Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to Conduct underground development drilling in Metalliferous mining.
This unit is appropriate for those working in driller roles.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and Industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for underground drilling | 1.1 Access, interpret and apply underground development drilling documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2 Receive, interpret and clarify shift change over details including relevant geo-technical details 1.3 Select and wear correct personal protective equipment 1.4 Inspect and assess site conditions to determine if scaling is required and take action according to site requirements 1.5 Conduct equipment pre-start checks to ensure equipment is safe and ready to use 1.6 Confirm work area ventilation before entry into work area 1.7 Check job site and identify and control possible misfires |
2. Drill and monitor progress | 2.1 Conduct work safely and efficiently while following procedures, regulations, WHS, and manufacturer’s specifications 2.2 Identify, control and report hazards and potential risks according to drilling plan 2.3 Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods 2.4 Maintain safety of driller and surrounding personnel 2.5 Operate equipment safely within working environment limitations and face/ground conditions 2.6 Read and interpret drill plans, drill holes and realign equipment according to drill design 2.7 Monitor conditions and adjust drilling techniques and components to maintain drilling operations 2.8 Monitor drilling progress by monitoring equipment indicators 2.9 Remove drill cuttings and sludge to ensure drill hole remains clean 2.10 Diagnose and take appropriate action to control drilling problems and advise appropriate personnel 2.11 Mark misdirected drill holes 2.12 Install collar pipes or lifters in readiness for charging |
3. Pack up drill site | 3.1 De-rig equipment appropriately 3.2 Clear site of debris 3.3 Remove auxiliary services to allocated area 3.4 Confirm equipment is ready for transport |
4. Carry out operator maintenance | 4.1 Carry out shutdown procedures 4.2 Service and make minor adjustments to equipment 4.3 Inspect equipment and reports faults and make equipment available for routine operational servicing |
5. Carry out housekeeping activities | 5.1 Clean equipment to maintain condition and ensure safe and efficient operations 5.2 Clean and store auxiliary service equipment 5.3 Complete all written documentation clearly, concisely and on time 5.4 Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift |
Evidence of Performance
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 documentation, policies and procedures
works effectively with others to undertake and complete underground development drilling that meets all of the required outcomes including:
organising work activities to meet all task requirements
communicating both verbally and orally that is clear and concise with others to receive and pass on changing of shift information
demonstrates completion of conducting underground development drilling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
demonstrating accurate drilling and driving techniques
planning and preparing for drilling
drilling and monitoring progress
packing-up the drill site
carrying out operator maintenance and housekeeping activities
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following when conducting underground development drilling:
relevant legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
equipment safety requirements
reading and interpreting geological and technical data (e.g. basic)
manufacturer’s specifications
application of mining regulations
road rules
Assessment Conditions
An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing: and,
this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,
this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,
assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,
assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,
where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,
assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:
Industry sector | AQF** Level | Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction | 1 | 1 Year |
2 | 2 Years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying) | 3-6 | 3 Years |
Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction | 3-6 | 5 Years |
Other sectors | Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. | |
*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.
**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.