Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the conduct of top-hole hammer drilling in the drilling industry. It includes planning and preparing for top-hole hammer drilling, operating top-hole hammer drilling, using drilling fluids, maintaining equipment, and responding to problems. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Application of the Unit
This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role 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 top-hole hammer 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. Select tools and equipment to carry out tasks consistent with driller's duties and the requirements of the job, check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults 1.6. Check restraining devices on all pressure hoses 1.7. Fit/replace restraining devices on pressure hoses as required 1.8. Raise alarm/report as required |
2. Operate top hole hammer drill |
2.1. Select appropriate rod type, thread form and drill string components for job 2.2. Measure and select appropriate bit for the job 2.3. Collar hole 2.4. Use rod handling equipment safely and correctly 2.5. Add/break out and remove drill rods/pipes and top hole equipment 2.6. Adjust/feed/rotate drill at right rate for optimum penetration 2.7. Adjust impact pressure and rate to match ground conditions 2.8. Adjust air pressure to achieve required hole clearance 2.9. Measure line string and calculate depth of hole |
3. Use drilling fluids as required |
3.1. Identify hole conditions requiring the use of dust control fluids 3.2. Select suitable ingredients/fluids 3.3. Prepare/monitor the preparation of required fluids 3.4. Use dust control fluids to achieve required result |
4. Maintain equipment |
4.1. Monitor wear 4.2. Check all equipment and hoses 4.3. Replace shanks as required 4.4. Replace/adjust and report damaged/worn parts as required 4.5. Undertake bit sharpening as required 4.6. Grease drifter as required |
5. Respond to problems |
5.1. Monitor operation and chips/sample /air return 5.2. Identify possible problems in equipment or process 5.3. Clear blockages 5.4. Determine other problems and maintenance tasks needing action 5.5. Determine possible fault causes 5.6. Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility 5.7. Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred 5.8. 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 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 conduct top-hole hammer drilling:
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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 conduct top-hole hammer 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 briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Coordination requirements may include: |
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Tools and equipment may include: |
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Driller's duties may include: |
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Restraining devices may include: |
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Fluids may include: |
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Sample and sampling tasks may include: |
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Maintenance tasks may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Drilling (General)
Competency field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-requisite units
Not applicable.