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: 

Identify and use steel wire ropes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253554  Identify and use steel wire ropes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12 
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 is for learners within the mechanical handling (rigging) field and focuses on the competencies required to apply the use steel wire ropes.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Identify and explain the application of steel wire ropes.
  • Splice and join and inspect steel wire ropes.
  • Use steel wire ropes.
  • Maintain, care and store steel wire ropes.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field. The knowledge, skills and understanding demonstrated in this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and the upliftment of individuals within various manufacturing and engineering contexts. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Abet Level 4/NQF Level 1 Unit standards.
  • Safety Health and Environmental and OHS Act relevant to work site procedures.
  • Use of hand tools.
  • Company worksite practices. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    For the purpose of learning and assessment:
  • Steel wire ropes and applications, include but are not limited to regular lay ropes (6 x 36F).
  • Joining methods include but are not limited to splicing methods (grommet, long splice, Liverpool, admiralty, Flemish, cut-splice); clamping types (U-type and double-bolt type); wedges and sockets.
  • Inspection and the checking of steel wire ropes, includes visual inspection.

    Safe control and storage, include:
  • OHS Act and local authority requirements.
  • Maintaining a record of usage.
  • Care and general storage methods.

    Context:
  • Formal, informal learning and RPL can obtain this unit standard.
  • This unit standard can be obtained through RPL. The learner should be under supervision (see qualification RPL).

    Level:

    Level (for Level 3):

    A learning programme leading to the award of this unit standard should develop learners who demonstrate:
  • Ability to carry out moderate tasks that are familiar.
  • Ability to offer a clear choice of routine responses.
  • Basic operational knowledge base as indicated in the embedded knowledge component and that are readily available.
  • An understanding of known solutions to familiar problems with little generation of new ideas.
  • Ability to work under direct supervision with some responsibility. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and explain the application of steel wire ropes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Various types of steel wire ropes and their application are identified and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Techniques for splicing and joining steel wire ropes are identified, and the function and purpose is correctly explained according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of the unsafe use of steel wire ropes, is explained and demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Terms and definitions used are consistent with generally accepted mechanical handling work-site practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Steel wire ropes includes but is not limited to regular lay ropes (6 X 36F).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Splice, join and inspect steel wire ropes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Splicing and joining methods are demonstrated according to mechanical handling standards and work-site practice. The steel wire ropes is inspected for freedom of wear and damage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The selection of steel wire ropes is correct and corresponds with requirements of lifting task. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The steel wire ropes is checked for serviceability in accordance with standard regulatory and worksite practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Documentation is completed as reflected in worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The steel wire ropes to be inspected, include but is not limited to:
  • (Slings, rope, shackles, eye bolts, spreader beams and equalising gear, clamps, pulley systems, chain blocks and pull lifts, winches, jacks, skids, skates and sliding shoes, rollers, cradle timbers, chocks and wedges, packers, fish-plates and bolts, feeler gauges, rigging screws, tirfors, turn buckles).
  • Inspection is restricted to visual inspection only.
     

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use steel wire ropes. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
  • Specific Outcome 3 is optional for those industry sectors who choose to assess learners in the use of steel wire ropes.
  • It must be noted that the use of steel wire ropes is restricted to steel wire ropes which are load-tested and certified.
  • Certification of steel wire ropes must be performed by accredited providers.
  • Learners who have been assessed as competent in the splicing and joining of steel wire ropes may not use steel wire ropes unless it has been load-tested and certified. 
  • OUTCOME RANGE 
    The learner is required to demonstrate competence in lifting, positioning and securing structural components of either steel, timber, pre-cast concrete or other similar materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The scope and nature of the lifting task is explained, in accordance with work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The steel wire rope is selected according to the load capacity and Working Load Limit (WLL) of the equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-operational checks are carried out according to standard work-site practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The steel wire ropes are used in accordance with design specifications and a job instruction. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The application of the steel wire ropes include but is not limited to:
  • (Slings, rope, shackles, eye bolts, spreader beams and equalising gear, clamps, pulley systems, chain blocks and pull lifts, winches, jacks, skids, skates and sliding shoes, rollers, cradle timbers, chocks and wedges, packers, fish-plates and bolts, feeler gauges, rigging screws, tirfors, turn buckles).

