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 Consult and prepare for the treatment.

1.1 Access and review client treatment plan. 

1.2 Review and note any contraindications  and subsequent variations to the treatment plan.

1.3 Select micro-dermabrasion equipment, confirming it is in safe working condition.

1.4 Select and allocate resources  to be used to meet treatment objectives.

1.5 Explain contraindications which prevent treatment clearly and tactfully and recommend more suitable alternative treatments.

1.6 Confirm treatment objectives  and revised treatment plan with client  and ensure consent.

1.7 Prepare treatment area  and wear personal protective equipment  to avoid cross-infection and exposure to clinical waste.

1.8 Ensure the positioning of the client and equipment permits effective access and minimises risk to operator and discomfort to client.

2 Apply micro-dermabrasion treatments.

2.1 Sanitise hands and wear suitable gloves throughout the treatment.

2.2 Ensure that treatment area is clean, dry and hair free.

2.3 Explain the physical sensation being created by the equipment being used.

2.4 Carry out a patch test on the treatment area and assess skin response, discontinuing treatment where there are adverse reactions. 

2.5 Adjust machine systems and variables  as required and according to patch test reaction and the skin area being treated.

2.6 Stretch and manipulate the skin where necessary according to treatment techniques  and objectives.

2.7 Adjust systems and variables as necessary while monitoring skin reaction and client response.

2.8 Check client’s wellbeing, offer reassurance and discontinue treatment if required during treatment.

3 Review treatment and provide post-treatment advice.

3.1 Evaluate the outcomes of the treatment process with client.

3.2 Apply high factor suncreams to hydrate and protect the treatment area.

3.3 Negotiate future treatment program  with client to ensure optimal outcomes.

3.4 Provide home-care advice  according to client needs.

3.5 Rebook client for complementary services 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 plans and identify and adjust to changes in clients' condition
• prepare client for treatment according to the treatment plan and workplace procedures
• ensure treatment is provided, according to the individual, the condition and the presence of complicating factors
• safely apply micro-dermabrasion equipment according to the treatment plan

• 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' safety data sheets on electrical equipment
• read, interpret and adjust treatment plans as appropriate

• time-management skills to manage time throughout the treatment.

Required knowledge 

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

• relevant health and hygiene regulations, requirements and skin penetration legislation
• relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements
• infection control procedures and the application of universal precautions as they apply to the provision of a micro-dermabrasion service
• workplace policies and procedures in regard to electrical micro-dermabrasion treatments
• appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
• factors likely to affect the suitability of each technique to client needs and the effects and benefits of each step in micro-dermabrasion treatments
• how ageing affects the skin and limits the effectiveness of treatment
• nervous system and its relationship to skin sensations
• lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems and their relationship to skin function, including thermoregulation and homeostasis
• causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to micro-dermabrasion treatments
• principles and properties of electricity as they relate to micro-dermabrasion treatments
• effects of micro-dermabrasion treatment on the skin, circulatory lymphatic and nervous systems.

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 making adjustments required by variations in client's condition
• preparing the service area and clients for micro-dermabrasion treatments
• demonstrating safe and effective application of micro-dermabrasion equipment and resources listed in the range statement across a range of clients with different requirements
• using time effectively
• evaluating the outcomes of micro-dermabrasion treatments, and advising clients on home care and future treatments
• 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 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 micro-dermabrasion treatment services environment, which includes as a minimum:

• individual client workstations
• micro-dermabrasion equipment and resources including consumable attachechments, semi consumable attachements and crystals
• adjustable couches with safe working access for operator and equipment at head, foot and each side
• electricity supply to each workstation
• magnifying lamps
• trolleys
• towels
• client gowns or covers

• equipment and products 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 skin 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 the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

• consulting with and advising clients on micro-dermabrasion treatments
• preparing clients for micro-dermabrasion treatments
• performing and evaluating patch tests
• applying micro-dermabrasion techniques according to the treatment plan and client comfort and skin response
• providing home-care 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:

• appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
• factors likely to affect the suitability of each technique to client needs and the effects and benefits of each micro-dermabrasion treatments
• causes of skin reactions in regard to micro-dermabrasion treatments

• completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing micro-dermabrasion treatments
• third-party reports from experienced technical experts
• 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:

• SIBBBOS402A Provide body treatments
• SIBBCCS404A Work in a skin therapies framework
• SIBBFAS405A Provide advanced facial 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.

Treatment plan  must include:

• outcomes of previous treatments
• relevant medical history
• medications being used
• contraindications
• massage techniques, including types, frequency and duration of movements
• electrical treatments
• tools and equipment selected.

Contraindications  may include:

• those which prevent body electrical treatment:

• contagious skin diseases
• dysfunction of the nervous system
• heart diseases and disorders
• pacemaker
• cancer-related treatments
• recent scar tissue
• undiagnosed lumps
• inflammations and swellings
• medications that cause thinning or inflammation of the skin

• those which restrict body electrical treatment, including:

• tattoos in the treatment area
• pigmented naevi
• recent dermabrasion or chemical peels
• recent scar tissue
• varicose veins
• cuts
• abrasions
• bruises
• intense pulsed light or laser and epilation
• collagen
• Restylane
• Botox.

Resources  may include:

• consumable attachments
• semi consumable attachments
• crystals
• time.

Treatment objectives  may include:

• general improvement of the skin texture
• improving the appearance of fine lines
• improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation
• improving oily and congested skin
• improving the appearance of cellulite
• improving the appearance of stretch marks.

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 area  may include:

• face
• body.

Personal protective equipment  must include:

• apron
• gloves
• mask
• goggles.

Adverse reactions  may include:

• excess erythema
• blistering
• excessive discomfort
• swelling
• reactions leading to bruising.

Systems and variables  may include:

• manual vacuum and crystal flow
• pre-set vacuum and crystal flow.

Techniques  may include:

• gliding
• horizontal
• vertical.

Future treatment program  may include:

• further micro-dermabrasion treatments
• complementary treatments.

Home -care advice  may include:

• avoidance of certain activities in the immediate after-treatment period, including:

• exercise
• ultraviolet exposure
• wearing restrictive clothing
• heat treatments

• avoidance of certain products:

• perfumed and chemical-based products
• make-up
• exfoliating agents

• touching the treated area
• possible side effects:

• erythema
• slight tingling
• slight swelling and dryness

• recommended use of home-care products, such as high factor suncream.