RIINHB411A - Construct artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
Assessor Resource
RIINHB411A Construct artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational or supervisory role or as a technical specialist, at worksites within:
Drilling
This unit covers construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores in the drilling industry. It includes planning and preparing for construction including liaising with client and/or other relevant parties, designing production bores for artesian aquifer systems, constructing production bores in artesian aquifer systems, developing a bore, disinfecting/decontaminating bore and drilling equipment, carrying out bore maintenance and rehabilitation, and decommissioning artesian wells with flowing and/or nonflowing elements. 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 the unit.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Co-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
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.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for supervision of the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient supervision of the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
working with others to plan, prepare and conduct supervision of the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
evidence of the consistent successful supervision of the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistent achievement of required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to construct artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores:
apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for supervision of the construction of artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
aquifer sand sieve analysis tests
calculation of the specific capacity of a bore
calculation of grout component quantities, i.e. cement powder, water and other additives as required
calculation of hole and annular volumes
calculation of grout specific gravity
determination of grain size and selection of appropriate artificial pack material
calculation of total pressure head for artesian aquifers
calculation of mud specific gravity to control formation fluid pressure
use and baryte and or salt to weight drilling fluids
numerical including calculations such as:
volume (e.g. mud pits, drums, tanks or bore holes of given dimensions, annulus)
up hole velocity
cement/water/additives quantities
screen design parameters
flow rates (e.g. l/sec, GPM)
conversion from imperial to metric and vice versa
conducting a sieve analysis
required mud weight to control formation fluid pressures
writing tasks including:
state/territory bore completion report
daily drill operation report
diagrams
brief descriptions
plotting information on a graph (e.g. plotting results from a sieve analysis)
reading and interpreting materials including:
plans
diagrams
bore log
graphs
books
Required knowledge
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to construct artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores:
legal requirements under the relevant State/Territory Water Act
equipment - characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
basic geological formations, i.e. basic knowledge of both soil and rock classifications and various formations which permit groundwater movement and factors affecting groundwater quality rock/soil types including:
aquifer systems
drillability
stability
potential safety hazards and sources of contamination when siting a bore
the necessity of having a signed agreement/contract with the client
requirements for water sampling for laboratory testing
tests for alignment and plumbness of bores
appropriate casing materials for various applications
hole preparation for cementing (grouting) operations
effects of various cement (grout) additives
pressure cementing methods
casing collapse characteristics
applications for wire-wound screens
screen design parameters to ensure appropriate entrance velocities
interpretation of sieve analysis results
applications for natural pack, stabilising fill and artificial pack completion techniques
objectives of bore development
test pumping procedures
flow recession test procedures
appropriate disinfecting chemicals and procedures
appropriate headworks design for class 3 bore applications
characteristics of 'good samples' required for water well construction
ways in which sampling errors can occur
types of drilling fluids, their selection, use, testing and conditioning
problem solving techniques
grout placement methods and procedures including pressure grouting
range of numerical calculations
relevant occupational health and safety requirements including principles of Duty of Care
appropriate fishing operations for the type(s) of drilling being undertaken
use of materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
code of practice
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
licences including:
Water Well licence (Class 3)
Licence for particular drilling method such as:
cable tool
auger
rotary air
rotary mud
Bore Construction Permit
Bore Development/Works Approval
Australian standards (e.g. AS 2368 - Test Pumping Water Bores)
ARMCANZ Minimum Construction Requirements for Water Bores in Australia July 1997
Work instructions may come from briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include:
nature and scope of tasks
specifications
quality of finished works
achieved targets
operational conditions
obtaining of required permits
site layout
out of bounds areas
worksite inspection requirements
lighting conditions
plant of equipment defects
coordination requirements or issues
contamination control requirements
environmental control requirements
barricade and signage requirements
Hazards may include:
working in proximity to drilling rig
Coordination requirements may include:
regular up to date information on progress, and/or problems encountered to client and/or other relevant parties.
