Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Client may include:
men
women
children
people from a range of social, cultural or ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.
Observations may include:
skin conditions, including:
skin irritation
broken skin
scabs
scarring.
Supervising operator may include:
senior hairdresser
more experienced apprentice or trainee.
Relevant health regulations may include:
state or territory health regulations for hair and beauty salons
local council health regulations.
Salon procedures may include:
client comfort and safety
operator safety
procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
environmental protection practices, such as:
waste minimisation
waste disposal
water efficiency.
Massage medium may include:
scalp treatment products
hair treatment products
massage oil.
Massage techniques may include:
petrissage
tapotement
hacking
vibration
friction.
Client response may include:
verbal or non-verbal feedback
an indication of comfort or relaxation
negative feedback indicating discomfort.

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.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
consistently interacting with clients throughout the massage service to:
take into account any cultural or physical requirements
establish client requirements
ensure client comfort and safety
accurately interpreting and following verbal instructions from supervising operators
accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer’s instructions for the application of massage mediums
consistently applying salon procedures and safe work practices in regard to performing head, neck and shoulder massage
consistently applying head, neck and shoulder massage movements, including effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, hacking, vibration and movements across a range of clients and in salon time frames
knowledge and consistent application of health and regulations applicable to the service.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a salon or a simulated salon environment that includes a range of work situations such as client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the salon
a fully equipped basin services area which includes as a minimum:
client chairs
a range of massage mediums
a plentiful supply of clean towels
clean client gown
documented salon procedures, such as:
operator comfort and safety
procedures that respond to state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service
environmental protection practices, such as:
waste minimisation
resource management
a range of clients with different massage requirements.
For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
Method 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 the learner performing head neck and shoulder massage treatments on a range of clients
written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which may include:
relevant health regulations
salon procedures
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance.
Guidance information for assessment
A unit of competency describes an individual skill but people rarely perform one skill at a time. Many skills are combined on a day-to-day basis in the workplace as part of work processes. This does not mean that each skill described by a unit of competency is prerequisite to another— they are related skills.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, salon and job role is recommended, for example:
SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures
SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace