Directional drilling is undertaken for large diameter bores in hard rock or other difficult geology. The directionally drilled hole may subsequently be reamed and have product pipe installed, or it may be for coal seam methane drainage or similar. This unit is appropriate for those working in driller roles, at worksites within:
Coal mining
Drilling
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare for conducting surface directional drilling | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity 1.2. Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions for the allocated task 1.3. Identify, manage and report all potential hazards 1.4. Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities |
2. Bore pilot hole | 2.1. Select appropriate cutting tool and drilling rig and components 2.2. Confirm that all preliminary and safety checks have been done 2.3. Fit locating device to drill head and attach drill head to drill stem 2.4. Align drilling head with survey tool and survey control system 2.5. Drill pilot hole according to design alignment 2.6. Monitor drill path ensuring pilot hole meets conformance envelope and dogleg severity is within limits 2.7. Add drill stem sections as required 2.8. Steer drill head to achieve required pitch and direction 2.9. Monitor and interpret all gauge and dial readings 2.10. Monitor and interpret drill fluid return and drill spoil 2.11. Monitor and interpret drill head position and pitch 2.12. Maintain communication with all relevant personnel 2.13. Maintain drill log and reports as required |
3. Maintain equipment | 3.1. Monitor wear on drill stem, particularly threads 3.2. Dress damaged threads or replace drill stem as required 3.3. Check all equipment and hoses 3.4. Monitor wear on drill heads and reamers and take required action 3.5. Clean all equipment on completion of bore, ensuring environmental controls are followed 3.6. Rotate drill stems in stack 3.7. Ensure drill fluid is contained or disposed of appropriately 3.8. Keep site safe for all possible users for the total duration of the job 3.9. Leave site in a safe and tidy condition which complies with all relevant regulations |
4. Respond to problems | 4.1. Identify possible problems in equipment or process 4.2. Determine problems needing action 4.3. Determine possible fault causes 4.4. Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility 4.5. Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred 4.6. Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person |
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 conducting surface directional drilling: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures apply machine operating procedures apply ancillary equipment operating procedures, including communications equipment, locators and fluid mixers attach drill head, back reamer, product dress slightly damages drill stem threads |
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 conducting surface directional drilling: basic rock and geology types and their impact on HDD operations appropriate drill heads for different geology types appropriate back reamers for different geology types minimum radius of curvature for drill stem and for different products methods of steering drill head principles of HDD types of drill fluid, their uses and make up and adjustment procedures state regulations and codes, including NSW WorkCover code of practice for excavation and similar requirements in other states |
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 surface directional drilling implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of surface directional drilling working with others to undertake and complete surface directional drilling that meets all of the required outcomes consistent timely completion of surface directional drilling 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 surface directional drilling |
Guidance information for assessment | Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues. |
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: | handling and moving loads moving components on drilling rig overhead and underground utilities, including: electrical power lines (overhead or buried) gas pipes water pipes waste pipes (including stormwater, trade waste and sewerage) inadequate communication rotating equipment noxious gases flammable gases |
Coordination requirements may include: | drill team operators of other equipment maintenance personnel supervisors worksite personnel |
Drill heads include: | tri-cone rock bits other down hole cutting tools |
Drill fluids may include: | Bentonite clay polymer pH adjusting agents such as soda ash |
Operational problems may include: | buried utilities in path of bore changing geological formations, particularly cobble, rock or unstable/porous formation reliable communications with assistant(s) selection of best drill head and back reamer |
Drilling (General)
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Refer to Unit Descriptor.