Elements and Performance Criteria

Symptoms may include:
condition of the skin, including:
dry
flaking
split and cracked
itchy
blisters and welts on the skin
swelling of fingers, hands and/or wrists
runny nose, sneezing and asthma.

Causes may include:
irritants, including:
frequent and ongoing exposure to water
shampoos and styling products
soaps and detergents
heat
hydrogen peroxide
chemical curling, volumising and straightening products
allergy to particular products, including:
hair dyes
chemical curling, volumising and straightening products
bleach products
latex in natural rubber, such as that found in cheap, powdered, disposable latex gloves.

Common forms of occupational contact dermatitis may include:

irritant contact dermatitis

allergic contact dermatitis

contact urticaria.

Preventative routines may include:
using skin moisturisers regularly during the working day, at the end of the working day and before bed
when hands are in contact with hairdressing chemicals, wearing gloves that are:
specifically designed for hairdressers' use
powder free, high quality latex
developing the habit of wearing gloves
throwing away disposable gloves after each use
wearing reusable rubber gloves when cleaning in the workplace
always keeping the contaminated surface of reusable rubber gloves on the outside
not wearing rings while working with moisture and chemicals.

Hairdressing chemical services may include:

applying curling/volumising solutions

neutralising during curling/volumising services

applying chemical straightening products

hair colouring services

hair lightening services.

Workplace operator safety procedures may include:

workplace product safety data sheets and manuals

workplace safety videos

manufacturer's product safety data sheets

health and hygiene procedures

workplace safety customs and practices.

Relevant legislation and regulations may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene

occupational health and safety.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
ability to describe the risks associated with unprotected operator use of hairdressing and cleaning chemicals
reading, accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer's product safety data sheet instructions for the use and application of hairdressing chemicals
knowledge and consistent application of workplace operator safety policies and procedures, and safe work practices
knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene regulations applicable to the workplace
knowledge of the transmission routes of infectious conditions and skills in the application of standard infection-control precautions.

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 hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that 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 the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.
Evidence should be collected with reasonable adjustment as determined by the needs of the client.

Specific resources for assessment
Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:
relevant documentation, such as workplace policy and procedures manuals, occupational health and safety legislation, health regulations and manufacturer's product safety data sheets
a range of clients with different requirements
a range of products and equipment appropriate to the hairdressing workplace.

Relationship to other units
In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.
none.
none.

Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested.

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

cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment
preparing for and performing shampoo services prior to design, chemical reformation, hair relaxation and haircutting services
mixing colour and/or lightening products as directed by a senior operator
rinsing and neutralising after a chemical curling service
applying and removing temporary hair colour.
Written questions relevant to the operator's work regarding OHS legislation and health regulations.

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.

Communicating ideas and information
Reporting faulty thermal equipment to a senior operator requires the communication of ideas and information. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collecting and researching advice in manufacturer's product safety data sheets require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Determining the appropriate protective equipment to be used in the preparation and application of neutralising chemicals requires planning and organisation. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Exchanging advice and information with other operators on workplace operator safety procedures may involve teamwork. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Preparing correct dilutions of cleaning and disinfecting chemicals requires the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Implementing operator safety procedures when a client presents with an infectious disorder of the hair or scalp involves the application of problem solving skills. (1)

Using technology
Safely using and applying hairdressing thermal equipment involve the use of technology. (1)