This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist grouting and cementing operations in drilling. It prepares individuals to operate ancillary equipment, perform basic measurements and calculations, grout and cement hole and clean equipment on completion of task.

It applies to those working in assistant driller roles. They generally work under supervision to undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures.

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

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:

assist grouting and cementing operations on at least two occasions, including:

measuring tank dimensions and calculating volumes

recording casing lengths and quantities accurately

mixing grout and additives

applying grout and cement as required using required techniques

constructing well head, hole identification and installing hole security devices

disposing of excess grout and cement as required.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation required for assisting grouting and cementing operations

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for assisting with grouting and cementing operations, including:

operating cleaning equipment

using mixing equipment

work with others to assist grouting and cementing operations that meets required outcomes, including:

complying with reporting requirements and procedures

communicating with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating with others to meet coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

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 policies, procedures and established requirements for assisting grouting and cementing operations, including those for:

work, health and safety

emergencies

relevant environmental practices

operating ancillary equipment

measuring tank capacities, casing and rod lengths

grouting and cementing

disposing of excess grout and cement

cleaning after grouting and cementing

housekeeping

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

identifying possible effects of grout, cement or cement additives on health

drilling team roles and objectives

identifying properties of grout, cement or cement additives.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

grouting and cementing equipment

personal protective equipment

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the RII Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**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 a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Drilling