    Evaluation of ground conditions includes but is not limited to:
  • Location of underground services, ground pressure, water tables, tidal conditions on the quay-side (marine).

    Overhead hazards include but are not limited to:
  • Power lines, telephone cables, bridge structures, buildings, vessel's masthead, etc.

    Additional resources are required, and may include support materials, applicable documentation, personal protective equipment.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety precautions are applied and adhered to in accordance with legislation (applicable to the use of the steel wire ropes). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control and safety measures include but are not limited to:
  • Obstacles, wind conditions, tidal conditions, final resting place, design specifications, stability, etc.

    Safe working practices include but are not limited to:
  • Site access, communication and signal methods, centre of gravity of load, safety nets, static lines and fall arrest systems.

    Consideration is given to fellow workers.
     

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The load is inspected for damage and its end position conforms to work instructions, as reflected on drawing or job requirement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    For the purpose of assessment, work instructions may consist of an assessment exercise which may include:
  • A work instruction or jobbing sheet.
  • And/or work drawings.
     

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain, care and store steel wire ropes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Steel wire ropes are stored in accordance with regulatory requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The proper care and storage procedures for steel wire ropes in accordance with work site practices, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information regarding the use of the steel wire ropes is recorded in accordance with regulations and accepted worksite practice. 


    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 in terms of the criteria laid down by the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names & functions of:
  • Types of steel wire ropes.
  • Splicing and joining methods.
  • Splicing and joining tools and equipment.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Different types of applications of steel wire ropes.
  • Characteristics of different types of steel wire ropes.
  • Common defects.
  • Hazards.

    Sensory cues:
  • Visual observance.
  • Alertness.
  • Awareness of working load limit.

    Purpose of:
  • Steel wire ropes.
  • Safety checks.
  • Quality checks.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of using incorrect steel wire ropes.
  • Implications of ignoring steel wire ropes defects.
  • Implications of not following steel wire ropes checking procedures.
  • Implications of not preparing adequately.
  • Implications of not caring for steel wire ropes.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Preparation procedures for using steel wire ropes in assisting to lift and move a load.
  • Techniques related to the safe use of steel wire ropes.
  • Preparation of the load.
  • Methods for the safe storage of steel wire ropes.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Procedures for maintaining and recording the status of steel wire ropes and accessories.
  • Quality procedures.
  • Recording and reporting procedures.
  • Materials and methods used for attaching, anchoring, bracing, supporting and securing loads.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards.
  • Driven Machinery Act.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act.
  • Other related regulations.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable basic lifting theory related to the safe use of steel wire ropes.
  • Calculations related to working load limits (WLL).
  • Standard formulas for calculation of mass of final loads on the hook.
  • Safety principles governing the use of steel wire ropes.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of the load to the use of appropriate steel wire ropes.
  • Relationship of power to weight as a ratio.
  • Relationship between safety, lifting or moving a load efficiently and productivity.
  • Quality of workmanship. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise problems while splicing, joining, lifting and moving a load and responding appropriately.
  • Recognise and correct defects. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work together with others:
  • Participate in efforts of workgroup. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • Plan the sequence of operations based on job instructions and set up steel wire ropes appropriately. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Interpret information off job instructions and make decisions based on that information.
  • Identify steel wire rope defects. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Provide feedback on outcome of work to appropriate personnel. 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Relationship between mechanical handling and the broader engineering environment. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following general 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 assessments at title level are 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, directness, authenticity, sufficiency, openness and consistency. 

  • 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 may be obtained through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Credits may be obtained by applying to an accredited/approved training provider/institution in order to have prior learning recognised in lieu of past work experience. Past experience must relate to the specific outcomes contained within this unit standard. The ensuing assessment of candidates seeking recognition of prior learning should not be so onerous as to deter them from doing so. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59730   National Certificate: Mechanical Handling (Rigging)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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.