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.
Clients may include:
clients with routine or special needs
male or female clients
people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and age groups with varying physical and mental abilities.
Equipment may include:
stud gun
autoclave.
Relevant legislation must include:
state and territory Acts relating to skin penetration services
local government regulations relating to skin penetration services.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
health and hygiene
environmental protection practices, such as:
safe disposal of sharps and other treatment waste
waste minimisation
resource management
water efficiency
designated time frame for service.
Contraindications may include:
bacterial, viral or fungal infections
rashes
sunburn
scar tissue and lesions
other visible non-normal skin
hypertrophic and keloid scarring tendency.
Appropriate professional may include:
medical practitioner
complementary therapist.
Adverse effects may include:
inflammation
infections of the ear lobe.
Home-care advice must include:
care and maintenance procedures for recently pierced ears
care and maintenance procedures for earrings.
Product recommendations may include:
antiseptic
remedial products.

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:
applying knowledge of the transmission routes of infectious conditions, and skill in the application of standard infection control precautions
consulting with clients and agreeing on selection and placement of earrings
obtaining parental consent where applicable
recognising and managing contraindications and adverse effects
selecting, preparing, using and disposing of and cleaning ear piercing equipment according to state or territory Acts and local government regulations, manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures
evaluating the outcomes of an ear piercing service and advising the client on future treatments, home care and complementary products.
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:
a fully equipped ear piercing area, which includes as a minimum:
an adjustable client chair
professional ear piercing guns
a range of studs appropriate to the ear piercing guns
a range of antiseptic and home-care products
appropriate cleaning and disinfection products and equipment that comply with local health regulations and requirements
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 ear piercing requirements.
For further information on 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 learners performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:
questioning of client to enable advice and appropriate recommendation for ear piercing service
cleaning and disposing of piercing equipment according to legislative requirements and workplace policies and procedures
providing post-treatment advice according to client needs
written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of providing ear piercing services to clients, including post-treatment advice and relevant legislation
completion of workplace documentation relevant to the provision of ear piercing services
third-party reports from 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:
SIRXOHS001A Apply safe working practices.