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: 

Follow basic health and safety practices underground 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244445  Follow basic health and safety practices underground 
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 2  NQF Level 02  5 
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
9678  Follow basic health and safety practices underground  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be useful for people who work underground and have to follow basic occupational health and safety practices in the interest of their own safety as well as of that of their co-workers.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain specified requirements pertaining to basic occupational health and safety practices.
  • Explain specified requirements pertaining to travelling underground.
  • Perform basic occupational health and safety practices.

    The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard contribute to social and economic transformation and the upliftment and economic growth of the mining and minerals sector by following basic occupational health and safety practices underground as part of the mining process.

    This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding of persons responsible for following basic occupational health and safety practices underground in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable, competent and informed workers. 
    		•

    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:
  • Open. 
    		•

    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 
    Explain specified requirements pertaining to basic occupational health and safety practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The specified requirements when encountering workplace hazards underground, and the effects to occupational health, safety and production if such requirements are not adhered to, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Workplace hazards must include:
  • Excessive heat.
  • Dust.
  • Insufficient airflow.
  • Flammable and noxious gases.
  • Unsafe ground conditions.
  • Accumulation of combustible material.
  • Fire.
  • Exposure to unsafe Electrical connections.
  • Working under unsafe roof or sidewalls.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specified requirements when encountering work related hazards underground, and the effects to occupational health, safety and production if such requirements are not adhered to, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Work related hazards must include:
  • Working in the proximity of moving machinery.
  • Working close to open excavations.
  • Working in steeply inclined excavations.
  • Working on slippery surfaces.
  • Working over water of unknown depth.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The explanation of the action to be taken when explosives and accessories and misfires are found, and of the effects to occupational health, safety and production if such requirements are not adhered to, is according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the action to be taken when encountering emergencies and of the effects to occupational health, safety and production if such requirements are not adhered to, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Emergencies must include:
  • Seismic events.
  • Flooding.
  • Fires.
  • Power failures.
  • Accidents to persons.
  • Accident to shaft.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The specified requirements regarding underground hygiene in terms of the use and condition of underground toilets and the effects to occupational health if such requirements are not adhered to, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The explanation of the precautions to be taken when working with pipes under pressure, the dangers associated with air and water leaks under pressure and of the effects to occupational health, safety and production if requirements are not adhered to, is according to specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The specified requirements regarding contraband in prohibited areas and the effects to occupational health, safety and production if requirements are not adhered to, are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain specified requirements pertaining to travelling underground. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The specified requirements regarding travelling underground, and the effects on occupational health and safety if the requirements are not adhered to, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Travelling requirements must include:
  • Restricted and confined areas.
  • Travelling ways and routes.
  • Passing of traffic.
  • Passing through a ventilation door.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The specified requirements regarding the use of underground conveyances and the effects on occupational health, safety and production if the requirements are not adhered to, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Using of underground conveyances must include:
  • Queuing at shaft platforms.
  • Entering and leaving personnel carriages.
  • Conduct inside the conveyances.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The specified requirements in terms of surface duties before and after the underground working shift, and the effects to occupational health, safety and production if the requirements are not adhered to, are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Entry requirements must include:
  • Time and attendance.
  • Lamp house procedures for collecting, examining and returning of lamps.
  • Shaft time schedules.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The explanation of the purpose of symbolic signs and of the effects to occupational health, safety and production if the signs are not adhered to, is according to specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Symbolic signs must include:
  • Warning signs.
  • Mandatory signs.
  • Statutory signs.
  • Informative signs.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform basic occupational health and safety practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The required personal protective equipment is available, fit for purpose, in good working order and used in accordance with specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Personal protective equipment must include:
  • Hard hat.
  • Gloves.
  • Hearing protection.
  • Eye protection.
  • Foot Protection.
  • Self contained rescuer.
  • Knee Guards, if required.
  • Seat protector, if required.
  • Elbow guards, if required.
  • Respirator (mask), if required.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools are fit for purpose, functional and used in accordance with accepted ergonomic principles and specified requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tools must include:
  • Hammer.
  • Pinch bar.
  • Shovel.
  • Bow saw.
  • Marlin spikes.
  • Cold set chisel.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Material and equipment are physically lifted in a manner that prevents injuries and in accordance with accepted ergonomic principles and specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The telecommunication system is used in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of not adhering to basic occupational health and safety practices in terms of specified requirements are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Non-adherence to specified requirements must include:
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Examination and use of tools.
  • Physical lifting of material and equipment.
  • Usage of telecommunication system.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • 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 
    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Causes and effects, implications of:
  • Hazards and risks not dealt with.
  • Sub-standard work practices.
  • Sub-standard use of tools and equipment.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Safety, occupational health and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Interpersonal interaction with team members. 
    		•

