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 conduct downhole hammer drilling

apply legislative organisation and site requirements and procedures for conducting downhole hammer drilling

identify various thread types on the equipment at site and the application of prescribed torque

identify worn drill pipe and damaged threads

identify and measure various bits in use

correctly use the various rodpipe handling equipment on site

correctly and competently addremove rodspipe from the string

correctly apply rotation speed and weight on the bit to maintain optimum performance

correctly measure line string components and calculate hole depth

utilise the correct combination of air volume and pressure to maintain productivity and sample integrity

collar holes

ensure that samples are correctly collected and handled

ensure that all string components are correctly maintained

correctly measure bits and related components to ensure compatibility

ensure that bit sharpening equipment used to sharpen TC bits are used correctly and safely and that bits are sharpened to correct tolerances

correctly select various bit types for differing ground conditions

disassemble describing the function of components inspect components replace unserviceable parts and reassemble a DTH hammer

use prescribed techniques to safely clear sample delivery hose blockages

monitor sample quality and correctly interpret changes

accept responsibility for the correct installation and maintenance of restraining devices to pressure and sample delivery hoses

communicate the hazards of cuttings in the return air stream to all crew members

ensure that drill pipe is inspected regularly and wear rates monitored

ensure that threads are inspected and maintained as required

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 conduct downhole hammer drilling

critical need to match like threads with like threads on all tubular components and make up torque requirements

parameters relating to wear of drill pipe and integrity of threads

function of hole collaring

methods required to limit the contamination of samples

theory behind TC bit sharpening

bit selection for different types of drilling and different ground conditions

problems related to inaccurate measurement of bits and other related components

importance of monitoring sample quantity

role that blockages play in affecting sample quality

methods commonly used to clear down hole blockages in air drilled holes and the hazards associated with clearing blockages

methods used to clear a blockage in a sample delivery hose and the hazards associated with clearing blockages

critical need for restraining devices to be fitted to all pressure delivery hoses and sample delivery hoses the devices available and their methods of attachment

dangers of drilled samples being returned to the surface at high velocity in air drilling operations and the parameters involved

importance of checking gauges and monitoring pressures flow rates and temperatures

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 downhole hammer drilling

implementation of requirements procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient completion of downhole hammer drilling

working with others to undertake and complete the conduct of downhole hammer drilling that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of downhole hammer drilling 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 andor 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 andor oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge

observed documented andor first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

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 candidates

working with others to undertake and complete the conduct of downhole hammer drilling

Guidance information for assessment

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

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

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

Hazards may include:

Coordination requirements may include:

Tools and equipment may include:

Driller’s duties may include:

Restraining devices may include:

Fluids may include:

Sample and sampling tasks may include:

Maintenance tasks may include: