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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for mud rotary drilling
   • Access, interpret and apply conduct mud rotary 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 mud rotary drill
   • Carry out pre-start and start up procedures
   • Identify, select and apply rig operational controls
   • 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
   • Continually monitor hazards and risks , and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
3. 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
4. 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
5. Complete equipment maintenance and housekeeping
   • Carry out shutdown and secure 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
   • Complete maintenance schedule
   • Check oil drops for signs of repairs needed
   • Maintain inspection and/or service records
   • Ensure housekeeping activities are completed
   • Process records
6. Plan and prepare for mud rotary drilling
   • Access, interpret and apply conduct mud rotary 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
7. Operate mud rotary drill
   • Carry out pre-start and start up procedures
   • Identify, select and apply rig operational controls
   • 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
   • Continually monitor hazards and risks , and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment
8. 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
9. 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
10. Complete equipment maintenance and housekeeping
    • Carry out shutdown and secure 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
    • Complete maintenance schedule
    • Check oil drops for signs of repairs needed
    • Maintain inspection and/or service records
    • 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 mud rotary drilling tasks including:

conducting routine checks and basic maintenance

understanding mud mixing and conditioning

identifying and responding to changes in ground conditions

conducting sampling

applying people skills for dealing with clients, co-workers and management

reading, interpreting and applying safety data sheets (SDS) for handling hazardous materials

adapting heavy vehicle driving skills to suit conditions

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

making up appropriate drill string

using bits, rods and casings

sealing hole collar

feeding and rotate drill at right rate for the formation

checking drill bits and string components for wear, gauge, dents and damaged threads

using casing, grout screens to correct zones or levels as required

determining required up hole velocity and the related fluid properties and feed rate

designing and adjusting mud system to suit geological conditions and changes to conditions which might be expected during the drilling

monitoring, checking and adjusting flow rate and properties

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in conducting mud rotary 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 types of mud and water delivery pumps and their applications

understanding the methods for the calculation of lag time for discrete formation samples

read, interpret and apply basic geology data

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

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