Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 3:23 PM AWST
23/07/2026 3:23 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conduct underground development drilling
Conduct underground development drilling
Unit of competency
National Code
RIIBHD302A
RIIBHD302A
State Code
WB038
WB038
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/11/2011
Field of Education
030303 - Mining Engineering
Original Release Date
24/11/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers conducting development drilling in underground metalliferous mines. It includes: planning and preparing for drilling; drilling and monitoring progress; packing-up the drill site and carrying out operator maintenance and housekeeping activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for drilling
- 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to conducting development drilling in underground metalliferous mines
- 1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift change over details including relevant geo-technical details
- 1.3. Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment
- 1.4. Inspect and assess site conditions to determine if scaling is required and take action according to site requirements
- 1.5. Conduct equipment pre-start checks to ensure equipment is safe and ready to use
- 1.6. Confirm work area ventilation before entry into work area
- 1.7. Check job site and identify and manage possible misfires
2. Drill and monitor progress
- 2.1. Conduct work according to site procedures, regulations, OHS, other relevant legislation, manufacturer's specifications safely and efficiently
- 2.2. 2 Identify, manage and report hazards and potential risks according to drilling plan
- 2.3. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods
- 2.4. Maintain safety of driller and surrounding personnel
- 2.5. Operate equipment safely within working environment limitations and face/ground conditions
- 2.6. Interpret drill plans then drill holes and realign equipment according to drill design
- 2.7. Monitor site conditions and adjust drilling techniques and components to maintain drilling operations
- 2.8. Monitor drilling progress by monitoring equipment indicators
- 2.9. Remove drill cuttings and sludge to ensure drill hole remains clean
- 2.10. Diagnose and take appropriate action to manage drilling problems and advise appropriate personnel
- 2.11. Mark misdirected drill holes
- 2.12. Install collar pipes or lifters in readiness for charging
3. Pack up drill site
- 3.1. De-rig equipment
- 3.2. Clear site of debris
- 3.3. Remove auxiliary services to allocated area
- 3.4. Confirm equipment is ready for transport
4. Carry out operator maintenance
- 4.1. Carry out shutdown procedures
- 4.2. Service and make minor adjustments to equipment
- 4.3. Inspect equipment and reports faults and make equipment available for routine operational servicing
5. Carry out housekeeping activities
- 5.1. Clean equipment to maintain condition of equipment and ensure safe and efficient operations
- 5.2. Clean and stores auxiliary service equipment
- 5.3. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time
- 5.4. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift
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, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
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
Equipment may include:
collar piping
covering devices (e.g. plugs, cones, hessian bags)
drill rig (e.g. electric/hydraulic, pneumatic)
drilling components (e.g. drill rods, bits, augers, down hole hammer, down hole tools)
extra lighting (e.g. flood lights)
flags
hoses
inclinometer
lifting and handling equipment
long hole extension drills
measuring tape
oils
paint (e.g. spray cans)
plates
recovery equipment
scaling bars
signs
support vehicles
tamping sticks
tapes
witches hats
recommended/required PPE
Pre-start checks may include:
air filter restriction indicator
cab (e.g. horn, lights, air conditioner)
computer systems
display instrumentation and gauges (e.g. indicators, gauges, laser levels)
engine and stop engine lights (e.g. orange and red)
fire and suppression systems
fire extinguishers
fluid levels (e.g. windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel)
visual and audio warning devices and lights
drilling equipment (e.g. drill rig booms, drifters, hydraulic hoses, drill steels, bits and couplings)
drill rig platform, steps and hand rails
Potential hazards and risks may include:
ground control failure
lack of ventilation
loose material on working surface
misfires
gases
entry by unauthorised personnel
uncovered open holes
unstable ground conditions
airborne dust and fibres
unstable footing
poor housekeeping
noise
rotating machinery (e.g. drill steels)
electrical hazards
airborne rock fragments
vibration from hand held equipment
Drilling plan may include:
access to inclines and decline depending on the complexity of the process
drive plan
equipment and resource allocations/requirements
face
geological details
verbal or written instructions
mine site details
services
stope
Dust suppression and extraction methods may include:
mobile/fixed sprays
screens (e.g. vent doors, vent blinds)
use of water trucks
ventilation bags operational
watering down site
