Elements and Performance Criteria

General properties may include but are not limited to:
odour
volatility
flammability
concentration
viscosity
lipophilic
hydrophilic.

Plant information may include but is not limited to:
common name
synonym
botanical name
plant family.

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

Profiles must include:
existing chemotypes
extraction method
colour and odour characteristics.

Different bonds may include:
single
double
triple.

Carbon backbone includes:
elements
bonds.

Functional groups include:
alcohols
phenols
aldehydes
ketones
organic acids
esters ethers
lactones
amines/imines
sulphides
furocoumarins.

Chemical terminology includes:
isoprene unit
aliphatic molecule
terpene and terpenoid compound
monoterpene and sesquiterpene
monoterpenol and sesquiterpenol.

Processes that affect the chemistry may include but are not limited to:
oxidation
temperature variations
exposure to light.

Solubility may include:
water soluble
oil soluble.

Emulsifiers and dispersants may include but are not limited to:
lecithin oil
alcohols
creams.

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

Characteristics may include but are not limited to:
chemical components
therapeutic value
smell
taste
colour
viscosity.

Quality may include but is not limited to:
grading process
storage
handling
shelf life.

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
macerations
tinctures
hydrosols
water.

Uses of aromatic plant oil may include but are not limited to:
relaxation
stress reduction
skin care
alleviation of headaches/migraines.

Ingredients may include:
aromatic plant oils
carrier oils
additives
other mediums.

Beauty treatments may include but are not limited to:
facial treatments
body treatments
hand and foot treatments
spa treatments.

Storage and handling may include:
temperature control
light exposure
ventilation.

Relevant legislation may include but is not limited to:
Therapeutic Goods Act
Therapeutic Goods Administration
Occupational Health and Safety
industry Codes of Practice.

Workplace policies and procedures may include but are not limited to:
health and hygiene
environmental controls
storage of products
care and usage of equipment.

Labelling requirements may include but are not limited to:
listing ingredients only.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge and consistent application of the common names, botanical names and plant family of twelve selected aromatic plant oils.
Knowledge and consistent application of the properties and profiles of a minimum of twelve aromatic plant oils.
Knowledge and consistent application of organic chemistry in the selection and preparation of aromatic plant oils for use in a range of beauty treatments.
Knowledge and consistent application of the properties of carrier oils and additives.
Knowledge and consistent application of the appropriate ratios of aromatic plant oils to carrier oils, additives and other mediums for use in a range of beauty treatments.
Knowledge and consistent application of relevant Federal, State and local legislation/regulations.
Knowledge and consistent application of workplace policies and procedures and safe work practices.
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 and skin science as specifically identified in the required knowledge for this unit
developing a treatment plan
blending aromatic plant oils for beauty treatments.

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
WRBBS512A Blend a range of aromatic plant oils for beauty therapy 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:

evaluating the carbon backbone and functional groups of selected aromatic oils
identifying proportions of carrier oils and additivies for aromatic plant oil blends for use in beauty treatments.
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of aromatic plant oils chemistry. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.
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
Applying botanical knowledge of selected aromatic plant oils to a range of beauty treatments.
Applying chemical knowledge of selected aromatic plant oils to a range of beauty treatments.
Applying knowledge of carrier oils and additives to the blending of oils for use in a range of beauty treatments.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.
The chemical composition of selected aromatic plant oils.
The characteristics of carrier oils.
The effects and benefits of a defined range of aromatic plant oils, carrier oils and additives.
Adverse and beneficial interactions of aromatic plant oils.

Anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as it relates to aromatic plant oils, carrier oils and additives, 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 and lipids
phases of growth, cell renewal, healing of skin and factors affecting epidermal mitosis
normal process of skin aging and structural change
physiological basis of skin colour
normal skin response to irritation and trauma
the effects of workplace treatments on the physical structure of the skin
trans-epidermal water loss
percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of cosmetics
normal body flora.
The provisions of relevant health and hygiene and Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
The provisions of relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

Specific resources required for assessment

Relevant documentation, such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals.
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
Determining the use of aromatic plant oils will require the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Preparing profiles of twelve aromatic plant oils will require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Storing and handling ingredients will require activities to be planned and organised. (1)

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

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Identifying proportions of ingredients for specific uses will require mathematical ideas and techniques. (2)

Solving problems
Identifying and evaluating quality of carrier oils will require problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Preparing profiles of selected aromatic plant oils may require the use of technology. (1)