Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the operating of drilling fluids and mud pits in the drilling industry. It includes planning and preparing for operations; operating mud pits; operate, maintaining and repairing mud conditioning equipment; and monitoring mud.
Application of the Unit
This unit is appropriate for those working in offshore derrickman roles or as 'mud specialists' working on larger, more complex operations, at worksites within:
- Drilling
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 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 and status of necessary permits to work in accordance requirements 1.6. Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities in accordance requirements |
2. Operate mud pits |
2.1. Give safety the highest priority during the operation and entry of mud pits 2.2. Align valves in pits to ensure correct pit usage as directed 2.3. Double check plugs for operation 2.4. Seal or secure tanks to prevent accidental entry 2.5. Set high and low alarms where applicable 2.6. Operate mud pit room ventilation system as required 2.7. Operate hoppers in accordance with procedures 2.8. Operate dust extraction system during mixing, if applicable 2.9. Check safety showers and eye washes are accessible and operational 2.10. Supervise forklifts operations 2.11. Store chemicals in appropriate storage area 2.12. Read, interpret and place materials safety data sheet (MSDS) in an accessible place |
3. Operate, maintain and repair mud conditioning equipment |
3.1. Engage and/or adjust appropriate equipment as directed by supervisors or mud engineer 3.2. Clean all equipment and visually inspect for leaks, proper operation, in accordance specifications 3.3. Identify faults or potential faults and report immediately 3.4. Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all mud treatment units in accordance with specifications |
4. Monitor mud |
4.1. Monitor and record mud properties and parameters 4.2. Set alarms to monitor mud 4.3. Check viscosity and weight of mud conform to specifications as directed by mud engineer 4.4. Maintain appropriate volumes and types of drilling fluids as required by well program or company 4.5. Use appropriate mixing procedures to obtain desired properties 4.6. Apply proper safety procedures and equipment for mixing and handling of chemicals 4.7. Recognise warning signs of a kick and report immediately |
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 operate drilling fluids and mud pits:
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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 operate drilling fluids and mud pits:
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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 maybe assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for the assessment of this unit must include more than one of the following assessment methods:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Consult the SkillsDMC Implementation 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 be from briefings or handover details that may include: |
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Work instructions may include: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Coordination requirements may include: |
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Alarm systems may include: |
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Equipment may include: |
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Recording requirements can include: |
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Recognised warning signs of a kick are: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Drilling (Oil and Gas)
Competency field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-requisite units
Not applicable.