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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for surface blast hole drilling operations
   • Access, interpret and apply surface blast hole drilling documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, interpret, clarify, confirm and apply work requirements and procedures
   • Access, interpret and apply geological and survey data
   • Inspect and prepare work area in coordination with others
   • Identify, manage and report potential hazards and risks
   • Resolve coordination requirements with others prior to and during work activities
   • Select and wear correct personal protective equipment
2. Mark out drill pattern
   • Adjust drill pattern within authorised tolerances and drilling plan
   • Obtain authorisation for changes to drill pattern plan
   • Place indicators on drill pattern in preparation for drilling
   • Mark out drill pattern ensuring it is visible and aids the drilling process
   • Protect pre-existing drill holes according to characteristics of hole
3. Operate the drill system
   • Carry out pre-start, start-up, park-up and shutdown procedures
   • Locate and set up drill and equipment according to drilling plan
   • Select and modify the operating technique to appropriately meet changing work conditions
   • Conduct, control and monitor operations within the equipment limitations
   • Stabilise hole by collaring and by adjusting drilling techniques
   • Act on or report monitoring systems and alarms
   • Recognise and respond to hazardous and emergency situations
   • Complete work to requirements and within the operating capacity of the equipment
   • Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel, plant and equipment
   • Conduct quality checks at predetermined drill depths
4. Relocate drill
   • Receive route and location plan and confirm them by site inspection
   • Complete/follow work area preparation
   • Resolve coordination issues
   • Correctly relocate drill
5. Carry outpost-operational procedures
   • Inspect, fault find and report faults
   • Carry out routine operator servicing, maintenance and housekeeping tasks
   • Provide operator support during preparation for and conduct of major maintenance tasks
   • Maintain and process written records and reports

Performance Evidence

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conducting of surface blast hole drilling operations including:

uses appropriate instruments to measure volume, mass and length

carries out relevant calculations, which may include; addition, subtraction, multiplication, division

works effectively with others and uses a range of communication techniques and equipment to undertake and complete surface blast hole drilling operations that meets all of the required outcomes

demonstrates completion of conducting surface blast hole drilling operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

mark out and adjust drill pattern

set up, operate and relocate the drill system to suit the conditions and meet the work requirements

inspect, maintain and report issues with equipment

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of conducting surface blast hole drilling operations through:

relevant legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

identifying and using dust suppression techniques

drill system characteristics, technical capability and limitations

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