Back | Next
Missoula Technology &
Development Center
|
Table
of Contents Back | Next |
Missoula Technology & Development Center |
Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide
Administer the test during moderate environmental conditions. Do not test new recruits when the temperature is high or when the temperature and humidity combine to create high heat-stress conditions. If necessary, test early in the day to avoid combinations of high temperature and high humidity. Avoid high winds that may affect performance.
Hydration—Encourage participants to drink fluids before the test and provide fluid replacement at the midpoint of the course. Participants may carry a water bottle.
Heat stress—Unacclimated or unfit workers will suffer at lower levels of heat or work. The graph in figure 4 is based on shaded air temperature, moderate radiant heat, light breeze, standard firefighter clothing, and moderate work rate.
Figure 4—Heat stress increases
as
temperature and humidity rise.
Altitude—Use this chart (table 2) to adjust for tests administered above 4,000 feet:
| Altitude (feet) | Pack test (seconds) | Field test (seconds) | Walk test (seconds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,000 to 5,000 | 30 |
20 |
10 |
| 5,000 to 6,000 | 45 |
30 |
15 |
| 6,000 to 7,000 | 60 |
40 |
20 |
| 7,000 to 8,000 | 75 |
50 |
25 |
| 8,000 to 9,000 | 90 |
60 |
30 |
Table 2—Altitude corrections for
work capacity tests. Add the correction to the
required test time.For the pack test at 6,000 to 7,000 feet, add 60 seconds
to
the test standard (45 minutes) for an altitude-adjusted standard of 46 minutes.
The altitude adjustment assumes that the participant has had an opportunity to acclimate to the altitude of the test site. If a participant doesn’t meet the required standard even with the adjustment, encourage training at the altitude of the test site before retaking the test.
Distribute work capacity testing information and the health screening questionnaire (or medical history) well before the test date. Have candidates initial a form indicating that they have read and completed the health screening questionnaire. Some agencies may ask candidates to sign an informed consent form before taking the test (appendix C).
Clothing—Recommend to the participants that they choose footwear that provides ankle support, such as hiking boots or ankle-high sport shoes. Wearing T-shirts and shorts is acceptable.
Safety—Brief participants on the test, the course, and safety considerations. Tell them they are free to stop at any time for any reason, and that they should seek help if they experience physical problems.
Warmup—Encourage candidates to stretch (calves, lower back, hamstrings) and to warm up adequately before the test.
Pace—Show participants how they should hike the course at a fast pace, without jogging. The heel of one foot must make contact before the opposite toe leaves the ground. Jogging or running will result in disqualification. Discourage competition.
Accommodations—Inform participants that a walking staff may be used.
Hydration—Encourage participants to drink 1 to 2 cups of water before the test. Participants may carry a water bottle, but the extra weight is not counted as part of the pack weight.
Script—Read the instruction script (appendix A) to ensure that participants are informed about the test, the course, safety, and other site-specific information.
An accurately measured flat course with a good surface.
Packs of the proper weight. Verify pack weight with a calibrated scale. Participants are responsible for ensuring their packs are properly adjusted before the test begins.
Accurate timing that is verified by backup timing. Give split times along the course (at 1 mile and/or the midpoint, 1.5 miles for the pack test).
Participants should be rested and well informed about the course and the need to maintain a pace that will allow them to complete the test successfully.
Favorable environmental conditions. Avoid adverse conditions.
A completed health screening questionnaire (or medical history) and medical exam (if indicated) and a signed informed consent form (if applicable). When completed, these forms are considered confidential records that must be safeguarded from unauthorized access or release. Follow agency policy for handling these forms.
| Top Back | Next Table of Contents |
|
 E-mail: wo_mtdc_webmaster@fs.fed.us |
Missoula Technology & Development Center |