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.
Types of equipment may include:
laser systems, such as:
normal mode alexandrite
ruby
diode
Nd:Yag
IPL systems with some of the following characteristics:
programmable
manual
multiple pulsed shots
single pulsed shots
chilled sapphire head
one or minimal choice of filters
multiple filters.
Risks may include:
incomplete hair removal or regrowth
darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)
lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation)
blistering and scarring
changes in the skin texture
crusting or scabbing
hair changes.
Safety measures required to protect clients may include:
pre-treatment patch testing
adequate eye protection
filtering and exhausting airborne contaminants
adequate ventilation.
Safety measures required to protect operators may include:
adequate eye protection
wearing masks
adequate ventilation
appropriate draping of areas surrounding treatment site.
Workplace laser safety procedures may include:
laser safety protection plan addressing:
access to laser treatment areas
flammability hazard and fire safety
handling of fibre optic delivery systems
laser-generated airborne contaminants
ocular safety.
Preventivemaintenance must include:
documentation, including:
relevant equipment safety standards
equipment service history
schedule for recommended testing and maintenance
regular testing.
Control panel may include:
power settings
pulse settings
time settings
emergency control
delivery systems.
Procedures checklists and records may include:
pre-treatment
intra-treatment
post-treatment
monthly
six-monthly.
Potential hazards may include:
particular hazards of delivery systems
ocular and skin hazards
client-specific hazards
reflected beam hazards
fire, explosion, electrical and environmental hazards.
Safe ventilation may include:
exhaust systems
filters
masks.

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:
identifying hazards, analysing the clinical environment and participating in the development, implementation and maintenance of safe practices and risk control for selected hazard types in a laser or IPL clinical treatment area
applying knowledge of relevant standards, guidelines, workplace policies and procedures relating to safe use of IPL and laser apparatus for hair reduction
implementing safe practice protocols in relation to:
setting up equipment
maintaining equipment
client preparation and care
completing and storing required documentation relating to clinical procedures checklists and records.
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 a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor as described in the Assessment Guidelines
that competency is demonstrated in a fully equipped simulated laser or IPL hair reduction clinical workplace in a range of real work situations which may include interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace.
Assessment must ensure access to:
a laser clinical treatment area, which includes as a minimum:
radiation warning signs stating 'warning laser in operation do not enter when light above door is illuminated'
non-flammable screens fitted inside any windows to protect a person outside window from non-ionising radiation levels greater than maximum permissible exposure from radiation
ventilation designed to ensure that infective agents are not passed downstream in air handling or exhaust system
fire extinguishing equipment, such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets and wet cloth drapes
IPL and laser equipment which, when energised, is capable of emitting an amount of non-ionising radiation higher than accessible limit for a Class 3B laser for relevant period stated in, and measured in accordance with, laser standards AS2211 (i.e. a Class 4 laser or equivalent in the case of IPL)
cosmetic laser equipment that may include one or more of the following:
normal mode alexandrite
ruby
diode
Nd:Yag
IPL equipment that must have one or more of the following characteristics:
programmable
manual
multiple pulsed shots
single pulsed shots
chilled sapphire head
one or minimal choice of filters
multiple filters
a treatment area, which includes:
a magnifying lamp
eye protection equipment for clients and operators
disposable operator masks
cooling after-treatment products
manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets
laser safety protection plan
a range of clients with different Fitzpatrick skin types seeking hair reduction on a variety of areas on the face and body
current safety and environmental standards, guidelines workplace policies, procedures documentation regarding IPL and laser safety.
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 tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:
setting up and taking down equipment
organising preventive maintenance
completing clinical procedures checklists
providing and documenting safe client care procedures
identifying potential hazards
complying with treatment environment safety procedures
written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess the required skills and knowledge of this unit
third-party reports from technical experts.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIBBHRS707A Provide intense pulsed light and laser hair reduction treatments.