National Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Officer

Purpose

The purpose of National Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Officer is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mine Environmental Control Officer.

Mine Environmental Control Officers coordinate, observe, measure, monitor, and ensure the implementation of occupational environmental control and hygiene systems, procedures, processes, specifications, standards, and codes of practice and make recommendations regarding corrective action and/or improvement of mine environmental control practices to ensure legal compliance for a section of a mine. Mine Environmental Control Officers troubleshoot and address problems; react to events in time-critical environments; and complete administrative functions and duties to realise optimum operational performance, availability, and mining production requirements in accordance with organisational, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Design the occupational and environmental control short- and medium-term systems and plans, and occupational hygiene programmes for a section of the mine.
• Oversee the implementation of systems and plans for a section of the mine.
• Provide input into enhancing the mine environmental control and occupational hygiene systems and functions, and contribute to revised standards, codes of practice, and plans.
• Supervise the section environmental control unit and resources for a section of a mine.
• Troubleshoot.
• Communicate effectively.

The qualifying learner will be able to carry out the required tasks effectively and confidently. The qualification offers qualified learner's opportunities to advance their careers within the mine environmental control related qualifications.

A competent learner shall demonstrate among others the following attributes: honesty, integrity, punctuality, time management, self-motivated, responsibility, accountability, interpersonal relations, ethical behaviour, well organised, self-confidence and confidentiality.

Rationale

Mine environmental control is a highly regulated field. Mines cannot operate without appropriately qualified Mine environmental control Officers. The work of these individuals is guided by the appropriate legislation, and the regulator requires practitioners to demonstrate competence in specific areas as set out in the legislation. Historically, the suite of certificates in Mine Environmental Control issued by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa was designed and was accepted by the South African Mining Industry, including the various Governmental Mining Authorities as a key and fundamental qualification to promote health and safety in the industry.

With the globalisation of companies and the mobility of professionals in the last decade, professionals in this and other similar specialised areas had to prove their knowledge, skills and the worth of their qualifications since these were not issued by a formal (and recognised) educational institution.

There is a critical need in the industry to recognise learner competence regarding essential operations associated with a healthy, safe, and productive working environment. This qualification is the next step in a career path in one of the areas of specialisation in Mine Ventilation.

This qualification facilitates access for learners who have completed the appropriate level three qualification to acquire the technical knowledge and skills associated with safe, healthy, and efficient controlling of mine occupational environmental conditions in the workplace. It is vital that the Mine Environmental Control Officer comes from within the mining industry and has intimate knowledge and experience of all the aspects of Occupational Hygiene and Environmental Engineering.

The qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that learners are able to demonstrate the competencies in mine environmental control across the mining and minerals sector.

This qualification will benefit society in terms of skills and technical competencies since qualifying learners will improve work standards, health and safety, and effectiveness and contribute significantly to the growth of the country's economy. This enhances employment opportunities, which benefit the sector and learners and also ensures a wider coverage of Ventilation Practitioners in the South African work environment.

Learners for this qualification will be Mine Environmental Observers and mine workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their credentials or careers. The typical learning pathway in mining operations would be Mine Environmental Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Environmental Officer at NQF Level 4, then Mine Environmental Control Supervisor at NQF Level 7 within the Occupational Qualification Sub-Framework. At the time of reviewing this qualification, a learning pathway across sub-frameworks could not be established because diagonal articulation was not possible.

Collaboration with relevant stakeholders

• Workplace Practitioners,
• Private Training Providers,
• Employer association representatives,
• Skills Development Facilitators and
• Curriculum Development Specialist.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access to Training

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 3 qualification with Communication and Mathematics.

Or

• Occupational Certificate: Mining Technician: Mine Ventilation Observer, NQF Level 3,

Or

• Intermediate Occupational Certificate Mine Environmental Control Observer, NQF Level 3.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 311701-004-01-KM-01: Emergency Preparedness and Response, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-KM-02: Mine Ventilation Engineering Practice, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-KM-03: Mines and Minerals Legislative Requirements, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-KM-04: Occupational Hygiene Practice, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-KM-05: Operations Supervision, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 36

Practical Skill Modules

• 311701-004-01-PM-01: Design Basic Ventilation Layouts and Assist with the Design of Complex Ventilation Layouts, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-PM-02: Measure, Record and Report, and Analyse Mine Environmental Control Systems and Parameters, NQF Level 4, 8 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-PM-03: Make Recommendations Regarding Mine Ventilation and Occupational Hygiene Issues, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-PM-04: Implement and Review Mine Ventilation and Occupational Hygiene Standards, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-PM-05: Complete Performance Management of Mine Environmental Control Observers, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-PM-06: Oversee the Compilation and Submission of Mine Ventilation Reports for a Designated Area of the Mine, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-PM-07: Measure, Record, and Report the Effectiveness of the Cooling/Refrigeration Plant and Accessories (Bulk Air Cooler, Cooling Cars, and Heat Exchangers), NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 40

