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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for assisting with air drilling
   • Access, interpret and apply assist with air drilling documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for work activities
   • Communicate and coordinate activities with others throughout the work activity
   • Load, unload and move tools and equipment
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
2. Support the air drilling process
   • Fit and remove and measure bits and down-hole tools to/from the drill string
   • Prepare drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling
   • Sharpen drill bits
   • Add and remove drill rod to and from the drill string
   • Inspect and maintain drill pipe, bits, threads and other down-hole equipment
   • Use pipe and casing handling equipment
   • Install and seal casing
   • Use, install and maintain stuffing boxes and collar T pieces
3. Handle samples
   • Obtain and/or lay out samples as required
   • Split, bag, label and store samples for transport
   • Clean and service sampling equipment
   • Obtain uncontaminated samples using appropriate sampling methods
   • Identify safety precautions for handling potentially hazardous samples
   • Clear blockages in sample and delivery system
   • Note and report possible changes to sample quality due to blockages
4. Use restraining devices
   • Fit restraining devices
   • Identify dangers of high velocity samples in air drilling and take appropriate measures to minimise hazard
5. Mix drilling fluids for air/foam drilling
   • Check labels and read and interpret safety information/ hazard codes
   • Mix the drilling fluid
   • Store drilling fluid components and additives
6. tools and equipment
   • Perform inspections and routine checks on ancillary equipment such as air compressor and injection pump
   • Perform inspections and basic maintenance of pipe handling equipment
   • Select and maintain bit sharpening equipment
   • Complete housekeeping activities
   • Process records
7. Carry out basic maintenance of tools and equipment
   • Perform inspections and routine checks on ancillary equipment such as air compressor and injection pump
   • Perform inspections and basic maintenance of pipe handling equipment
   • Select and maintain bit sharpening equipment
   • Complete housekeeping activities
   • Process records

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 assisting with air drilling including:

operating ancillary equipment

applying basic maintenance and servicing of auxiliary equipment

identifying and measuring bits, shrouds and related components

identifying thread types in use

applying refuelling procedures for vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary equipment

identifying and applying correct lubricants

applying correct handling of samples

carrying out housekeeping

disassemble, inspect and reassemble DTH hammers

install restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses

inspection and replacement of inner tubes and sealing devices in RC pipe

driving vehicles

complying with basic vehicles cleaning procedures

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

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating clearly and concisely with others to resolve coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities

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

fitting/removing and measuring bits and down-hole tools to/from the drill string

preparing drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling

sharpening drill bits

adding/removing drill rod to and from the drill string

inspecting and maintaining drill pipe, bits, threads and other down-hole equipment

using pipe and casing handling equipment

installing and sealing casing

using, installing and maintaining stuffing boxes and collar T pieces

obtaining uncontaminated samples using appropriate sampling methods

mix drilling fluids

fitting restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following when assisting with air drilling:

applying safe work practices and identifying and reporting all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues

identifying the care of samples including storage and transport

using safety data sheets (SDS)

complying with the basic operation of compressors and the need for cleanliness when carrying out compressor maintenance

identifying the critical need to match threads with threads on tubular components

preparing for drilling operational requirements and procedures

complying with the theory behind sharpening bits

complying with the monitoring of sample quality to restrict contamination

identifying the importance of the correct measurement of bits and other related components

understanding the methods for clearing blockages in air or rotary holes

understanding the methods of clearing blocked sample and delivery hoses

complying with the requirement of restraining devices on all high pressure and delivery hoses

identifying the potential hazards with the operation of rod handling devices

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

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