This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to set up and prepare for drilling operations in Drilling.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational 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 the setting up and preparing for drilling operations including:

operating ancillary equipment

interpreting graphical representation, including maps, diagrams

applying metric and imperial conversions

applying mathematical skills, including:

addition

subtraction

multiplication

division

using appropriate instruments to measure:

volume

quantities

mass

weight

length

using calculating tools

applying estimating skills, e.g. mental arithmetic, visualisation of size and quantity

applying basic geometry to interpret depth, direction and azimuth of a hole

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the setting up and preparing for drilling operations 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 setting up and preparing for drilling operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

coordinating drill team members and activities

determining location and nature of any installed services near or crossing the proposed drill plan

identifying and obtaining all necessary permits and consents

select locations for storage of chemicals/fuels/incompatible items /ancillary equipment

ensuring a solid foundation for the rig

interpreting plans and positioning equipment accurately

stabilising drill

aligning and securing mast at correct angle

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in setting up and preparing for drilling operations through:

accessing, interpreting and applying the organization and site requirements and procedures for;

work, health and safety

environmental issues

operating drill rig

housekeeping

identifying equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

complying with operational and maintenance procedures, including:

controlling flow off site

disposing of waste

no excess clearing

prevention of spread of contaminants

using soil sampling and basic geological knowledge, including classification of rocks, drillability and stability

applying safe work practices and identifying and reporting all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

applying fault finding and troubleshooting techniques

using team work principals

understanding communication systems, and complying with site radio procedures, e.g. 2-way radio

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