Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the conduct of air drilling in resources and infrastructure industries. It includes planning and preparing for conduct of air drilling; inspecting and maintaining air drilling equipment; drilling; selecting and using drilling additives; taking samples; maintaining equipment; and responding to problems.
Application of the Unit
Air drilling is used for environmental, geotechnical, mineral exploration, mineral production, blast hole, seismic and water well drilling. Air drilling methods may include: rotary air blast, aircore, down the hole hammer, open hole, reverse circulation or combinations of the above. This unit is appropriate for those working in driller roles, at worksites within:
- Civil construction
- Coal mining
- Drilling
- Extractive industries
- Metalliferous mining
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare to conduct air 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 |
2. Inspect and maintain air drilling equipment |
2.1. Ensure restraining devices are not damaged or worn and are correctly fitted 2.2. Fit or replace restraining devices in accordance with procedures 2.3. Inspect and maintain the cyclone in safe and serviceable condition 2.4. Ensure mounting and security of cyclone is adequate for safe operation, particularly when down hole water may result in release of energy 2.5. Maintain dust suppression systems to ensure minimal emission of airborne dust and integrity of sample quality 2.6. Inspect pressure relief valves to ensure they have not been tampered with |
3. Drill using air drilling methods |
3.1. Select and use appropriate drill rod and drill string components given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions 3.2. Operate make -up and break -out equipment 3.3. Select and use appropriate type and size of in -hole tools given hole specification and anticipated ground conditions 3.4. Drill/open-up hole collar as required to suit given ground conditions and hole specification 3.5. Install drill hole collar casing and seal at the hole collar 3.6. Install outside hole return collar device , if required, given hole specification of open or reverse circulation drill hole 3.7. Operate and/or supervise the safe operation of drill rod and pipe handling equipment 3.8. Add and remove drill rods or casing and other in-hole equipment 3.9. Monitor and adjust air pressure and other drilling parameters to achieve maximum performance 3.10. Monitor and control down hole water conditions to ensure integrity of the hole, drill cuttings and sample quality 3.11. Monitor and safely control discharge from outside hole return collar device as required 3.12. Calculate depth of hole |
4. Select and use drilling additives |
4.1. Identify ground conditions requiring the use of drilling additives 4.2. Select appropriate drilling additives to suit ground conditions 4.3. Prepare and/or supervise the preparation of required drilling additives 4.4. Use drilling additives to achieve required results |
5. Take samples |
5.1. Select and check sample devices to ensure client sample quantity and quality specifications are met 5.2. Clean or supervise the cleaning of sample devices 5.3. Monitor splitting, bagging, presentation, and marking of samples to ensure client specifications are met 5.4. Identify and promptly rectify sample blockages affecting or having the potential to affect sample quality 5.5. Clear sample delivery hose blockages safely 5.6. Clear outside return hole blockages of collared holes as required 5.7. Supervise drill crew to ensure all sampling tasks are carried out correctly and safely |
6. Maintain equipment |
6.1. Supervise the use of specified personal protective equipment when using grinders or bit sharpening equipment 6.2. Supervise the selection and correct fitting grinding disks, wheels and stones in accordance with site specifications 6.3. Monitor wear of in-hole tools 6.4. Check, maintain, and/or replace compressed air hoses and hose fittings or clamps 6.5. Supervise the correct sharpening and maintenance of in-hole tools 6.6. Inspect, dismantle, replace worn or damaged components and reassemble in-hole equipment |
7. Respond to problems |
7.1. Monitor drill cuttings or sample quality, quantity and air return 7.2. Identify possible problems in equipment or process 7.3. Determine possible cause(s) of problems 7.4. Rectify problem(s) using appropriate solution within area of responsibility 7.5. Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred 7.6. Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct air drilling:
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Required knowledge |
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to conduct air drilling:
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Evidence Guide
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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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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:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
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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:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues. |
Range Statement
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. |
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Relevant compliance documentation may include: |
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Work instructions may come from: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Coordination requirements may include: |
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Restraining devices shall include: |
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Restraining devices may also include: |
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Safe and serviceable condition will be: |
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Make up and break out equipment may include: |
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In-hole equipment may include: |
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Drill hole collar casing may include: |
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Outside hole return collar devices may include: |
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Drill rod and pipe handling equipment may include: |
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Drill bits may include: |
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Drilling parameters may include: |
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Drilling additives may include: |
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Personal protective equipment includes: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Drilling (General)
Competency field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-requisite units
Not applicable.