List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
1. Plan and prepare for top-hole hammer drilling | 1.1 Access, interpret and apply top-hole drilling documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2 Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.3 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.5 Communicate and coordinate activities with others throughout the work activity 1.6 Select, and check for faults, tools and equipment to carry out tasks 1.7 Check restraining devices on all pressure hoses 1.8 Fit/replace restraining devices on pressure hoses as required 1.9 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency |
2. Operate top hole hammer drill | 2.1 Carry out pre-start and start up procedures 2.2 Identify, select and apply rig operational controls 2.3 Select appropriate rod type, thread form and drill string components for job 2.4 Measure and select appropriate bit for the job 2.5 Collar hole 2.6 Use rod handling equipment safely and correctly 2.7 Add/break out and remove drill rods/pipes and top hole equipment 2.8 Adjust/feed/rotate drill at right rate for optimum penetration 2.9 Adjust impact pressure and rate to match ground conditions 2.10 Adjust air pressure to achieve required hole clearance 2.11 Measure line string and calculate depth of hole |
3. Use drilling fluids as required | 3.1 Identify hole conditions requiring the use of dust control fluids 3.2 Select suitable ingredients/fluids 3.3 Prepare/monitor the preparation of required fluids 3.4 Use dust control fluids to achieve required result |
4. Respond to problems | 4.1 Monitor operation and chips/sample/air return 4.2 Identify possible problems in equipment or process 4.3 Clear blockages 4.4 Determine other problems and maintenance tasks needing action 4.5 Determine possible fault causes 4.6 Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility 4.7 Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred 4.8 Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person |
5. Complete equipment maintenance and housekeeping | 5.1 Carry out shutdown procedures and secure equipment 5.2 Monitor wear 5.3 Check all equipment and hoses 5.4 Replace shanks as required 5.5 Replace/adjust and report damaged/worn parts as required 5.6 Undertake bit sharpening as required 5.7 Grease drifter as required 5.8 Ensure housekeeping activities are completed 5.9 Process records |
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:
Industry sector | AQF** Level | Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction | 1 | 1 Year |
2 | 2 Years |
Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying) | 3-6 | 3 Years |
Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction | 3-6 | 5 Years |
Other sectors | Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. |
*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