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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare to assist with reverse circulation drilling
   • Obtain, read and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply assist with reverse circulation drilling documentation and confirm work activity is compliant
   • Identify and minimise environmental issues and potential hazards, and assess and address risks within scope of own role and according to workplace procedures
   • Select and wear appropriate personal protective required for work activities
   • Communicate with other personnel on site as required and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
   • Load, unload and move tools and equipment
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and identify steps in case of fire, accident and other emergencies
2. Support the reverse circulation drilling process
   • Fit, remove and measure bits and down-hole tools to and from drill string as required
   • Prepare drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling
   • Add and remove drill rod to and from the drill string as required
   • Inspect and maintain drill rod, bits, threads and other required down-hole equipment
   • Use rod and casing handling equipment
   • Install and seal casing
   • Use, install and maintain stuffing boxes and collar T pieces
   • Obtain and lay out samples as required
   • Split, bag, label and store samples for transport
   • Clean and service sampling equipment
   • Obtain uncontaminated samples using required sampling methods
   • Identify safety precautions for handling potentially hazardous samples
   • Clear blockages in sample and delivery system
   • Note and report possible changes to sample quality due to blockages
3. Use restraining devices
   • Fit restraining devices
   • Identify dangers of high velocity samples in reverse circulation drilling and take required measures to minimise hazard
4. Mix drilling fluids for reverse circulation /foam drilling
   • Check labels and read and interpret safety information and hazard codes as required
   • Mix drilling fluids according to job requirements
   • Store drilling fluid components and additives
5. Carry out basic maintenance of tools and equipment
   • Perform inspections and routine checks on ancillary equipment including reverse circulation compressor and injection pump
   • Perform inspections and basic maintenance of rod handling equipment
   • Select and maintain bit sharpening equipment
   • Complete housekeeping activities to workplace requirements
   • Process records according to workplace procedures

Performance Evidence

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:

assist with reverse circulation drilling on at least two occasions, including:

fitting, removing and measuring bits and down-hole tools to and from drill string

preparing drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling

sharpening drill bits

adding and removing drill rod to and from the drill string

inspecting and maintaining drill rod, bits, threads and other required down-hole equipment

using rod and casing handling equipment

installing and sealing casing

using, installing and maintaining stuffing boxes and collar T pieces

obtaining uncontaminated samples using required sampling methods

mix drilling fluids

fitting restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation required for assisting with reverse circulation drilling

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for assisting with reverse circulation drilling, including those for:

operating ancillary equipment

applying basic maintenance and servicing of auxiliary equipment

identifying and measuring bits, shrouds and related components

identifying thread types in use

applying refuelling procedures for vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary equipment

identifying and applying required lubricants

applying required handling of samples

carrying out housekeeping

disassembling, inspecting and reassembling DTH hammers

installing restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses

inspecting and replacing inner tubes and sealing devices in RC rod

driving vehicles

complying with basic vehicle cleaning procedures

work with others to assist with reverse circulation drilling tasks that meets required outcomes, including:

complying with reporting requirements and procedures

communicating with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating with others to meet coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

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Knowledge Evidence

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 established requirements for assisting grouting and cementing operations, including those for:

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

emergencies

identifying required care of samples including storage and transport

identifying the potential hazards relating to the operation of rod handling devices

clearing blocked sample and delivery hoses

restraining devices on all high pressure and delivery hoses

basic operation of compressors

cleanliness when carrying out compressor maintenance

complying with safety data sheets (SDS)

monitoring sample quality to restrict contamination

refuelling vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary equipment

housekeeping

the critical need to match threads with threads on tubular components

preparing for drilling operational requirements and procedures

complying with the theory behind sharpening bits

the importance of correct measurement of bits and other related components

drilling team roles and objectives.

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