Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to prepare and operate drilling fluid systems

apply legislative organisation and site requirements and procedures for preparing and operating drilling fluid systems

maintain and operate mud mixers dump valves and equalising valves in the mud pits system

safely add mud materials to the mud systems under the mud engineers instructions

operate and maintain all the mud treatment units

accurately take mud properties readings and legibly record them

interpret and act on additional flow in the mud returns or an increase in mud pit volume

operate pipe in derrick as directed either manually or using hydraulic racking system where fitted

assess need and action greasing of crown block and hanging sheaves

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used This includes knowledge of the following as required to prepare and operate drilling fluid systems

occupational health and safety obligations

company and statutory guidelines procedures and practices

chemical handling procedures

operating principles of the systems equipment and their relationship to other plant

fluid types and composition

rig safety and emergency procedures

safe operating procedures when operating equipment

layout of mud circulating mixing and suction systems

geography of active reserve and slug pits

layout of shaker degasser and settling pits and sand traps

materials safety data sheet MSDS

rig maintenance

normal drilling operations

nonroutine drilling operations

man managementrig management

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following

knowledge of the requirements procedures and instructions for preparing and operating drilling fluid systems

implementation of requirements procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient completion of preparation and operation of drilling fluid systems

working with others to undertake and complete the preparation and operation of drilling fluid systems that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely preparation and operation of drilling fluid systems that safely effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance including task skills task management skills contingency management skills and job role environment skills

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant For example language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues

Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods

written andor oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge

observed documented andor first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate requirement procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

working with others to prepare and operate drilling fluid systems

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

Work instructions may come from briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include:

Hazards may include:

Coordination requirements may include:

Remedial action taken to deal with errors, omissions and shortages may include:

Equipment may include:

Fluids may include:

Mix may include:

Parameters may include: