Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:30 AM AWST

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Assist rotary air drilling

Assist rotary air drilling

Unit of competency
National Code
RIINHB221
State Code
OBW29
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
35
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with air drilling in the resources and infrastructure industries. It prepares individuals to support the rotary air drilling process, use restraining devices, mix drilling fluids and carry out basic maintenance of tools and equipment.It applies to those working in assistant 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 work under supervision to undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and take some responsibility for the quality of work outcomes.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 assisting with air drilling
  • 1.1 Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
  • 1.2 Access, interpret and apply assist with rotary air 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 Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activities
  • 1.5 Communicate with other personnel at site according to work requirements and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
  • 1.6 Load, unload and move tools and equipment following required manual handling procedures
  • 1.7 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and identify steps required in case of fires, accidents and other emergencies
2. Support the rotary air drilling process
  • 2.1 Fit and remove and measure bits and down-hole tools to/from the drill string
  • 2.2 Prepare drill string in readiness for tripping and drilling
  • 2.3 Identify worn drill bits and report as required according to workplace procedures
  • 2.4 Add and remove drill rod to and from the drill string
  • 2.5 Inspect and maintain drill rod, bits, threads and other required down-hole equipment
  • 2.6 Assist with conducting pre-start equipment checks prior to use
  • 2.7 Use rod and casing handling equipment
  • 2.8 Assist with casing installation
  • 2.9 Check restraining devices to pressure and delivery hoses and rectify or report identified faults if required
3. Mix drilling fluids for rotary air drilling
  • 3.1 Check labels and read and interpret safety information/ hazard codes
  • 3.2 Mix the drilling fluid according to work requirements
  • 3.3 Store drilling fluid components and additives
4. Carry out basic maintenance of tools and equipment
  • 4.1 Perform inspections and routine checks on ancillary equipment including air compressor and injection pump
  • 4.2 Perform inspections and basic maintenance of rod handling equipment
  • 4.3 Complete housekeeping activities according to workplace procedures
  • 4.4 Process records according to workplace procedures
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State Code National Code Title Type
BFH0 RII20920 Certificate II in Drilling Operations Qualification