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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan and prepare for air drilling
  2. Inspect and maintain air drilling equipment
  3. Drill using air drilling methods
  4. Select and use drilling additives
  5. Take samples
  6. Respond to problems
  7. Complete equipment maintenance and housekeeping

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 completion of air drilling including:

applying prescribed thread form torque parameters during make-up of down hole equipment and consumables

applying correct internal and external calipers, vernier, rule and or tape measure for identification of drill pipe/rod diameter wear limits, measurement of bits/shrouds and other down hole equipment

applying correct measurement of drill string length

applying methods for calculating hole depth

works effectively with others to undertake and complete 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 the conduction of air drilling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

fitting/replacingg must demonstrate knowledge restraining devices

ensure mounting and security of cyclone is adequate for safe operation, particularly when down hole water may result in release of energy

maintaining dust suppression systems to ensure minimal emission of airborne dust and integrity of sample quality

selecting and using appropriate drill rod and drill string components given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions

drilling/open-up hole collar as required to suit given ground conditions and hole specification

installing drill hole collar casing and seal at the hole collar

monitoring and adjusting air pressure and other drilling parameters to achieve maximum performance

monitoring and controlling down hole water conditions to ensure integrity of the hole, drill cuttings and sample quality

monitoring and controlling discharge from outside hole return collar device

calculating depth of hole

selecting appropriate drilling additives to suit ground conditions

preparation of required drilling additives

selecting and checking sample devices to ensure client sample quantity and quality specifications are met

monitoring splitting, bagging, presentation, and marking of samples to ensure client specifications are met

supervising drill crew and ensuring all sampling tasks are carried out correctly and safely


Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in conducting air drilling through:

accessing, interpreting and applying the organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

work, health and safety

environmental issues

operating drill rig

housekeeping

understanding the importance to match like threads with like threads on all threaded components and make up torque requirements applicable to thread form in use

understanding the relationship between pressure, volume, hole diameter, pipe diameter and calculation of up hole velocity

understanding the drill pipe, rod and thread form wear limit parameters

understanding the need for correct hole collaring, use of casing and collar sealing techniques

complying with the TC bit sharpening procedures

identifying the potential problems related to inaccurate measurement and usage sequence of ground engaging consumables and related down hole components

identifying the hazard control measures to enable safe use of compressed air

identifying the importance of sample quantity

understanding the role that drill cuttings blockages play in affecting sample quality

identifying the safe procedures to clear down and up hole drill cuttings blockages within the outside hole return, down hole equipment and up hole sample system and/or hose

identifying the critical need for correct fitting inspection and maintenance replacement of restraining devices

identifying the hazards associated with the collection of high velocity drilling cuttings

identifying the reasons for checking inner tubes and inner tube sealing devices in RC drill pipe

identifying the hazards associated with wire-line operations and applicable control measures

identifying the various thread forms used in air drilling

identifying the various in-hole tools and correct application given ground conditions

identifying the need for managing uncontaminated samples

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency