Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

RIINHB304B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Conduct air drilling

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RIINHB304B - Conduct air drilling
Description This unit covers the conduct of air drilling in resources and infrastructure industries. It includes planning and preparing for conduct of air drilling; inspecting and maintaining air drilling equipment; drilling; selecting and using drilling additives; taking samples; maintaining equipment; and responding to problems.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Air drilling is used for environmental, geotechnical, mineral exploration, mineral production, blast hole, seismic and water well drilling. Air drilling methods may include: rotary air blast, aircore, down the hole hammer, open hole, reverse circulation or combinations of the above. This unit is appropriate for those working in driller roles, at worksites within:Civil constructionCoal miningDrillingExtractive industries Metalliferous mining
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable. Not applicable.
Competency Field Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan and prepare to conduct air drilling
  • 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
       
Element: Inspect and maintain air drilling equipment
  • Ensure restraining devices are not damaged or worn and are correctly fitted
  • Fit or replace restraining devices in accordance with procedures
  • Inspect and maintain the cyclone in safe and serviceable condition
  • Ensure mounting and security of cyclone is adequate for safe operation, particularly when down hole water may result in release of energy
  • Maintain dust suppression systems to ensure minimal emission of airborne dust and integrity of sample quality
  • Inspect pressure relief valves to ensure they have not been tampered with
       
Element: Drill using air drilling methods
  • Select and use appropriate drill rod and drill string components given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions
  • Operate make-up and break-out equipment
  • Select and use appropriate type and size of in-hole tools given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions
  • Drill/open-up hole collar as required to suit given ground conditions and hole specification
  • Install drill hole collar casing and seal at the hole collar
  • Install outside hole return collar device, if required, given hole specification of open or reverse circulation drill hole
  • Operate and/or supervise the safe operation of drill rod and pipe handling equipment
  • Add and remove drill rods or casing and other in-hole equipment
  • Monitor and adjust air pressure and other drilling parameters to achieve maximum performance
  • Monitor and control down hole water conditions to ensure integrity of the hole, drill cuttings and sample quality
  • Monitor and safely control discharge from outside hole return collar device as required
  • Calculate depth of hole
       
Element: Select and use drilling additives
  • Identify ground conditions requiring the use of drilling additives
  • Select appropriate drilling additives to suit ground conditions
  • Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of required drilling additives
  • Use drilling additives to achieve required results
       
Element: Take samples
  • Select and check sample devices to ensure client sample quantity and quality specifications are met
  • Clean or supervise the cleaning of sample devices
  • Monitor splitting, bagging, presentation, and marking of samples to ensure client specifications are met
  • Identify and promptly rectify sample blockages affecting or having the potential to affect sample quality
  • Clear sample delivery hose blockages safely
  • Clear outside return hole blockages of collared holes as required
  • Supervise drill crew to ensure all sampling tasks are carried out correctly and safely
       
Element: Maintain equipment
  • Supervise the use of specified personal protective equipment when using grinders or bit sharpening equipment
  • Supervise the selection and correct fitting grinding disks, wheels and stones in accordance with site specifications
  • Monitor wear of in-hole tools
  • Check, maintain, and/or replace compressed air hoses and hose fittings or clamps
  • Supervise the correct sharpening and maintenance of in-hole tools
  • Inspect, dismantle, replace worn or damaged components and reassemble in-hole equipment
       
Element: Respond to problems
  • Monitor drill cuttings or sample quality, quantity and air return
  • Identify possible problems in equipment or process
  • Determine possible cause(s) of problems
  • Rectify problem(s) using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
  • Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
  • Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person
       


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 conducting air drilling

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of air drilling

working with others to undertake and complete air drilling tasks that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of air drilling tasks that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

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.

