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 knowledge of rock-related hazards and consequences due to the geological environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
256856  Demonstrate knowledge of rock-related hazards and consequences due to the geological environment 
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  4 
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 may be concerned with identifying, recording and managing hazards associated with the mine-specific geological environment.

This unit standard is intended to promote general skills, knowledge and understanding identifying, recording and managing hazards associated with the mine-specific geological environment in the mining and minerals sector in order to ensure knowledgeable and informed workers.

Persons credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the hazards associated with geological discontinuities.
  • Describe the hazards associated with the type and condition of lithologies.
  • Demonstrate elementary knowledge of the consequences of hazard creation due to the geological environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate remedial measures to be instituted to manage rock-related hazards associated with the geological environment. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the hazards associated with geological discontinuities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Descriptions of hazards typically associated with geological discontinuities are provided in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Weak sides of contact surfaces.
  • Partings between lithological layers.
  • Brows.
  • Fragmented rock mass.
  • Changes to the properties of the rock mass.
  • Condition and width of filling material.
  • Rockburst potential.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Descriptions of the factors that contribute to the severity of risks associated with geological discontinuities are provided in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Orientation of planes.
  • Roughness of planes.
  • Infilling.
  • Presence and volume of water.
  • Cohesion.
  • Persistence.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The factors that control the size and shape of hazards associated with geological discontinuities are described in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Dip and dip direction.
  • Frequency of planes.
  • Intersection of multiple planes.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the hazards associated with the type and condition of lithologies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A description of weak and potentially incompetent geological horizons is listed specific to the mining environment being worked. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Khaki Shale.
  • Zandpan marker.
  • Gold estates conglomerate.
  • Greenbar.
  • Westonaria formation lava.
  • Tuff and pyroclasts.
  • Builder bed markers.
  • Leuconorite partings.
  • Calcite markers.
  • Thin chromitite stringers.
  • Incompetent sedimentary horizons.
  • Olivine platy layers.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Descriptions of the factors that contribute to the severity of risks associated with weak lithologies are provided in the context of mining operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Thickness.
  • Orientation.
  • Lateral extent.
  • Strength.
  • Material behaviour.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Descriptions of the influence of the type and extent of changing geological topography on hazard creation are provided within the environment being worked. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Slumps.
  • Potholes.
  • Undulations.
  • Slope and terraces.
  • Domes.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate elementary knowledge of the consequences of hazard creation due to the geological environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The combined effect of geological discontinuity spacing and orientation on the severity and frequency of hazards are explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of mine layout and support design to address the hazards associated with the thickness and extent of weak, incompetent lithologies is explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The choice of appropriate support, layout and excavation design to address the hazards associated with variable lithological topography is explained in the context of mining operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The seismic risk created by the frequency, characteristics and orientation of geological structures is explained in the context of mining operations. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of possible remedial measures to manage rock-related hazards associated with the geological environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The remedial measures required to mitigate rock-related risks associated with the geological environment are described in terms of legal and operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Must include:
  • Barring.
  • Blasting down.
  • Supporting.
  • Barricading.
  • Re-establishment.
  • Terminating operations.
  • Withdrawing personnel.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The most appropriate remedial action for the specific condition encountered is described in terms of legal and operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of not adequately instituting appropriate remedial measures are explained in terms of legal and operational 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 with 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 essential embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:

    Knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:
  • Hazards typically associated with geological discontinuities.
  • Factors that contribute to the severity of risks associated with geological discontinuities.
  • Factors that control the size and shape of hazards associated with geological discontinuities.
  • Description of weak and potentially incompetent geological horizons.
  • Factors that contribute to the severity of risks associated with weak lithologies.
  • Type and extent of changing geological topography on hazard creation.
  • Consequences of hazard creation due to the geological environment.
  • Possible remedial measures to manage rock-related hazards.

    Causes and effects (Occupational Health and Safety):
  • Use of equipment.
  • Use of personal protective equipment.
  • Adherence to occupational health and safety requirements.
  • Work related hazards and associated risks.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies and standards:
  • Occupational health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Quality policies, standards and agreements. 
    		•

    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 members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note: Effective mitigation of rock-related hazards requires a team-based approach. 

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

    Note: The sourcing of information relating to the learner's working environment and relating the characteristics of this environment to potential hazards. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note: The learner's ability to collect and analyse data relating to the factors that could influence the risk associated with the hazard. 

    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 hazardous and sub-standard conditions will indicate his/her proficiency in effective communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically show responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note: Understanding of potential causes of falls of ground is a step towards mitigating the risks associated with falls of ground and hence intrinsically shows responsibility towards the health and safety of oneself and others. 

    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 
    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 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&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  62796   Further Education and Training Certificate: Strata Control Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    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.