The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for preparing and operating drilling fluid systems

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of preparation and operation of drilling fluid systems

working with others to undertake and complete the preparation and operation of drilling fluid systems that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely preparation and operation of drilling fluid systems that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to prepare and operate drilling fluid systems

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to prepare and operate drilling fluid systems:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for preparing and operating drilling fluid systems

maintain and operate mud mixers, dump valves and equalising valves in the mud pits system

safely add mud materials to the mud systems under the mud engineer's instructions

operate and maintain all the mud treatment units

accurately take mud properties readings and legibly record them

interpret and act on additional flow in the mud returns or an increase in mud pit volume

operate pipe in derrick as directed either manually or using hydraulic racking system where fitted

assess need and action greasing of crown block and hanging sheaves

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to prepare and operate drilling fluid systems:

occupational health and safety obligations

company and statutory guidelines, procedures and practices

chemical handling procedures

operating principles of the systems equipment and their relationship to other plant

fluid types and composition

rig safety and emergency procedures

safe operating procedures when operating equipment

layout of mud circulating, mixing and suction systems

geography of active, reserve and slug pits

layout of shaker, degasser and settling pits, and sand traps

materials safety data sheet (MSDS)

rig maintenance

normal drilling operations

non-routine drilling operations

man management/rig management

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures including:

occupational health and safety

duty of care

environmental

petroleum regulations

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work instructions may come from briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include:

pre-tour safety meeting

work inspection

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

tour reports updated

permit prepared where applicable

safety equipment inspected and used as appropriate

communication through a range of channels including:

2-way radio

intercom

oral instruction

written instruction

individual operation

team operation

use of personal protective equipment

consideration of H2S and other toxic substances

maintaining continuous communication

reacting to on-site emergencies

dealing with contamination

preparation including:

geographic layout of the active, reserve and slug pits

operation of mud mixers, dump valves and equalising valves

mud pump and discharge system

mud materials safety data sheet

layout of shaker pits, degasser pit, settling pit and sand trap

Hazards may include:

working in proximity to drilling rig

working in a variety of conditions including:

day/night

storm/lightning

hot/cold

wet/dry

Coordination requirements may include:

other equipment operators

maintenance personnel

supervisors

site personnel

Remedial action taken to deal with errors, omissions and shortages may include:

report

record

adjust

repair

isolate

Equipment may include:

pumps

lines

hoppers

manifolds

solids control equipment

gas control equipment

Fluids may include:

fluid systems including:

mixing

transfer

bulk

circulating

Mix may include:

fluid mix specification including:

volume

density

viscosity

mud properties

Parameters may include:

flow rate

pressure

density