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.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

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

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete air drilling tasks

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, assignment, 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 in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct air drilling:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply prescribed thread form torque parameters during make-up of down hole equipment and consumables

apply correct internal and external callipers, vernier, rule and or tape measure for identification of drill pipe/rod diameter wear limits, measurement of bits/shrouds and other down hole equipment

apply correct measurement of drill string length

apply methods for calculating hole depth

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to conduct air drilling:

the importance to match like threads with like threads on all threaded components and make up torque requirements applicable to thread form in use

the relationship between pressure, volume, hole diameter, pipe diameter and calculation of up hole velocity

drill pipe and rod and thread form wear limit parameters

the need for correct hole collaring, use of casing and collar sealing techniques

TC bit sharpening procedures

potential problems related to inaccurate measurement and usage sequence of ground engaging consumables and related down hole components

hazard control measures to enable safe use of compressed air

the importance of monitoring sample quantity

the role that drill cuttings blockages play in affecting sample quality

safe procedures to clear down and up hole drill cuttings blockages within the outside hole return, down hole equipment and up hole sample system and/or hose

the critical need for correct fitting inspection and maintenance replacement of restraining devices

the hazards associated with the collection of high velocity drilling cuttings

the reason for checking inner tubes and inner tube sealing devices in RC drill pipe

hazards associated with wire-line operations and applicable control measures

identification of various thread forms used in air drilling

identification of various in-hole tools and correct application given ground conditions

the need for uncontaminated samples

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

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and Workplace Relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

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

achievement targets

operational conditions

obtaining of permits required

site layout

out of bounds areas

worksite inspection requirements

lighting conditions

plant or equipment defects

hazards and potential hazards

coordination requirements or issues

contamination control requirements

environmental control requirements

barricade and signage requirements

Hazards may include:

lack of preventative maintenance causing rupture of air delivery and sample delivery hoses

damaged/worn clean air and sample hoses

inadequate airborne dust prevention control measures

incorrect match of hose size to hose tails/clamps and fittings

incorrect fitting of clean air or sample hoses

high abrasive wear rates to drill cutting receival equipment

incorrectly fitted hose restraint devices

incorrect hose restraints in use

incorrect or inadequately secured cyclones and cyclone lids

incorrectly fitted grinding wheels, stones and disks

inappropriate methods/procedures for clearing sample hose blockages

insecure sample deflection devices fitted to the drill head

incorrect fitting of wire to wire-line winch drum

wireline snags and overruns

lack of provision of restraint devices to clean air, sample hoses and drill head sample deflection devices

incorrectly fitted stuffing boxes and T pieces

excessive drill pipe and drill string component wear

unguarded or uncontrolled access to pinch points, i.e. hydraulic make-up and break-out devices

poor triangulation configuration of rod/pipe hoisting equipment for angle of hole

excessive wear to hook and clamshell assemblies

lack of provision of handling equipment for movement of sample bags and heavy up and down hole equipment

poor ergonomic equipment design for tasks such as sample splitting, bagging and movement

inappropriate storage/racking of drill pipe

incorrect use of stilsons

incorrect mixing procedure and application of urethane forms

inadequate security of outside hole collar devices

drill cuttings blockages (down and up hole)

Coordination requirements may include:

drill team

other equipment operators

maintenance personnel

supervisors

worksite personnel

Restraining devices shall include:

two leg stocking type whipchecks

correctly rated shackles

correctly rated and fitted whipcheck anchor points

Restraining devices may also include:

wire rope sling type whipchecks

internal hose wire type whipchecks

hose restraint brackets and clamps

Safe and serviceable condition will be:

free from excessive leaks and excessive wear to internal wear resistant materials

chimney correctly positioned in the cyclone vortex zone to best eliminate dust emission

Make up and break out equipment may include:

stilsons

hydraulic pipe tongs

hydraulic pipe wrenches

hydraulic pipe/rod spinners

hydraulic make/break devices

make up torque requirements

bit break out plates

In-hole equipment may include:

drill rods and drill pipe including:

aircore rods with inner-tubes (may use IF or API threads)

conventional drill pipe (API Reg or API IF threads)

reverse circulation drill pipe (e.g. Remet, Metzke, Drillstar)

drill pipe thread type subs, saver subs, blow up/down subs, dig-out subs and cross-overs (API and IF threads)

floating/fixed inner tubes

inner-tube sealing devices such as aircore inner tube ferrules or RC inner-tube 'O' rings

aircore trumpets and trumpet subs

Drill hole collar casing may include:

steel casing

PVC casing

poly pipe (to maintain open blast hole collar)

