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:

applying detailed IPL and laser treatment knowledge to consult clients and provide accurate advice according to the needs of the client

applying workplace policies and procedures in regard to the application and evaluation of IPL and laser patch tests

applying relevant federal state or territory and local safety Acts, regulations and guidelines relating to safe use of IPL and laser for hair removal

developing treatment programs and documenting treatment plans for IPL and laser hair reduction.

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 laser or IPL hair reduction clinical workplace or simulated 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 windows to protect a person outside the 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 the relevant period stated in, and measured in accordance with, the laser standard AS2211 (i.e. a Class 4 laser or equivalent in the case of IPL)

cosmetic laser equipment, which may include one or more of the following:

normal mode alexandrite

ruby

diode

Nd:Yag

IPL equipment, which may 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:

magnifying lamp

eye protection equipment for clients and operators

disposable operator masks

cooling post-treatment products

current safety and environmental standards, guidelines workplace policies, procedures documentation regarding IPL and laser safety

a range of clients with different Fitzpatrick skin types seeking hair reduction on a variety of areas on face and body.

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 in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies, including:

consulting with clients and assessing their characteristics, contraindications and hair reduction needs

planning a treatment program that involves a series of IPL and laser treatments to achieve client's desired hair reduction outcome

discussing treatment plan with client

safe application of an IPL or laser patch test

applying relevant guidelines, regulations and workplace procedures on safe use of IPL and laser equipment for hair reduction

case studies, and written and oral questioning appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner, to assess knowledge and understanding of:

actions of IPL and laser hair reduction on the hair follicle and the surrounding skin tissue

relevant safety procedures

third-party reports from technical experts

completion of clinical practice, including recording practice details, personal reflection and feedback from the trainer, workplace coach or supervisor.

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.

Required skills

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

technical skills:

use IPL or laser equipment safely to conduct patch tests

evaluate patch tests

respond to contraindications and adverse effects

identify treatment options and develop treatment programs

interpersonal skills to consult with, inform and reassure clients regarding proposed IPL or laser treatments

communication skills to respond to questions and provide information to client throughout the consultation

literacy skills to:

read and interpret documents, such as safety standards for use of IPL and laser equipment, health regulations, manufacturer instructions, product safety data sheets, and records of previous treatments

develop treatment plans and record treatment outcomes

numeracy skills to calculate desired treatment parameters for each treatment session.

Required knowledge

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

relevant federal, state or territory, and local Acts and regulations relating to safe use of IPL and laser for hair reduction, including:

non-ionising radiation protection

skin penetration

health regulations

relevant occupational health and safety regulations and requirements

workplace policies and procedures in regard to IPL and laser hair reduction treatments

appearance of contraindications

complications and adverse effects and their causes, including:

hypopigmentation

hyperpigmentation

blistering

scarring and textural changes

paradoxical increased hair growth

principles of light energy and how it interacts with skin and hair

differing types of IPL and laser equipment and their recommended use and application

factors likely to affect suitability of IPL or laser treatments to client needs; and effects, risks and benefits of IPL and laser hair reduction treatments

causes of skin reactions in regard to IPL and laser patch testing and appearance and management of specific treatment reactions or adverse effects, including:

perifollicular oedema

perifollicular erythema

infections of the hair follicle

burns to skin

typical features and skin tanning response of each of six Fitzpatrick skin types

skin hair structure and growth in regard to permanent hair reduction treatments, including:

types of hair: lanugo, vellus, terminal

factors affecting hair growth, such as:

hormonal: topical and systemic

exposure to sunlight

heredity

drugs and chemicals

hair growth patterns

influence of IPL and laser hair reduction on hair growth

growth cycle of hair and its relationship to permanent hair reduction using IPL and laser

histology of hair

tissue interaction with IPL and laser hair reduction treatments

chromophores

melanin absorption

tanning issues

anatomy and physiology of the skin and skin structures as they relate to IPL and laser hair reduction treatments, including:

normal process of skin ageing and structural change

normal skin response to irritation and trauma

scars, including hypertrophic and keloid (their origin and evolution) and abnormal scar tissue

effects of IPL and laser treatments on physical structure of the skin

wound healing in different skin types and locations

factors affecting:

client pain tolerance

treatment parameters, including wavelengths to be used, duration of pulse and selecting the correct energy settings (fluence)

client safety and comfort

wound healing

hypertrophic and keloid scarring

causes of skin damage

post-treatment care procedures, including low-frequency laser and healing products

post-treatment advice for specific treatment areas, including underarm, chest, stomach, bikini line and face

factors affecting treatment planning, including patch test results, skin healing, skin reaction, follicle distribution, areas treated, extent of area to be treated, client finances, and pain tolerance

workplace product and equipment range and manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets

operator's legal and insurance liabilities and responsibilities in regard to IPL and laser treatment services.

