Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:09 PM AWST

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Conduct rotary air drilling

Conduct rotary air drilling

Unit of competency
National Code
RIINHB328
State Code
OCC59
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
23/09/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/03/2021
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/03/2021
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct rotary air drilling in drilling. It prepares individuals to operate rotary air drill, use drilling fluids, maintain equipment and respond to problems.It applies to those working in operational roles for rotary air drilling including RAB, blade, roller bit, PCD and conventional hammer drilling. This unit does not apply to Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling. They generally perform tasks involving a broad range of skilled applications in a wide variety of contexts, which may involve some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services and contingency measures.Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and Industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for rotary air drilling
  • 1.1 Obtain, clarify and apply work instructions
  • 1.2 Access, interpret and apply drilling documentation and confirm work activity is compliant
  • 1.3 Identify and minimise environmental issues and potential hazards, and assess and address risks within scope of own role and according to workplace procedures
  • 1.4 Communicate with other personnel at site according to work requirements and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
  • 1.5 Select and wear required personal protective equipment, tools and equipment to carry out tasks, check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults
  • 1.6 Check restraining devices on all pressure hoses
  • 1.7 Fit and replace restraining devices on pressure hoses as required
  • 1.8 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures identify steps required in case of fires, accidents and other emergencies
2. Operate rotary air drill
  • 2.1 Select required rod type, thread form and drill string components for job
  • 2.2 Measure and select appropriate bit for the job
  • 2.3 Conduct pre-start equipment checks and rectify or report identified faults as required
  • 2.4 Correctly collar hole
  • 2.5 Use rod handling equipment safely and correctly
  • 2.6 Add/break out and remove drill rod and down hole tooling/bottom hole assemblies
  • 2.7 Weight/feed/rotate drill at right rate for optimum penetration
  • 2.8 Adjust air pressure to achieve required hole clearance
  • 2.9 Measure line string and calculate depth of hole
3. Use drilling fluids
  • 3.1 Identify hole conditions, assess requirements 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 equipment wear
  • 4.2 Check all equipment and hoses
  • 4.3 Disassemble, inspect components, replace unserviceable parts and reassemble bottom hole assembly
  • 4.4 Replace and adjust and report damaged and worn parts 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 safely
  • 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 Verbally or in writing report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person
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State Code National Code Title Type
BFI5 RII31820 Certificate III in Drilling Operations Qualification