Provide diathermy treatments

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:57 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
SHBBSKS002

State Code
AVG07

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
25/09/2015

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

29/01/2016

Field of Education

110301 - Beauty Therapy

Original Release Date

29/01/2016

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the performance outcome, skills and knowledge required to plan and safely use electric currents to treated dilated capillaries. It requires the ability to establish priorities with clients, synthesise knowledge of skin biology and electric currents to design and provide treatments to reduce the appearance of dilated capillary blood vessels on the face and upper chest. The diathermy treatment can be an individual service or form part of a series of services. This unit applies to beauty therapists who work in beauty salons. In this environment they exercise judgement in selecting and providing an appropriate treatment; demonstrate maturity and confidentiality in their client interactions; and apply knowledge of a range of facial treatments. No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Establish client priorities.

1.1 Access and review client treatment plan if available.
1.2 Discuss client diathermy requirements, changes in skin over lifetime, current skin care regimen, lifestyle and nutrition influences to determine causes of dilated capillaries.
1.3 Identify and assess dilated capillaries and skin.
1.4 Identify and explain contraindications to treatment, and refer client to appropriate professional as required.
1.5 Review medical history and medications, and obtain medical approval prior to treatment, as required.
1.6 Classify client skin and explain outcomes to client.

2. Design diathermy treatment.

2.1 Identify treatment parameters and techniques.
2.2 Discuss with client potential adverse effects, treatment design and recommendations for duration, frequency and treatment costs.
2.3 Confirm revised treatment plan, record updates and obtain signed client consent.

3. Prepare for treatment.

3.1 Check readiness of treatment area and availability of equipment and products.
3.2 Prepare client, ensuring their comfort and modesty throughout treatment.
3.3 Position self throughout treatment to minimise fatigue and risk of injury.
3.4 Use energy, water and other resources efficiently during preparation and subsequent treatment process.

4. Conduct patch test

4.1 Explain to client physical sensation of treatment.
4.2 Cleanse and disinfect patch test site.
4.3 Select sterile probes or needles and open in front of client.
4.4 Conduct patch test on an area adjacent to the treatment site.
4.5 Identify skin reaction and advise client of suitability for diathermy treatment.
4.6 Record current intensity and probe or needle size.
4.7 Rebook client to assess outcomes of patch test and for further treatments.

5. Apply electric currents.

5.1 Cleanse and disinfect treatment area.
5.2 Set current intensity and select probes or needles according to patch test results.
5.3 Open sterile probes or needles in front of client.
5.4 Apply and modify diathermy treatment, according to treatment plan, skin reaction and client feedback.
5.5 Apply aftercare products.

6. Review treatment and provide post treatment advice.

6.1 Evaluate treatment with client.
6.2 Record treatment parameters and outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan.
6.3 Advise client on how to care for skin in treatment site and expectations for wound healing.
6.4 Provide aftercare advice, recommend products and future treatments and rebook client.
6.5 Record treatment parameters and outcomes of treatment on client treatment plan.

7. Clean treatment area.

7.1 Remove used linen and clean treatment surfaces and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
7.2 Dispose of probes or needles in sharps container.
7.3 Sterilise any instrument that has come into contact with body fluids.
7.4 Restock equipment and products in preparation for next treatment.
7.5 Dispose of general waste and any hazardous waste to minimise negative environmental impacts and according to organisational policies and procedures.

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
D4788	SIBBSKS503A	Provide diathermy treatments	Unit of competency

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
ODR36	SHBBSKS007	Provide diathermy treatments	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AWO6	SHB50115	Diploma of Beauty Therapy	Qualification