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 Prepare clients.

1.1 Prepare service area, client and self for a UV gel nail enhancement service  according to relevant legislation and codes  and workplace policies and procedures .

1.2 Evaluate client needs and expectations to enable advice and recommendations for treatment plan .

1.3 Advise client of maintenance requirements  and advantages and disadvantages of various types of gel nails.

1.4 Recognise nail and skin conditions including specific nail gel treatment complications  and note areas of hands and nails requiring special treatment.

1.5 Identify contraindications , explain them to client, and refer client to an appropriate professional  where required.

1.6 Select type of gel nail application and finished nail shape according to treatment plan and confirm selection with client.

1.7 Select gel nail products  according to treatment plan and confirm selection with client.

2 Remove artificial gel nails.

2.1 Select artificial gel nail removal products and equipment  and apply sequentially according to manufacturer instructions and client requirements.

2.2 Remove artificial gel nails according to manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets.

3 Apply or refill artificial gel nails.

3.1 Select gel nail products and equipment according to relevant legislation, manufacturer instructions and client requirements.

3.2 Use personal protective equipment  for client and self as required.

3.3 Cleanse and prepare nails according to manufacturer recommendations and treatment plan.

3.4 Apply gel nail products sequentially according to manufacturer instructions.

3.5 Apply, refill, and cure artificial nails as required and secure according to manufacturer recommendations and treatment plan.

3.6 Seek client feedback throughout application and take remedial action when required.

3.7 Complete artificial nail application according to client requirements.

3.8 Safely dispose of treatment waste  to minimise negative environmental impacts.

3.9 Sanitise equipment according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

3.10 Evaluate finished result against treatment plan.

4 Review treatment and provide post-treatment advice.

4.1 Seek client feedback and record relevant outcomes of treatment.

4.2 Recommend future treatment program according to client needs.

4.3 Revise treatment plan as required.

4.4 Offer home maintenance advice and make product recommendations  according to client needs.

4.5 Rebook client according to agreed treatment plan.

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:

• analyse client's lifestyle and nails to determine and design appropriate treatment plan
• respond to contraindications and adverse effects
• apply and maintain gel nails, achieving structural and aesthetic outcomes to industry standard
• safely remove UV gel nails to minimise damage to natural nails
• apply standard infection control procedures
• apply workplace chemical control procedures during application of gel nails, including preventive actions and the use of personal protective equipment
• recognise and manage specific gel nail treatment complications, including:

• product exothermic reaction
• product skin sensitivity reaction
• natural nail separation
• discolouring of product
• peeling of product
• bacterial infection (pseudomonas)
• injury to natural nail due to damage to artificial nail

• evaluate the outcomes of service and advise clients on methods and procedures for home-care and complementary products after application or removal of artificial nails

• communication skills to discuss nail analysis, products to be applied and desired outcome with client
• literacy skills to read and apply product information and manufacturer's safety data sheets
• numeracy skills to calculate required product quantities and service time.

Required knowledge 

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

• gross anatomy of skin and nails and shape, function and growth of nails and effects on artificial nail
• chemical components of gel application process and their properties
• safe and environmentally effective methods of venting nail chemical fumes
• effects of changes created by complementary nail shapes and colour or varnish application
• effects of health and disease on nails and nail growth and on maintenance of artificial nails
• relevant health and hygiene regulations
• appearance of UV gel nail contraindications and adverse effects
• procedures for recording trial nail reaction testing
• effects of artificial nail removal on underlying natural nail
• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• requirements of manufacturer's product safety data for nail gel products
• infection control procedures and application of universal precautions
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to gel nail enhancement service
• workplace product range
• effects and benefits of a defined range of UV gel products
• correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances used in nail services.

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 safe work practices and relevant health regulations when applying gel nail enhancement
• recognising and managing specific gel nail treatment complications, including:

• product exothermic reaction
• product skin sensitivity reaction
• natural nail separation
• discolouring of product
• peeling of product
• bacterial infection (pseudomonas)
• injury to natural nail due to damage to artificial nail

• interpreting and applying manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets for products, tools and equipment
• consistently designing treatment plans and providing advice to meet client needs, including:

• type of artificial nail procedure and product
• product application techniques
• areas requiring corrective or remedial services
• home-care or complementary products

• safely applying a variety of UV gel nail products for enhancement services, including:

• artificial nail removal
• application and refill of artificial nails
• polish/varnish application
• consistent and accurate application of product to nail surfaces, avoiding skin to reduce risk of skin irritation
• applying workplace chemical control procedures during application of gel nails

• effective time management of services and control of product waste.

