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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for conventional core drilling
   • Access, interpret and apply conduct conventional core 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 personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Communicate and coordinate activities with others throughout the work activity
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
2. Operate core drill
   • Carry out pre-start and start up procedures
   • Identify, select and apply rig operational controls
   • Identify and use different drill rod or casing types, thread forms and thread make up parameters
   • Select appropriate drill bits and reamer shells
   • Adjust inner tube length to ensure appropriate fluid flow around the core
   • Use rod and casing handling equipment
   • Add and break out and remove drill rods and pipes and down hole equipment
   • Apply appropriate rotation speed, weight on the bit, drilling fluid flow rate and penetration rate applicable to the ground conditions
   • Measure drill string components and calculate depth of hole
   • Collar holes
   • Install casing and seal at the collar
3. Operate drill fluid system
   • Identify hole conditions requiring the use of drilling fluid additives
   • Select, prepare, apply, test and monitor suitable fluids and additives
   • Monitor fluid return and solids content and implement control measures
   • Monitor fluid and cuttings specific gravity and up hole velocity to ensure efficient hole clearing
   • Monitor causes of pressure in fluid systems
   • Select the appropriate fluid pumping rate for the hole size
4. Use survey and core orientation equipment
   • Assemble, maintain and use survey and core orientation devices
   • Read and record survey data
5. Take core samples
   • Implement control measures for minimising core loss
   • Identify core blockages affecting sample quality
6. Respond to problems
   • Identify possible problems in equipment or process
   • Determine problems needing action
   • Determine possible fault causes
   • Rectify problem 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
7. 7. Complete equipment maintenance and housekeeping
   • Carry out shutdown and secure equipment
   • Use the required personal protective equipment and follow safe working procedures
   • Strip impregnated bits according to required procedures
   • Dismantle and service head assembly
   • Maintain drill string
   • Maintain bit management, record required information and store bits correctly
   • Ensure housekeeping activities are completed
   • Process records
8. Plan and prepare for conventional core drilling
   • Access, interpret and apply conduct conventional core 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 personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Communicate and coordinate activities with others throughout the work activity
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
9. Operate core drill
   • Carry out pre-start and start up procedures
   • Identify, select and apply rig operational controls
   • Identify and use different drill rod or casing types, thread forms and thread make up parameters
   • Select appropriate drill bits and reamer shells
   • Adjust inner tube length to ensure appropriate fluid flow around the core
   • Use rod and casing handling equipment
   • Add and break out and remove drill rods and pipes and down hole equipment
   • Apply appropriate rotation speed, weight on the bit, drilling fluid flow rate and penetration rate applicable to the ground conditions
   • Measure drill string components and calculate depth of hole
   • Collar holes
   • Install casing and seal at the collar
10. Operate drill fluid system
    • Identify hole conditions requiring the use of drilling fluid additives
    • Select, prepare, apply, test and monitor suitable fluids and additives
    • Monitor fluid return and solids content and implement control measures
    • Monitor fluid and cuttings specific gravity and up hole velocity to ensure efficient hole clearing
    • Monitor causes of pressure in fluid systems
    • Select the appropriate fluid pumping rate for the hole size
11. Use survey and core orientation equipment
    • Assemble, maintain and use survey and core orientation devices
    • Read and record survey data
12. Take core samples
    • Implement control measures for minimising core loss
    • Identify core blockages affecting sample quality
13. Respond to problems
    • Identify possible problems in equipment or process
    • Determine problems needing action
    • Determine possible fault causes
    • Rectify problem 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
14. Complete equipment maintenance and housekeeping
    • Carry out shutdown and secure equipment
    • Use the required personal protective equipment and follow safe working procedures
    • Strip impregnated bits according to required procedures
    • Dismantle and service head assembly
    • Maintain drill string
    • Maintain bit management, record required information and store bits correctly
    • Ensure housekeeping activities are completed
    • 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 completion of conventional core drilling tasks including:

complying with routine checks and basic maintenance procedures for mud and water delivery pumps

identifying, mixing and applying of collar sealants

attaching required equipment to collar casings

applying basic drilling fluid tests such as viscosity and specific gravity

ensuring that core is handled correctly and placed in core trays as required

measuring bits and other related components

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

identifying and using different drill rod or casing types, thread forms and thread make up parameters

selecting appropriate drill bits and reamer shells

adjusting inner tube length to ensure appropriate fluid flow around the core

applying appropriate rotation speed, weight on the bit, drilling fluid flow rate and penetration rate applicable to the ground conditions

measuring drill string components and calculating depth of hole

installing casing and seal at the collar

identifying hole conditions requiring the use of drilling fluid additives

monitoring fluid and cuttings specific gravity and up hole velocity to ensure efficient hole clearing

selecting the appropriate fluid pumping rate for the hole size

assembling, maintaining and using survey and core orientation devices

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in conducting conventional core 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 configuration of various thread forms and make up torque requirements

understanding the function of hole collaring, use of casing and collar sealing techniques

complying with the methods required to produce uncontaminated samples

complying with the impregnated bit stripping procedures

understanding the bit selection for different types of drilling and different ground conditions

understanding the relationships between penetration rate and bit life

understanding the role that core blockages play in affecting sample quality

understanding the functions of drilling fluids and control procedures

understanding the relationship between hole diameter, rod diameter, pump output and the specific gravity of formation cutting

understanding the different types of mud and water delivery pumps and their applications

understanding the purpose of drill hole surveys and the functions of azimuth and dip readings

understanding the purpose and principles of core orientation

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

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