---
name: derrickhand
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'derrickhand' (also: derrick operator, member of the drilling crew, derrickwoman, derrickman). Use when the user asks for typical derrickhand work such as: Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.; Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.; Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes."
---

# Derrickhand

Derrickhands guide the positions and movements of drill pipes. They control the automated pipe-handling equipment. They are often responsible for the condition of drilling fluids, or "mud".

## Core workflow

1. Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.
2. Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
3. Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
4. Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.
5. Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
6. Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
7. Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
8. Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.

## Key competences (essential)

- control flow of oils
- follow safety procedures when working at heights
- guide drill pipes
- maintain circulation system
- maintain mechanical equipment
- mechanical tools
- mechanics
- monitor drilling fluid
- react to events in time-critical environments
- rigging terminology
- use rigging equipment
- work in drilling teams

## Hot technologies

- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word

---
*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/41d4be58-3111-48b5-814a-83117983dd16), O*NET 30.3 (47-5023.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*