This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to assist diamond core drilling in Drilling.

This unit is appropriate for those working in driller assistants roles.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of assisting with diamond core drilling including:

identifying and measuring core bits, reamer shells and related components

identifying thread types

identifying bits to suit thread types

safely storing diamond tools

use rod handling equipment and methods

adding and removing drill rods to the line string

refuelling vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary equipment

identifying and applying correct lubricants

identifying and applying correct handling of samples

conducting housekeeping

correctly identifying and mixing drill fluids

basic maintenance of mud and/or water delivery pumps

applying appropriate lifting techniques

collection of sludge and chip samples

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the assisting with diamond core drilling 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 assisting diamond core drilling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

assembling core barrel components

preparing drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling

adding and removing drill rods and core inner tubes

dismantling inner tube for recovery of core samples

ensuring correct sequencing of core samples in core trays

applying correct mixing procedure for the drilling fluid

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in assisting diamond core drilling through:

applying the organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

work health and safety

environment issues

identifying reasons for identification and care of samples including storage and transport

identifying information to be placed on core boxes/core marker blocks

identifying diamond coring equipment, components and system of names

identifying requirements for collaring of bore holes, including equipment, methods, seals and installation

carrying out maintenance of stuffing boxes and/or ‘T’ pieces

identifying mud pumps and their applications

applying basic knowledge of bit types and their applications to different geological conditions

applying basic knowledge of fluid circulation system and its effect on hole integrity and sample quality

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:

*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 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.

Drilling