other equipment operators
maintenance personnel
supervisors
site personnel
Bore development may include:
chemical
air lift surging and pumping
over pumping
Documented information may include:
results of test hole
hydrogeological data and reports
geological data
old bore hole logs
results from sieve analysis tests
geophysical logging results
Design the bore may include:
geophysical logs
physical samples
results of mechanical testing of soils
water test analyses
interpretation of soft/hard zones
losses of drilling fluid
bore log and in hole test results/measurements
records of nearby bores
geological maps
Procedures may include:
solvent cement (PVC)
stainless steel screws (PVC)
welding (steel)
threaded (PC, FRP, ABS)
locking strip or wire rope casing joiners
Equipment for assembly and slotting may include:
hand tools
power driven (electric, hydraulic or air) tools/equipment
casing lifter sockets
pipe cutter and beveller
welder and oxy cutter
solvent
centralisers
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions for the allocated task
Identify, manage and report all potential hazards
Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities
Discuss scope of work with client and give technical advice, cost structure, workmanship warranty, quantity and quality of materials, construction standards and methods to be used and gain general agreement on drilling plan
Provide detailed strata logs, pump and development test results conducted during bore development and water and strata samples to the appropriate authorities as required by the relevant State/Territory legislation/licensing agency
Complete all requirements for bore completion reports, decommissioning or abandonment and send to regulatory authorities within the time specified on bore licence
Determine most appropriate construction methods from the reading and interpretation of all available documented information
Design the bore to ensure the exclusion of unsuitable waters and to prevent the inter-mixing of aquifers with different water quality and/or Standing Water Levels
Determine a drilling fluid program to suit the expected down-hole conditions and anticipated pressures
Select a bore site that will prevent contamination and minimise interference with other bores and that is safe with respect to potential occupational health and safety hazards
Select likely water entry mechanism from the formation to the bore such as open hole, slotted casing screens, gravel packs
Plot and interpret sieve analysis results onto graphs
Select appropriate bore/surface casing types, size, strength and wall thicknesses for the anticipated ground/water quality and pressure conditions and any construction requirements
Ensure all necessary materials anticipated for the job are available and on site prior to commencement of construction phase
Use approved procedures to select, slot, assemble and insert casing and screens suitable for the formations in which they are deployed
Use equipment for assembly and slotting safely and in accordance with approved procedures
Select, mix and place grout or otherwise seal surface casing from 10 m into competent impermeable strata and back to the surface with a minimum sheath thickness of 20mm above maximum shoe of coupling joint diameter size
Conduct grouting operations to seal intermediate and/or inner production casing strings with a 15mm minimum thickness grout sheath or to seal selected zones so that the water from the production bore is drawn from one primary formation only, (unless otherwise allowed by the permit)
Construct bore in accordance with any applicable regulations, minimum construction requirements and the organisation's internal procedures
Use and maintain drilling fluids and additives within the manufacturer's recommendations and that are non toxic and capable of complete removal from the bore upon completion
Maintain, test and record fluid properties such as viscosity, mud weight, filtration and sand content so that the potential capacity, efficiency or quality of the bore is not affected
Maintain plumbness and alignment of the hole within the required limitations and carry out a plumbness test if required
Prepare for and recognise symptoms of a formation kick and take action to control the bore
Collect, store, record, label and transport formation samples in accordance with licensing requirements
Collect, test, store, record, label and transport water samples for chemical analysis in accordance with licensing requirements
Maintain all records accurately and legibly
Arrange for geophysical logging tools to be run in bore if required
Accurately calculate hole, annular fill or pack materials and mud pit volumes in cubic metres or litres
Determine aquifer formation grain size distribution from sieve analysis and interpret appropriate gravel pack and screen slot aperture dimensions for gravel packed wells
Select appropriate gravel pack materials
Place artificial pack material in a manner that will ensure uniform distribution in the annular space without bridging
Comply with relevant workplace occupational health and safety requirements for both the drilling equipment and construction materials
Remove drilling fluids from the bore to allow subsequent development
Maintain tool string inventories
Construct headworks for the bore including isolation valves to retain/control artesian flow and to permit independent testing of both pressure and flow without interference to reticulation system
Identify and protect headworks of the bore
Construct headworks to seal and cap the bore from surface water pollutants, environmental concerns and damage
Dispose of/neutralise wastewater or hazardous materials from site and complete restoration of the bore site camp facilities
Use development techniques with care to prevent collapsing of casing or screens
Use development techniques to maintain and improve hydraulic transmissivity around the bore
Undertake development until a continuous, clean supply of water is obtained, in accordance with acceptable and practical limits set by site, contractual or regulatory requirements
Measure/calculate and record standing and drawdown water levels
Perform pump and or development tests to estimate the sand content and sustainable yield of the bore
Disinfect/decontaminate to comply with relevant standards or regulatory requirements
Handle hazardous chemicals in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations/instructions and any relevant legislative/regulatory requirements
Undertake a process of diagnosis to determine likely cause of bore deterioration
Devise a program of rehabilitation to ensure that the bore is restored to a reasonable condition
Wear appropriate/recommended personal protective equipment when handling hazardous cleaning chemicals and follow manufacturer's recommendations
Determine suitable decommissioning procedures and select appropriate materials
Carry out the decommissioning (abandonment) of artesian aquifer bores, using min 20m long cement plugs sufficient to stem the flow between aquifers both from inside and outside the casing, (slot casing as necessary) or to separate aquifers of differing water quality from each other
Place cement bridges at the top of the surface casing and at the surface casing shoe
Verify position/location of hole for future reference
Dispose of drill and other fluids safely
Record entire decommissioning procedure and details of bore cementing
Complete bore completion report and submit to State/Territory Water Authority
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
RIINHB411A - Construct artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
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Assessment Record Sheet
RIINHB411A - Construct artesian (flowing) aquifer production bores
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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent