Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to prepare equipment for well servicing air operations in Drilling.
This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that may 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 for assisting with air operation | 1.1 Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2 Obtain, read, 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 1.5 Load, unload, move, handle, use to assemble air and auxiliary equipment 1.6 Select and use/wear personal protective equipment and protective clothing |
2 Support and assist assembly of components for air operations | 2.1 Check and install valves and Ts to manifolds in accordance with instructions 2.2 Clean rotating/stripper/circulating head ensure correct sized ring gasket and nipple up 2.3 Check correct sized rubber for drill string being used is available for use 2.4 Confirm and assemble well head line up specified operation – valve and mud cross (need to identify the way these are used differently to ‘normal operations’) 2.5 Conduct engine checks on air pack 2.6 Conduct minor servicing on air pack including fluid level top ups greasing in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. |
3 Rig up Blooie Line | 3.1 Make up hammer union/flange connections 3.2 Space out stands at correct intervals and adjust heights ensuing a gradual decline towards the pit 3.3 Check stability of foundations for both stands and anchor blocks 3.4 Secure anchor blocks to blooie line 3.5 Connect all auxiliary lines to the blooie line (may include bleed off line, jet lines, sample catcher, igniter) |
4. Handle samples | 4.1 Obtain samples as required 4.2 Clean and service sampling equipment as required 4.3 Safely clear blockages in sample and delivery system 4.4 Note and report possible changes to sample quality due to blockages |
5. Assist mixing of fluids for air/foam equipment operations | 5.1 Check labels and read and interpret Safety Data Sheet 5.2 Assist mix the fluid as required 5.3 Store fluid components and additives safely and according to requirements |
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
works effectively with others to undertake and complete preparation of equipment for well servicing air operations that meets all of the required outcomes including:
complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures
communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions
communicating clearly and concisely with others to resolve coordination requirements throughout work activities
demonstrates completion of the preparation of equipment for well servicing air operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
applies good housekeeping principles
installs restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses
assisting in the assembly the component for air operations
starts up, fuels and maintains the air pack
rigging up and securing the blooie line
identifies and assists in the mixing of drilling fluids
identifies and uses correct lubricants
applies correct handling of samples
disassembles, inspects and identifies drill bit and subs
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of preparing equipment for well servicing air operations through:
accessing, interpreting and applying the organisation and site requirements and procedures
determining reasons for identification and care of samples
interpretation and use of safety data sheets (SDS)
basic operation of compressors and the need for cleanliness when carrying out compressor maintenance
knowledge of the critical need to match threads with threads on tubular components
carrying out drilling operational requirements and procedures
monitoring of sample quality to restrict contamination
knowledge of the importance of correct measurement of bits and other related components
methods for clearing blockages in air or rotary holes
methods of clearing blocked sample and delivery hoses
knowledge of the requirement of restraining devices on all high pressure and delivery hoses
identifying potential hazards with the operation of rod handling devices
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 is best assessed in the context of this sector’s 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 this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills; 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.