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.
Spa treatments must include:
steam
hydro tub
vichy shower or wet table or spa capsule.
Spa treatments may include:
flotation
underwater massage
sauna
spa pool
mineral or sea water pool
power jet massage
herbal therapy
body exfoliant
dry body brushing
hot oil wrap and massage
mud, clay and algae wrap.
Products may include:
pre-blended aromatic plant oils
exfoliants
muds or clays
algae.
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.
Spa environment must include:
reception
individual wet and dry treatment rooms
shower change facilities.
Spa environment may include:
a shared wet therapies area.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
health and hygiene legislation and regulations
methods of sequencing treatments
privacy of client information
water management and water hygiene procedures
occupational health and safety.
Equipment must include:
steam equipment
hydro tub
vichy shower or wet table or spa capsule.
Equipment may include:
sauna
spa pool
mineral or sea water pools
power jet massage.
Water hygiene may include:
infection and cross-infection
methods to prevent cross-contamination
methods of disinfection
methods of sterilisation.
Maintenance may include:
cleaning
testing of water and chemical levels
topping up of water and chemical levels
replenishing consumables.
Designated wet areas may include:
individual wet treatment rooms
shared wet areas.
Monitoring may include:
heat
humidity
water levels
water chemical concentrations
treatment times
ventilation
ambience of the environment.
Treatment areas must include:
treatments rooms
relaxation areas.
Adverse reactions may include:
dizziness
nausea
skin irritation
headache.
Necessary action may include:
adjusting treatment
discontinuing treatment
encouraging client to seek medical advice
informing relevant members of staff
facilitating first aid.
Ambience may include:
lighting and colours
relaxation background music or sounds
quiet areas and general noise management
perfumed oils or candles
decaffeinated and herbal refreshments
cool drinks
snack service.

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:
introducing clients into the spa environment
applying workplace and procedures, legislative requirements and industry codes of practice when preparing, cleaning and maintaining equipment and the spa environment
maintaining the service culture and ambience of the spa environment for clients
following workplace safety in wet areas
completing the shutdown of treatment areas according to workplace policies and procedures.
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:
relevant workplace documentation including:
manufacturer's equipment instructions
product instructions
manufacturer safety data sheets
workplace policies and procedures manuals, including spa services and pricing
a range of clients seeking and experiencing spa treatments, including wet room and dry room therapies requiring the use of products, treatments and equipment from a professional spa range.
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:
direct observation of learners performing a range of spa tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:
introducing clients to the spa environment
explaining the features and benefits of spa treatments and services in the salon range
preparing, cleaning and maintaining the spa environment
monitoring the treatment area
shutting down treatment areas after a service
written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of the required skills and knowledge of this unit
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from a trainer or supervisor
third-party reports from experienced spa professionals in the workplace.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIBBSPA502A Plan spa programs
SIBBSPA503A Provide spa therapies
SIBBSPA504A Provide stone therapy massage
SIBBSPA505A Provide Indian head massage for relaxation.