Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to source safe and reliable aromatherapy ingredients and products, and to prepare customised oil blends and other products for use in aromatherapy practice using a sound knowledge of chemistry. It does not include the preparation of aromatic medicines for internal use.
This unit applies to aromatherapists.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Recognise factors that affect chemistry and quality of aromatherapy products | 1.1 Evaluate the chemistry and chemical processes that affect the properties and quality of aromatherapy products 1.2 Evaluate the impact of different production processes on the chemistry and quality of aromatic plant oils |
2. Source product suppliers | 2.1 Establish options for the supply of natural and manufactured aromatherapy products 2.2 Evaluate the quality of suppliers and their products based on standards used to indicate aromatic plant oil quality 2.3 Obtain products from authorised and reputable sources |
3. Handle and store products | 3.1 Determine storage requirements for different types of aromatherapy ingredients and products 3.2 Maintain ingredient and product integrity through correct handling and storage 3.3 Maintain stock levels according to clinic requirements |
4. Prepare oil formulations for use in products | 4.1 Establish form and quantity of products from order or treatment plan 4.2 Select and assemble ingredients according to order or client requirements 4.3 Select, check and prepare equipment for operational readiness 4.4 Follow procedures to prevent contamination of or by the product 4.5 Make accurate calculations for quantities and ratios 4.6 Blend ingredients according to aromatherapy methodology |
5. Finalise product processes | 5.1 Package and label correct quantities into suitable containers with clear and accurate labelling as per legal requirements 5.2 Provide accurate instructions for administration and care of products as required 5.3 Complete accurate documentation according to clinic guidelines and legal and workplace requirements |
Evidence of Performance
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
Evidence of Knowledge
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
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated dispensary environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
secure storage areas
measuring equipment
sterile containers
labels
natural and manufactured aromatherapy products
modelling of industry operating conditions, including preparation of products for the general public
supervision by a person who meets the assessor requirements outlined below
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, assessors must:
have at least 3 years current clinical experience working as a clinical aromatherapist providing services to the general public
hold practising membership of an Australian professional body that represents clinical aromatherapists
fulfil the continuing professional development requirements of the professional body to which they belong
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency