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: 

Perform geotechnical core logging and sampling in a localised known environment to provide data for mining excavation design 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
9652  Perform geotechnical core logging and sampling in a localised known environment to provide data for mining excavation design 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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 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 perform geotechnical core logging and sampling in a localised known environment to provide data for mining excavation design.

People credited with this unit standard are able to
  • demonstrate knowledge of geotechnical core logging
  • prepare for geotechnical logging
  • conduct geotechnical logging
  • select, secure and mark samples for laboratory testing
  • compile and process logging data 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit calculation is based on the assumption that learners are already competent in terms of the following outcomes or areas of learning when starting to learn towards this unit standard:
  • Communication skills (Language at NQF Level 3).
  • Knowledge of strata (identification of strata).
  • Use relevant tools and measuring instruments. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of geotechnical core logging and sampling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation of the geotechnical core logging features, descriptions and procedures confirms understanding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Rock appearance
  • Colour
  • Broad rock type description
  • Weaknesses
  • Fractures
  • Joints
  • Frequency
  • Description of fracture and joint physical appearance
  • Signs of the presence of water
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The accepted principles of core logging and sampling practice to verify the quality of data are explained to confirm understanding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Bore hole details
  • drillers log
  • Core runs versus bore hole length
  • Core losses
  • Cleaning
  • Core orientation
  • Core sequence
  • Photography
  • Sampling
  • Protection against weathering
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation of the importance and purpose of geotechnical core logging and sampling confirms understanding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Geological structures
  • Description of variations
  • Index tests
  • Rock mass classification
  • Basic rock failure knowledge
  • Design purpose
  • Basic excavation stability
  • Safety
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The content(s) of the work instruction and the consequences of non-compliance are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for geotechnical logging. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Permission to enter the working place is obtained in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The examination and use of personal protective equipment is according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The selection and examination of the tools, material and equipment required is according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The method of examination of a working place for sub-standard conditions and hazards as well as the corrective actions are explained 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Slippery surfaces
  • Electricity in close proximity to water
  • Poor illumination
  • Sharp edges
  • Unstable stacking
  • Unsupported excavation
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The lay out and examination of the core box / tray sequence is conducted according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The cleaning of the core sequence is in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The core sequence is measured and marked according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    8. The consequences of non-compliance to the preparation of geotechnical logging are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct geotechnical logging. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The use of an appropriate method and data sheet is in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The geological features are identified, marked and recorded according to specified geological requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Rock type
  • Geological aspects and features including bed thickness, faults, slips, jointing, texture, types of bedding and cross bedding
  • Weathering
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The geotechnical features are identified, marked and recorded using accepted geotechnical index tests and methods. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Roughness
  • Cohesion (chisel test)
  • Uniaxial compressive strength (hammer test/point load test)
  • Weathering
  • Rippability
  • Rock quality designation
  • Infilling type consistency and thickness
  • Joint sets (spacing, dip, orientation)
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The data sheet is completed according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Tools, equipment and the work place are cleaned. The tools and equipment are stored and defects reported. Borehole core handling procedures are adhered to according to specific instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The consequences of non-compliance to conduct geotechnical logging according to specified requirements are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Select, mark and secure samples for laboratory testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Suitable samples for laboratory testing are selected in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Samples are marked and secured for transportation according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Samples are sent to a laboratory using an approved method. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Compile and process logging data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The geotechnical data sheet is completed for rock mass classification and structural design purposes using the relevant calculations and visual presentations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The completed data sheet is submitted for design purposes. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate`s performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Health and safety knowledge
  • Report writing
  • Legal and site-specific requirements 
    		•

    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 local variations in geotechnical conditions and report these appropriately. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.
    Note: The ability and willingness of the candidate to give basic work instructions correctly and to request assistance in an appropriate manner as a team member. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
    Note: In preparation for core logging and sampling, the candidate must indicate what tools and personal protective equipment are required and communicate to fellow workers his/her intentions and assistance required. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
    Note: The ability of the candidate to reconcile the information from the holistic visual and detail logging examination. 

    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 the data acquired from the logging and sampling will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    Note: The use of log sheets, calculator and index test equipment indicates effective use of science and technology. Describing the repair and cleaning up after a drilling programme, logging and sampling exercise shows responsibility towards the environment. 

    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 geological features to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can have more than one effect. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    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, 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&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
    Core  60369   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  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.