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

This unit is appropriate for those working in drillers assistant 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 assisting with cable tool drilling including:

identification of thread types

identification of bits in use and how to measure them

operating rod handling equipment

refuelling operations on vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary equipment

identification and application of correct lubricants

correct handling of samples

carrying out housekeeping

identification and mixing of drill fluids

identification of bits to suit differing ground conditions

works effectively with others to assist with cable tool 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 with cable tool drilling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

fitting/removing and measuring correct bits to/from the tool string

laying out tools and equipment in readiness for drilling

inspecting tool string components and replacing worn/damaged components

operating rod/casing handling equipment

ensuring no surface contamination of samples

identification of and correct mixing of drill fluids

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in assisting cable tool drilling through:

applying the organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

work, health and safety

environmental issues

handling requirements drilling equipment

housekeeping

identification and care of samples including storage and transport

identifying cable tool drilling equipment, components and names

identifying bit types and their applications to different geological conditions

reading, interpreting and complying with safety data sheets (SDS)

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

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