Elements and Performance Criteria

Relevant legislation may include but is not limited to:

Federal, State and local health and hygiene regulations

Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

Workplace policies and procedures may include but are not limited to:
health and hygiene
comfort and privacy
designated time frames for the completion of the service.

Main functions and role of the skin on the hands and feet may include:
gross anatomy of the skin
major features of the skin of the hand and feet.

The structure and function of the lower arms and legs may include:
bones of the arm, forearm and hand
bones of the lower leg and foot

functions of the bones
muscles of the forearm and hand
muscles of the lower leg and foot

functions of skeletal muscle
blood supply for the forearm and hand
blood supply for the lower leg and foot.

Appearance and gross anatomy of normal human skin and nails may include:

structural features of the nail
skin surrounding the nail
factors which effect nail growth
normal appearance of human nails
effects of health and disease on nails.

Common problems of the skin and nails may include:
contagious disorders:
bacterial, viral or fungal infections
warts
tinea pedia
tinea unquiet
papalomas
paronychia
non contagious hand/foot/nail disorders:
onycholysis
white spots (leuconychia)
corrugated furrows
split or brittle nails
hang nails
bruised nails
onychophagy (bitten nails)
blisters
calluses
heel fissures
bunions
hammer toes
corns
dermatitis
circulatory problems
eggshell nails
congenital or trauma-induced nail malformations.

Contra-indications to treatments may include:
skin or nail disorders or diseases
allergic reactions
bruising or swelling
areas exhibiting loss of tactile sensation
cuts or abrasions
recent operations
areas of recent fractures or sprains
health and the nail:
diabetes
blood disorders/diseases

contra-indications of products used in combination or with other services.

Appropriate professionals may include:
medical practitioner

podiatrist

complementary therapist.

The effects on the nail of ingredients in a range of treatment products may include:
effects on the nail of a range of nail products
effects on the nail of a range of electrical equipment and services
sources of information on nail product ingredients
main ingredients in a range of nail products
pH range of human skin, nails and manicure and pedicure products.

Provision of aftercare service and advice may include:

lifestyle changes:
sun protection
skin care
effects of nutrition on skin and hair
product advice
advice on further services.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures.
Knowledge and consistent application of Federal, State and local health and hygiene requirements/regulations and skin penetration legislation.
Knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of products and equipment including the use of preventative measures, according to manufacturer safety manuals and Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.

Knowledge and consistent application of the principles of nail science as they apply to beauty treatments, including:

the structure and function of the lower arms and legs as they relate to manicure and pedicare services
the appearance and gross anatomy of normal human skin
the appearance and gross anatomy of normal human nails
skin and nail disorders
contra-indications to treatments
the effects on the nail of ingredients and equipment in a range of treatment products
provision of aftercare service and advice.
Knowledge and skill in the application of a variety of nail treatments, using a variety of techniques/procedures.
Accurately and legibly recording relevant data.

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 beauty therapist and/or a nail science specialist and may be in a simulated environment.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which 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 page 32 of the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Relationship to other units
This unit is a co-requisite for a range of nail service units. It requires an assessment outcome which includes evidence of the application of knowledge of nail science to the performance of one or more nail services.

This unit must therefore be assessed in conjunction with one or more of the following related units:

WRBBS201B Provide manicure and pedicare services
WRBBS202A Apply gel nail enhancement
WRBBS203A Apply acrylic nail enhancement

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:

identifying the principles of nail science and developing and maintaining safe work practices
performance of a variety of treatment processes according to client and safety requirements.
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of beauty treatments using equipment, including aftercare advice and relevant legislation.
completing workplace documentation relevant to beauty treatments.
third party reports from experienced beauty professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer/coach/supervisor.

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.

Required skills and knowledge to achieve the performance criteria
Responding to possible skin or nail damage situations.

Identifying client characteristics and recommending and performing a service, including:

preparation of the service area
preparation of products and equipment
preparation of the client.

Communication techniques, including:

using open and/or closed questions
speaking clearly and concisely
using appropriate language
non-verbal communication
written communication.
Language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements.
The provisions of relevant health and hygiene regulations/requirements.
The provisions of relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.
Knowledge of the principles of nail science as they relate to beauty treatments.
Workplace policies and procedures in regard to the performance of nail treatments.

Nail science in relation to beauty treatments/ procedures, including:

the anatomy of skin and nails
skin and nail disorders
contra-indications to treatments
the effects on the nail of ingredients and equipment in a range of treatment products
provision of aftercare service and advice.
The workplace product, treatment and equipment range and manufacturer instructions/data sheets.

Specific resources required for assessment

Relevant documentation, such as:

workplace policy and procedures manuals.
Access to a range of clients with different requirements.
A range of equipment and products appropriate to the beauty workplace.
Product labels and sources of product information.
A qualified workplace assessor or assessment team.

Communicating ideas and information
Evaluating treatment and advising on future treatments will require the communication of ideas and information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Identifying client needs and characteristics will require information to be collected, analysed and organised. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Performing a range of nail treatments and providing aftercare service and advice according to client requirements, manufacturer instructions, health and hygiene requirements and workplace procedures will require activities to be planned and organised. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Maintaining knowledge of workplace procedures and relevant legislation will require reporting to other staff members. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Safe use of products and equipment according to manufacturer's recommendations will require the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Recognising and responding to unsafe situations and applying preventative measures will require problem solving skills. (2)

Using technology
Recording relevant outcomes and reporting problems may require the use of technology. (1)