    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 learner to identify sub-standard and hazardous conditions, assess and take appropriate action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: The ability and willingness of the learner to accept and interpret work instructions correctly. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note: The ability of the learner to indicate what methods, tools and personal protective equipment is 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 learner 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 sub-standard conditions 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 occupational health of others.

    Note: The learner demonstrates an understanding of and ability to use advanced mining technology in terms of production, safety and 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 learner to identify and refer anomalous behaviour to a specialist confirms understanding that a specific observation, inference, action or decision can 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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 9678, "Follow basic health and safety practices underground", Level 2, 5 credits.

    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.
  • SANS 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.

    Notes to Assessors:

    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, 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 learner 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 learner 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.

    Unit Standard Justification:

    Level:

    Attribute; Level; Justification:
  • Skills; Level 1; A limited number of simple skills are required.
  • Procedures; Level 1; The same sequence or takes place again, with no alternatives.
  • Context; Level 2; Contexts are repeatedly applicable and known to the learner.
  • Knowledge; Level 2; The knowledge required is merely related to the operation and no theory needs to be applied.
  • Information processing; Level 1; The information required for competency can be recalled without any processing.
  • Problem Solving; Level 1; The learner will only have to apply given solution to known/familiar problems.
  • Orientation of activities; Level 1; Follows instructions.
  • Orientation of scope of responsibility; Level 2; Some responsibility.
  • Application of responsibility; Level 3; Learner's output is quality checked, i.e. on random based.

    Average Level: 14/9 = 1.55.
    Actual Level Assigned: 2.

    Credits:

    Total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcome:

    Activity: Hours:
  • Classroom Teaching: Hours 30.
  • On-The-Job Training: Hours 18.
  • Mentoring required: Hours 0.
  • Other (Specify): Hours 0.
  • Total: Hours 48.

    Credits Achieved: 48/10 = 4.8.
    Actual Credits Assigned: 5. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58739   National Certificate: Mining Operations for Underground Hard Rock  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Elective  59689   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  59549   National Certificate: Strata Control Operations  Level 2  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.
     
    1. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    4. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    5. AUCTUS TUTORS (PTY) LTD 
    6. AVENG (AFRICA) (PTY) LTD 
    7. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    8. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    9. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    10. BLACK MOUNTAIN MINING PTY LTD 
    11. BOOYSENDAL PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    12. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    13. EASTERN CHROME MINES 
    14. EASTERN CHROME MINES SAMANCOR 
    15. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    16. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    17. GEOSTRAT TRAINING 
    18. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    19. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    20. HOTAZEL MANGANESE MINES (PTY) LTD 
    21. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    22. JUAB GENERAL DEALER 
    23. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
    24. MANCAS CONSULTINGS CC 
    25. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    26. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    27. METSKILL PTY LTD 
    28. MMTI Holdings 
    29. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    30. MOTOTOLO MINE 
    31. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    32. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    33. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    34. PRISMA TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    35. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    36. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    37. SASOL GLOBAL LEARNING 
    38. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    39. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    40. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    41. TAU LEKOA GOLD MINING COMPANY (PTY) LTD 
    42. TSHUANA DI SA HWEGO HRD SOLUTIONS 
    43. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
    44. XTRACT TRAINING SERVICES (SA)(PTY)LTD 
    45. ZULEK TRAINING SPECIALISTS 


    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.