This unit may apply to work in aromatherapy in a range of health settings

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Recognise aromatic plant oils, carrier oils, additives and other mediums

1.1 Identify and prepare aromatic oils, carrier oils, additives and mediums

1.2 Oils are stored according to clinic guidelines

1.3 Care is taken to prevent contamination of oils

1.4 Oils are labelled and stored correctly

2. Prepare aromatic oil blends

2.1 Aromatic plant oils, carrier oils, additives and other mediums are selected

2.2 Prepare service area according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures

2.3 Prepare equipment according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures

2.4 Blend ingredients according to treatment plan or prescription, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures

2.5 Apply safe storage and labelling procedures according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures

3. Develop aromatic products

3.1 Select type of product

3.2 Prepare service area according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures

3.3 Prepare ingredients and develop product

3.4 Abide by good manufacturing guidelines

3.5 Store product appropriately

4. Control stock

4.1 Obtain required materials from acceptable sources

4.2 Keep stores well stocked according to clinic guidelines

4.3 Identify factors which have an effect on the storage of aromatic products

4.4 Store materials according to clinic guidelines

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

A basic range of essential and carrier oils

The chemistry, functional groups and properties of a basic range of essential and carrier oils

How to source essential and carrier oils including a knowledge of their botanical names

The interaction and synergy of oils

Nutrition, hygiene and personal health care strategies

Possible reactions and contra-indications to treatment

Ethical and legal implications of enquiry and treatment

Good manufacturing processes as related to the development of aromatherapy products

How to perform a patch test for potential client skin sensitivity

How to prepare appropriate dosages and dosage ratios

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Demonstrate communication skills and negotiation skills

Identify treatment options

Read health reports, referrals and other data relevant to individual clients

Perform a patch test for potential client skin sensitivity

Prepare appropriate dosages and dosage ratios

Calculate ratios

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of performance in the workplace or a simulated workplace (defined as a supervised clinic) is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Assessment of sole practitioners must include a range of clinical situations and different client groups covering at minimum, age, culture and gender

Assessment of sole practitioners must consider their unique workplace context, including:

interaction with others in the broader professional community as part of the sole practitioner's workplace

scope of practice as detailed in the qualification and component competency units

holistic/integrated assessment including:
. working within the practice framework
. performing a health assessment
. assessing the client
. planning treatment
. providing treatment

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Resources essential for assessment include:

a fully stocked and equipped clinic or simulated clinic environment

relevant texts or medical manuals

anatomical model

relevant paper-based/video assessment instruments

Appropriate assessment environment

Qualified assessor

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Practical demonstration

Development of products

Written assignments/projects and research

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Oral questioning and discussion

Role play simulation

Explanation for plan preparations

Journals and portfolios

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting.. If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

Aromatic oils may include:

Eucalyptus Lemon Scented

Fennel Sweet

Frankincense

Geranium

Ginger

Grapefruit

Jasmine

Juniper

Lavender True

Lemon

Lemongrass

Mandarin

Marjoram Sweet

Melissa

Myrrh

Neroli

Patchouli

Peppermint

Petitgrain

Pine Scotch

Rose Damask

Rosemary Damask

Rosemary Cineole

Sandalwood East Indian

Tea Tree

Thyme Red

Ylang Ylang

Basil (Linalool)

Basil (Methyl chavicol)

Bergamot

Black Pepper

Cedarwood Atlas

Chamomile Roman

Clary Sage

Cypress

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus Blue Gum

Chamomile Blue

Carrier and macerated oils may include:

Apricot kernel

Arnica

Avocado

Calendula

Calophyllum or Tamanu

Canola

Carrot

Evening Primrose

Hemp

Hypericum

Jojoba

Linseed

Macadamia

Olive

Rosehip

Safflower

Sesame Seed

Sunflower

Sweet Almond

Wheatgerm

Types of products may include

Soaps

Massage oils

Oils for:

compresses

douches

poultices

vaporisations

Ointments, creams and lotions

Equipment may include but is not limited to:

Calculator for determining percentages

Measuring equipment

beakers

measuring pipettes

weighing scales

Mixing equipment

mixing beakers and bowls

stainless steel spoons and other hand mixing utensils

stab and regular blenders

Packaging

empty bottles and jars for finished products

Recording equipment

notebook or index cards for recording of client details and preparations made.

computer with suitable software for creating electronic version of client details and preparations made

This unit contains Employability Skills