RIINHB329 — Conduct sonic drilling operations

1 Plan and prepare to conduct sonic drilling

• 1.1Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
• 1.2Access, interpret and apply documentation required to conduct sonic drilling operations and confirm work activity is compliant
• 1.3Identify and minimise environmental issues and potential hazards, and assess and address risks within scope of own role and according to workplace procedures
• 1.4Select and wear personal protective equipment required for work activity
• 1.5Communicate with other personnel at site according to work requirements and confirm briefings and handover details are communicated and received
• 1.6Determine drilling and casing diameters required, as determined by sampling requirements, instrumentation install and client specification
• 1.7Access, interpret and apply documentation required to determine casing diameter to match core barrel diameter
• 1.8Carry out prestart and start-up procedures according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements

2 Drilling with sonic core barrel

• 2.1Make up core barrel with bit, ensure bit outside diameter is matched to pass through casing shoe inside diameter
• 2.2Inspect bit, core barrel, adapters and threads for damage and wear
• 2.3Load core barrel into drill string according to manufacturer specifications
• 2.4Commence sonic drilling, adjusting feed, rotation and oscillation to suit ground formation
• 2.5Disengage oscillation at end of run before lifting core barrel off bottom of hole
• 2.6Sit core barrel on bottom of hole and detach drill head

3 Run casing over core barrel

• 3.1Fit casing adapter/deuce to drill head – reverse rotation
• 3.2Add casing to drill head
• 3.3Make up casing length with casing shoe, check for damage and/or wear of casing, shoe, adapters and threads
• 3.4Ream casing over drill string, adjusting feed, rotation and oscillation to suit formation
• 3.5Mix and use drill fluids as required
• 3.6Break casing joint, leave casing on bottom of hole and remove casing adapter from drill head

4 Retrieve core sample

• 4.1Make up drill string to rotation head
• 4.2Trip rods and core barrel out of hole
• 4.3Prepare work area to retrieve core
• 4.4Vibe core from core barrel into polybag or tray
• 4.5Trip core barrel and rods back down hole

5 Trip casing out of completed hole

• 5.1Use vibe to extract casing from ground
• 5.2Trip casing out of hole

6 Conduct inspections of sonic head, spindle, fixtures and fixings, drill rods and casing

• 6.1Conduct regular inspections of sonic head, including bolts and mounting points for fatigue caused by sonic vibrations
• 6.2Conduct regular inspections of spindle for fatigue caused by sonic vibrations
• 6.3Inspect drill rods, core barrels, bits, casing, casing shoes and casing adapters for fatigue caused by sonic vibration
• 6.4Use torque wrench to check tension of spindle/swivel bolts

What does an assessment tool for RIINHB329 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for RIINHB329 needs to address all 42 unit components: 6 elements with 31 performance criteria, 4 performance evidence requirements, 4 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for RIINHB329?

Auditori pulls the current release of RIINHB329 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for RIINHB329 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing RIINHB329 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of RIINHB329, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.