Element

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Prepare client for massage.

1.1. Question client regarding any pre-existing conditions or injuries.

1.2. Examine client’s head, neck and shoulder areas and record any notable observations on client history.

1.3. Seek advice from supervising operator before proceeding where client indicates pre-existing conditions or injuries.

1.4. Prepare service area, self and client for the massage treatment, according to relevant health regulations and salon procedures.

2. Perform massage techniques.

2.1. Measure and apply massage medium from salon range as directed by supervising operator.

2.2. Apply massage techniques to head, neck and shoulder areas as prescribed by supervising operator.

2.3. Vary length of massage routine to suit client requirements and salon designated time lines.

2.4. Monitor client response throughout the service and adapt massage routine as required.

2.5. Remove massage medium, according to manufacturer or supervising operator instructions.

2.6. Allocate client relaxation time to conclude the massage service, according to salon timeframes.

Required skills

communication skills to:

interact with clients

question clients regarding pre-existing conditions or injuries

seek direction and advice from supervising operators

seek client feedback and adjust the massage routine

technical skills to:

perform a range of head, neck and shoulder massage movements

apply salon hygiene procedures

apply salon safety procedures at the basin

literacy skills to:

interpret product information and manufacturer instructions

interpret relevant health regulations and associated salon procedures

numeracy skills to:

measure and apply massage mediums to minimise waste

manage service time effectively

Required knowledge

working knowledge of relevant health regulations regarding hygiene and infection control when working on clients

salon health and hygiene procedures

salon environmental controls relating to:

waste minimisation

recycling

energy efficiency, e.g. gas or electricity saving practices

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.

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

consistently interacting with clients throughout the massage service to:

take into account any cultural or physical requirements

establish client requirements

ensure client comfort and safety

accurately interpreting and following verbal instructions from supervising operators

accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer’s instructions for the application of massage mediums

consistently applying salon procedures and safe work practices in regard to performing head, neck and shoulder massage

consistently applying head, neck and shoulder massage movements, including effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, hacking, vibration and movements across a range of clients and in salon time frames

knowledge and consistent application of health and regulations applicable to the service.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a salon or a simulated salon environment that includes a range of work situations such as client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the salon

a fully equipped basin services area which includes as a minimum:

client chairs

a range of massage mediums

a plentiful supply of clean towels

clean client gown

documented salon procedures, such as:

operator comfort and safety

procedures that respond to state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service

environmental protection practices, such as:

waste minimisation

resource management

a range of clients with different massage requirements.

For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of the learner performing head neck and shoulder massage treatments on a range of clients

written or verbal questions appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner to test knowledge which may include:

relevant health regulations

salon procedures

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance.

Guidance information for assessment

A unit of competency describes an individual skill but people rarely perform one skill at a time. Many skills are combined on a day-to-day basis in the workplace as part of work processes. This does not mean that each skill described by a unit of competency is prerequisite to another— they are related skills.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, salon and job role is recommended, for example:

SIHHOHS201A Apply salon safety procedures

SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace

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.

Client may include:

men

women

children

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

Observations may include:

skin conditions, including:

skin irritation

broken skin

scabs

scarring.

Supervising operator may include:

senior hairdresser

more experienced apprentice or trainee.

Relevant health regulations may include:

state or territory health regulations for hair and beauty salons

local council health regulations.

Salon procedures may include:

client comfort and safety

operator safety

procedures that comply with state or territory and local government health regulations relevant to the service

environmental protection practices, such as:

waste minimisation

waste disposal

water efficiency.

Massage medium may include:

scalp treatment products

hair treatment products

massage oil.

Massage techniques may include:

petrissage

tapotement

hacking

vibration

friction.

Client response may include:

verbal or non-verbal feedback

an indication of comfort or relaxation

negative feedback indicating discomfort.