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.
Treatment plan must include:
treatment duration
products
massage routine
massage movements
tools and equipment
contraindications
relevant medical history and medications
outcomes of previous treatments.
Contraindications may include:
infectious disease suggested by fever, lethargy and nausea until reviewed and cleared by a medical practitioner
symptoms that do not have a logical explanation and should be referred to a medical practitioner, including:
pain: local, sharp, dull, deep and surface
extreme fatigue
inflammation
lumps and tissue changes
severe oedema
infection
bleeding and bruising
hot or cold extremes of body temperature
factors that may restrict treatment or require adaptation of the body massage, such as:
skin trauma
lesions
rashes.
Clients may include:
new or regular clients with routine or special needs
female or male clients
people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.
Necessary action may include:
the following actions across a range of clients:
encouraging client to seek medical advice
explaining why service cannot be carried out
modifying body massage service
refusing unsuitable client.
Effects and benefits may include:
relaxation
rejuvenation of skin
skin healing
muscular tension relief
improved sleeping pattern.
Treatment objectives may include:
relaxation
rejuvenation of skin
skin healing
muscular tension relief
improved sleeping pattern.
Workplace requirements may include:
health and hygiene
service area and product set-up
environmental control.


Pre-blended oils may include:
combinations of the following oils:
lavender
juniper
chamomile
rosemary
eucalyptus
geranium
citrus: lemon, lime, mandarin, grapefruit and tangerine
melaleuca, tea tree, cajuput and niaouli
frankincense
rose
sandalwood
clary sage.
Care, handling and storage may include:
clear and accurate labelling
decanting and resealing
protection from light
temperature control.
Treatment area may include:
torso
back
neck
décolletage
arms
legs.
Massage movements must include combination of movements designed to achieve client treatment objectives, and should be drawn from the following:
passive soft tissue movement
gliding techniques
longitudinal stroking
kneading
soft tissue being mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling movements
friction techniques
compressive techniques
petrissage
superficial lymph drainage techniques.
Massage routine must include:
rhythm
repetition
variation.
Reactions may include:
pain or discomfort
verbal, tactile or visual feedback
muscular spasms
allergy or reactions to body oils or treatments
skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
bruising
temperature discomfort
joint sounds
client relaxation
emotional release.
Responses may include:
adjusting treatment accordingly
seeking appropriate expertise
discussing reaction with client
adhering to workplace guidelines for dealing with emergencies
accessing local emergency services.
Client feedback may include:
comments
suggestions
enquiries.
Outcomes of treatment may include:
client satisfaction
adverse effects.
Future treatment program may include:
further body treatments
complementary treatments
number and frequency of future aromatherapy treatments
variation in type of pre-blended oils.
Post-treatment adverse effects may include:
erythema or inflammation arising from pre-blended oils or treatment products
skin blemishes due to massage stimulation
nausea, headache, dizziness and drowsiness
allergic reactions of skin or body to treatment products.
Home-care advice may include:
basic exercises
nutrition advice
rest.

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:
confirming treatment plan and adapting treatment to accommodate changes in client's condition
preparing massage area and client for aromatherapy massage treatments
reading, interpreting and applying product specifications for pre-blended oils
knowledge and skill in application of pre-blended oils along with a variety of massage routines and movements
evaluating an aromatherapy massage treatment and advising client on future treatments, home care and complementary products
accurately and legibly recording relevant data on client treatment plans.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
that competency is consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by assessor or technical expert working in partnership with assessor as described in 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 simulated environment, which includes as a minimum:
individual client workstations
adjustable massage table
apprppriate supply of towels
client gown
client cover
trolley
a range of pre-blended oils from a professional range
appropriate cleaning and disinfection products and equipment
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 aromatherapy treatment requirements.
For further guidance on the use of 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:
observing learner performing a range of tasks in the workplace or a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:
discussing variations to treatment plan with client
selecting and sequencing massage routines according to client's needs
handling and storing pre-blended oils according to workplace policies and procedures
providing post-treatment advice and making treatment recommendations to the client
written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of:
effects and benefits of a defined range of treatment products and pre-blended oils
anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to aesthetic aromatic treatments, including percutaneous absorption and factors affecting penetration of essential oils
appearance of contraindications and adverse effects
ingredients in relevant oils particularly in regard to likely effects on the skin and possible contraindications in combination with other oils or circumstances
causes of skin reactions and allergies in regard to aromatic aesthetic treatments
safe use of pre-blended oils
safe storage and handling of essential oils
completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing aromatherapy massage services
third-party reports from technical experts
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer, workplace coach or supervisor.

Holistic assessment incorporating other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIBBCCS404A Work in a skin therapies framework.