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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Determine requirements for mechanical props
   • In consultation with relevant colleagues and with reference to prop documentation, confirm requirements for mechanical props
   • Discuss budgets and other factors that impact on the type of mechanical props required
   • Reach agreement on scope of own work and construction deadlines
   • Update construction plans to take account of discussions as required
2. Prepare for construction work
   • Select the most appropriate construction techniques and mechanical devices based on an analysis of how prop items are to be used
   • Select tools, equipment and materials for mechanical props according to construction plans
   • Calculate quantities of required materials, avoiding waste where possible
3. Undertake construction work
   • Follow construction plans to create mechanical props, ensuring that safety procedures are followed at all times
   • Check items produced in terms of durability, quality of finish, and suitability for production requirements
4. Complete construction work
   • Seek feedback on work in progress and adjust techniques as required
   • Prepare items in readiness for finishing, according to production requirements
   • Contribute to evaluation of prop construction processes and note ways to improve own work performance

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

construct prop items that incorporate the use of mechanical devices for at least one production or event

follow safety procedures

meet work deadlines

work collaboratively.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements the individual must:

describe ways in which the following types of mechanical props can be used in productions and events:

cable-controlled

electrically-controlled

mechanically-controlled

pneumatically-controlled

describe issues and challenges that typically arise when constructing mechanical props and suggest ways to address them

provide examples of the types of mechanical props that are usually constructed and those more likely to be acquired by other means

explain the mechanical principles behind the following devices commonly used to construct mechanical props:

cables

fulcrums

levers

explain how common mechanical devices can be used to create different effects on stage

describe safety issues associated with materials, tools and equipment used to construct mechanical props.

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