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:
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.
Treatment plan may include:
previous treatments
beauty treatments and services
treatment routine
client needs and characteristics
aromatic plant oils
carrier oils
additives
other mediums
ratio of ingredients
contraindications:
migraines, headaches, nausea and dizziness
severe circulatory disorders
aroma triggered epilepsy
dysfunction of nervous system or excretory system
areas of recent scar tissue or areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
abdominal area treatments for pregnant women, especially in first trimester (some oils contraindicated completely)
bacterial, viral or fungal infections
scabies
boils and carbuncles
acne
rashes
pigmentation disorders
disorders of ageing skin
other visible non-normal skin.
Variations to treatment plan may include:
changes in client's physical condition
changes in client requirements.
Relevant legislation and codes may include:
federal, state or territory, and local health and hygiene regulations
occupational health and safety regulations
privacy
industry codes of practice.
Workplace policies and procedures may include:
health and hygiene
record keeping
designated time frame for service
stock control
environmental protection practices, such as:
waste minimisation
recycling
reuse
energy efficiency, e.g. electricity saving devices and practices
waste disposal
resource management
water efficiency.
Aromatic plant oils must include:
oils included in and restricted to the list below:
basil
bergamot
cajeput
chamomile
cypress
eucalyptus
geranium
grapefruit
juniper
lavandin
lavender
lemon
mandarin
niaouli
orange
rosemary
sandalwood
tea tree.
Carrier oils may include:
almond
apricot
grape seed
peach
macadamia
sesame seed
soya bean
safflower
sunflower.
Additives may include:
arnica
avocado
borage
calendula
carrot (infused)
evening primrose
jojoba
hazelnut
hypericum
linseed
olive oil
pumpkin seed
rose hip
wheatgerm.
Other mediums may include:
alcohol
clay
creams
dispersants
gels
hydrosols
tinctures
macerations
water.
Client requirements may include:
relaxation
stress reduction
skin care
alleviation of headaches and migraines.
Equipment may include:
bowls
beakers
pipettes
spoons.
Ingredients may include:
aromatic plant oils
carrier oils
additives
other mediums.
Storage and labelling procedures may include:
decanting
listing ingredients.
Service area environment may include:
privacy
temperature
lighting
ventilation
music.
Beauty treatments may include:
aromatic facial
aromatic massage
hand and foot treatment
spa treatment.
Equipment may include:
vaporiser
foot/hand bath
sitz bath
bath or spa.
Materials may include:
poultice
compress.
Massage techniques must include a 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 is mobilised with rhythmical circular rolling movements
friction techniques
compressive techniques
petrissage
superficial lymph drainage techniques.
Adverse effects may include:
erythema
nausea
headache
dizziness.
Future treatment program may include:
aromatherapy treatments
beauty therapy treatments
spa treatments.
Home-care advice may include:
home use of any excess oil blend following treatment
lifestyle advice.

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:
interpreting a treatment plan and adapting treatment to accommodate changes in client's condition
knowledge and skill in blending oils for beauty treatments aimed at relaxation, stress reduction, skin care and alleviation of headaches
selecting and applying appropriate massage movements for face, body, hands and feet
preparing and applying aromatherapy vapour, compress and poultice treatments
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 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:
an environment, which includes as a minimum:
individual client workstation
an aromatic plant oils preparation and storage area
a range of aromatic plant oils, carrier oils and additives
adjustable massage table
apprppriate supply of towels
client gown
client cover
trolley
relevant workplace documentation including:
manufacturer's equipment instructions
product information and 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:
observation of 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:
selecting ingredients according to client's treatment plan
handling, measuring and mixing aromatic plant oils and ingredients using appropriate ratios to meet client's requirements
performing aromatic treatments on body, face, hands and feet
written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of aromatic plant oil chemistry and blending procedures, including a knowledge of health, hygiene and safety for client and practitioner
completion of workplace documentation relevant to providing aesthetic 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 with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIBBBOS403A Perform aromatherapy massage
SIBBBOS504A Apply aromatic plant oil chemistry to beauty treatments.