Error found in fire service strength test

A number of potential firefighters across Bristol and Somerset may have failed a strength test to be eligible to join the fire service after its ladders were found to be lighter than thought .

In the Avon Fire & Rescue test that replicates ladder-carrying, candidates must successfully shoulder-press 35kg before they can join. It has been a barrier to some female candidates.

Since discovering its ladders actually weigh 96kg, not 113kg as stated by their supplier, the fire service is changing the test to a 30kg shoulder-press immediately.

HR manager Karen Shiel said: “The ladder lift is carried out by four firefighters and they need to be able to lift the ladder above their heads to stow it onto the top of the fire appliance. The shoulder-press test used within the selection process is designed to replicate this lift to ensure the candidate can safely lift the weight required.

“There are additional factors which are taken into account, including the potential for firefighters to be fatigued at the end of an operational incident and allowance for the different heights of each of the firefighters conducting the lift, as this affects the even weight distribution of the ladder when it is lifted.

“Following extensive research, it has been agreed that the weight within the selection tests can be reduced from 35kg to 30kg with immediate effect. The same test is applied to all candidates.”

Ms Shiel told Avon Fire Authority’s people and culture committee: “It is not about lowering standards, it is making sure that we’ve got a good valid occupational test.”

She said the service worked with people who had failed in recruitment campaigns to help them meet the standard and would look at contacting female candidates who had failed the strength test.