Google Links

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 for operations
   • Access, interpret and apply Operate mud systems 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
   • 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 and status of necessary permits
   • Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities
2. Operate mud system
   • Ensure good oilfield practice when operating equipment
   • Align valves in pits to ensure correct pit usage
3. Operate, maintain and repair mud conditioning equipment
   • Identify, confirm and adjust equipment as per supervisors or mud engineers instruction
   • Clean all equipment and visually inspect for leaks and proper operation, in accordance with specifications
   • Identify faults or potential faults, record and report to relevant personnel
   • Identify faults, record and report requirement for repair or maintenance
   • Replace screens or cones, on shakers, desilters and desanders
   • Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all mud treatment units
4. Operate and service transfer (butterfly) valves in mud pits
   • Align valves
   • Lubricate valve stems of butterfly valves
   • Clean and inspect transfer valves
   • Replace or repair defective parts
5. Recognise warning signs of kicks
   • Monitor, adjust and report pit level
   • Monitor and report mud properties
   • Monitor and report size of cuttings
   • Monitor and report volume of mud returns
6. Plan and prepare for operations
   • Access, interpret and apply Operate mud systems 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
   • 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 and status of necessary permits
   • Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities
7. Operate mud system
   • Ensure good oilfield practice when operating equipment
   • Align valves in pits to ensure correct pit usage
8. Operate, maintain and repair mud conditioning equipment
   • Identify, confirm and adjust equipment as per supervisors or mud engineers instruction
   • Clean all equipment and visually inspect for leaks and proper operation, in accordance with specifications
   • Identify faults or potential faults, record and report to relevant personnel
   • Identify faults, record and report requirement for repair or maintenance
   • Replace screens or cones, on shakers, desilters and desanders
   • Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all mud treatment units
9. Operate and service transfer (butterfly) valves in mud pits
   • Align valves
   • Lubricate valve stems of butterfly valves
   • Clean and inspect transfer valves
   • Replace or repair defective parts
10. Recognise warning signs of kicks
    • Monitor, adjust and report pit level
    • Monitor and report mud properties
    • Monitor and report size of cuttings
    • Monitor and report volume of mud returns

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 operating of mud systems 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 the operating of mud systems 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 operating of mud systems that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

recognise and report equipment malfunction or failure

work as directed by supervisor or mud engineer timely and efficiently

align, lubricate, inspect, replace and repair valves in pits

operate mud condition equipment, including shakers, degasser, desilter, desander, mud cleaner and agitators

maintain and repair mud conditioning equipment

replace screens and cones on shakers and desilters/desanders

---

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following in applying the operate mud systems through:

accessing, interpreting and applying legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

setting up work activity

work health and safety

selecting and checking for faults, all plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks

carrying out work to specifications

identifying and confirming availability of permits

---