Outside hole return collar devices may include:

stuffing boxes and T pieces for conventional open hole drilling, including RAB, hammer or combined RAB hammer

stuffing boxes and T pieces for reverse circulation drilling

discharge restraint devices as required

stuffing boxes and T pieces for discharge directed to sump or cyclone

Drill rod and pipe handling equipment may include:

manual handling

hook and clamshell

hoist plug

automated and semi-automated rod handlers

hydraulic pipe/rod/casing clamps

hydraulic pipe/rod/casing spinner

drill rod/pipe clamps

rod/pipe spanner

slips

slips basket

Drill bits may include:

blade bits

PCD bits

tri-cone bits

button bits (conventional and RC)

aircore bits

Drilling parameters may include:

rotation speed

weight on bit

penetration rate

Drilling additives may include:

drilling mud (e.g. polymers)

foams

cement and cement additives

hole collar sealants:

2 part urethane foam, and/or

gypsum cement

Personal protective equipment includes:

steel-capped boots and hardhat

gloves

dust mask

eye and hearing protection

general protective and reflective clothing

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 
Ensure restraining devices are not damaged or worn and are correctly fitted 
Fit or replace restraining devices in accordance with procedures 
Inspect and maintain the cyclone in safe and serviceable condition 
Ensure mounting and security of cyclone is adequate for safe operation, particularly when down hole water may result in release of energy 
Maintain dust suppression systems to ensure minimal emission of airborne dust and integrity of sample quality 
Inspect pressure relief valves to ensure they have not been tampered with 
Select and use appropriate drill rod and drill string components given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions 
Operate make-up and break-out equipment 
Select and use appropriate type and size of in-hole tools given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions 
Drill/open-up hole collar as required to suit given ground conditions and hole specification 
Install drill hole collar casing and seal at the hole collar 
Install outside hole return collar device, if required, given hole specification of open or reverse circulation drill hole 
Operate and/or supervise the safe operation of drill rod and pipe handling equipment 
Add and remove drill rods or casing and other in-hole equipment 
Monitor and adjust air pressure and other drilling parameters to achieve maximum performance 
Monitor and control down hole water conditions to ensure integrity of the hole, drill cuttings and sample quality 
Monitor and safely control discharge from outside hole return collar device as required 
Calculate depth of hole 
Identify ground conditions requiring the use of drilling additives 
Select appropriate drilling additives to suit ground conditions 
Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of required drilling additives 
Use drilling additives to achieve required results 
Select and check sample devices to ensure client sample quantity and quality specifications are met 
Clean or supervise the cleaning of sample devices 
Monitor splitting, bagging, presentation, and marking of samples to ensure client specifications are met 
Identify and promptly rectify sample blockages affecting or having the potential to affect sample quality 
Clear sample delivery hose blockages safely 
Clear outside return hole blockages of collared holes as required 
Supervise drill crew to ensure all sampling tasks are carried out correctly and safely 
Supervise the use of specified personal protective equipment when using grinders or bit sharpening equipment 
Supervise the selection and correct fitting grinding disks, wheels and stones in accordance with site specifications 
Monitor wear of in-hole tools 
Check, maintain, and/or replace compressed air hoses and hose fittings or clamps 
Supervise the correct sharpening and maintenance of in-hole tools 
Inspect, dismantle, replace worn or damaged components and reassemble in-hole equipment 
Monitor drill cuttings or sample quality, quantity and air return 
Identify possible problems in equipment or process 
Determine possible cause(s) of problems 
Rectify problem(s) using appropriate solution within area of responsibility 
Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred 
Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIINHB304B - Conduct air drilling
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

RIINHB304B - Conduct air drilling

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: