Profession pyrotechnician

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.  

Personality Type

• Conventional / Realistic

Skills

• Operate pyrotechnical control

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

• Work ergonomically

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

• Store pyrotechnical materials

  Safely store materials used for pyrotechnical stage effects.

• 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.

• Plan pyrotechnical effects

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

• Build pyrotechnical devices

  Build devices needed for the pyrotechnical effects in a performance.

• 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.

• 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.

• Instruct on set up of equipment

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

• Work safely with pyrotechnical materials in a performance environment

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

• 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.

• Set up pyrotechnical equipment

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

• Manage consumables stock

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

• Write risk assessment on performing arts production

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

• Test pyrotechnical effects

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

• 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.

• Use personal protection equipment

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

• 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.

• Work safely with chemicals

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Obtain pyrotechnic permits

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

• Manage technical resources stock

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

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB