MFB Recruitment Physical Tests

As an equal opportunity employer, the MFE of its family friendly working conditions nationally recognized qualifications and genuine promotional opportunities. Firefighting is a challenging yet, rewarding career. It requires some communication skills and the desire to work in an emergency response, fire safety, and fire prevention. Fire fighting requires considerable muscular strength and endurance, as well, as specific physical attitudes. This video takes you through the basics of the physical fitness testing undertaken as part of the interface rigorous recruit selection process. The physical fitness and aptitude tests are divided into three parts:

Part 1 The Shuttle Run

Part 2 The 9meter Ladder Climb, Ladder Platform Climb, Visual Recognition and Tunnel Crawl and

Part 3 the Firefighting Task Course.

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You will fail the physical aptitude test if you don’t complete each task, if you don’t follow instructions, or if you are given more than 1 warning during any task. Physical fitness performance is measured using the multi-stage shuttle run which test your aerobic fitness. You will be required to run between two times placed between (1:40) you made as a path. The time of (1:42) around between the times is placed every unit so you must increase your running speed to keep up. Delivery required is 9.6.

The Ladder Climb test for Acrophobia or Fear of Heights You will be required to climb a fully extended 9meter ladder and return to the ground. You will wear a safety harness and be attached to a full restraint device. When climbing, grasp the rungs not the sides. Remember to move smoothly, safely and continuously. On reaching the required height, return to ground level. The time limit for this task is three minutes. You will fail the task, if you do not touch every rung.

The Ladder Platform Climb & Visual Recognition - Test for Acrophobia and Vertigo You will be required to climb the ladder, on the ladder platform to a height of the fifth floor and correctly identify three shapes described below. The time limit for this task is 8 minutes. You will have a safety harness and be attached to a full restraint device. Climb the ladder, grasping the rungs not the sides; remember to move smoothly, safely and continuously. When you reach the fifth floor, you will be directed to stop and identify the shapes being displayed at ground level. If you do not correctly identify one of the shapes, a substitute shape will be shown. You will fail this task, if you do not touch every rung, and if you unable to identify the shapes.

The Tunnel Crawl Test for Claustrophobia or Fear of Confined Spaces You will wear a breathing apparatus and a blackened face mask but you will be able to breathe fresh air throughout the test. On the command "GO!" start to crawl through this tunnel. When instructed to stop, wait in that location until instructed and tells you to proceed. Then exit the tunnel. If you feel you cannot continue in any stage during the tunnel crawl, call out to the instructor and you will be guided out. You will fail this task, if you remove the mask or fail to crawl through the tunnel. At the end of the task, the face mask will be removed.

The Firefighting Task Course is a series of tasks which a simulation some actual tasks performed on the job for the duration of the course you will be required to wear a breathing apparatus. The 10 tasks in order for completion are:

Ladder rais and lowerLadder Extension Stair ClimbContainer haulChain cuttingHose Reel DragEquipment CarryHose Drag and HoldHose CouplingsCrew member risk

There is an overall time limit of 12 minutes 50 seconds for each of the 10 tasks in the firefighter task course. Some individual task must also be completed within a certain time limit and every task must be carried out continuously without a break. You will be given a warning if you fail to carry out any task as required. You will fail the course if you were given two warnings during any one task or unable to complete the course in time.

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1. Ladder Raise and Lower Lift the ladder from the ground and raise it hand over hand in a controlled manner from underneath until the ladder is high against the elevated walkway. You must touch each rung of the ladder and must not pause or rest at any point. As soon as the ladder touches the elevated walkway, lower the ladder hand over hand making contact with each rung until it is back on the ground. You will be given a warning if you do not touch each rung of the ladder. You will fail this task if you lose control of the ladder or if you are unable to complete this task.

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2. Ladder Extension Stand on the plate and grasps the ladder extension rope. In a continuous motion, extend the ladder 10 rungs as indicated by the yellow rung. You will raise and lower the ladder in a hand over hand motion then return the ladder to its starting position. You will be give a warning, if you grasp the rope incorrectly or allow the rope to slide through your hands.

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3. Stair Climb You will be led to the bottom internal stairs. Once here, place the high rise pack over your right shoulder and proceed to the second floor. Maintain contact with the handrail at all times and step on every step. Once at the second floor balcony, place the high rise pack on the ground and proceed to the roof.

