Create practical fire effects
Overview
This Standard is about your ability to design and produce practical fire effects. It requires knowledge of ignition and extinguishing methods and the health and safety management which surrounds this work. You must be fully aware of the procedures and protocols around igniting, controlling and extinguishing a practical fire. This Standard is not concerned with explosive fireballs; these fall under the auspices of pyrotechnics. This Standard is for you if you create practical fire special effects.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
create practical fire effects in line with production script
breakdown and budget constraints
check the location is suitable for fire effects being produced
use the most appropriate materials to create fire effects
consult with and communicate all aspects of designs to key
production personnel
- exchange clear information with all departments involved with
effects
- source, purchase, transport and store regulated materials in
compliance with current legislation
- use reliable information to assess the impact of effects on location
and its environment
- provide guidance on all health and safety aspects of effects and
their materials to appropriate heads of department and production
personnel
- ensure there is adequate provision for cast and crew safety in line
with legislation
- employ competent crew with relevant skills and experience for the
job
- maintain records of materials used, transportation and storage in
appropriate formats
- liaise with relevant bodies and enforcing authorities to ensure all
legal protocols are adhered to
- advise relevant people when personal protective equipment is
required
make sure that suitable and competent fire cover is present
record all aspects of risk assessment and management in
required formats, providing documentation to others as required
- make sure that all materials used are disposed of in line with legal
and production requirements
make sure that locations are returned to their required state
provide alternative solutions within budget and schedule when
effects cannot be produced to original design or budget
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
script breakdown, budget and schedule for the fire effects
the range of practical fire effects and how to achieve them
the steps taken to create a stunt body burn
current health and safety legislation and industry standards to be
met when creating practical fire effects
the role of the the art department regarding flame retarded sets
the environment in which the effect is being tested and executed
the necessary fire prevention and retarding requirements
the various methods of ignition and extinguishing
the fume extraction and ventilation testing required
the properties of the different flammable materials available, how
to use them and their disadvantages
how flammable materials can be sourced or manufactured
how to use hoses, connections and valves and outlet devices for
fire effects
- the correct procedures for transporting and storing flammable
materials
how to act in case of emergency or accident
the different equipment used for different scale fires
safe operating positions for crew on set
the appropriate levels of special effects staff coverage to ensure
the safety of cast and crew at all times
- how to employ competent individuals or third party specialists to
work collaboratively within a team
- the items of personal protective equipment to distribute and to
whom
- how to liaise with local fire officers and when it is appropriate to do
so
- what can be achieved by post production and visual effects