Employment standards for Australian urban firefighters. Part 3: The transition from criterion task to test

Authors

Herb Groeller, University of WollongongFollow
Hugh Fullagar, University of WollongongFollow
John Andrew Sampson, University of WollongongFollow
Brendan Mott, Fire & Rescue NSW
Nigel A.S. Taylor, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

103554

Publication Details

Groeller, H., Fullagar, H. H.K.., Sampson, J. A., Mott, B. J. & Taylor, N. A.S.. Employment standards for Australian urban firefighters. Part 3: The transition from criterion task to test. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2015; 57 (10): 1083-1091.

Abstract

Objective: In this third communication, the processes for converting criterion occupational tasks into bona fide pre-employment selection tests are presented using urban firefighters as the worked example. Methods: A total of 14 individuals participated in potential screening tests that targeted three loaded movement categories: single-sided load carriage (4 tests), dragging loads (2 tests), and overhead pushing and holding objects (5 tests). Results: Seven tests emerged, one performed as an isolated pass/fail barrier test (ladder raise) and six incorporated into a sequential, timed circuit simulating hazmat incidents, ventilation fan carriage (stairs), motor-vehicle rescues, bushfire incidents, fire attacks, and a firefighter rescue. Conclusion: Because three tests provided predicted performance speeds to replicate the oxygen cost of firefighters performing the corresponding occupational simulations, notional performance thresholds could be projected and recommended for the final phase of this research.