CUASFX301
Maintain and repair special effects items


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain functionality of physical special effects items for creative arts industry productions.

It applies to individuals who work under supervision to clean, repair and alter items such as models, miniatures, electronic devices, animatronics and creatures, to ensure operational continuity throughout productions. To undertake these tasks individuals need to be proficient in the use of hand and power tools.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Maintain appearance of special effects items

1.1 Liaise with relevant personnel to confirm appearance of special effects items

1.2 Check special effects items for dirt, stains or marks

1.3 Clean items, taking particular care with delicate or problematic materials

1.4 Apply new paint or other finish as required

1.5 Label, code and store special effects according to enterprise procedures

2. Repair special effects items

2.1 Identify faults, rips or breakages in special effects items

2.2 In consultation with relevant personnel, agree on minor repairs to be made in line with individual level of responsibility

2.3 Use appropriate techniques, materials and tools to complete minor repairs to special effects items within agreed timeframes

2.4 Organise repair of items requiring specialist expertise in line with enterprise procedures

2.5 Complete documentation in accordance with enterprise procedures

2.6 Follow up specialist repairs to check special effects items are available on location and functioning correctly in line with production schedules

2.7 Advise relevant personnel of repair-related problems requiring attention in a timely manner

3. Make alterations to special effects

3.1 Confirm alterations that need to be made in consultation with production personnel

3.2 Read and interpret instructions and scale drawings relevant to the required alterations

3.3 Complete alterations in line with individual level of responsibility or refer them to other personnel for action

3.4 Comply with health and safety procedures and industry safety guidelines while working on special effects items

3.5 Complete relevant workplace documentation in accordance with enterprise procedures

4. Maintain special effects items during productions

4.1 Assist with the safe packing and loading of special effects items for transportation to production locations

4.2 Confirm techniques, materials and tools required to assemble special effects items on location

4.3 Participate in discussions throughout the assembly process to check special effects design requirements are met

4.4 Store partially finished special effects items and equipment during assembly to avoid loss or damage

4.5 Assemble and disassemble special effects items throughout productions in line with production requirements, checking continuity of appearance is maintained

4.6 Disassemble special effects items at the conclusion of productions and safely pack and load them for transportation

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

complete special effects cleaning and maintenance tasks within typical workplace time constraints

repair, maintain and alter special effects items according to safely regulations and production requirements

follow verbal directions and written instructions

follow procedures for completing workplace documentation

assemble and disassemble special effect items for productions in line with requirements

maintain continuity of appearance of special effects items during productions, in collaboration with other personnel.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in constructing and maintaining physical special effects

describe the process for checking the condition of special effects items

explain techniques and material requirements for completing minor repairs

identify typical problems that may arise in context of maintaining physical special effects and briefly describe solutions

describe health and safety procedures and industry safety guidelines that apply to the maintenance and repair of special effects.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

tools and materials required to complete repair and maintenance tasks

special effects items

productions and locations requiring special effects items

interaction with others.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

1.5, 2.5, 3.2

Interprets relevant textual information to establish job requirements

Writing

1.5, 2.5, 3.5

Records accurate and detailed information in required formats using specific language and industry terminology

Completes workplace documentation according to enterprise procedures

Oral Communication

1.1, 2.2, 2.7, 3.1, 4.2, 4.3

Uses listening and questioning to clarify and confirm understanding

Provides information and ideas using clear and direct language

Numeracy

3.2

Interprets mathematical information in scale drawings and instructions

Navigate the world of work

1.5, 2.5, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4.6

Understands the scope of role and responsibilities for tasks

Complies with legal and regulatory safety requirements and enterprise procedures in planning and completing work

Interact with others

1.1, 2.2, 2.7, 3.1, 4.2, 4.3

Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and practices to confirm requirements, convey information and discuss work progress with personnel

Collaborates and cooperates with others to achieve joint outcomes

Get the work done

1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6

Plans and implements a methodical approach for maintenance, repair and alteration of special effects items, with input from others

Follows instructions to make alterations in accordance with manufacturer, safety and organisational requirements

Analyses repair and maintenance requirements to decide on materials, equipment and processes


Sectors

Media and Entertainment Production – Special Effects