Selecting appropriate geotechnical and geoenvironmental professionals, site investigation contractors, and specialist test houses

The selection of a competent specialist team is important if an appropriate and effective site investigation is to be carried out, making the best use of subcontractor expertise. This appendix deals with levels and types of competence, where appropriate quoting directly from documentation and web sources from professional institutions.

The following personnel may contribute to site investigations

The educational, skill and experience levels vary considerably between these groups.

A Driller may be an unskilled, inexperienced labourer, or may have considerable experience, having acted as a rig foreman. Lead Drillers are generally required, when recruited, to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence. The British Drilling Association (BDA) accreditation/NVQ Level 2 lead driller qualification is increasingly considered necessary for foremen drillers.