This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply support blow out prevention (BOP) operations in coal mining and drilling. It prepares individuals to monitor and report BOP safety issues and assist in emergency procedures.

It applies to those working in operational 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:

support blow out prevention (BOP) operations on at least two occasions, including:

disassembling, cleaning, checking, replacing and assembling components of the Ram or Annular BOP

inspecting parts in sequence before assembly, including at least three of the following:

housing/body joints and outlets

locking assembly

piston

bonnet seal

BOP vertical bore

shafts

rotating assembly

welding parts and plating

major piston

bonnet bolt

flanges

extend and retract ports

blowhole and blindhole

participating in identifying hazards and issues

participating in emergency drills and activities on site.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply documentation required for supporting BOP operations

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for supporting BOP operations, including:

determining type of BOP and their unique requirements

applying kick warning (signs and indicators) detecting procedures

monitoring processes including recording and reporting on operations and safety issues

work with others to support BOP operations that meet required outcomes, including:

working in a team and organising work activities to meet all 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:

the principles and practices of well control

key policies, procedures and requirements for supporting BOP operations, including those for:

work health and safety

well control

risks and their controls related to well control

complying with BOP annular equipment operating principles

BOP control system principles

operating principles of chokes and manifolds

kill principles and methods

sources of ignition and their dangers and controls

sources of flammable gases and emissions and their dangers and controls

kick detection warnings, indications and the appropriate responses

purpose, type and execution of well control emergency drills and exercises

using various communication methods and protocols

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 support blow out prevention operations

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.

Coal mining

Drilling