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4. Container Haul Using the rope, start hauling up the 10kilogram container using the hand over hand method. Your head and hands must be over the balcony and outside the building throughout the hauling. When it has reached the balcony lift it over the rail and place it on the floor. This task has a time limit of 20 seconds. Your time starts when you take hold of the rope and stops when the container touches the floor of the balcony. You will be given a warning if you do not haul as instructed or if you allow the container to slip during the haul. At the completion of this task return the high rise pack to your right shoulder then proceed up the stairs to the 5th floor for the chain cutting.

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5. Chain Cutting Once on the fifth floor, place the high rise pack on the ground. Before you commence cutting the chain put on your safety glasses. One hand must be on each handle of the bolt cutters although you may use your body to assist in leverage. Cut each side of the link as directed by the instructor. After cutting the chain, remove your glasses and put them down along with the chain cutters. Place the high rise pack on your left shoulder and proceed down the stairs to the ground floor. Remember, use the handrail and step on every step.

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6. Hose Reel Drag Pick up the hose and drag it towards the barrier 20 meters away. Face towards the direction of the drag at all times. Hold the branch and ream as shown. The branch must remain in front of your body during the drag. Drag the hose 20 meters move around the barrier and then drag it for another 10 meters, into the marked box at the end point. Turn around and pull in 10 meters a pause. The distance is marked by a tape on the hose and the instructor will say fire and out. Once the tape of the hose is passed for one you have finished this task. This task has a time limit of 45 seconds. You will be given a warning if you cannot drag the hose continuously that is if you stop at any point, if you do not drag the hose as directed. if you drop the branch during the task or if you step outside the box while pulling in the hose.

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7. Equipment Carry You will be redirected to an appliance where you're required to remove the general purpose work bag and the (9:50) bag. Remove each bag and put them on the ground. Then pick them up one at a time and carry them 20 meters. Go around the marker and return to the appliance. Place the bags on the ground again and return them to the shelf one at a time. After completing this task you will redirected to the Hose Drag and Haul.

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8. Hose Drag and Haul Hold the branch as shown make sure it remains in front of your body during the drag. Drag the hose 5 meters from the start line to the designated area marked by a box. When in position, (10:45) as follows one hand is placed on the branch tip and the other hand grasps the pistol grip with the hose tucked under the arm. Then open the branch, lean forward and use your body weight to counter the force of the water pressure. Resist against the force exerted by the water loose controlling the hose for two minutes. Within the designated area you must direct the flow of water as requested by the instructor. At 30 seconds intervals, the instructor will tell you to direct the water flow from one position to another. You must control the hose at all times. When told, you should turn off the branch and place the hose on the ground. You will be given a warning if you step outside the designated area whilst controlling the branch, if you can't direct the flow of water between the two barriers, if you direct the water too high or too low, or if you can't drag the hose as directed. You will fail this task, if you cannot control the branch. After completing this task, proceed directly to the Hose Couplings.

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9. Hose Couplings The Hose Couplings task tests for manual dexterity, color recognition and mechanical aptitude. You are to connect these couplings according to the color coding marked above the couplings and the connection points. Select the three identical sets of colored couplings from the ones provided. Assemble them according to the corresponding couplings indicated on the wall mounted bracket. Once correctly assembled, they are to be dismantled and placed back into the box. You will be given a warning, if you drop the couplings. You will fail this task if you connect the wrong couplings. After completing this task proceed directly to the Crew Member Rescue,

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10. Crew Member Rescue When you arrive, pick up the 65 kilogram dummy under the arm, gripping across the chest. You will be required to drag the dummy around the 45 meter course, up steps and down a ramp. Walk backwards at all times dragging the dummy with you. The distance from the start to the finish is 45 meters. The entire dummy must pass the finish line. You will be timed during this task. Your time starts when the feet of the dummy pass the start line and stops when they pass the finish line. The time limit for this task is 70 seconds. You will be given a warning if you do not drag the dummy as instructed, if you stop and rest during the drag, if you drop the dummy at any stage, or if you pull over during the task. This concludes the Fire Fighting Task Course. Successful candidates are now eligible to proceed to the next stage of their recruit selection process.

Good Luck!

Brent Clayton www.firerecruitmentaustralia.com

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