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 for aromatherapy massage treatments.

1.1 Review client treatment plan. 

1.2 Clearly explain contraindications  to client  and take necessary action .

1.3 Ensure advice offered to clients regarding medical follow-up of contraindications is offered tactfully and without reference to specific medical conditions.

1.4 Explain effects and benefits  of selected essential oils and pre-blended oils to client.

1.5 Confirm treatment objectives  and plan with client and ensure consent.

1.6 Set up and monitor the service area to meet workplace requirements .

2 Manage aromatherapy massage treatments.

2.1 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process to reduce negative environmental impacts.

2.2 Select pre-blended oils  according to individual product specifications and treatment plan.

2.3 Interpret and apply product specifications and workplace policies and procedures for care, handling and storage  of pre-blended oils.

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

2.5 Drape client to sequentially expose the treatment area  while ensuring client comfort and modesty.

3 Perform safe and effective aromatherapy massage.

3.1 Select and sequence the treatment routine according to client treatment plan.

3.2 Apply and remove essential oils and pre-blended oils according to agreed treatment plan, workplace practice and product specifications.

3.3 Apply massage movements  and massage routine  according to agreed treatment plan.

3.4 Vary the length of massage routine to suit treatment objectives and workplace time frames.

3.5 Recognise reactions  to treatment and respond  if necessary.

4 Review treatment and provide post-treatment advice.

4.1 Obtain client feedback  and record relevant outcomes of treatment .

4.2 Recommend future treatment program  and revise treatment plan according to client needs.

4.3 Explain potential post-treatment adverse effects  to client.

4.4 Provide home-care advice  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:

• recognise and respond to contraindications and adverse effects
• interpret treatment plan and adapt treatment to accommodate changes in client's physical condition
• apply a defined range of massage movements and routines according to agreed treatment plan
• apply a range of treatment products and pre-blended oils suitable to client's needs

• communication skills to:

• seek feedback and respond to questions
• provide information and reassurance to client throughout the service

• literacy skills to:

• read and apply relevant workplace documents and manufacturers' product information and safety data sheets
• read, interpret and adjust treatment plans as appropriate

• time-management skills to manage time throughout treatment.

Required knowledge 

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

• infection control procedures and application of universal precautions
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to aromatherapy massage
• effects and benefits of a defined range of treatment products, essential oils and pre-blended oils
• anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to aesthetic aromatic treatments, including percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of essential oils and other aromatic treatment products
• contraindications and adverse effects
• ingredients in pre-mixed oils particularly in regard to their effects on the skin and possible contraindications in combination with other products or circumstances
• causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to aromatic aesthetic treatments
• correct and environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances.

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:

• confirming treatment plan and adapting treatment to accommodate changes in client's condition
• preparing massage area and client for aromatherapy massage treatments
• reading, interpreting and applying product specifications for pre-blended oils
• knowledge and skill in application of pre-blended oils along with a variety of massage routines and movements
• evaluating an aromatherapy massage treatment and advising client on future treatments, home care and complementary products
• accurately and legibly recording relevant data on client treatment plans.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by assessor or technical expert working in partnership with assessor as described in 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 simulated environment, which includes as a minimum:

• individual client workstations
• adjustable massage table
• apprppriate supply of towels
• client gown
• client cover
• trolley
• a range of pre-blended oils from a professional 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 aromatherapy treatment 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:

• observing learner performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• discussing variations to treatment plan with client
• selecting and sequencing massage routines according to client's needs
• handling and storing pre-blended oils according to workplace policies and procedures
• providing post-treatment advice and making treatment recommendations to the client

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of:

• effects and benefits of a defined range of treatment products and pre-blended oils
• anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to aesthetic aromatic treatments, including percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of essential oils
• appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
• ingredients in relevant oils particularly in regard to likely effects on the skin and possible contraindications in combination with other oils or circumstances
• causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to aromatic aesthetic treatments
• safe use of pre-blended oils
• safe storage and handling of essential oils

• completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing aromatherapy massage services
• third-party reports from technical experts
• completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer, workplace coach or supervisor.

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

• SIBBCCS404A Work in a skin therapies framework.

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.

Treatment plan  must include:

• treatment duration
• products
• massage routine
• massage movements
• tools and equipment
• contraindications
• relevant medical history and medications
• outcomes of previous treatments.

Contraindications  may include:

• infectious disease suggested by fever, lethargy and nausea until reviewed and cleared by a medical practitioner
• symptoms that do not have a logical explanation and should be referred to a medical practitioner, including:

• pain: local, sharp, dull, deep and surface
• extreme fatigue
• inflammation
• lumps and tissue changes
• severe oedema
• infection
• bleeding and bruising
• hot or cold extremes of body temperature

• factors that may restrict treatment or require adaptation of the body massage, such as:

• skin trauma
• lesions
• rashes.

Clients  may include:

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

Necessary action  may include:

• the following actions across a range of clients:

• encouraging client to seek medical advice
• explaining why service cannot be carried out
• modifying body massage service
• refusing unsuitable client.

Effects and benefits  may include:

• relaxation
• rejuvenation of skin
• skin healing
• muscular tension relief
• improved sleeping pattern.

Treatment objectives  may include:

• relaxation
• rejuvenation of skin
• skin healing
• muscular tension relief
• improved sleeping pattern.

Workplace requirements  may include:

• health and hygiene
• service area and product set-up
• environmental control.

Pre -blended oils  may include:

• combinations of the following oils:

• lavender
• juniper
• chamomile
• rosemary
• eucalyptus
• geranium
• citrus: lemon, lime, mandarin, grapefruit and tangerine
• melaleuca, tea tree, cajuput and niaouli
• frankincense
• rose
• sandalwood
• clary sage.

Care , handling and storage  may include:

• clear and accurate labelling
• decanting and resealing
• protection from light
• temperature control.

Treatment area  may include:

• torso
• back
• neck
• décolletage
• arms
• legs.

Massage movements  must include combination of movements designed to achieve client treatment objectives, and should be drawn from the following:

• passive soft tissue movement
• gliding techniques
• longitudinal stroking
• kneading
• soft tissue being mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling movements
• friction techniques
• compressive techniques
• petrissage
• superficial lymph drainage techniques.

Massage routine  must include:

• rhythm
• repetition
• variation.

Reactions  may include:

• pain or discomfort
• verbal, tactile or visual feedback
• muscular spasms
• allergy or reactions to body oils or treatments
• skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
• bruising
• temperature discomfort
• joint sounds
• client relaxation
• emotional release.

Responses  may include:

• adjusting treatment accordingly
• seeking appropriate expertise
• discussing reaction with client
• adhering to workplace guidelines for dealing with emergencies
• accessing local emergency services.

Client feedback  may include:

• comments
• suggestions
• enquiries.

Outcomes of treatment  may include:

• client satisfaction
• adverse effects.

Future treatment program  may include:

• further body treatments
• complementary treatments
• number and frequency of future aromatherapy treatments
• variation in type of pre-blended oils.

Post -treatment adverse effects  may include:

• erythema or inflammation arising from pre-blended oils or treatment products
• skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
• nausea, headache, dizziness and drowsiness
• allergic reactions of skin or body to treatment products.

Home -care advice  may include:

• basic exercises
• nutrition advice
• rest.