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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare to operate mud pumps
   • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply operational mud pump documentation and confirm work activity is compliant
   • Identify and minimise environmental issues and potential hazards, and assess and address risks within scope of own role and according to workplace procedures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activities
   • Conform to safe working practices and current legislative and operational requirements
   • Communicate with other personnel at site according to work requirements and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
   • Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities
   • Visually inspect and listen to mud pumps for abnormal sounds or noise
   • Check piston lubricating system according to workplace procedures
   • Check pop-off valve setting according to workplace procedures
   • Check pressure of suction and discharge dampeners according to workplace procedures
   • Charge discharge dampener with nitrogen
2. 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, record and report faults and 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 required liners and swabs

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

operate mud pumps on at least two occasions, 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

confirming required liners and swabs are in use

aligning mud pump discharge valves.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation, policies and procedures required to operate mud pumps

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for the operation of mud pumps, including:

identifying, addressing and reporting potential hazards and risks

identifying, addressing and reporting environmental issues

preparing written records and reports

rectifying any identified faults and malfunctions within scope of own role and escalating where required

work with others to undertake and complete the operation of mud pumps that meet required outcomes, including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating with others to determine coordination requirements prior to, commencing and during work activities.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key policies, procedures and established requirements for operating mud pumps, including those for:

emergency signals

safe operation of equipment

identifying and managing environmental issues

rig maintenance

normal drilling operations

non-routine drilling operations

using mud pumps

identifying faults with mud pumps.

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