This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct top-hole hammer drilling in Drilling.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational 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 this unit

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 top-hole hammer drilling including:

identifying various thread types on the equipment at site and the application of prescribed torque

identifying worn drill pipe and damaged threads

identifying and measuring various bits in use

using the various rod/pipe handling equipment on site

correctly and competently add/remove rods/pipe from the string

applying rotation speed and weight on the bit to maintain optimum performance

measuring line string components and calculating hole depth

applying the correct combination of hydraulic oil flow volume and pressure to maintain productivity

establishing collar hole

ensuring that samples are correctly collected and handled

ensuring that all string components are correctly maintained

measuring bits and related components to ensure compatibility

ensuring that bit sharpening equipment, used to sharpen TC bits are used correctly and safely and that bits are sharpened to correct tolerances

selecting various bit types for differing ground conditions

monitoring sample quality and correctly interpret changes

using prescribed techniques to safely clear sample delivery hose blockages

accepting responsibility for the correct installation and maintenance of restraining devices to pressure and sample delivery hoses

communicating the hazards of cuttings in the return air stream to all crew members

ensuring that drill pipe is inspected regularly and wear rates monitored

ensuring that threads are inspected and maintained as required

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the conduct of top-hole hammer 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 the conduction of top-hole hammer drilling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

selecting appropriate rod type, thread form and drill string components for job

measuring and selecting appropriate bit for the job

add/break out and remove drill rods/pipes and top hole equipment

adjusting/feeding/rotating drill at right rate for optimum penetration

adjusting impact pressure and rate to match ground conditions

measuring line string and calculating depth of hole

preparing/monitoring the preparation of required fluids

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in conducting top-hole hammer drilling through:

accessing, interpreting and applying the organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

work, health and safety

environmental issues

operating drill rig

housekeeping

critical need to match like threads with like threads on all tubular components and make up torque requirements

parameters relating to wear of drill pipe and integrity of threads

function of hole collaring

methods required to limit the contamination of samples

theory behind TC bit sharpening

bit selection for different types of drilling and different ground conditions

problems related to inaccurate measurement of bits and other related components

importance of monitoring sample quantity

role that blockages play in affecting sample quality

methods commonly used to clear down hole blockages in air drilled holes and the hazards associated with clearing blockages

methods used to clear a blockage in a sample delivery hose and the hazards associated with clearing blockages

critical need for restraining devices to be fitted to all pressure delivery hoses and sample delivery hoses, the devices available and their methods of attachment

dangers of drilled samples being returned to the surface at high velocity in air drilling operations and the parameters involved

importance of checking gauges and monitoring pressures, flow rates and temperatures

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