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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for underground drilling
   • Access, interpret and apply underground development drilling documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Receive, interpret and clarify shift change over details including relevant geo-technical details
   • Select and wear correct personal protective equipment
   • Inspect and assess site conditions to determine if scaling is required and take action according to site requirements
   • Conduct equipment pre-start checks to ensure equipment is safe and ready to use
   • Confirm work area ventilation before entry into work area
   • Check job site and identify and control possible misfires
2. Drill and monitor progress
   • Conduct work safely and efficiently while following procedures, regulations, WHS, and manufacturer’s specifications
   • Identify, control and report hazards and potential risks according to drilling plan
   • Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods
   • Maintain safety of driller and surrounding personnel
   • Operate equipment safely within working environment limitations and face/ground conditions
   • Read and interpret drill plans, drill holes and realign equipment according to drill design
   • Monitor conditions and adjust drilling techniques and components to maintain drilling operations
   • Monitor drilling progress by monitoring equipment indicators
   • Remove drill cuttings and sludge to ensure drill hole remains clean
   • Diagnose and take appropriate action to control drilling problems and advise appropriate personnel
   • Mark misdirected drill holes
   • Install collar pipes or lifters in readiness for charging
3. Pack up drill site
   • De-rig equipment appropriately
   • Clear site of debris
   • Remove auxiliary services to allocated area
   • Confirm equipment is ready for transport
4. Carry out operator maintenance
   • Carry out shutdown procedures
   • Service and make minor adjustments to equipment
   • Inspect equipment and reports faults and make equipment available for routine operational servicing
5. Carry out housekeeping activities
   • Clean equipment to maintain condition and ensure safe and efficient operations
   • Clean and store auxiliary service equipment
   • Complete all written documentation clearly, concisely and on time
   • Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift

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

works effectively with others to undertake and complete underground development drilling that meets all of the required outcomes including:

organising work activities to meet all task requirements

communicating both verbally and orally that is clear and concise with others to receive and pass on changing of shift information

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

demonstrating accurate drilling and driving techniques

planning and preparing for drilling

drilling and monitoring progress

packing-up the drill site

carrying out operator maintenance and housekeeping activities

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following when conducting underground development drilling:

relevant legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

equipment safety requirements

reading and interpreting geological and technical data (e.g. basic)

manufacturer’s specifications

application of mining regulations

road rules

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