Overview 

This standard is about working with others to prepare and safely set up or install stage electricals and effects equipment and accessories in the correct position according to plans and instructions. The effects equipment will need to be checked to ensure it works correctly and problems that need to be addressed will be identified. Effects to be used can include stage pyrotechnics.

This standard is for anyone involved with preparing effects for live productions.


Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

  1. prepare working areas, tools and resources for effects set-up or installation
  2. set up effects to meet production requirements in line with organisational policies
  3. check effects are safe and secure in line with health and safety requirements during and after set up/installation
  4. conduct tests on protective and safety devices to confirm they operate as expected
  5. check and confirm there are sufficient circuits providing protection for electrical devices
  6. place stage electricals and effects according to plots
  7. connect effects to the correct supply, ensuring cables are tidy and discreet
  8. test special effects in line with approved procedures, adjusting them when required
  9. report problems in the safety or achievement of plots, suggesting solutions that are feasible and in keeping with design intentions
  10. put in place backup arrangements that will address likely problems during operation, following them when required
  11. make required alterations to stage electricals and effects without delay
  12. record clear and accurate alterations to existing plot records as agreed
  13. identify and deal with any faults or hazards
  14. explain safety devices and operation of effects to those involved
  15. check that positions and plots are correct for performances
  16. check that effects are ready for performances and secure from accidental operation
  17. confirm the readiness of equipment for performance with relevant people
  18. power equipment up and down in the correct order
  19. operate stage electricals and effects in line with safety requirements, cue and plot, aborting any cues where agreed safety criteria are not met
  20. check equipment and consumables are safe and secure after use and any debris is cleared away in line with procedures
  21. follow organisational procedures to label, replace and repair any equipment that is unsafe or not working as it should
  22. follow organisational procedures to replace consumables

 

Knowledge and Understanding

You must know and understand:

  1. the range of effects, including stage pyrotechnics that may be used
  2. stage terminology and its meanings including upstage, downstage, stage left and stage right
  3. how to interpret information about stage positioning and plot requirements
  4. the importance of placing effects, including pyrotechnics according to plot and how to do so
  5. risks associated with discharge light sources, strobes and UV light sources
  6. problems that may occur with the setting up or installing of effects and how to deal with them
  7. current regulations and procedures regarding effects material and equipment, including use, handling, storage and disposal
  8. safe and secure methods to connect equipment
  9. when and how special effects should be tested and the procedures for doing so
  10. the importance of backup procedures and how to set these up
  11. regulations and policies governing the use, installation and testing of effects equipment
  12. safe electrical bonding
  13. the importance of installing cables to minimise mechanical damage
  14. the importance of making sure temporary cables are of the correct size and type
  15. the correct protective devices to minimise the risk of shock or fire
  16. fault identification and the correct procedures to follow
  17. the importance of making equipment safe and secure following installation
  18. the relevant Health and Safety regulations relating to all aspects of working with electricity and electrical equipment
  19. the importance of rehearsals and pre and post-performance checks
  20. the importance of backup procedures and how to set these up
  21. how to record alterations to existing plot records
  22. the importance of checking special effects and safety devices to ensure they are in safe working order
  23. procedures for use, handling, storage and disposal of materials used in effects
  24. how to carry out repairs and replace consumables safely and sustainably in line with organisational procedures
  25. the importance of powering up and powering down in the correct order and how to do so
  26. situations in which you would abort cues
  27. the importance of making all equipment and consumables safe and secure