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 Confirm treatment plan.

1.1 Access client’s treatment plan .

1.2 Identify and note variations to the treatment plan  according to relevant legislation and codes  and workplace policies and procedures .

1.3 Confirm treatment plan with client.

1.4 Select aromatic plant oils, carrier oils, additives and other mediums  according to agreed treatment plan and client requirements .

2 Blend aromatic plant oils.

2.1 Prepare service area and equipment  according to workplace procedures.

2.2 Blend ingredients  according to agreed treatment plan and workplace procedures.

2.3 Apply safe storage and labelling procedures  according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

2.4 Apply waste management practices to minimise negative environmental impacts.

3 Apply aromatic plant oil blends.

3.1 Adjust service area environment  according to agreed treatment plan, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

3.2 Prepare client according to beauty treatment  being provided.

3.3 Prepare required equipment  and materials  according to agreed treatment plan, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

3.4 Apply aromatic plant oil blend according to agreed treatment plan and workplace policies and procedures.

3.5 Apply massage techniques  as required according to agreed treatment plan.

3.6 Monitor treatment and adjust in response to any adverse effects .

4 Review treatment and provide post-treatment advice.

4.1 Obtain client feedback and amend treatment plan as required.

4.2 Recommend future treatment program  according to client requirements.

4.3 Provide home-care advice  according to client needs.

4.3 Provide home-care advice according to client needs.

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 contraindications and adverse effects
• interpret treatment plans and identify and adjust to changes in client's condition
• prepare and apply aromatic plant oil vaporisation, compresses and poultices
• prepare and apply aromatic plant oils for body, face and hand/foot treatments
• safely store and handle aromatic oils and carrier oils

• self-management skills to maintain practitioner self-care practices, including:

• ventilation in treatment area
• fresh air between clients
• water intake

• literacy skills to:

• read and apply product information and safety data
• interpret and adjust treatment plans

• numeracy skills to calculate required product quantities and ratios.

Required knowledge 

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

• relevant health and hygiene regulations
• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• infection control procedures and application of universal precautions
• organic chemistry of aromatic plant oils
• adverse and beneficial interactions of blended aromatic plant oils
• anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to beauty treatments, including:

• normal skin response to irritation and trauma
• effects of workplace treatments on physical structure of the skin
• trans-epidermal water loss
• percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of aromatic plant oils

• skin function, including causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to blended aromatic plant oils
• olfactory sense in regard to aromatic plant oil blends
• cosmetic chemistry and ingredients of relevant products, particularly in regard to:

• their likely effects on the skin
• toxic effects of various substances
• possible contraindications in combination with other products or circumstances

• environmental impact of ingredients in relevant products, and minimal impact practices to reduce these.

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:

• interpreting a treatment plan and adapting treatment to accommodate changes in client's condition
• knowledge and skill in blending oils for beauty treatments aimed at relaxation, stress reduction, skin care and alleviation of headaches
• selecting and applying appropriate massage movements for face, body, hands and feet
• preparing and applying aromatherapy vapour, compress and poultice treatments
• 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 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:

• individual client workstation
• an aromatic plant oils preparation and storage area
• a range of aromatic plant oils, carrier oils and additives
• adjustable massage table
• apprppriate supply of towels
• client gown
• client cover
• trolley

• relevant workplace documentation including:

• manufacturer's equipment instructions
• product information and 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:

• observation of 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:

• selecting ingredients according to client's treatment plan
• handling, measuring and mixing aromatic plant oils and ingredients using appropriate ratios to meet client's requirements
• performing aromatic treatments on body, face, hands and feet

• written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of aromatic plant oil chemistry and blending procedures, including a knowledge of health, hygiene and safety for client and practitioner
• completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing aesthetic 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 with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SIBBBOS403A Perform aromatherapy massage
• SIBBBOS504A Apply aromatic plant oil chemistry to beauty treatments.

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

Treatment plan  may include:

• previous treatments
• beauty treatments and services
• treatment routine
• client needs and characteristics
• aromatic plant oils
• carrier oils
• additives
• other mediums
• ratio of ingredients
• contraindications:

• migraines, headaches, nausea and dizziness
• severe circulatory disorders
• aroma triggered epilepsy
• dysfunction of nervous system or excretory system
• areas of recent scar tissue or areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
• abdominal area treatments for pregnant women, especially in first trimester (some oils contraindicated completely)
• bacterial, viral or fungal infections
• scabies
• boils and carbuncles
• acne
• rashes
• pigmentation disorders
• disorders of ageing skin
• other visible non-normal skin.

Variations to treatment plan  may include:

• changes in client's physical condition
• changes in client requirements.

Relevant legislation and codes  may include:

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

Workplace policies and procedures  may include:

• health and hygiene
• record keeping
• designated time frame for service
• stock control
• environmental protection practices, such as:

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

Aromatic plant oils  must include:

• oils included in and restricted to the list below:

• basil
• bergamot
• cajeput
• chamomile
• cypress
• eucalyptus
• geranium
• grapefruit
• juniper
• lavandin
• lavender
• lemon
• mandarin
• niaouli
• orange
• rosemary
• sandalwood
• tea tree.

Carrier oils  may include:

• almond
• apricot
• grape seed
• peach
• macadamia
• sesame seed
• soya bean
• safflower
• sunflower.

Additives  may include:

• arnica
• avocado
• borage
• calendula
• carrot (infused)
• evening primrose
• jojoba
• hazelnut
• hypericum
• linseed
• olive oil
• pumpkin seed
• rose hip
• wheatgerm.

Other mediums  may include:

• alcohol
• clay
• creams
• dispersants
• gels
• hydrosols
• tinctures
• macerations
• water.

Client requirements  may include:

• relaxation
• stress reduction
• skin care
• alleviation of headaches and migraines.

Equipment  may include:

• bowls
• beakers
• pipettes
• spoons.

Ingredients  may include:

• aromatic plant oils
• carrier oils
• additives
• other mediums.

Storage and labelling procedures  may include:

• decanting
• listing ingredients.

Service area environment  may include:

• privacy
• temperature
• lighting
• ventilation
• music.

Beauty treatments  may include:

• aromatic facial
• aromatic massage
• hand and foot treatment
• spa treatment.

Equipment  may include:

• vaporiser
• foot/hand bath
• sitz bath
• bath or spa.

Materials  may include:

• poultice
• compress.

Massage techniques  must include a 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 is mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling movements
• friction techniques
• compressive techniques
• petrissage
• superficial lymph drainage techniques.

Adverse effects  may include:

• erythema
• nausea
• headache
• dizziness.

Future treatment program  may include:

• aromatherapy treatments
• beauty therapy treatments
• spa treatments.

Home -care advice  may include:

• home use of any excess oil blend following treatment
• lifestyle advice.