Fit to Work
Page 5 of 6
Work Capacity Testing
Some jobs, like firefighting, require passing a job-related work capacity
test to meet minimum qualifications. Such tests help ensure that prospective
workers have the capacity to perform work without undue fatigue and without
becoming a hazard to themselves or coworkers.
Beginning in 1975, a 5-minute step test determined firefighter fitness.
Field review indicated that the step test was not sufficiently job-related,
did not reflect muscle fitness requirements, had potential for errors,
and violated the Americans With Disabilities Act. A systematic process
led to the development of new tests for arduous, moderate, and light duties.
The Pack Test
The Pack Test is a 4.83-km (3-mile) hike over level terrain carrying a
20.5-kg (45-pound) pack. To qualify for arduous fireline work, you must
complete the pack test in 45 minutes or less.
Tests taken at altitude should be adjusted (see table).
|
Altitude
Correction |
|
|
Altitude
(feet) |
3-mile
Pack Test (Seconds) |
|
4000
|
30
|
|
5000
|
45
|
|
6000
|
60
|
|
7000
|
75
|
|
8000
|
90
|
| Add the correction to the required test time. | |
Jogging during the test is not permitted. A score of 45 minutes correlates with a step test score of 45 or a 1.5-mile-run time of 11 minutes 40 seconds, the previous standard for wildland firefighters.
The energy cost of the Pack Test is similar to fireline work. Pack Test performance relates directly to muscular fitness. Because of the test distance, the Pack Test is an excellent indicator of the capacity to perform prolonged arduous work under adverse conditions, with a reserve to meet unforeseen emergencies.
Additional field tests were developed to qualify individuals for moderate
and light duties.
|
Fitness
Requirement |
Test
|
Description
|
|
Arduous
(45 mL/kg*min) Lift over 50 lbs |
Pack Test |
3-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 min. |
|
Moderate
(40 mL/kg * min) Lift 25-50 lbs |
Field Test |
2-mile hike with 25-pound pack in 30 min. |
|
Light
(35 mL/kg*min) Light lifting |
Walk Test |
1-mile hike in 16 min. |
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