of the possible consequences on OH and S and productivity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to:
  • Power production.
  • Metallurgical and petrochemical industries.
  • Vehicular engine emissions - which include sulphur oxides, nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide and soot.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect of traffic congestion on pollution levels is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessity to monitor air quality is explained in terms of the possible consequences of pollutants on OH and S and productivity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The primary symptoms of the effects of air pollution on humans are given. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes but is not limited to:
  • Dizziness.
  • Headaches.
  • Sore and inflamed eyes.
  • Nasal drip.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Coughing and vomiting.
  • Sore throat.
  • Chest pains.
  • Lung damage.
  • Ingested poisons.
  • Lung cancer.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant QCTO Quality Assurance Partner (QAP).
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant QAP.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant QAP according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed QAP procedures.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless the QAP policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standard/s.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant QAP. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:

    Knowledge and understanding of:
  • The five main layers of the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Difference of air pressure at different altitudes.
  • Temperature inversion.
  • Role of ozone in the atmosphere.
  • Composition of the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Gases in the Earth's atmosphere.
  • Greenhouse gases and their effect.

    Purpose of:
  • Environmental planning.
  • Prevention of coastal erosion.
  • Maintenance of wetlands.
  • Prevention of marine pollution.
  • The water cycle and water conservation.
  • Prevention of water pollution.
  • Prevention of air pollution.

    Causes and effects (Safety and Health):
  • Hazardous environmental conditions e.g. temperature, humidity, air movement and contaminants.
  • Biological environmental factors e.g. fungi, bacteria, algae and viruses.
  • Water pollution.
  • Air pollution. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team/group/organisation/community is demonstrated in the ability and willingness of the learner to work effectively when explaining natural macro environmental principles in the mining context. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, organise and evaluate information is demonstrated in the ability of the learner to collect and interpret information and take appropriate action when explaining natural macro environmental principles in the mining context. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically (showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others). Is demonstrated in the ability of the learner to select and use appropriate equipment and apply relevant techniques when explaining natural macro environmental principles in the mining context. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems is demonstrated as the learner understands the interaction between various processes and individuals in the mining industry and plays a constructive role in that regard. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 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:
  • 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.
  • Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Specifications. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  90656   National Certificate: Mine Ventilation  Not Applicable  NQF Level 02  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.