Tunnel boring machine operators work on large pieces of tunnelling equipment commonly known as tbms. They regulate the operation of the machine, adjusting the torque of the rotating cutting wheel and screw conveyor to maximise stability of the tunnel before tunnel rings are installed. Tunnel boring machine operators then put the reinforced concrete rings in place using remote controls.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Dismantling, moving and assembling drilling rigs and auxiliary equipment;
(b) Assembling and dismantling pipes, casings and drill heads, and replacing dysfunctional equipment;
(c) Operating controls to lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells, regulate pressure in the well and control the speed of tools;
(d) Preparing drilling fluid and checking the operation of pumps to ensure adequate circulation of fluid in drill pipe and well;
(e) Monitoring gauges and other indicators and listening to equipment to detect malfunctions and unusual well conditions, and determining the need to change drilling or equipment;
(f) Maintaining, adjusting, repairing and cleaning drilling rigs, hoisting and other machinery;
(g) Maintaining records of drilling and servicing operations;
(h) Operating machines and tools to extract dust, cuttings and lost and broken drilling equipment from holes and wells;
(i) Closing and sealing wells no longer in use;
(j) Supervising and training crew members.