Elements and Performance Criteria

Properties of electric currents and the forms in which they are used may include:
atomic theory

bonding

electrical circuits
use of electrical frequencies:
warming of muscles
muscle contraction
warming of other tissues

cleansing

infusion of products into the stratum corneum

energy

electrical supply
static electricity
direct current

alternating current
low intensity laser.

Beauty therapy treatments may include:
body treatments

advanced facial treatments

diathermy
permanent epilation.

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
quality assurance.

Principles of static electricity may include:
causes of static electricity generation
client discomfort caused by electrostatic shock
damage to micro-electronic equipment

ignition of flammable gas or substances e.g. methylated spirits, acetone or turpentine
attraction of dust particles.

Preventative measures may include:

familiarity with correct operation of equipment

equipment adjusted to minimal levels prior to use

recognition of danger signs

switching off and disconnecting appliances from mains supply prior to investigating an electrical fault

electrical safety devices
safe work practices
selection of floor coverings, materials and clothing which minimise the generation of static electricity.

Safety considerations may include but are not limited to:
effects of electrocution
factors affecting the severity of an electrical shock

contingency plans/emergency procedures.

Short circuits may involve:
faulty equipment and/or insulation
current that bypasses the load.

Overloaded circuits may involve:
faulty equipment
excessive current through a circuit.

Electrical safety devices may include but are not limited to:

overload cut out devices:
circuit breakers

fuses
earth leakage circuit breakers
surge protectors.

The principles and processes of direct and alternating current may include:

electrical energy and electron movement

electrolytic process
thermal effect

electrodes

frequency ranges

capacitance.

Applications for direct alternating current treatments may include but are not limited to:

iontophoresis - cataphoresis and anaphoresis

disincrustation

electrolysis

diathermy
the blend

thermolysis
direct and indirect high frequency.

The principles and processes of electrical muscle stimulation micro current treatments may include:
muscle contraction

stimulation of nerves
micro current treatment

alternating current treatments
light therapies:

electro-magnetic spectrum

infrared radiation

ultraviolet radiation
lower intensity laser therapy.

Correct operation of electrical equipment may include:

precautions to be observed when using electrical equipment
regular checking and maintenance of electrical equipment.

Appropriate safety procedures may include but are not limited to:

monitoring equipment for abnormal behavior

recognising signs of electrical equipment damage

reporting faults
accident isolation.

Relevant personnel may include:

supervisor
salon owner
more experienced operator
safety officer.

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 electrical 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 electricity as they apply to beauty therapy treatments.
Knowledge and skill in the application of a variety of beauty therapy treatments, using a variety of techniques/procedures involving the use of direct and alternating currents and light therapies.
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 science specialist and may be in a simulated environment.
Competency should be demonstrated in 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 beauty therapy units. It requires an assessment outcome which includes evidence of the application of knowledge of electricity to the performance of one or more beauty therapy treatments.

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

WRBBS407B Provide body treatments
WRBFS407B Provide advanced facial treatments
WRBSS503B Provide permanent epilation
WRBSS504B Perform diathermy service
WRBSS505B Design and perform cosmetic tattooing/micropigmentation procedures

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:


observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

identifying the principles of electricity and developing and maintaining safe work practices
relating the performance of a variety of treatment processes and a variety of electrical equipment to beauty therapy treatments according to client and safety requirements.
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of beauty treatments using electrical equipment, including aftercare advice and relevant legislation.
completing workplace documentation relevant to the use of electrical equipment.
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 danger signs.
Relating the use of electrical equipment to the performance of beauty therapy treatments.
Relating the use of electricity to the performance of beauty therapy treatments.

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 and skin penetration legislation.
The provisions of relevant Occupational Health and Safety regulations/requirements.
Knowledge of the principles of electricity as they relate to beauty therapy treatments.
Workplace policies and procedures in regard to the performance of beauty therapy treatments using electrical equipment.

Use of electrical equipment in relation to beauty therapy treatments/procedures including:

correct operation of electrical equipment
safe use of electrical appliances
care and temperature control of equipment
taking preventative measures as required.
The workplace electrical 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 electrical 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 beauty treatments using electrical equipment and providing aftercare service and advice according to client requirements, manufacturer's instructions, health and hygiene requirements and workplace procedures will require activities to be planned and organised. (3)

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 electrical appliances 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 (3)

Using technology
Applying knowledge of electricity to beauty therapy treatments will require the use of technology. (2)