Elements and Performance Criteria
- Plan and prepare for conducting of mud rotary drilling
- Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
- Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions for the allocated task
- Identify, manage and report all potential hazards
- Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities
- Operate mud rotary drill
- Make up appropriate drill string.
- Use bits, rods and casings
- Seal hole collar
- Feed and rotate drill at right rate for the formation
- Interpret flow from drill to determine conditions at bit
- Adjust flow rates to give desired results
- Check drill bits and string components for wear, gauge, dents and damaged threads
- Use casing, grout screens to correct zones or levels as required
- Operate fluid system
- Determine required up hole velocity and the related fluid properties and feed rate
- Recognise different types of strata
- Design and adjust mud system to suit geological conditions and changes to conditions which might be expected during the drilling
- Ensure there is an adequate supply of water to the site for mud requirements and circulation loss zones
- Make up appropriate formulation using different types of mud and chemicals
- Construct mud pits and systems to suit hole dimensions and site storage requirements
- Monitor, check and adjust flow rate and properties
- Keep fluid clean and chlorinate/sanitise lost circulation if required
- Check and adjust fluid reticulation systems
- Dispose of drill fluids correctly
- Maintain equipment
- Monitor wear and recognise symptoms of malfunction
- Check all equipment and hoses
- Monitor all seals and connections
- Replace, adjust and report items needing attention.
- Service gear and adjust glands where required
- Service rig regularly following service sheets for daily, weekly and monthly lubrication and checking
- Check oil drops for signs of repairs needed
- Maintain inspection and/or service records
- Respond to problems
- Identify possible operational problems in equipment, process or mud
- Determine problems needing action
- Determine possible fault causes
- Rectify problem using appropriate solution(s) within area of responsibility
- Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
- Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person