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.

Relevant information may include:

areas with unwanted hair

previous hair reduction treatments

outcomes of previous treatments

required outcomes of future treatments.

Clients may include:

male or female clients

new or regular clients with routine or special needs

people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.

Client feedback may include:

enquiries

suggestions

comments

requests.

Client characteristics must include:

Fitzpatrick skin type one to six

hair colour:

dark

medium

pale

hair type:

lanugo, vellus, terminal

ingrown

skin condition:

dry

normal

oily

combination

specific hair reduction treatment area or areas

pain tolerance

heat tolerance.

Relevant diagnostic equipment may include:

dermascope

dermalight

melanin diagnostic equipment.

Client's relevant medical history may include:

existing medical conditions

previous medical conditions

medications.

Physical effects may include:

temporary heat

temporary localised pain.

Home care may include:

avoiding sun exposure

using sunscreen

avoiding topical tanning agents

not picking at abrasions

no other phototherapy concurrent with an IPL or laser hair reduction treatment program

avoiding chlorine environments, including pools and spas

keeping body temperature down by avoiding saunas, exercise, and gym.

Contraindications may include:

sun-tanned skin

artificially tanned skin

pregnancy

some herbal remedies

active herpes simplex

active impetigo

active eczema

active acne

photo-sensitive medication

hypertrophic and keloid scars

tattoos in the treatment area

psoriasis in the treatment area

certain circulatory conditions

inappropriate hair type and colour.

Appropriate professional may include:

medical practitioner

complementary therapist.

Options or limitations may include:

alternative treatment recommendations

lifestyle recommendations

contraindications

medical conditions.

Medically-related contraindications may include:

any condition already being treated by a general practitioner, dermatologist or another skin therapist

medical oedema

recent surgery

diabetes

asthma

epilepsy.

Immediate reactions may include:

perifollicular oedema (slight oedema around follicles)

perifollicular erythema (slight redness around follicles)

pain tolerance

patch test skin area change from bristly to smooth

erythema.

Post-treatment skin cooling products may include:

cold compress

cryogen sprays

cold gels.

Treatment program may include:

energy settings (fluence)

planning frequency of treatments.

Client assessment must include:

client requirements

client characteristics:

Fitzpatrick skin types one to six

skin condition

specific hair reduction treatment area or areas

pain tolerance

heat tolerance

client relevant medical history

contraindications

patch test outcomes.

Safe practice protocols must include:

compliance with relevant federal, AUS/NZ, state or local standards for safe use of Class 4 IPL or laser equipment in clinical environments

workplace safety procedures for clients, operators and IPL or laser treatment areas.

Special precautions may include:

none of the following treatments:

30 days prior to IPL or laser treatment:

tweezing

waxing

bleaching

sunbathing

solarium treatments

use of depilatory creams

electrolysis

two weeks prior to treatment:

use of self-tanning products.

Responsibilities of the practitioner and the client may include:

practitioner:

referring to appropriate professionals where indicated

commitment to treatment plan

discussing relevant contraindications or potential complications to treatment

following workplace safety procedures

client:

following instructions or advice before, during and after treatment

advising practitioner of any relevant contraindications or potential complications to treatment

advising practitioner of any changes to medical history or any change in medications

advising practitioner of compliance issues

committing to treatment program.

Client compliance must include:

providing medical clearance for treatment where required prior to treatment

agreeing to treatment plan and signing a consent form.

Agreed hair reduction treatment area may include:

legs

arms

under arms

chin

lip

bikini line

abdomen

back

chest.

Treatment evaluation strategies may include:

discussing and reviewing response to treatment

taking photographs of treatment area before and after each session

reviewing achievement of treatment goals

monitoring time frame for achievement of treatment goals.

Treatment program plan may include:

treatment area

follicle type and distribution

hair type:

single, compound

straight, curved

fine, coarse

lanugo, vellus, terminal

equipment selected

planned treatment parameters based on patch test results, including:

wavelengths to be used

pulse duration

energy settings (fluence)

treatment duration

products

equipment

follow-up procedures

observed contraindications

relevant medical history and medications

outcomes of previous temporary and permanent hair reduction treatments.

Workplace procedures relating to developing treatment plans may include:

treatment plan pro-forma

treatment plan attachments, such as:

signed client informed consent

signed medical release

pre-treatment photographs

providing a workplace pre-treatment handout to the client.