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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare
   • Access, interpret and apply operational mud pump documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Identify, address and report potential hazards, risks and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities
   • Conform to safe working practices and current legislative and operational requirements
   • Adhere to coordination requirements with others at the site prior to, during and on completion of work activities and ensure briefings/handover details are communicated
   • Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities
2. Monitor mud pumps
   • Visually inspect and listen to mud pumps for abnormal sounds or noise
   • Check piston lubricating system
   • Check pop-off valve setting
   • Check pressure of suction and discharge dampeners
   • Charge discharge dampener with nitrogen
3. Maintain and repair mud pumps
   • Check clamp when pump is turned off
   • Lubricate gear end of pump and check oil levels in gear end of pump
   • Identify faults or potential faults, record and report
   • Identify, record and report requirement for repair or maintenance of mud pumps
   • Replace defective swabs, liner, valves, seats and wear plates of the fluid end of pump
   • Ready replacement parts for fluid end of pump
   • Select and use correct liners and swabs

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 that the candidate:

locates and applies applicable documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operation of mud pumps including:

identifying, addressing and reporting potential hazards and risks

controlling identified hazards

identifying, addressing and reporting environmental issues

preparing written records and reports

rectifying and/or reporting faults and malfunctions

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

recognising and reporting equipment malfunction or failure

working as directed by driller in timely and efficient manner

checking pumps visually and aurally

checking piston lubrication system

setting pop-off valve

checking pressure of suction and discharge dampeners

charging discharge damper with nitrogen

lubricating and checking oil levels in gear end of pump

replacing swabs, liners, valves, seats and wear plates of fluid end of pump

preparing replacement parts for fluid end

ensuring correct liners and swabs are in use

correctly aligning mud pump discharge valves

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following in operating mud pumps:

compliance with legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

company and statutory safety guidelines, procedures and practices for:

emergency signals

safe operation of equipment

rig maintenance

normal drilling operations

non-routine drilling operations

using mud pumps

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