Elements and Performance Criteria

Clients may include but are not limited to:
new or regular clients with routine or special needs.

Treatment plan may include but is not limited to:
previous treatments
beauty treatment/service
client needs/characteristics
aromatic plant oils
carrier oils
additives
other mediums
ratio of ingredients
contra-indications:
migraines, headaches, nausea, 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 contra-indicated completely
bacterial, viral or fungal infections
scabies
boils/carbuncles
acne
rashes
pigmentation disorders
disorders of ageing skin
other visible non normal skin.

Variations to treatment plan may include but are not limited to:
changes in client's physical condition
changes in client requirements.

Relevant legislation may include but is not limited to:
Federal, State and local health and hygiene regulations
Occupational Health and Safety regulations
privacy
industry Codes of Practice.

Workplace policies and procedures may include but are not limited to:
health and hygiene
record keeping
designated time frame for the performance of the service
environmental controls
stock control.

Aromatic plant oils are limited to:
basil
bergamot
cajeput
chamomile
cypress
eucalyptus
geranium
grapefruit
juniper
lavandin
lavender
lemon
mandarin
niaouli
orange
rosemary
sandalwood
tea tree.

Carrier oils may include but are not limited to:
almond
apricot
grape seed
peach
macadamia
sesame seed
soya bean
safflower
sunflower.

Additives may include but are not limited to:
arnica
avocado
borage
calendula
carrot (infused)
evening primrose
jojoba
hazelnut
hypericum
linseed
olive oil
pumpkin seed
rose hip
wheatgerm.

Other mediums may include but are not limited to:
alcohol
clay
creams
dispersants
gels
hydrosols
tinctures
macerations
water.

Client requirements may include but are not limited to:
relaxation
stress reduction
skin care
alleviation of headaches/migraines.

Equipment may include but is not limited to:
bowls
beakers
pipettes
spoons.

Ingredients may include but are not limited to:
aromatic plant oils
carrier oils
additives
other mediums.

Storage and labelling procedures may include but are not limited to:
decanting
listing ingredients.

Service area environment may include but is not limited to:
privacy
temperature
lighting
ventilation
music.

Beauty treatment may include but are not limited to:
aromatic facial
aromatic massage
hand/foot treatment
spa treatment.

Equipment may include but is not limited to:
vaporiser
foot/hand bath
sitz bath
bath/spa.

Materials may include but are not limited to:
poultice
compress.

Massage techniques may include but are not limited to:
effleurage
petrissage
tapotement
pincement
vibrations
friction
kneading
cupping
pumping
wringing
flicking
draining
rolling.

Adverse effects may include but are not limited to:
erythema
nausea
headache
dizziness.

Future treatment program may include but is not limited to:
aromatherapy treatments
beauty therapy treatments
spa treatments.

Aftercare advice may include but is not limited to:
home use of any excess oil blend following treatment
lifestyle advice.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge and consistent application of Federal, State and local legislation/regulations and of workplace policies and procedures and industry Codes of Practice relevant to the blending of aromatic plant oils for use in beauty services.
Knowledge and consistent application of the organic chemistry of a minimum of twelve aromatic plant oils.
Knowledge and consistent application of the calculation of appropriate ratios of aromatic plant oils, carrier oils, additives and other mediums to meet client requirements.
Knowledge and consistent application of the preparation and application of aromatherapy vapour, compress and poultice treatments.
Selecting and applying appropriate massage movements for the face, body, hands and feet.
Interpreting a treatment plan and making any adjustments required by variations in the client's condition.
Recognising and managing contra-indications and adverse effects.
Knowledge and consistent application of practitioner self care.
Knowledge of the transmission routes of infectious conditions and skills in the application of standard infection control procedures.
Consistently using effective questioning and active listening techniques to consult, reassure and negotiate with clients while maintaining discretion, tact and confidentiality.
Evaluating the outcomes of treatment and advising the client on future treatment and providing aftercare advice.
Accurately and legibly recording relevant data.

Context of assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the beauty therapist and/or an experienced person at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to page 32 of the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Relationship to other units

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway, this unit requires an assessment outcome which includes evidence of:

the application of knowledge of skin biology, skin science and cosmetic chemistry as specifically identified in the required knowledge for this unit.
applying aromatic plant oil chemistry to beauty treatments.
developing a treatment plan.

The following units relate to this unit of competency and have been identified as:

Pre-requisite
WRBCS407A Develop a treatment plan for beauty therapy treatments
Co-requisites
WRBCS305A Apply knowledge of skin biology to beauty treatments
WRBCS409A Apply knowledge of skin science to beauty therapy treatments
WRBCS412A Apply knowledge of cosmetic chemistry to beauty therapy treatments
WRBBS511A Apply aromatic plant oil chemistry to beauty treatments.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:


observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

selecting ingredients according to client's treatment plan
handling, measuring and mixing aromatic plant oils and ingredients according to client's requirements
performing an aromatic facial.
written and/or oral questioning 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. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.
completing workplace documentation relevant to providing aesthetic aromatherapy massage services.
third party reports from experienced beauty professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Required skills and knowledge to achieve the performance criteria
Responding to contra-indications and adverse effects.
Interpreting the treatment plan and identifying and adjusting to any changes in the client's condition.
Preparing and applying aromatic plant oil vaporisation, compresses and poultices.
Preparing and applying aromatic plant oils for body, face and hand/foot treatments.

Maintaining practitioner self care practices, including:

ventilation in treatment area
fresh air between clients
water intake.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.
The provisions of relevant health and hygiene regulations.
The provisions of relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
Infection control procedures and the application of universal precautions.
Organic chemistry of a minimum of twelve aromatic plant oils.
Adverse and beneficial interactions of blended aromatic plant oils.

Anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as it relates to beauty treatments, including:

a simplified cross-section of skin
glands as they relate to basic skin function
skin chemicals, including sebum and sweat production, normal and abnormal, collagen, elastin, lipids
phases of growth, cell renewal, healing of skin and factors affecting epidermal mitosis
normal process of skin ageing and structural change
normal skin response to irritation and trauma
the effects of workplace treatments on the physical structure of the skin
trans-epidermal water loss
wound healing in different skin types and locations
percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of aromatic plant oils
normal body flora.

The following body systems in regard to their interdependence and purpose in relation to a healthy body and their relationship to the skin, muscles and nerves:

nervous system and its relationship to skin sensations
lymphatic, digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems and their relationship to skin function, including thermoregulation and homeostasis
endocrine and reproductive systems in relationship to hormonal control of the skin
olfactory sense in regard to aromatic plant oil blends.
Cosmetic chemistry/ingredients in relevant products particularly in regard to their likely effects on the skin, the toxic effects of various substances and possible contra-indications in combination with other products or circumstances.
The causes of skin reactions/allergies in regard to blended aromatic plant oils.

Specific resources required for assessment

Relevant documentation, such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals.
Access to a range of clients with different requirements.
A range of aromatic plant oils, carrier oils and additives.
Product labels and sources of product information.
A qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Communicating ideas and information
Confirming the treatment plan with the client will require the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Conducting stock control will require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Preparing service area will require activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Maintaining knowledge of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedure will require team work. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Identifying appropriate ingredient ratios will require the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Monitoring and adjusting treatments will require problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Rebooking clients may require the use of technology. (1)