Work Experience Modules

• 311701-004-01-WM-01: Exposure to the Processes for Designing and Implementing mine Ventilation Systems, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-02: Exposure to Occupational Hygiene Sampling Strategies and Schedules, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-03: Exposure to the Processes of Conducting Air Balances of Shafts, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-04: Exposure to Mine Ventilation and Occupational Hygiene Projects, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-05: Exposure to the Processes for Reviewing Mine Ventilation and Occupational Hygiene Standards, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-06: Exposure to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Processes, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-07: Exposure to the Internal and External Mine Ventilation and Occupational Hygiene Audit Processes, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-08: Exposure to the Processes of Evaluating the Effectiveness and Accuracy of Environmental Monitoring Systems, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 311701-004-01-WM-09: Exposure to the Conducting of Surveys on Secondary Cooling Installations, NQF Level 4, 4 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 60

1. Develop and ensure implementation of basic mine ventilation systems and occupational hygiene programmes.
2. Observe and monitor the implementation of mine specific mine environmental control requirements.
3. Initiate corrective action to improve the mine ventilation and occupational hygiene systems and functions.
4. Oversee the mine environmental control function for a designated area of a mine.
5. Troubleshoot the possible root causes analysis of poor performing ventilation systems.
6. Communicate effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Develop and ensure implementation of basic mine ventilation systems and occupational hygiene programmes

• Apply fundamental knowledge, understanding, and essential methods of mine environmental control, occupational health, safety, and the environmental requirements, and legislated, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Analyse details related to various mine ventilation and occupational hygiene systems, identify instances, where the systems do not comply with requirements and indicate the most appropriate ways of correcting the defects in the system.
• Draft ventilation layouts for specific mining work areas, which comply with requirements and are feasible in terms of airflow dynamics and ventilation principles.
• Analyse the impact/risks of given layouts on the existing ventilation infrastructure to identify all the short-, medium- and long-term risks, and describe the ventilation resources required to deliver the specified requirements.
• Determine the specific ventilation, fire, and explosion prevention requirements for a specific ventilation district in accordance with the risk assessment and an interpretation of the mine plans; deal the hazards identified in the risk assessment with, take and action to ensure that the requirements meet all the required specifications.
• Develop construction and installation schedules and plans, specify indicating the resources to implement the layouts, and requirements in terms of material, labour, supervision, time, and transport.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Observe and monitor the implementation of mine specific mine environmental control requirements

• Apply fundamental knowledge, understanding, and essential methods of mine environmental control, occupational health, safety, and the environmental requirements, and legislated, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Specify indications of where given emergency preparedness and response plans for various types of mines deviate from requirements and identify the appropriate corrective actions.
• Interpret the effectiveness of blasting schedules for the mining conditions using the data from telemetry systems.
• Identify potential deviations from requirements relating to ventilation standards and practices and give an explanation of how to ensure that the variations are corrected to comply with requirements.
• The essential components that must be inspected from a ventilation and occupational hygiene perspective for given mining areas and conditions to meet requirements are identified.
• Ensure that the potential risks identified associated with a range of inspection findings cover the full spectrum of potential risks, and descriptions of what must be done to mitigate these risks are feasible and in line with requirements and complete risk assessment in accordance with requirements.
• Complete reports with recommendations to deal with the identified discrepancies in accordance with requirements.
• Develop and present feasible implementation plans with a process to monitor the success of the implementation using appropriate terminology, in accordance with requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Initiate corrective action to improve the mine ventilation and occupational hygiene systems and functions

• Apply fundamental knowledge, understanding, and essential methods of mine environmental control, occupational health, safety, and the environmental requirements, and legislated, regulatory, and organisational requirements.
• Identify the allowed exposure limits for various occupational hygiene situations on different types of mines and describe the consequences for non-compliance to these limits.
• Analyse occupational hygiene monitoring programmes for different mining scenarios and identify the deficiencies in the programmes; describe the consequences of the deficiencies and explain feasible actions to deal with the identified deficiencies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Oversee the mine environmental control function for a designated area of a mine

• Analyse technical reports indicating areas where the reports can be improved in accordance with requirements.
• Explain and implement requirements and processes to be applied to oversee Mine Environmental Control Observers in accordance with the requirements.
• Accurately capture hand-drafted reports on a commonly used word processing device and add appropriate graphs and present the report in an acceptable format that meets regulatory and organisational requirements and standards.
• Review the performance of a team of Ventilation observers using appropriate processes and identify all the performance problems.
• Initiate appropriate action to resolve the performance problems according to legislative and organisational specific human resource requirements and standards.
• Highlight suggested ways of improving the structure and quality of various reports and all obvious technical errors improve the quality of the reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

ELO 5: Troubleshoot the possible root causes analysis of poor performing ventilation systems

• Identify the system deviations against the mine ventilation system requirements.
• Analyse the identified system deviations to identify reasons for substandard performance.
• Recommend appropriate improvements.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the recommended actions within the scope of work.
• Report outcomes of the investigations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

ELO 6: Communicate effectively

• Apply existing communication strategies to enhance mutual understanding among stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate the outcomes of the investigation to stakeholders.
• Compile concise and understandable recommendations.
• Apply the appropriate leadership skills to address the areas of concern.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities are used to focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, to identify strengths and weakness, and to ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills and workplace experience gained.

Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP), and a variety of ongoing assessment methods may be used, for example, quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, interviews. Continuous feedback must be provided.

Integrated Summative Assessment

Integrated Assessment involves all the different types of assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. To achieve this, the Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules as found in the QCTO curriculum document must be followed.

An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g. applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc.

The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) that is a requirement for admission to the EISA. An SoR, using the template provided by the Quality Partner, is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the result and the date on which the competence in each module, of each component, was achieved. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA.