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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for reverse circulation drilling
   • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply conduct reverse circulation 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
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures identify steps required in case of fires, accidents and other emergencies
2. Inspect and maintain reverse circulation drilling equipment
   • Carry out prestart and start-up procedures according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Confirm restraining devices are not damaged or worn and are correctly fitted according to safety requirements
   • Inspect and maintain the cyclone in safe and serviceable condition according to manufacturer specifications
   • Confirm mounting and security of cyclone is adequate for safe operation, particularly when down hole water may result in release of energy
   • Maintain dust suppression systems to ensure minimal emission of airborne dust and integrity of sample quality
   • Inspect pressure relief valves and confirm in required operating condition
3. Drill using reverse circulation drilling methods
   • Identify, select and apply rig operational controls according to work requirements and manufacturer specifications
   • Select and use required drill rod and drill string components given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions according to manufacturer specifications
   • Operate make-up and break-out equipment according to work requirements and manufacturer specifications
   • Select and use required type and size of in-hole tools given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions according to manufacturer specifications
   • Drill and open-up hole collar as required to suit given ground conditions and hole specification according to manufacturer specifications
   • Install drill hole collar casing and seal at the hole collar according to manufacturer specifications
   • Install outside hole return collar device, if required, given hole specification of open or reverse circulation drill hole according to manufacturer specifications
   • Operate drill rod handling equipment according to work requirements and manufacturer specifications
   • Add and remove drill rods or casing and other in-hole equipment according to manufacturer specifications
   • Monitor and adjust air pressure and other drilling parameters
   • Monitor and control down hole water conditions and confirm integrity of hole, drill cuttings and sample quality
   • Monitor and control discharge from outside hole return collar device
   • Calculate depth of hole
4. Select and use drilling additives
   • Identify ground conditions requiring the use of drilling additives
   • Select required drilling additives to suit ground conditions
   • Prepare required drilling additives according to work requirements
   • Use drilling additives to achieve required results
   • Select and check sample devices to confirm client sample quantity and quality specifications are met
   • Clean or supervise the cleaning of sample devices according to workplace procedures
   • Monitor splitting, bagging, presentation, and marking of samples and confirm client specifications are met
   • Identify and promptly rectify sample blockages affecting or having the potential to affect sample quality
   • Clear sample delivery hose blockages safely
   • Clear outside return hole blockages of collared holes as required
   • Supervise drill crew and confirm all sampling tasks are carried out correctly and safely
   • Monitor drill cuttings or sample quality, quantity and air return
   • Identify possible problems in equipment or process
   • Determine possible cause(s) of problems
   • Rectify problem(s) using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
   • Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
   • Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person
5. Complete equipment maintenance and housekeeping
   • Supervise the use of specified personal protective equipment when using grinders or bit sharpening equipment
   • Supervise the selection and correct fitting grinding disks, wheels and stones
   • Monitor wear of in-hole tools
   • Check, perform maintenance on and/or replace compressed air hoses and hose fittings or clamps
   • Supervise the maintenance of in-hole tools
   • Inspect, dismantle, replace worn or damaged components and reassemble in-hole equipment according to manufacturer specifications
   • Carry out shutdown and secure equipment according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Confirm housekeeping activities are completed 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:

conduct reverse circulation drilling operations on at least two occasions.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply required documentation, policies and procedures

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for the completion of reverse circulation 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 required down hole equipment

applying correct measurement of drill string length

applying methods for calculating hole depth

work with others to conduct reverse circulation drilling tasks that meets 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 determine 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 conducting reverse circulation drilling, including those for:

work health and safety

emergencies

environmental practice

operating drill rig

housekeeping

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

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

drill rod and thread form wear limit parameters

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

methods for complying with the tungsten carbide (TC) bit sharpening procedures

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

hazard control measures to enable safe use of compressed air

the importance of ensuring sample quantity including the prevention of blockages

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

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

hazards associated with the collection of high velocity drilling cuttings

reasons for checking inner tubes and inner tube sealing devices in RC drill rod

hazards associated with wire-line operations and applicable control measures

the various thread forms used in reverse circulation drilling

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

the need for managing uncontaminated samples.

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