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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan and prepare for operations
  2. Operate, maintain and repair mud conditioning equipment

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:

operate drilling fluids and mud pits on at least two occasions, including:

recognising and reporting equipment malfunction or failure

aligning valves in pits for operability and safety

operating and servicing mud treatment equipment

performing periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on mud condition equipment

operating and servicing transfer valve

weighing mud and performing viscosity checks

maintaining volumes and types of drilling fluids as required

regularly monitoring pit levels, mud properties and cuttings size

performing numerical calculations, including:

mud viscosity

mud weight

volume

uphole velocity

quantities

pressure

water loss.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation, policies and procedures required to operate drilling fluids and mud pits

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for the operation of drilling fluids and mud pits, including:

identifying, addressing and reporting potential hazards and risks

carrying out emergency response

identifying, addressing and reporting environmental issues

preparing written records and reports

rectifying any identified faults and malfunctions within scope of own role and escalating where required

work with others to undertake the operation of drilling fluids and mud pits that meet 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 resolve coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.


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:

warning signs of kicks

functions of mud pits

mud properties

types of drilling fluids

troubleshooting techniques relevant to operating drilling fluids and mud pits

key legislation required for operating drilling fluids and mud pits

key policies, procedures and established requirements for operating drilling fluids and mud pits, including those for:

mixing to ensure required properties in drilling fluid

mixing and handling chemicals according to manufacturer data sheet

storing chemicals

operating a forklift

safe operating procedures when operating equipment

identifying faults with, performing maintenance on and cleaning mud conditioning equipment

identifying and managing environmental issues.