Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare for cable tool drilling

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to the work activity

1.2. Obtain, 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, follow workplace procedures for the use and storage of drilling equipment and all associated tools, sampling devices and connecting equipment

1.6. Take necessary safety precautions when handling potentially contaminated samples

1.7. Wear all necessary personal protective equipment and protective clothing when assisting with cable tool drilling

2. Support the core drilling process

2.1. Fit/remove and measure  correct bits to/from the tool string

2.2. Lay out tools and equipment  in readiness for drilling

2.3. Inspect tool string components regularly and replace worn/damaged components under the direction of the driller

2.4. Observe housekeeping and site safety measures while supporting cable tool drilling operations

2.5. Use rod/casing handling equipment  according to manufacturer's recommendations and the organisation's procedures

3. Handle samples

3.1. Remove samples  from barrels as required

3.2. Take precautions to ensure no surface contamination of samples

3.3. Carry out collection of sludge samples as required

4. Mix drilling fluids

4.1. Wear appropriate protective clothing

4.2. Check labels and read and interpret safety information/ hazard codes

4.3. Apply correct mixing procedure for the drilling fluid 

4.4. Carry out storage of drilling mud components and additives safely and according to manufacturer's and organisation's recommendations

4.5. Perform basic tests on the fluid  and record /report  the results as required

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to assist with cable tool drilling:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for assisting with cable tool drilling
• identification of thread types in use on site
• identification of bits in use and how to measure them
• use of various rod handling equipment on site
• refuelling operations on vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary equipment
• identification of correct lubricants
• correct handling of samples
• good housekeeping principals
• identification and mixing of drill fluids
• identification of bits to suit differing ground conditions

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to assist with cable tool drilling:

• reasons for identification and care of samples including storage and transport
• occupational health, safety and environment issues at AQF level 2 in the non-hydrocarbon drilling industry
• cable tool drilling equipment, components and nomenclature
• basic knowledge of bit types and their applications to different geological conditions

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for assisting with cable tool drilling
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient assisting with cable tool drilling
• working with others to assist with cable tool drilling that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely assistance with cable tool drilling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the 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 workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistent achievement of required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to assist with cable tool drilling

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation  may include:

• legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• code of practice
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work instructions  may come from briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include:

• carrying out pre-start checks
• fuelling vehicles, drill rigs and ancillary plant
• lubricating plant and equipment as required
• setting up ancillary plant under the direction of the driller
• assisting in the make up/break out of tools
• servicing down hole tools, including dressing bits
• keeping collar of hole clear
• constructing and maintaining drains, bunds and water collection areas
• collecting and bag samples
• driving truck and cart water as required
• keeping all equipment clean and stored correctly
• following good house keeping
• washing vehicles and keeping them clean inside and out
• travelling to town to obtain supplies as required

Hazards  may include:

• working in proximity to drilling rig
• release of gases from formation or samples obtained
• spread of contaminants as a result of drilling or cleaning processes
• change in the chemistry of contaminants as a result of drilling and recovery of the core samples
• working in proximity to drilling rig
• entanglement in drill or bailing lines
• string makeup and breakout hazards
• hazards with the use of grout mixers, pumps

Coordination requirements  may include:

• other equipment operators
• maintenance personnel
• supervisors
• site personnel

Measure  may include:

• bit diameters
• clay/sand barrel diameters and lengths

Tools and equipment  may include:

• AWW casing
• slimline casing
• API tool threads
• goldfields tool threads
• southern cross tool threads
• appropriate bits, shoes, clamps, casing, tools and lifting devices including:

• spudding bits
• undercutting bits
• star bits
• chisel bits
• jars
• drive clamps
• casing lift/drive caps

• make and break equipment including:

• stilsons
• hydraulic tong and pipe wrenches
• break-out wrench

Casing  type may include:

• steel casing
• PVC casing
• Casing sealants may include:
• urethane foam
• cement
• gypset

Handling equipment  may include:

• tool spanners
• tool wrenches
• slings
• chain tongs
• casing clamps
• casing jacks

Samples  may include:

• samples from sand/clay barrels
• sludge samples from the bailer

Drilling fluids  and additives may include:

• water
• bentonite
• polymer
• barite
• lost circulation material

Tests on the fluid  may include:

• viscosity
• mud weight
• use of marsh funnel and cup

Record /report  documents may include:

• note book
• plastic bags (write on)
• hole logs