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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 for fluid operations
   • Obtain, read, confirm and apply work instructions
   • Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation and confirm work activity is complaint
   • 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
   • Confirm personnel coordination requirements at the site are met prior to commencement of work activities
   • Confirm permits required and prepare written permits to work
2. Maintain and repair fluid pumps
   • Check pony rod clamp is fitted as required
   • Lubricate gear end of pump and check oil levels in gear end of pump
   • Identify faults and report or rectify immediately as required and within scope of own role
   • 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 prestart checks according to workplace procedures
   • Set or adjust all critical equipment including pop-off valve and/or choke manifold/s to safe operating parameters
   • Test operational function of all valves and choke manifolds in the fluid system as required
   • 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 required safety lines and restraints are in place, secure and functional
   • Engage and adjust required equipment as directed by supervisor
   • Clean all equipment and visually inspect for leaks and proper operation according to specifications
   • Identify faults and report or rectify immediately as required and within scope of own role
   • Identify, record in writing and report requirement for repair or maintenance of fluid conditioning equipment
   • Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all fluid treatment units
5. Operate and service transfer valves in fluid pits/tanks or fluid pumps
   • Align valves according to manufacturer specifications
   • Lubricate valve stems according to manufacturer specifications
   • Clean and inspect transfer valves according to manufacturer specifications
   • Replace or repair defective parts according to manufacturer specifications
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

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 fluid systems on at least two occasions, including:

confirming and preparing required permits

carrying out operational maintenance, servicing, lubricating, cleaning and routine servicing of pumps

carrying out prestart checks, setting or adjusting critical equipment and testing operational functions

carrying out inspection and fault finding on equipment

monitoring, reporting and adjusting:

pit/tank levels

fluid properties

volume of fluid returns.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply legislation, documentation, policies and procedures required to operate fluid systems

work with others to undertake and complete fluid system operations 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 resolve coordination requirements throughout 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 legislation required to operate fluid systems

key policies, procedures and established requirements for operating fluid systems, including those for:

work health and safety

emergencies

environmental issues

preventative maintenance

complying with workplace relations and award conditions

using communication equipment

rig up procedures

rigging and dogging practices

auxiliary equipment functions and service requirements

specific auxiliary rig up sequence.

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