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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for fluid operations
   • Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation and ensure the work activity is complaint
   • Obtain, read, clarify/confirm and apply work instructions
   • Identify and report all potential hazards
   • Select and use/wear personal protective equipment and protective clothing
   • Coordinate job requirements with others at the site
   • Confirm permits required and prepare written permits to work
2. Maintain and repair fluid pumps
   • Check pony rod clamp is fitted correctly
   • Lubricate gear end of pump and check oil levels in gear end of pump
   • Identify faults and report immediately
   • Identify, record and/or report requirement for repair or maintenance of mud pumps
   • Maintain and replace defective swabs, liner, valves, seats, gauges and wear plates of the fluid end of pump
3. Operate and monitor fluid pumps
   • Carry out pre start checks
   • Set or adjust all critical equipment such as pop-off valve and or choke manifold/s to safe operating parameters
   • Test operational function of all valves and/or choke manifold/s in the fluid system
   • Pressure test system, record in writing and communicate issues identified
   • Confirm and identify flow path required for operation and pumping parameters
   • Visually inspect and listen to mud pumps for abnormalities
4. Operate, maintain and repair fluid pumps
   • Check safety lines/restraints are in place, secure and functional
   • Engage and/or adjust appropriate equipment as directed by supervisor
   • Clean all equipment and visually inspect for leaks and proper operation, in accordance with specifications
   • Identify faults and report immediately
   • Identify, record in writing and report requirement for repair or maintenance of fluid conditioning equipment
   • Replace screens on shakers or cones on desilters/desanders
   • Replace bags/pods in filtration unit/s
   • Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all fluid treatment units
5. Operate and service transfer valves in fluid pits/tanks or fluid pumps
   • Correctly align valves
   • Lubricate valve stems
   • Clean and inspect transfer valves
   • Replace or repair defective parts
6. Identify and act upon variations in circulating medium during operation
   • Monitor, adjust and report pit/tank level
   • Monitor and report fluid properties
   • Monitor and report size of cuttings
   • Monitor and report volume of fluid returns
   • Prepare for emergency situations

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 legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to undertake and complete fluid system operations 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 throughout work activities

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

confirming and preparing required permits

carrying out operational maintenance, servicing, lubrication, cleaning and routine servicing of pumps/mud pumps

carrying out pre-start checks, set or adjust critical equipment and test operational function

carrying out inspection and fault finding on equipment

monitoring, reporting and adjusting:

pit/tank levels

fluid properties

size of cuttings

volume of fluid returns

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of operating fluid systems through:

accessing, interpreting and applying the organisation and site requirements and procedures

carrying out rig up procedures

using rigging and dogging practices

identifying auxiliary equipment functions and service requirements

identifying specific auxiliary rig up sequence

identifying safety and environmental issues

using communication equipment

carrying out emergency procedures

performing preventative maintenance

complying with workplace relations and award conditions

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