This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare equipment for well servicing air operations in drilling. It prepares individuals to support and assist in the assembly of components for air operations, rig up blooie line, handle samples and assist in mixing of fluids for air and foam equipment operations.

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

Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that may apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.

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:

prepare equipment for well servicing air operations on at least two occasions, including:

installing restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses

assisting in assembling the component for air operations

starting up, fuelling and maintaining the air pack

rigging up and securing the blooie line

identifying and assisting in the mixing of drilling fluids

identifying and using required lubricants

disassembling, inspecting and identifying drill bit and subs.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation required for preparing equipment for well servicing air operations

work effectively with others to undertake and complete preparation of equipment for well servicing air operations that meets all of the required outcomes, including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating with others to meet coordination requirements throughout work activities

apply housekeeping principles

apply required techniques for handling samples.

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 requirements for preparing equipment for well servicing air operations, including those for:

clearing blockages in air or rotary holes

clearing blocked sample and delivery hoses

monitoring sample quality to restrict contamination

complying with safety data sheets (SDS)

drilling operations

basic operation of compressors and the need for cleanliness when carrying out compressor maintenance

the critical need to match threads with threads on tubular components

the importance of correct measurement of bits and other related components

requirements of restraining devices on all high pressure and delivery hoses

potential hazards relating to the operation of rod handling devices

reasons for identification and care of samples

well servicing team roles and objectives.

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

include access to:

personal protective equipment

equipment required for well servicing air operations

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.