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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for assisting with air drilling
   • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply assist with rotary air 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 at site according to work requirements and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
   • Load, unload and move tools and equipment following required manual handling procedures
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and identify steps required in case of fires, accidents and other emergencies
2. Support the rotary 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
   • Identify worn drill bits and report as required according to workplace procedures
   • Add and remove drill rod to and from the drill string
   • Inspect and maintain drill rod, bits, threads and other required down-hole equipment
   • Assist with conducting pre-start equipment checks prior to use
   • Use rod and casing handling equipment
   • Assist with casing installation
   • Check restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses and rectify or report identified faults if required
3. Mix drilling fluids for rotary air drilling
   • Check labels and read and interpret safety information/ hazard codes
   • Mix the drilling fluid according to work requirements
   • Store drilling fluid components and additives
4. Carry out basic maintenance of tools and equipment
   • Perform inspections and routine checks on ancillary equipment including air compressor and injection pump
   • Perform inspections and basic maintenance of rod handling equipment
   • Complete housekeeping activities according to workplace procedures
   • 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 rotary air drilling on at least two occasions, including:

checking restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses and rectifying or reporting identified faults if required.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply required documentation, policies and procedures

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for assisting with rotary air drilling, including:

operating ancillary equipment

following required manual handling procedures

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 if required

carrying out housekeeping

disassemble, inspect and reassemble down-hole tools/bottom hole assembly

driving vehicles

complying with basic vehicles cleaning procedures

work 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 with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating with others to resolve 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, procedures and established requirements for assisting air drilling, including those for:

fires, accidents and emergencies

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

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

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

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

methods for clearing blockages in air or rotary holes

methods of clearing blocked sample and delivery hoses.

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