Practical
Tests.

These job-related assessments consist of a number of different tests, which will assess your practical ability to handle fire service equipment. The tests are designed to simulate the tasks carried out in the training course and then in the role of Firefighter.  

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Equipment Carry Test* 

This is a test of aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength (including grip strength) and co-ordination. It includes an equipment and hose carry. Full details will be provided on the day and verbal instruction will be provided throughout the test from the safety officer. The test will be timed. 

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Ladder Extension 

This is a 2-part test of upper body and grip strength, carried out on a ladder simulator. The 1st test is to simulate extending a 13.5m ladder to the first floor of a drill tower weighing approx. 25kg. The 2nd test is to simulate lowering a 13.5m ladder from full extension to ground level weighing approx. 32kg. Each test must be carried out in one continuous movement. You will be assisted if necessary, by the safety officer. 

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Ladder Climb 

This is a physical test of confidence and the ability to follow instructions.  You will ascend a 13.5 metre (45 foot) fire service ladder to a point two thirds of the full working height, take a leg lock and remove your hands from the ladder and look down to the assessor to identify a symbol placed flat on the ground at the foot of the ladder. You will be assisted if necessary, by the safety officer. 

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Ladder Lift 

This is a test of upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. You will raise the bar of a ladder lift to full arm extension. The starting weight will be 15kg for the first lift above the head, increasing in 5kg increments until a max load of 30kg is reached. There will be two lifts in total to complete as follows – 5kg and 15kg. Both lifts must be achieved to pass this test. You will be assisted if necessary, by the safety officer. 

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Enclosed Space* 

This is a test of confidence, agility and identification of claustrophobic tendencies. Wearing a breathing apparatus facemask, you will negotiate a crawl and walkway with clear vision. You will then retrace your steps wearing a mask that obscures your vision. This is a timed exercise. You will be assisted if necessary, by the safety officer.  

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Equipment Assembly* 

This is a test of manual dexterity.  You must assemble and then disassemble a piece of equipment following a demonstration by the safety officer. 

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Ladder Carry 

This test simulates carrying the heel bar / jack beam of the 13.5 metre across a designated course 1 handed carrying a 25kg. You will be assisted if necessary, by the safety officer. 

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Casualty Drag* 

This is a test of evacuating a 55kg casualty over a 30-metre course. You will be assisted if necessary, by the safety officer.

 

Full instruction is given on the day and you will be provided with protective clothing to wear.