This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply prepare and operate drilling fluid systems in drilling. It prepares individuals to establish operational requirements, select and test equipment, prepare and pump drilling fluids and operate a hopper system.

It applies to those working in assistant 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:

prepare and operate drilling fluid systems on at least two occasions, including:

maintaining and operating mud mixers, dump valves and equalising valves in the mud pits system

adding mud materials to mud systems as instructed

taking and recording mud properties readings.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation required for preparing and operating drilling fluid systems

conform to safe working practices and operational requirements

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for preparing and operating drilling fluid systems, including:

operating and maintaining all mud treatment units

interpreting and acting on additional flow in the mud returns or an increase in mud pit volume

lubricating fluid circulation components

work with others to preparing and operating drilling fluid systems tasks that meet required outcomes, including:

organising work activities to meet task requirements

communicating with others to receive and clarify work instructions.

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 preparing and operating drilling fluid systems, including those for:

work health and safety and individual obligations

operating and maintaining equipment including hopper system

rig maintenance

chemical handling

preparing and pumping drilling fluids

complying with safety data sheets (SDS)

principles of the systems, equipment and their relationship to other plant

rig safety and emergency procedures

the layout of mud circulating, mixing and suction systems

non-routine drilling operations

compliance with personnel and rig management procedures layout of shaker, degasser and settling pits, and sand traps

key factors affecting work activities described in performance evidence above, including:

fluid types and composition

geographic layout

type of fluid system in use

hazards relevant to preparing and operating drilling fluid systems

drilling team roles and objectives.

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

include access to:

personal protective equipment

equipment required to prepare and operate drilling fluid systems

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.

*** 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, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Drilling