Mine Environmental Control Observer

The purpose of Intermediate Occupational Certificate: Mine Environmental Control Observer is to prepare a learner to operate as a Mine Environmental Control Observer. A Mine Environmental Control Observer observes, measures, collects, records, and reports Mine environmental conditions; develops short-term mine environmental control plans; takes required actions to correct sub-standard conditions; and reports on actions taken effectively and safely. They also apply, exercise, and ensure safety, health, and environmental control requirements, in accordance with statutory, regulatory and organisational procedures, policies, codes of practice, standards and agreements. A qualified learner will be able to: • Observe, measure, collect, record, and report mine environmental conditions, including the development of short-term mine environmental control plans. • Take required actions, when required, to address sub-standard mine environmental conditions and report on actions taken. • Troubleshoot. • Communicate effectively. The qualifying learner will be able to carry out the required tasks effectively and confidently. This qualification offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of the Ventilation and Occupational Health and Safety. A competent learner shall demonstrate, among others, the following attributes: honesty, integrity, punctuality, time management, self-motivation, responsibility, accountability, interpersonal relations, ethical behaviour, well organised, self-confidence and confidentiality.

The need for the Qualification is crucial to maintain effective and efficient ventilation underground in the mines to avoid fatalities because of toxic gasses. The role of the Mine Environmental Control Observer is to observe, record and report mine occupational environmental conditions and initiate appropriate actions to correct sub-standard Mine occupational environmental conditions. This qualification aims to equip potential learners with the required knowledge and skills to adapt to the evolving technological, statutory, and mandatory requirements. There is a critical need in the industry to recognise learner competency regarding essential operations associated with a healthy, safe and productive working environment. This qualification offers opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the broader constituencies of Ventilation and Occupational Health and Safety. In mining, especially underground mining, where access is limited and conditions are challenging, efficiency hinges on the effective management of ventilation systems, and a qualified Mine Environmental Control Observer is needed. By obtaining this qualification, the learner will be able to operate in a range of related environments. This enhances employment opportunities which benefit society and learners and ensures a wider coverage of Ventilation Practitioners in the South African work environment. This qualification will assist occupational health and safety professionals who play an increasingly complex and crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of employees. On completion of this qualification, learners will have a well-grounded and comprehensive understanding of the key issues that are essential to meeting these high demands. The qualification will assist in formalising the requirements for this very important occupation. There will be opportunities for RPL for mine employees, and this will allow new industry entrants to be fast tracked to productive careers. Learners entering this qualification will be new entrants to the mining sector or Mine Environmental Control Assistants; mine workers with appropriate experience seeking to advance their careers. The typical learning pathway in mining operations would be Mine Environmental Control Assistant at NQF Level 2, Mine Environmental Control Observer at NQF Level 3, Mine Environmental Control Officer at NQF Level 4, Mine Environmental Control Supervisor at NQF Level 7. 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 2 qualification with Communication and Mathematics.

• Observe, measure, collect, record, and report mine occupational environmental conditions, including developing short-term mine environmental control plans.
• Address substandard Mine environmental conditions; report actions taken and supervise Mine Environmental Control Assistants.
• Troubleshoot the possible root causes analysis of poor-performing ventilation systems.
• Communicate effectively.