Occupation boring machine operator

Boring machine operators operate machinery and equipment at mining and drilling sites, e.g. for construction, exploration, extraction and research.

Tasks

• Move drilling equipment to the right location, e.g. by driving or controlling its load and upload.
• Set up drilling and hoisting machinery, e.g. by connecting drill pipe sections, etc.
• Connect power cables or hoses for water and air supply.
• Operate the drilling machinery, e.g. by regulating pressure of tools, controlling the speed of rotary tables and air flow, etc.
• Operate slush pumps in order to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.
• Correct problems in drilled holes caused by mechanical breakdowns or by harmful natural conditions.
• Locate and recover lost or broken bits, casings, drill pipes, etc. from wells using special tools.
• Maintain records, e.g. of footage drilled, materials and tools used, etc.
• Report information about the drilling process to the supervisor.
• Supervise and train crew.

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