Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:20 AM AWST

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Set up and prepare for drilling operations

Set up and prepare for drilling operations

Unit of competency
National Code
RIINHB301A
State Code
WB173
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/01/2010
Field of Education
030303 - Mining Engineering
Original Release Date
20/01/2010
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the setting up and preparing for drilling operations in resources and infrastructure industries. It includes planning for setting up and preparing for drilling operations; locating the rig at hole position; setting up drill and equipment; and diagnosing problems.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for drilling 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. Determine location and nature of any installed services near or crossing the proposed drill plan
  • 1.6. Obtain all necessary permits or consents, where required
  • 1.7. Develop contingency plans for changes in geological conditions
2. Prepare to drill
  • 2.1. Check all required personnel, equipment and supplies are available
  • 2.2. Select and wear required personal protective equipment
  • 2.3. Check equipment is in good operational condition
  • 2.4. Walk and inspect the drill site, noting any services, hazards, obstacles or other items relevant to the job
  • 2.5. Identify any services by inspection and from preliminary investigation and confirm exact location
  • 2.6. Erect or place safety barriers where needed
  • 2.7. Check all modes of communication
  • 2.8. Select suitable lay down areas for separate storage of chemicals and fuels or other incompatible items
  • 2.9. Select locations for ancillary equipment to provide maximum efficiency and minimal risk to personnel
3. Set up drill and equipment
  • 3.1. Ensure a solid foundation for the rig
  • 3.2. Interpret plans and position equipment accurately
  • 3.3. Stabilise drill
  • 3.4. Align and secure mast at correct angle
  • 3.5. Position ancillary equipment accurately
4. Diagnose problems
  • 4.1. Recognise symptoms of problem
  • 4.2. Identify and isolate causes and determine solution
  • 4.3. Implement solution if within scope of authority and competence
  • 4.4. Seek help if problem is too complex
  • 4.5. Implement solution as directed
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 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, including hole parameters, e.g. size and depth
permits required, e.g. dispose of waste
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 may include:
obstacles
underground services
overhead power lines
uneven ground
unconsolidated ground
Coordination requirements may include:
drill team members
other equipment operators
maintenance personnel
supervisors
mine personnel
Contingency plans may concern changes in:
geological conditions
depths
materials used in construction
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 setting up and preparing for drilling operations
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the setting up and preparing for drilling operations
working with others to undertake and complete the setting up and preparing for drilling operations that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of the setting up and preparing for drilling operations 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 setting up and preparing for drilling operations
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
W2158 DRTNHB20A Set up and prepare for drilling operations Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH470 RIINHB301D Set up and prepare for drilling operations Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
W682 RII31809 Certificate III in Drilling Operations Qualification