Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:38 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:38 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 conventional core drilling
Conduct conventional core drilling
Unit of competency
National Code
RIINHB307B
RIINHB307B
State Code
D9375
D9375
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/10/2011
Field of Education
030303 - Mining Engineering
Original Release Date
06/10/2011
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the conducting of conventional core drilling in resources and infrastructure industries. It includes planning and preparing for drilling, operating the drill and drill fluid system, using core orientation equipment, taking core samples, responding to problems, and maintaining equipment.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for conducting conventional core 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
2. Operate a core drill
- 2.1. Identify and use different drill rod or casing types, thread forms and thread make up parameters
- 2.2. Select appropriate drill bits and reamer shells
- 2.3. Adjust inner tube length to ensure appropriate fluid flow around the core
- 2.4. Use rod and casing handling equipment safely
- 2.5. Add and break out and remove drill rods and pipes and down hole equipment
- 2.6. Apply appropriate rotation speed, weight on the bit, drilling fluid flow rate and penetration rate applicable to the ground conditions
- 2.7. Measure drill string components and calculate depth of hole
- 2.8. Collar holes
- 2.9. Install casing and seal at the collar
3. Operate drill fluid system
- 3.1. Identify hole conditions requiring the use of drilling fluid additives
- 3.2. Select, prepare, apply, test and monitor suitable fluids and additives
- 3.3. Monitor fluid return and solids content and implement control measures
- 3.4. Monitor fluid and cuttings specific gravity and up hole velocity to ensure efficient hole clearing
- 3.5. Monitor causes of pressure in fluid systems
- 3.6. Select the appropriate fluid pumping rate for the hole size
4. Use survey and core orientation equipment
- 4.1. Assemble, maintain and use survey and core orientation devices
- 4.2. Read and record survey data
- 4.3. Operate core orientation devices
5. Take core samples
- 5.1. Implement control measures for minimising core loss
- 5.2. Identify core blockages affecting sample quality
6. Respond to problems
- 6.1. Identify possible problems in equipment or process
- 6.2. Determine problems needing action
- 6.3. Determine possible fault causes
- 6.4. Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
- 6.5. Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
- 6.6. Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person
7. Maintain equipment
- 7.1. Use the required personal protective equipment and follow safe working procedures
- 7.2. Strip impregnated bits according to required procedures
- 7.3. Dismantle and service head assembly
- 7.4. Maintain drill string
- 7.5. Maintain bit management, record required information and store bits correctly
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
Employment and Workplace Relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity, Disability Discrimination legislation
Work instructions may come from:
briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include:
nature and scope of tasks
specifications
quality of finished works
achievement targets
operational conditions
obtaining of permits required
site layout
out of bounds areas
worksite inspection requirements
lighting conditions
plant or equipment defects
hazards and potential hazards
coordination requirements or issues
contamination control requirements
environmental control requirements
barricade and signage requirements
Hazards include:
incorrect speed of operation
inadequate maintenance
inner tube drop off
Coordination requirements may include:
drill team
other equipment operators
maintenance personnel
supervisors
worksite personnel
Drill rods may include:
conventional or wireline drill rods
casing - steel, PVC
Drill bits may include:
blade bits
tricone bits
PCD bits
surface set diamond core bits and reamer shells
impregnated diamond core bits and reamer shells
non-core diamond bits
Fluids may include:
drilling mud and additives:
polymers
soluble oils
fluid loss additives
water
salt
cement and cement additives
two part urethane foam
sealants - urethane foam, cement, gypsum
Core barrels may include:
conventional single tube core barrels
conventional double tube core barrels
conventional triple tube core barrels
starter barrels
chrome barrels
Rod and casing handling equipment may include:
manual handling
hoist plug
mechanised rod handlers
foot operated rod safety clamp
hydraulic rod/casing clamps
hydraulic rod/casing spinner
hook and clamshell
Collar attachments may include:
stuffing boxes
fluid control valves
T pieces
gas control equipment
Survey and core orientation devices may include:
single shot survey camera - mechanical/electronic
multi shot survey camera - electronic/mechanical
digital survey devices
spear type core orientation device
ball type core orientation device
pin type orientation devices
electronic orientation devices
Samples may include:
sampling from mud rotary
collection of sludge
core samples
Personal protective equipment includes:
steel-capped boots and hardhat
gloves
dust mask
eye and hearing protection
general protective and reflective clothing
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and Workplace Relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity, Disability Discrimination legislation
Work instructions may come from:
briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include:
nature and scope of tasks
specifications
quality of finished works
achievement targets
operational conditions
obtaining of permits required
site layout
out of bounds areas
worksite inspection requirements
lighting conditions
plant or equipment defects
hazards and potential hazards
coordination requirements or issues
contamination control requirements
environmental control requirements
barricade and signage requirements
Hazards include:
incorrect speed of operation
inadequate maintenance
inner tube drop off
Coordination requirements may include:
drill team
other equipment operators
maintenance personnel
supervisors
worksite personnel
Drill rods may include:
conventional or wireline drill rods
casing - steel, PVC
Drill bits may include:
blade bits
tricone bits
PCD bits
surface set diamond core bits and reamer shells
impregnated diamond core bits and reamer shells
non-core diamond bits
Fluids may include:
drilling mud and additives:
polymers
soluble oils
fluid loss additives
water
salt
cement and cement additives
two part urethane foam
sealants - urethane foam, cement, gypsum
Core barrels may include:
conventional single tube core barrels
conventional double tube core barrels
conventional triple tube core barrels
starter barrels
chrome barrels
Rod and casing handling equipment may include:
manual handling
hoist plug
mechanised rod handlers
foot operated rod safety clamp
hydraulic rod/casing clamps
hydraulic rod/casing spinner
hook and clamshell
Collar attachments may include:
stuffing boxes
fluid control valves
T pieces
gas control equipment
Survey and core orientation devices may include:
single shot survey camera - mechanical/electronic
multi shot survey camera - electronic/mechanical
digital survey devices
spear type core orientation device
ball type core orientation device
pin type orientation devices
electronic orientation devices
Samples may include:
sampling from mud rotary
collection of sludge
core samples
Personal protective equipment includes:
steel-capped boots and hardhat
gloves
dust mask
eye and hearing protection
general protective and reflective clothing
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 conducting conventional core drilling
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of conventional core drilling tasks
working with others to undertake and complete the conventional core drilling tasks that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of conventional core drilling tasks 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 conventional core drilling tasks
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 conducting conventional core drilling
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of conventional core drilling tasks
working with others to undertake and complete the conventional core drilling tasks that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of conventional core drilling tasks 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 conventional core drilling tasks
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W2286 | MNMG320A | Conduct diamond drilling | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH476 | RIINHB307D | Conduct conventional core drilling | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D584 | RII30311 | Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining | Qualification |