This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out grouting or cementing operations in drilling. It includes selecting grouting and cementing materials and techniques, performing calculations, grouting and cementing drill holes and equipment maintenance.

It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally perform tasks involving a broad range of skilled applications in a wide variety of contexts, which may involve some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services and contingency measures.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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 grouting or cementing operations on at least two occasions, including:

determining and collecting required material and equipment by:

measuring tank dimensions to calculate tank capacity and required volume of material

calculating specific gravity of mixtures and hydrostatic pressures including pressure differences between annulus and inside of casing

selecting grouting or cementing techniques

mixing of grout or cement and any additives

operating mixing and cleaning/filtering equipment

applying cement placement methods, including:

tremie on at least one of the occasions

pressure cementing on at least two of the occasions

constructing well heads and installing hole security devices where required

ensuring there is no spillage of grout, cement or additives

disposing any excess grout or cement

cleaning and storing tools and equipment used.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures

select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activities

record casing lengths and quantities accurately

confirm consistency and accuracy of placed grout or cement

identify operational problems in equipment or process and apply problem solving techniques or report within the scope of own responsibility

use a range of communication techniques and equipment essential to the safe completion of work activity, including hand, audible and other signals

meet written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures associated with equipment operations.

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 to conduct grouting or cementing operations, including those for:

Minimum Construction Requirements (MCR)

workplace health and safety

environmental practice

relevant equipment and material manufacturer or supplier specifications

accidents and emergencies

housekeeping

safety data sheets (SDS)

disposal of hazardous materials

key features associated with conducting grouting and cementing techniques, including:

properties and effects of grout, cement or cement additives, including:

bentonite

fibreglass

spheres

accelerators and retardants

loss circulation materials

possible effects of grout, cement or cement additives on health

team roles and objectives during grouting or cementing operations.

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

include access to:

grout or cement and additives

mixing equipment, pumps, hoses and tools

drill hole

personal protective equipment required for the activities described in the performance evidence

be conducted in a safe environment

be assessed in context of the sector's work environment

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

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/AQTF 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 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.

*** While a Unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.

This section describes those language, literacy and numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Drilling