Personnel may include:
blasters
contractors
drillers
drivers
holders of appropriate tickets
inspectors
licensed operators
maintenance staff
personnel authorised by mine management
service personnel
supervisors
surveyors
tradespersons
Drill techniques may include:
adjustment to feed
compacting
hammer
removing debris
rotation
speed and pull force adjustments
adjustments to drill steel angle
Indicators for proposed holes may include:
collar tubes
cones
pegs
spray painting
Drilling problems may be:
environmental
geological (e.g. ground conditions)
mechanical (e.g. bogged)
Auxiliary services may include:
compressed air
de-watering pumps
electricity
ventilation
water
Parts of equipment cleaned may include:
platform
steps and hand rails (removal of oil, grease, debris)
Relevant compliance documentation
may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
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
Equipment may include:
collar piping
covering devices (e.g. plugs, cones, hessian bags)
drill rig (e.g. electric/hydraulic, pneumatic)
drilling components (e.g. drill rods, bits, augers, down hole hammer, down hole tools)
extra lighting (e.g. flood lights)
flags
hoses
inclinometer
lifting and handling equipment
long hole extension drills
measuring tape
oils
paint (e.g. spray cans)
plates
recovery equipment
scaling bars
signs
support vehicles
tamping sticks
tapes
witches hats
recommended/required PPE
Pre-start checks may include:
air filter restriction indicator
cab (e.g. horn, lights, air conditioner)
computer systems
display instrumentation and gauges (e.g. indicators, gauges, laser levels)
engine and stop engine lights (e.g. orange and red)
fire and suppression systems
fire extinguishers
fluid levels (e.g. windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel)
visual and audio warning devices and lights
drilling equipment (e.g. drill rig booms, drifters, hydraulic hoses, drill steels, bits and couplings)
drill rig platform, steps and hand rails
Potential hazards and risks may include:
ground control failure
lack of ventilation
loose material on working surface
misfires
gases
entry by unauthorised personnel
uncovered open holes
unstable ground conditions
airborne dust and fibres
unstable footing
poor housekeeping
noise
rotating machinery (e.g. drill steels)
electrical hazards
airborne rock fragments
vibration from hand held equipment
Drilling plan may include:
access to inclines and decline depending on the complexity of the process
drive plan
equipment and resource allocations/requirements
face
geological details
verbal or written instructions
mine site details
services
stope
Dust suppression and extraction methods may include:
mobile/fixed sprays
screens (e.g. vent doors, vent blinds)
use of water trucks
ventilation bags operational
watering down site
Personnel may include:
blasters
contractors
drillers
drivers
holders of appropriate tickets
inspectors
licensed operators
maintenance staff
personnel authorised by mine management
service personnel
supervisors
surveyors
tradespersons
Drill techniques may include:
adjustment to feed
compacting
hammer
removing debris
rotation
speed and pull force adjustments
adjustments to drill steel angle
Indicators for proposed holes may include:
collar tubes
cones
pegs
spray painting
Drilling problems may be:
environmental
geological (e.g. ground conditions)
mechanical (e.g. bogged)
Auxiliary services may include:
compressed air
de-watering pumps
electricity
ventilation
water
Parts of equipment cleaned may include:
platform
steps and hand rails (removal of oil, grease, debris)
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 the conducting of underground development drilling
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conducting of underground development drilling
working with others to undertake and complete underground development drilling that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely conducting of underground development 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.
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.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
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
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete underground development drilling
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
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 the conducting of underground development drilling
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conducting of underground development drilling
working with others to undertake and complete underground development drilling that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely conducting of underground development 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.
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.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
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
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete underground development drilling
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W2480 | MNMUDB311A | Conduct underground development drilling | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH013 | RIIBHD302D | Conduct underground development drilling | Unit of competency |