Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

RIIOGF302A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate drilling fluids and mud pits

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RIIOGF302A - Operate drilling fluids and mud pits
Description This unit covers the operating of drilling fluids and mud pits in the drilling industry. It includes planning and preparing for operations; operating mud pits; operate, maintaining and repairing mud conditioning equipment; and monitoring mud.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit is appropriate for those working in offshore derrickman roles or as 'mud specialists' working on larger, more complex operations, at worksites within:Drilling
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable. Not applicable.
Competency Field Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan and prepare for operations
  • Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
  • Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions for the allocated task
  • Identify, manage and report all potential hazards
  • Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities
  • Confirm availability and status of necessary permits to work in accordance requirements
  • Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities in accordance requirements
       
Element: Operate mud pits
  • Give safety the highest priority during the operation and entry of mud pits
  • Align valves in pits to ensure correct pit usage as directed
  • Double check plugs for operation
  • Seal or secure tanks to prevent accidental entry
  • Set high and low alarms where applicable
  • Operate mud pit room ventilation system as required
  • Operate hoppers in accordance with procedures
  • Operate dust extraction system during mixing, if applicable
  • Check safety showers and eye washes are accessible and operational
  • Supervise forklifts operations
  • Store chemicals in appropriate storage area
  • Read, interpret and place materials safety data sheet (MSDS) in an accessible place
       
Element: Operate, maintain and repair mud conditioning equipment
  • Engage and/or adjust appropriate equipment as directed by supervisors or mud engineer
  • Clean all equipment and visually inspect for leaks, proper operation, in accordance specifications
  • Identify faults or potential faults and report immediately
  • Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all mud treatment units in accordance with specifications
       
Element: Monitor mud
  • Monitor and record mud properties and parameters
  • Set alarms to monitor mud
  • Check viscosity and weight of mud conform to specifications as directed by mud engineer
  • Maintain appropriate volumes and types of drilling fluids as required by well program or company
  • Use appropriate mixing procedures to obtain desired properties
  • Apply proper safety procedures and equipment for mixing and handling of chemicals
  • Recognise warning signs of a kick and report immediately
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for operating of drilling fluids and mud pits

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the operation of drilling fluids and mud pits

working with others to undertake the operation of drilling fluids and mud pits that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely operating of drilling fluids and mud pits that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit maybe assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for the assessment of this unit must include more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the operating of drilling fluids and mud pits

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC Implementation Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to operate drilling fluids and mud pits:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

recognise and report equipment malfunction or failure

supervise and train subordinates to provided standards

work as directed by driller and assistant driller

operate equipment in accordance with good oilfield practice and company policy

align valves in pits for operability and safety

operate and service mud treatment equipment

perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on mud condition equipment

replace screens and cones on shakers and desilters/desanders

operate and service transfer valve

weigh mud and perform viscosity checks

maintain volumes and types of drilling fluids as required

use correct mixing procedures to ensure required properties in drilling fluid

use correct safety procedures and equipment for mixing and handling chemicals in accordance with manufacturer's data sheet

regularly monitor pit levels, mud properties and cuttings size

perform numerical calculations including:

mud viscosity

mud weight

volume

uphole velocity

quantities

pressure

water loss

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to operate drilling fluids and mud pits:

legislative and organisations safety guidelines, procedures and practices drilling operation procedures

safe operating procedures when operating equipment

functions of the mud pits

warning signs of kicks

troubleshooting techniques

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation

may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work instructions may be from briefings or handover details that may include:

safety briefing/induction

pre-tour safety meeting

weekly safety meetings

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

agreed procedures may include:

company

facility

client

toolbox

permit to work

Work instructions may include:

individual operation

team operation

use of personal protective equipment

consideration of toxic substances

continuous communication maintained

reacting to on-site emergencies

safety equipment, including:

fire protection

First Aid

survival

personal protective equipment, which may include

eye protection

hearing protection

gloves

footwear

hard hats

respirators

aprons

rubber boots

full face visors

rubber gloves

Hazards may include:

blow out gas to surface

ignition of gas

toxic gases

pressurised coal seam gas system

Coordination requirements may include:

drill team

operators of other equipment

maintenance personnel

supervisors

worksite personnel

Alarm systems may include:

gas

fire

high and low alarm

mud density alarm

low/high pressure

Equipment may include:

shaker

degasser

desilter

desander

mud cleaner

agitators

Recording requirements can include:

shaker screens

mud properties

volume of liquid mud

size of cuttings

pit level

service and maintenance

replacement parts

chemical stocks

Recognised warning signs of a kick are:

pit level change

mud property change

volume of mud change

size of cuttings change

pump pressure

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity 
Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions for the allocated task 
Identify, manage and report all potential hazards 
Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities 
Confirm availability and status of necessary permits to work in accordance requirements 
Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities in accordance requirements 
Give safety the highest priority during the operation and entry of mud pits 
Align valves in pits to ensure correct pit usage as directed 
Double check plugs for operation 
Seal or secure tanks to prevent accidental entry 
Set high and low alarms where applicable 
Operate mud pit room ventilation system as required 
Operate hoppers in accordance with procedures 
Operate dust extraction system during mixing, if applicable 
Check safety showers and eye washes are accessible and operational 
Supervise forklifts operations 
Store chemicals in appropriate storage area 
Read, interpret and place materials safety data sheet (MSDS) in an accessible place 
Engage and/or adjust appropriate equipment as directed by supervisors or mud engineer 
Clean all equipment and visually inspect for leaks, proper operation, in accordance specifications 
Identify faults or potential faults and report immediately 
Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all mud treatment units in accordance with specifications 
Monitor and record mud properties and parameters 
Set alarms to monitor mud 
Check viscosity and weight of mud conform to specifications as directed by mud engineer 
Maintain appropriate volumes and types of drilling fluids as required by well program or company 
Use appropriate mixing procedures to obtain desired properties 
Apply proper safety procedures and equipment for mixing and handling of chemicals 
Recognise warning signs of a kick and report immediately 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIOGF302A - Operate drilling fluids and mud pits
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

RIIOGF302A - Operate drilling fluids and mud pits

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: