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ESCO occupation

pyrotechnician

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Pyrotechnicians control the pyrotechnical elements of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Pyrotechnicians prepare the pyrotechnics, supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the pyro system. The use of explosive and combustible material close to performers and audience makes this a high risk occupation.  

3435.20 ISCO 3435 ESCO source
Competences
61
Groups
2
Essential
37
Optional
24

Competences and skills

61 ESCO relations
Essential skills and competences 37 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

24 competences
build pyrotechnical devices

Build devices needed for the pyrotechnical effects in a performance.

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communicate during show

Communicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.

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consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production

Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.

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draw up artistic production

File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.

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intervene with actions on stage

Take your cues from actions on the stagte and interact with them. Take decision on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to product a fluid and consistent performance.

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manage technical resources stock

Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.

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obtain pyrotechnic permits

Obtain the appropriate administrative permits and licences for use and transport of pyrotechnics and weapons.

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operate pyrotechnical control

Take the necessary steps to operate pyrotechnical effects during a performance.

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perform quality control of design during a run

Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

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plan pyrotechnical effects

Plan the pyrotechnical effects for a performance. Develop an artistic vision into a plan, taking safety into account.

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prevent fire in a performance environment

Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.

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promote health and safety

Promote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.

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safeguard artistic quality of performance

Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

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set up equipment in a timely manner

Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

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set up pyrotechnical equipment

Make sure the pyrotechnic equipment for a performance is set up and ready for operation.

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store performance equipment

Dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.

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store pyrotechnical materials

Safely store materials used for pyrotechnical stage effects and the produced trays of pyrotechnics sorting them according to the processing date.

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test pyrotechnical effects

Test pyrotechnical effects before a performance to make sure they work smoothly and safely.

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understand artistic concepts

Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

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use communication equipment

Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

digital
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work safely with chemicals

Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

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work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

Scope note
This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
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work safely with pyrotechnical materials in a performance environment

Take necessary precautions while preparing, transporting, storing, installing and operating with pyrotechnical materials and explosives of class T1 and T2.

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write risk assessment on performing arts production

Assess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.

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Cross-sector

13 competences
attend rehearsals

Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.

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follow safety procedures when working at heights

Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

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manage consumables stock

Manage and monitor consumables stock to ensure that the production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.

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organise resources for artistic production

Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.

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perform first fire intervention

Intervene in the case of a fire in order to extinguish the fire or limit the effects pending the arrival of emergency services according to training and procedures.

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prepare personal work environment

Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

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provide first aid

Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.

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react to emergency situations in a live performance environment

Assess and react to an emergency (fire, threat, accident or another calamity), alerting emergency services and taking appropriate measures to safeguard or evacuate workers, participants, visitors or audience according to the established procedures.

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use personal protection equipment

Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

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use technical documentation

Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

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work ergonomically

Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

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work safely with machines

Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.

Scope note
Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional environment.
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work with respect for own safety

Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

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Optional skills and competences 24 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
instruct on set up of equipment

Instruct others on how to properly and safely set up equipment according to specifications and regulations.

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Sector-specific

16 competences
adapt artistic plan to location

Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.

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adapt existing designs to changed circumstances

Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

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adapt to artists' creative demands

Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

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coordinate purchasing activities

Coordinate and manage procurement and renting processes including purchasing, renting, planning, tracking and reporting in a cost efficient way on an organisational level.

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document safety actions

Record all actions taken to ameliorate health and safety, including evaluations, incident reports, strategic plans, risk assessments.

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document your own practice

Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.

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ensure safety of mobile electrical systems

Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.

Scope note
This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
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interpret artistic intentions

Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.

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maintain system layout for a production

Establish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.

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manage signoff of an installed system

Make sure an installed technical system is adequately transferred and signed off for.

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manage teamwork

Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work carried out.

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monitor developments in technology used for design

Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.

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pack electronic equipment

Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.

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support a designer in the developing process

Support designers in the course of the developing process.

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update budget

Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given context.

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update design results during rehearsals

Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
advise client on technical possibilities

Recommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.

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de-rig electronic equipment

Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.

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develop professional network

Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.

Scope note
This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
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keep up with trends

Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

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lead a team

Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

research
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translate artistic concepts to technical designs

Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

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