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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for surface blast hole drilling operations
   • Obtain, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements and procedures
   • Access, interpret and apply surface blast hole drilling documentation and confirm work activity is compliant
   • Inspect and prepare work area according to job and site requirements
   • Identify, manage and report potential hazards and risks according to site requirements
   • Resolve coordination requirements with others within scope of own role
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment according to site requirements
2. Mark out drill pattern
   • Adjust drill pattern according to authorised tolerances and drilling plan
   • Obtain authorisation for changes to drill pattern plan
   • Place indicators on drill pattern according to job requirements
   • Mark out drill pattern according to job and site requirements
   • Protect pre-existing drill holes according to site requirements
   • Carry out pre-start and start-up procedures according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements
   • Locate and set up drill rig and equipment according to drilling plan
   • Break out rod and change drill bits according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements
   • Select and modify operating techniques according to changing work conditions
   • Conduct, control and monitor operations according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements
   • Stabilise hole by collaring and adjusting drilling techniques as required
   • Respond to monitoring systems and alarms according to site requirements or report as required
   • Recognise and respond to hazardous and emergency situations
   • Complete work according to manufacturer specifications, job and site requirements
   • Adhere to emergency procedures to confirm safe operation of plant and equipment
   • Conduct quality checks at predetermined drill depths
   • Relocate drill according to manufacturer specifications, location plan and site requirements
   • Carry out parkup and shutdown drill procedures according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements
3. Carry out postoperational procedures
   • Inspect, fault find and report faults according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements
   • Carry out routine operator servicing, maintenance and housekeeping according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements
   • Provide operator support for major maintenance tasks according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements
   • Process written records and reports according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

conduct surface blast hole drilling operations on at least two occasions, including:

marking out and adjusting drill patterns

setting up, operating and relocating drill rigs according to site and job requirements

inspecting, maintaining and reporting equipment issues.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation and procedures and confirm work activity is compliant

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for conducting of surface blast hole drilling operations

work effectively with others and use a range of communication techniques and equipment to undertake and complete surface blast hole drilling operations that meet all of the required outcomes.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key procedures and documentation required to conduct surface blast hole drilling operations, including:

drilling plan

drilling pattern

drill rig manufacturer specifications

techniques for applying dust suppression procedures

principles and techniques for inspecting and preparing work areas for blast hole drilling

principles and techniques for marking out and adjusting drill patterns

characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of drill systems, accessories and associated equipment, including:

prestart, startup, parkup and shutdown procedures

quality check procedures

routine operator service, maintenance and housekeeping procedures

principles and techniques for identifying and responding to relevant hazards and emergencies

techniques for coordinating job activities with others.

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