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Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide
For safe and accurate test administration, the test administrator must become familiar with these instructions that apply to the pack, field, and walk tests. Test results are valid for 1 year from the time a test is passed (consult agency policy for exceptions).
A job hazard analysis and an emergency medical evacuation plan (appendix F) must be prepared for the course. These must be updated annually.
Test administrators must be familiar with the job hazard analysis and the medical emergency plan.
A trained and qualified emergency medical technician (or someone with equivalent qualifications) must be onsite during the test.
Avoid conducting the test on roads and intersections where traffic is a concern. When testing on roads, use traffic-control devices and have persons wearing high-visibility vests control traffic as needed.
Require candidates to read and sign the health screening questionnaire (or medical history) and an informed consent form (if applicable).
Check to see that candidates are wearing footwear suitable for athletic activity or hiking—footwear with ankle support is recommended for the pack and field tests.
Encourage participants to stretch and warm up adequately before the test.
Do not test anyone who is tired or has been injured.
Do not conduct tests during conditions that could compromise health or safety.
Monitor participants to identify those having difficulties. Terminate their test, if necessary.
At the midpoint, consider terminating candidates who are substantially behind the required pace (22.5 minutes for the pack test, 15 minutes for the field test, 8 minutes for the walk test) and those who are having difficulty maintaining the pace. Participants cannot jog or run to make up time.
Encourage fluid intake and replacement. Provide fluids along the route when conditions contribute to heat stress.
Encourage cooling down with an easy walk after the test. Monitor the recovery of participants, especially those who appear distressed.
Recommend several weeks of training before participants retake the test.
The number of individuals needed to administer the test will depend on the course layout, testing conditions, and the number of candidates being tested. In some cases, one person will fill multiple roles (administrator, timer, first aid specialist, course monitor). All persons involved in the test must understand the instructions and safety considerations, as well as their individual roles and responsibilities. A briefing for everyone involved is recommended before the test. The following personnel may be needed for safe and effective testing.
Test Administrator—The person in charge of administration at the test site must understand test procedures, the job hazard analysis, and the local emergency medical and evacuation plan.
First Aid Specialist—A qualified emergency medical technician (or someone with equivalent qualifications) will be onsite to observe candidates during and after the test, and to provide emergency medical assistance, if it is needed.
Course Monitor—The test administrator will determine the number of persons needed to monitor participants during the test.
Lap Counter—Someone who records the laps completed by each candidate (if needed).
Timer—Someone who keeps the time during the test.
Two persons may be able to administer the test for small groups of candidates. For larger groups, or when the course is difficult to monitor, three or more persons will be needed.
Test Administration Continued...
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