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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare to assist with mud rotary drilling
   • Obtain, read and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply assist mud rotary drilling documentation, and confirm work activity is compliant
   • Identify and minimise environmental issues and potential hazards, and assess and address risks within scope of own role and according to workplace procedures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activities
   • Communicate with other personnel on site as required and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
   • Load, unload and move tools and equipment according to safety and job requirements
   • Set up and stabilise rod racks according to workplace procedures
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and identify steps in case of fire, accident and other emergencies
2. Support the rotary mud drilling process
   • Fit and remove bits, reamers and stabilizers to and from drill string
   • Prepare drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling
   • Add and remove drill rod and collars from drill string
   • Inspect drill rod, collars, bits, threads and associated equipment for damage
   • Monitor hazards and risks, and confirm safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
   • Use rod and casing handling equipment as required
   • Apply safety precautions when handling potentially hazardous samples
   • Obtain and lay out disturbed samples as required
   • Bag, label and store samples for transport
   • Clean and service sampling tools
   • Store undisturbed samples for transport
3. Handle, mix and test drilling fluids
   • Check labels and read and interpret safety information, hazard codes and safety data sheets (SDS)
   • Mix drilling fluids according to job requirements
   • Carry out storage of drilling mud components and additives
   • Perform basic tests on the fluid and record and report the results
4. Carry out basic maintenance of tools and equipment
   • Perform inspections and routine checks on ancillary equipment
   • Perform inspections and basic maintenance on rod handling equipment
   • Complete housekeeping activities to workplace requirements
   • Process records according to workplace procedures

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:

assist mud rotary drilling on at least two occasions, including:

fitting and removing bits and reamers to and from the drill string

preparing drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling

adding and removing drill rod to and from the drill string

inspecting drill rod, bits, threads and associated equipment for damage and addressing and reporting damage as required

mixing the drilling fluid.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation required to assist mud rotary drilling

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for assisting with mud rotary drilling, including:

operating ancillary equipment

performing basic maintenance on ancillary equipment

complying with basic vehicle cleaning procedures

conducting housekeeping

work with others to assist mud rotary drilling that meets all required outcomes, including:

complying with reporting requirements and procedures

communicating with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating with others to meet coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

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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 policies and procedures and established requirements for assisting mud rotary drilling, including those for:

work, health and safety

emergencies

relevant environmental practices

loading, unloading, moving and using tools and equipment

storing and transporting samples

mixing, storing and testing drilling fluids

inspecting and performing basic maintenance on equipment

complying with safety data sheets (SDS)

refuelling vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary equipment

housekeeping

key factors affecting work activities described in performance evidence above, including:

types of mud pumps and their applications

drilling team roles and objectives.

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