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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Recognise factors that affect chemistry and quality of aromatherapy products
   • Evaluate the chemistry and chemical processes that affect the properties and quality of aromatherapy products
   • Evaluate the impact of different production processes on the chemistry and quality of aromatic plant oils
3. Source product suppliers
   • Establish options for the supply of natural and manufactured aromatherapy products
   • Evaluate the quality of suppliers and their products based on standards used to indicate aromatic plant oil quality
   • Obtain products from authorised and reputable sources
4. Handle and store products
   • Determine storage requirements for different types of aromatherapy ingredients and products
   • Maintain ingredient and product integrity through correct handling and storage
   • Maintain stock levels according to clinic requirements
5. Prepare oil formulations for use in products
   • Establish form and quantity of products from order or treatment plan
   • Select and assemble ingredients according to order or client requirements
   • Select, check and prepare equipment for operational readiness
   • Follow procedures to prevent contamination of or by the product
   • Make accurate calculations for quantities and ratios
   • Blend ingredients according to aromatherapy methodology
6. Finalise product processes
   • Package and label correct quantities into suitable containers with clear and accurate labelling as per legal requirements
   • Provide accurate instructions for administration and care of products as required
   • Complete accurate documentation according to clinic guidelines and legal and workplace requirements

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

investigated and confirmed reliable sources of natural and manufactured aromatherapy products

followed preparation processes that meet pharmaceutical guidelines and legal requirements for at least 20 different aromatherapy products:

checked materials and equipment

followed processes that protect integrity of the product

made accurate calculations and measurements

packaged and accurately labelled products

completed accurate documentation

prepared different product types, including all of the following at least 3 times:

creams

ointments

lotions

oil blends

tinctures

extracts

gels

balms

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations (national and state/territory) for the preparation and supply of aromatherapy products:

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines

labelling

principles of manufacturing

quality control procedures

records management

work health and safety – hazards and controls for aromatherapy products

chemistry fundamentals used in aromatic therapy product preparation:

classification of substances

understanding matter

chemical reactions

atomic structure, elements and the periodic table

molecules, molecular formula and compounds

bonding

isoprene units

variability in carbon-based molecular structure

name and structure of functional groups

alcohols

phenols

aldehydes

ketones

acids

esters

ethers

solubility and the differences between hydrophilic, hyrdrophobic, lipophilic and lipophobic

sources of aromatherapy ingredients and products and methods to determine quality of supplies

plant identification systems

common names

synonym

botanical names

plant families

essences and how they relate to plant materials

processes used to obtain aromatic material:

extraction methods

distillation

cohabation

rectification

differences between essential oils and carrier oils

origins, chemical components, properties and uses of at least 60 essential oils, including interactions and synergies:

odiferousity

volatility

flammability

concentration

viscosity

lipophilicity

origins, chemical components, properties and uses of at least 15 carrier oils:

grading process

how they are used as additives

extraction methods

features of other mediums used as carrier oils in aromatherapy:

alcohol

clay

creams

dispersants

gels

hydrosols

macerations

lotions

ointments

tinctures

water

techniques to prepare aromatherapy products from source materials, including:

creams

ointments

lotions

oil blends

tinctures

extracts

gels

balms

aromatherapy product preparation equipment and instrumentation components, their purpose and operation

handling and storage requirements to maintain integrity of products before, during and after preparation:

types and colour of containers

decantation

use of drop dispensers

exposure to heat and light

types of instructions that accompany aromatherapy products, including dosage and treatment protocol

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