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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for mud rotary drilling
   • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply mud rotary 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 personal protective equipment required for work activities
   • Communicate with other personnel at site according to work requirements and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
2. Operate mud rotary drill in line with established requirements
   • Carry out prestart and start-up procedures according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
   • Make up drill fluid according to work requirements
   • Set up drill string, bits, rods and casings required to complete work activity
   • Check, adjust and maintain fluid recirculation systems according to work requirements
   • Install collar and seal according to work requirements
   • Operate equipment and adjust parameters to suit conditions of the hole
   • Install casing, grout and screens to correct zones according to work requirements
   • Identify problems or faults and rectify or report within scope of own responsibility and according to workplace procedures
3. Complete equipment shut down and maintenance activities
   • Shut down and secure equipment in line with workplace procedures
   • Follow maintenance schedule according to work requirements
   • Complete and file or distribute documentation for drilling operations and equipment 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:

conduct mud rotary drilling on at least two occasions, including:

planning and preparing for mud rotary drilling, by:

developing a work plan for a hole, outlining:

environmental practice

health and safety considerations

target depth

construction materials to be used

equipment to be used

mud design

grouting if required

conducting pre-start and shutdown checks

making up and checking drill string and down hole assembly for wear, gauge and damaged threads to ensure components are in suitable condition

operating mud rotary drill, including:

designing and adjusting mud system to suit geological conditions and changes to conditions during drilling, including:

lost circulation

water supply

flow rates

fluid cleaning

hole stability

conducting sampling to confirm drilling fluids are suitable for application by testing:

density

viscosity

pH levels

velocity

pressure control

weight control

filtration levels

monitoring and adjusting up hole velocity as required

installing collar casing and seal

adjusting feed and rotation as required

installing production casings, screens and grout if required

disposing of drill fluids no longer required

conducting routine checks and performing maintenance.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures

identify and control any hazardous conditions and contaminants

apply solutions to identified problems, including if applicable:

significant drilling operational issues including unexpected geology

loss circulation zones

swelling/shales

weight/pressure control

read, interpret and apply safety data sheets (SDS) for handling hazardous materials

communicate with clients, co-workers and management to receive and clarify work instructions and coordinate work activities prior to commencing

comply with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures associated with mud rotary drilling operations.

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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 conducting mud rotary drilling, including those for:

workplace health and safety

emergencies

environmental practice

set up and installation of drilling equipment and materials

processes for mud mixing and conditioning

maintenance and repair

basic geological data

lag time and up hole velocity

key factors affecting work activities described in performance evidence above, including:

types of mud and water delivery pumps and their applications

types of formations and effects on drilling fluids

types of fluids, including properties and functions of fluids

types of bits, rods and casings and their functions.

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