Supervise The Process Of Small Bore Drilling Training

Objectives:
• Understand the scope and applications of small bore drilling in mining and construction.
• Identify relevant legislation, including the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and SAQA unit standards.
• Recognise the roles and responsibilities of a supervisor in drilling operations.
• Explain the importance of site-specific risk assessments and safety protocols.

Topics:
• Overview of small bore drilling: definitions, equipment, and common uses.
• Legal framework: MHSA, OHS Act, and SANS codes.
• Supervisor duties: planning, coordination, and compliance.
• Introduction to hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA).
• Safety documentation: permits, checklists, and incident reporting.
• Environmental considerations and waste management.

Objectives:
• Identify different types of small bore drilling rigs and their components.
• Explain the principles of operation for rotary, percussion, and diamond drilling.
• Describe routine maintenance requirements for drilling equipment.
• Select appropriate tooling and consumables for given ground conditions.

Topics:
• Types of small bore rigs: skid-mounted, track-mounted, and handheld.
• Drill string components: rods, bits, reamers, and stabilisers.
• Drilling fluids: functions, types, and handling.
• Power sources: hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric systems.
• Preventive maintenance schedules and record-keeping.
• Common equipment faults and troubleshooting.

Objectives:
• Conduct a site inspection and identify potential hazards.
• Develop a drilling plan based on geological and geotechnical data.
• Establish exclusion zones and safe working areas.
• Coordinate with other site activities and ensure resource availability.

Topics:
• Site assessment: ground conditions, utilities, and access.
• Drilling plan development: hole location, depth, and angle.
• Setting up safety barriers, signage, and emergency equipment.
• Communication protocols with team and other contractors.
• Material and equipment logistics.
• Environmental controls: dust suppression and spill containment.

Objectives:
• Monitor drilling parameters to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Implement quality control measures for hole alignment and depth.
• Enforce use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices.
• Respond to operational deviations and non-conformances.

Topics:
• Key drilling parameters: RPM, feed pressure, and torque.
• Quality checks: collar position, downhole survey, and sample recovery.
• Safety observation techniques and hazard reporting.
• Managing fatigue and human factors.
• Incident response: first aid, fire, and gas detection.
• Documentation: daily logs, shift reports, and quality records.

Objectives:
• Assess ground conditions and determine support requirements.
• Supervise installation of casing, grouting, and other stabilisation measures.
• Monitor hole stability and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical specifications.

Topics:
• Ground classification: rock mass rating and fracture analysis.
• Casing types and installation methods.
• Grouting techniques: cement, resin, and chemical.
• Wireline and core barrel systems.
• Managing water inflow and artesian conditions.
• Documentation: ground condition logs and support records.

Objectives:
• Select appropriate drilling fluids based on formation and objectives.
• Monitor fluid properties and circulation parameters.
• Manage fluid loss, returns, and disposal.
• Supervise mixing, testing, and handling of additives.

Topics:
• Functions of drilling fluids: cooling, lubrication, and cuttings removal.
• Fluid types: water-based, oil-based, and polymer.
• Testing: density, viscosity, pH, and filtration.
• Circulation systems: pumps, tanks, and cleaning equipment.
• Lost circulation materials and prevention.
• Environmental compliance: fluid containment and disposal.

Objectives:
• Supervise core recovery, marking, and logging procedures.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and transport of samples.
• Implement quality assurance for sample integrity.
• Document sample metadata and chain of custody.

Topics:
• Core orientation and marking.
• Core boxes: labeling, sealing, and storage.
• Logging: lithology, structure, and RQD.
• Sampling methods: split spoon, bulk, and chip.
• Chain of custody procedures.
• QA/QC: blanks, standards, and duplicates.

Objectives:
• Understand blast hole specifications and layout.
• Supervise drilling to meet blast design parameters.
• Coordinate with blasting personnel and ensure safety.
• Inspect hole condition prior to charging.

Topics:
• Blast design basics: burden, spacing, and stemming.
• Drilling accuracy: deviation and depth control.
• Hole cleaning and dewatering.
• Communication with blasting team.
• Pre-charging inspection: depth, condition, and dryness.
• Safety protocols: exclusion zones and electrical isolation.

Objectives:
• Identify environmental impacts of drilling operations.
• Implement mitigation measures for noise, dust, and water.
• Supervise waste management and site rehabilitation.
• Ensure compliance with environmental authorisations.

Topics:
• Environmental impact assessment (EIA) basics.
• Dust control: water sprays and covers.
• Noise monitoring and attenuation.
• Water management: containment, treatment, and discharge.
• Waste classification: hazardous and non-hazardous.
• Rehabilitation: backfilling, sealing, and revegetation.

Objectives:
• Lead a drilling team effectively with clear instructions.
• Conduct pre-shift briefings and toolbox talks.
• Manage team performance and address non-compliance.
• Foster a positive safety culture.

Topics:
• Leadership styles and situational management.
• Communication techniques: active listening and feedback.
• Toolbox talks: content and delivery.
• Performance monitoring and coaching.
• Conflict resolution and disciplinary procedures.
• Promoting safety ownership and reporting.

Objectives:
• Develop and review emergency response plans.
• Conduct drills for fire, first aid, and evacuation.
• Investigate incidents and compile reports.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions.

Topics:
• Emergency planning: scenarios and resources.
• Fire prevention and suppression.
• First aid and rescue procedures.
• Incident investigation: root cause analysis.
• Reporting: forms, timelines, and communication.
• Learning from incidents: sharing lessons.

Objectives:
• Demonstrate competence through practical and theoretical assessments.
• Review course content and clarify any gaps.
• Complete required documentation for certification.
• Develop a personal action plan for continuous improvement.

Topics:
• Practical assessment: drilling supervision scenario.
• Written test on key concepts.
• Feedback session and Q&A.
• Portfolio of evidence compilation.
• Certification process and SAQA alignment.
• Continuous professional development resources.