This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with reverse circulation drilling. It prepares individuals to support the reverse circulation drilling process, handle samples, use restraining devices, mix drilling fluids and carry out basic maintenance of tools and equipment.

It applies to those working in assistant driller roles. They generally work under supervision to undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures.

Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and Industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.

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.

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.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

personal protective equipment

reverse circulation drilling equipment

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the RII Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Drilling