Unit of competency details

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 Apply knowledge of nail science to beauty treatments.

1.1 Identify and apply relevant principles of nail science to nail and beauty treatments according to relevant legislation  and workplace policies and procedures .

1.2 Identify main functions and role of the skin on the hands and feet. 

1.3 Identify and describe structure and function of the lower arms and legs  as they relate to manicure and pedicare services.

2 Apply knowledge of the structure and function of nails to nail treatments.

2.1 Identify appearance and gross anatomy of normal human skin and nails. 

2.2 Identify common contraindications to health and outcomes  and provide advice or referral to appropriate professionals  as required.

2.3 Identify common problems of the skin and nails  on hands and feet as they relate to natural nail treatments.

2.4 Identify common problems of the skin and nails on the hands and feet as they relate to application of artificial nail treatments.

3 Promote skin health and care.

3.1 Apply knowledge of nail science to nail and beauty treatments to maximise the promotion of the health and care of skin and nails.

3.2 Minimise damage to skin and nails when performing artificial or natural nail treatments.

3.3 Source information on effects of ingredients in a range of natural and artificial nail treatment products  and take care to minimise their damage to skin and nails.

3.4 Apply relevant principles of nail science in provision of post-treatment advice .

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

• technical skills to:

• respond to possible skin or nail damage situations
• identify client characteristics, and recommend and perform a service, including:

• preparation of service area
• preparation of products and equipment
• preparation of client

• literacy skills to source, read and apply relevant information on skin science and skin disorders to the design and performance of nail services
• communication skills to translate information on skin science and skin disorders when providing advice, responding to questions, and providing information and reassurance to clients on nail services.

Required knowledge 

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

• relevant health and hygiene regulations and requirements
• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• principles of nail science as they relate to nail treatments
• nail science in relation to nail treatments and procedures, including:

• anatomy of skin and nails
• skin and nail disorders
• contraindications to both natural and artificial nail treatments
• effects on nail of ingredients and equipment in a range of treatment products
• provision of post-treatment advice

• workplace product, treatment and equipment range and manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• applying relevant workplace policies and procedures
• applying federal, state or territory, and local health and hygiene requirements and regulations and skin penetration legislation
• applying principles of nail science as they apply to nail or beauty treatments, including:

• structure and function of lower arms and legs as they relate to manicure and pedicare services
• appearance and gross anatomy of normal human skin
• appearance and gross anatomy of normal human nails
• skin and nail disorders
• contraindications to natural nail or artificial nail treatments
• effects of ingredients in a range of treatment products for both natural and artificial nails on natural nails

• applying a range of natural and artificial nail treatments
• providing home-care advice for artificial nail services.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
• that competency is demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of real work situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.

Assessment must ensure access to:

• an environment, which includes as a minimum:

• text and online resources
• natural and artificial products from a comprehensive professional nail services range

• relevant workplace documentation including:

• manufacturer's equipment instructions
• product instructions
• manufacturer safety data sheets
• workplace policies and manuals

• a range clients with common nail disorders who are seeking nail treatments.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Methods of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of learners performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• applying knowledge of structure of the skin and nails during natural and artificial nail services
• promoting skin and health care

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of principles of nail science as they apply to nail or beauty treatments
• completion of workplace documentation relevant to nail treatments
• third-party reports from experienced beauty professionals in the workplace.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SIBBNLS202A Provide manicure and pedicare services
• SIBBNLS203A Apply ultraviolet gel nail enhancement
• SIBBNLS204A Apply acrylic nail enhancement.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• federal, state or territory, and local health and hygiene legislation and regulations
• occupational health and safety.

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• health and hygiene
• comfort and privacy
• designated time frames for the completion of service
• environmental protection practices, such as:

• waste minimisation
• recycling
• reuse
• energy efficiency, e.g. electricity saving devices and practices
• waste disposal
• resource management
• water efficiency.

Main functions and role of the skin on the hands and feet  may include:

• gross anatomy of skin
• major features of skin of hands and feet.

Structure and function of the lower arms and legs  may include:

• bones of arm, forearm and hand
• bones of lower leg and foot
• functions of bones
• muscles of forearm and hand
• muscles of lower leg and foot
• functions of skeletal muscle
• blood supply for forearm and hand
• blood supply for lower leg and foot.

Appearance and gross anatomy of normal human skin and nails  may include:

• structural features of natural nail
• skin surrounding natural nail
• growth and development of natural nail
• factors that effect natural nail growth
• normal appearance of natural nails
• effects of health and disease on nails.

Common contraindications to health and outcomes  must include:

• skin or nail disorders or diseases
• allergic reactions
• bruising or swelling
• areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
• cuts or abrasions
• recent operations
• areas of recent fractures or sprains
• health and the nail:

• diabetes
• blood disorders and diseases

• contraindications of products used in combination or with other services.

Appropriate professionals  may include:

• medical practitioner
• podiatrist
• complementary therapist.

Common problems of the skin and nails  may include:

• contagious disorders:

• bacterial, viral or fungal infections
• warts
• Tinea Pedis
• Tinea Unguium
• papalomas
• paronychia

• non-contagious hand, foot or nail disorders:

• natural nail separation (onycholysis)
• splinter haemorrhage
• white spots (leuconychia)
• corrugated furrows
• split or brittle nails
• hang nails
• bruised nails
• onychophagy (bitten nails)
• blisters
• calluses
• heel fissures
• bunions
• hammer toes
• corns
• dermatitis
• circulatory problems
• eggshell nails

• congenital or trauma-induced nail malformations.

Effects of ingredients in a range of natural and artificial nail treatment products  may include:

• effects on nails of a range of nail products
• main ingredients in a range of nail products
• pH range of human skin, nails and manicure and pedicare products.

Provision of post -treatment advice  may include:

• lifestyle changes:

• sun protection
• skin care
• effects of nutrition on skin and nails

• retail product advice
• home-care advice for artificial nail treatments
• advice on further services.