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 operations

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. Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities in accordance with operational requirements

1.6. Conform to safe working practices and current legislative and operational requirements

2. Monitor operation of mud pump

2.1. Visually inspect and listen to mud pumps for abnormal sounds and leaks

2.2. Check lubricating system and identify and report faults

2.3. Check pressure relief valve (PRV) setting

2.4. Check flow path

2.5. Charge discharge  dampener with nitrogen, to correct pressure, as required

2.6. Charge suction dampener to correct pressure

3. Maintain and repair mud pumps

3.1. Check all clamps when pump is turned off

3.2. Lubricate gear end of pump and check oil levels in gear end of pump

3.3. Replace defective consumables 

3.4. Check liners and swabs for size

3.5. Identify faults or potential faults and report immediately

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 monitor, operate and maintain mud pits and equipment:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for monitoring, operating and maintaining mud pits and equipment
• recognise and report equipment malfunction or failure
• supervise and train subordinates to provided standards
• work as directed by driller timely and efficiently
• check pumps visually and audibly
• check lubrication system
• set pressure relief valve
• check pressure of suction and discharge dampeners
• charge discharge damper with nitrogen
• check clamp
• lubricate and check oil levels in gear end of pump
• replace swabs, liners, valves, seats and wear plates of fluid end of pump
• prepare replacement parts for fluid end
• ensure correct liners and swabs are in use
• align correctly mud pump discharge valves
• use of mechanical lifting equipment
• read job instructions and manufacturers instruction

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 monitor, operate and maintain mud pits and equipment:

• mud pumps
• company and safety guidelines, procedures and practices
• specified maintenance procedures
• emergency signals and procedures
• safe operating procedures when operating equipment
• rig maintenance
• normal drilling operations
• non-routine drilling operations
• man management/rig management
• offshore technology

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 monitoring, operating and maintaining mud pits and equipment
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of monitoring, operating and maintaining mud pits and equipment
• working with others to undertake and complete monitoring, operating and maintaining mud pits and equipment that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of monitoring, operating and maintaining mud pits and equipment 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 undertake and complete the monitoring, operating and maintaining of mud pits and equipment

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 including:

• Petroleum Submerged Lands Act (PSLA)
• petroleum regulations
• duty of care

• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• code of practice
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
• relevant permits

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

• safety briefing/induction
• pre-tour safety meeting
• weekly safety meetings
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
• toolbox
• permit to work
• communication through a variety of channels including:

• 2-way radio
• hand signals
• telephone
• public address system
• written work instructions

• use of safety equipment including

• fire protection
• First Aid
• survival

• recording requirements including:

• service and maintenance
• replacement parts
• pump operating logs

• use of personal protective equipment including:

• eye protection
• hearing protection
• gloves
• footwear
• hard hats
• respirators

• consideration of toxic substances
• maintaining continuous communication
• reacting to on-site emergencies

Hazards  may include:

• working in proximity to drilling rig
• working in a variety of conditions including:

• sun, rain, wind, storms
• hot and cold
• calm to severe weather conditions
• 24 hour operation

• materials including:

• flammable
• toxic
• corrosive
• explosive
• radioactive

Coordination requirements  may include:

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

Discharges  may include:

• liquids
• gases
• solids

Consumables  may include:

• fluid
• liner
• valves
• seats
• wear plates