Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 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.

Operate mud systems

Operate mud systems

Unit of competency
National Code
RIIOGN303A
State Code
WB228
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/02/2010
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
10/02/2010
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the operating of mud systems in the drilling industry. It includes planning and preparing for operations; operating mud system; operating, maintaining and repairing mud conditioning equipment; operating and servicing transfer (butterfly) valves in mud pits; and recognising warning signs of kicks.
Notes
Elements and 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 with requirements
  • 1.6. Confirm availability of necessary third party utilities in accordance with requirements
2. Operate mud system
  • 2.1. Ensure compliance with good oilfield practice and company policy when operating equipment
  • 2.2. Align valves in pits to ensure correct pit usage as directed
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 and proper operation, in accordance with specifications
  • 3.3. Identify faults or potential faults and reported immediately
  • 3.4. Identify, record and report requirement for repair or maintenance of mud conditioning equipment
  • 3.5. Replace screens or cones as necessary, on shakers, desilters, desanders in accordance with specifications
  • 3.6. Perform periodic or scheduled preventative maintenance on all mud treatment units in accordance with specifications
4. Operate and service transfer (butterfly) valves in mud pits
  • 4.1. Align valves as appropriate
  • 4.2. Lubricate valve stems of butterfly valves as appropriate
  • 4.3. Clean and inspect transfer valves when pits are empty
  • 4.4. Replace or repair defective parts as necessary
5. Recognise warning signs of kicks
  • 5.1. Monitor, adjust and report pit level
  • 5.2. Monitor and report mud properties
  • 5.3. Monitor and report size of cuttings
  • 5.4. Monitor and report volume of mud returns
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
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Work instructions may be in briefings, handover, pre-tour safety meeting and may include:
review of operational requirements
pumping equipment maintenance and inspection requirements
fluid system to pumps maintenance requirements
PTW review requirements
review of relative Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
solids control equipment maintenance and operation requirements
Hazards may include:
blow out gas to surface
ignition of gas
toxic gases
pressurised coal seam gas system
Coordination requirements may include:
drill team
operators of other equipment
maintenance personnel
supervisors
worksite personnel
Equipment may include:
shaker
degasser
desilter
desander
mud cleaner
agitators
Recording requirements may include:
mud test recording
pit level
service and maintenance
replacement parts

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 operating of mud systems
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operating of mud systems
working with others to undertake the operating of mud systems that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely operating of mud systems 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 the operating of mud systems
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
W2244 DRTOGON24B Operate mud systems Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH541 RIIOGN303D Operate mud systems Unit of competency