Implementation of Fitness Assessment

General Static Functional Health Tests Responsibilities

General

In accordance with SO/8/7/1 monitoring and assessment standards are targeted towards all operational employees.

Health and fitness assessments will be carried out for all operational employees at a frequency dependant on their fitness level. At their request, support staff can also be assessed.

Fitness Assessment Protocols

Static Functional Health Tests

Will be carried out by Fitness Training Advisers (FTA's) prior to the day of the assessment. This can be done within one month of the assessment date, with the exception of the resting heart rate and blood pressure, which should be taken on the day where possible.

Responsibilities

On the day the Service Wellbeing and Fitness Adviser (SWFA)/FTA will test and record the following:

Resting heart rate
Blood pressure
Chester Step Test (CST) or multi stage shuttle test (MSST)

The Chester Step Test

The SWFA/FTA will carry out the CST on the day of the assessment. To speed up the process and to reduce personnel "off duty" the CST will be taken in multiples and by watch with the following methods of recording: Other shift members on a one-to-one basis, read a heart monitor (subject to confidentiality)
Each member being tested wears a heart monitor/wrist watch and officials take individual readings.

Results

In accordance with SO/8/7/1, section 4.10.1 results will be categorised as follows:

=>45mlO₂/kg/min will require an 18 month retest cycle
44-42 mlO₂/kg/min will require an 12 month retest cycle
41-37mlO₂/kg/min will require an 6 month retest cycle
36-34mlO₂/kg/min will require an 3 month retest cycle
<34 ml O₂/kg/min may necessitate removal for operational duties and initiation of the capability support procedure

If an individual fails to achieve the required level of 42mlO₂/kg/min the following support programme will be instigated:

WFTAs will, in consultation with the individual and SWFA as appropriate, devise a suitable fitness training programme to improve health and fitness. Additional assessments/monitoring will be carried out to ensure continual improvement as co-ordinated by the SWFA.

Individuals who are below 34mlO₂/kg/min or where it is identified there may be medical issues which could impact on their health and safety at work, will be referred to Occupational Health who may recommend temporary restricted duties pending improvement and further assessments.

Results will be treated in confidence, subject to individual requirements.