Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to apply rig up, conduct pre-spud operations and rig down in Drilling.
This unit is appropriate for those working in supervisory roles.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare rig up, conduct pre-spud operations and rig down | 1.1 Access, interpret and apply rig up, conduct pre-spud operations and rig down documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2 Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.3 Identify, address and report potential hazards, risks and environmental issues and implement control measures 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities 1.5 Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing, during, and on completion of work activities 1.6 Carry out pre rig-up procedure inspections (by rig manager, operator and crew) 1.7 Coordinate movement of load and sequence of installation and location 1.8 Check equipment for damage and/or loss by moving contractor and report and BI |
2. Rig up to spud | 2.1 Receive and action rig manager authorisation to commence rig-up to spud operations 2.2 Receive detailed verbal and written instructions on use and type of mud from the operator and distribute 2.3 Identify potential rig-up problems and take corrective action 2.4 Keep rig manager informed of operations |
3. Prepare for drilling of surface hole/subsea hole | 3.1 Check drilling and hoist equipment, report damage to rig manager and record 3.2 Conduct equipment checks for nippling-up or cross-checked with relevant procedures 3.3 Check handling equipment for correct sizing and if fit for purpose 3.4 Confirm availability of and inspect, clean, calibrate and record tubulars 3.5 Check well control equipment 3.6 Identify special tool requirements and check if fit for purpose and approved for use |
4. Prepare for pre-spud operations | 4.1 Lock pipe racks with drill pipe and position drill collars 4.2 Inspect casing running tools for safety and fitness-for-purpose and rectify and/or report faults and malfunctions 4.3 Record casing tallies and report |
5. Conduct operations as per drilling program | 5.1 Determine optimum circulating and penetration rates and check deviations are in accordance with operators drilling program 5.2 Continually check mud cleaning equipment and screens for integrity and correct operation 5.3 Check drilling fluid quantities with sufficient being in reserve to kill well and keep hole on full trip 5.4 Record correct mud properties on tour report 5.5 Operate all equipment in accordance with manufacturer regulations and company procedures 5.6 Maintain a sound working relationship with third party contractors |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:
locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures
implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of rig up, pre-spud and rig down operations including:
identifying, addressing and reporting potential hazards and risks
controlling identified hazards
checking equipment for damage and/or loss by moving contractor and report and BI
identifying, addressing and reporting environmental issues
works effectively with others to plan, prepare and conduct rig up, pre-spud and rig down operations to meet all required outcomes including:
resolving coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities
carrying out pre rig-up procedure inspections (by rig manager, operator and crew)
coordinating movement of load and sequence of installation and location in accordance with rig movement plan
preparing for and organising work activities to meet all task requirements
communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions
using a range of communication techniques and aids to advise others of work activity and exclusion zones taking corrective action
demonstrates completion of rig up, pre-spud and rig down operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
identifying potential rig-up problems
checking drilling and hoist equipment
determining optimum circulating and penetration rates and checking deviations
receiving and actioning authorisation to commence drilling
identifying potential rig-down operations
carrying out effective supervision of rig up, pre-spud and rig down operations that meets all required outcomes
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in applying the rig up, conduct pre-spud operations and rig down through:
accessing, interpreting and applying legislative, organization and site requirements and procedures for:
identifying and managing risks
identifying, addressing and reporting environmental issues
setting up work activity
site isolation, signage and erecting barriers
work health and safety
selecting and checking for faults, all plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks
optimum circulating and penetration rates
carrying out work to specifications
applying effective techniques for applying rig up, pre-spud and rig down operations
applying standard working practices and procedures for rig up, pre-spud and rig down operations
troubleshoot during drilling program
carrying out calculations including:
quantities
up-hole velocity
specific gravity
volume
hydrostatic pressures
Assessment Conditions
An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,
this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,
this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,
assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,
assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,
where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,
assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:
Industry sector | AQF** Level | Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction | 1 | 1 Year |
2 | 2 Years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying) | 3-6 | 3 Years |
Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction | 3-6 | 5 Years |
Other sectors | Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. |
*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 frequent site assessments across various locations.
**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.
Sectors
Drilling