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:

• a fully equipped gel nail services workstation, which includes as a minimum:

• effective exhaust system for nail chemical vapours
• manicure table
• operator chair
• client chair
• nail table lamp
• implement sanitising tray
• hand and nail sanitiser at each table
• UV light
• desk mats
• desk towels
• brushes
• files, including emery boards, metal and buffers
• tip cutters
• sculpting forms
• cuticle pushers

• personal protective equipment, including disposable gloves
• UV gel nail products from a comprehensive professional nail services range
• appropriate cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
• relevant workplace documentation including:

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

• a range of clients with different UV gel nail requirements.

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:

• direct 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:

• preparing client for gel nail enhancement service
• recognising skin and nail conditions, including specific gel nail treatment complications and providing advice to clients
• removing artificial nails according to manufacturer instructions
• applying and refilling artificial nails according to agreed treatment plans
• applying workplace chemical control procedures during application of UV gel nails

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of the provision of UV gel nail enhancement services, including maintenance advice and relevant legislation
• completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer, coach or supervisor.

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

• SIBBNLS201A Work in a nail services framework
• SIBBNLS202A Provide manicure and pedicare services
• SIBBNLS205A Apply nail art
• SIBBNLS206A Use electric file equipment for nails.

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.

Clients  may include:

• new or regular clients with routine or special needs
• people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.

UV gel nail enhancement service  must include:

• application over French, natural and clear tips
• natural nail overlays
• French backfill
• refill
• sculptured UV gel nails
• fingernails and toenails
• UV gel coating over acrylic
• application of colour UV gel.

Relevant legislation and codes  may include:

• federal, state or territory, and local health and hygiene regulations
• occupational health and safety legislation
• industry codes of practice.

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• health and hygiene
• workplace product range and manufacturer instructions
• product safety procedures
• environmental protection practices, such as:

• methods of venting air
• temperature and air currents
• waste minimisation
• energy efficiency, e.g. electricity saving devices and practices
• waste disposal
• resource management
• water efficiency

• workplace time frame allocated for service.

Treatment plan  may include:

• required service
• areas requiring special treatment
• products selected for service
• recommended home-care products
• use of electric file
• tools, implements and equipment
• follow-up procedures.

Maintenance requirements  may include:

• removing loose gel
• repairing damaged, chipped or broken nails (natural or artificial)
• blending regrowth lines
• repolishing with colour or French polish
• refining gel nail surface
• shortening
• reshaping
• reapplying new nail
• rebalancing stress curve
• correcting side walls of extension.

Specific gel nail treatment complications  may include:

• product exothermic reaction
• product skin sensitivity reaction
• natural nail separation
• discolouring of product
• peeling of product
• bacterial infection (pseudomonas)
• injury to natural nail due to damage to artificial nail.

Contraindications  may include:

• damaged natural nails from ineffective removal of artificial nails
• bacterial, viral or fungal infections
• warts
• inflamed skin
• visible non-normal nails
• rashes
• blisters
• corns
• calluses.

Appropriate professional  may include:

• medical practitioner
• complementary therapist.

Gel nail products  may include:

• acid or non-acid primer
• thin and gel adhesive
• various styles of tips
• dehydrator
• hand and nail sanitisers
• UV and non-UV gel
• coloured gel
• soak off UV gels
• one phase UV gels
• traditional multilayer UV gels or base-build top
• UV gel cleanser.

Equipment  must include:

• sanitising tray or unit for implements, with appropriate strength solution
• table with air venting facility and chair
• hand and nail sanitiser
• UV light
• desk lamp
• desk mats
• desk towels
• brushes
• files, including emery boards, metal and buffers
• tip cutters
• sculpting forms
• cuticle pushers.

Equipment  may include:

• electric file

Personal protective equipment  must include:

• face masks
• goggles
• gloves.

Treatment waste  may include:

• filing dust
• desk mats
• gel wipes.

Product recommendations  may include:

• buffers
• files
• cuticle oil or cream
• polish
• polish remover
• hand cream.