Elements and Performance Criteria

Props requiring construction may include a vast range of items but props construction at this level would generally involve the use of:
paper
latex
foam
leather
canvas
adhesives (PVA glue, liquid nails)

Tools and equipment for prop construction may include:
scissors/cutters
sewing machines
hand tools
power tools

Safety procedures associated with the use of props construction materials may include:
ensuring adequate ventilation
wearing of protective clothing
warning colleagues about use of specific chemicals
adherence to product instruction

Typical problems that may occur in props construction may include:
difficulty in achieving sufficient adhesion
need to change combinations of materials

Underpinning skills and knowledge

Assessment must include evidence of the following knowledge and skills:

the scope of props items that may be constructed and the factors that impact on whether to construct or acquire by other means
the properties and applications of materials commonly used for prop construction, including paper, latex, foam, canvas and leather
the properties and applications of contact adhesives commonly used for props construction
types of tools commonly used for props construction
safety and environmental issues associated with the use of tools, materials and adhesives
techniques for the manipulation of materials commonly used in prop construction
the links between the intended use of a prop and the selection of materials and construction method
literacy skills sufficient to interpret props documentation and read product labels
numeracy skills sufficient to calculate quantities of materials and take basic measurements

Linkages to other units
This unit underpins and has strong links to other props construction units and combined assessment and/or training with those units is recommended.

Critical aspects of evidence

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

ability to use techniques materials and equipment safely for the construction of props
knowledge of the properties and applications of different materials, tools, equipment for different types of props

Method and context of assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the use of techniques, materials and equipment to construct a prop

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

direct observation of the candidate using particular techniques, tools and equipment
evaluation of items constructed by the candidate in terms of quality of finish
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of materials and safety issues
review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

Resource requirements

This unit requires access to:

materials, tools and equipment commonly used for props construction
a workspace in which props can be constructed safely

Communicating ideas and information
Reading and interpreting safety instructions on chemicals (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Advising colleagues when a hazardous substance is about to be used (1)

Planning and organising activities
Preparing appropriate tools and equipment prior to construction (1)

Working with others and in teams
Liaising with supervisor on construction requirements (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculating quantities of materials required (1)

Solving problems
Responding to a situation where adhesion does not occur as planned (1)

Using technology
Using a sewing machine (1)