DFRS

POLICES & PROCEDURES
Department Of Fire & Rescue Services
Montgomery County, MD

PHYSICAL FITNESS
TRAINING AND TESTING


 
 
No. 802
Dec. 1, 1992

PURPOSE
1.0 To prepare employees assigned to the Fire Protection Occupational Series to effectively perform job tasks safely and efficiently.

APPLICABILITY
2.0 This policy applies to all DFRS employees.
2.1 Consistent with Sections 6.09 and 6.15 of this policy, this program shall be implemented as a two-year, pilot program. The Program Manager will provide semi-annual reports on the costs and benefits of the program to the Director and to the Union. The Union may submit comments and proposals as permitted by Section 33-107 (a) (6) of the Collective Bargaining Law of Montgomery County.
2.2
This policy was developed in cooperation with the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 1664.

BACKGROUND
3.0 Individuals assigned to the Fire Protection Occupational Series perform one of the most physically demanding and mentally stressful occupations in the nation. Fire/rescue service personnel are subjected to various environments that require their rapid physical and mental response with a minimum of prior preparation. Recent studies have indicated that an increase in physical activity targeted at specific muscle groups and improved diet works to reduce the physical and mental stress and other negative impacts of firefighting and rescue work. The results of implementation of physical fitness training programs by many fire departments support the conclusions reached by these studies. In an effort to maintain the physical capabilities of fit personnel and improve the overall fitness of the work force, the Department has developed this policy on physical fitness training.

DEFINITIONS
4.0 Accidental Personal Injury - An accidental injury arising out of and in the course of employment, as defined by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Statute and Maryland Case Law.
4.1 Appropriate Physical Training Clothing - Clothing approved by the Montgomery County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Purchase and issue will be phased in, commensurate with budget constraints. When authorized by the Director, or his designee, employees may substitute, at their expense, alternative Physical Training clothing. Substitution may be authorized to facilitate physical fitness activity providing that it conforms to other guidelines in this policy.
4.2 Authorized Physical Fitness Activities - Those activities that provide a positive result without unreasonable exposure to possible injury, as identified by the Program Manager.
4.3 Combat Task Test - The Davis/Dotson Combat Task Test, or equivalent, as approved by the Director.
4.4 Incentive Award - Awards issued to recognize achievement in the area of physical fitness, either individual, shift, or work station.
4.5 Level I Physical Fitness Test (LIPFT) - A measure of physical fitness to be maintained by employees assigned to the Fire Protection Occupational Series, at the rank of Fire/Rescue Lieutenant and below.
4.6 Level II Physical Fitness Test (LIIPFT) - A measure of physical fitness to be maintained by employees assigned to the Fire Protection Occupational Series, at the rank of Fire/Rescue Captain and above.
4.7 Maintenance Program - The program designed for an individual who passes the physical fitness test.
4.8 Monitored Program - The complete physical fitness program which must be undertaken by an individual who is not able to pass the physical fitness test.
4.9 Occupational Medical Section (OMS) - A section of the Division of Risk Management responsible for providing physical exams for County employees.
4.10 Physical Fitness Coordinator - An individual with a FEMA-approved National Physical Fitness Coordinator's Certification, if available, to evaluate fitness levels, supervise shift evaluations and ensure compliance with this policy.
4.11 Physical Fitness Officer - An officer of DFRS who is assigned by the Director to be responsible for the overall program development, application, supervision, and evaluation of the physical Fitness Training and Testing Policy. The Director shall determine the nature of assignment, primary or collateral, depending on fiscal concerns and Department priorities.
4.12 Physical Fitness Program - A program designed to exercise the body to achieve acceptable fitness levels. The target components of physical fitness are:

  1. Aerobic or cardiovascular fitness

  2. Muscular fitness

  1. Strength
  2. Muscular endurance
  3. Flexibility

4.13 Physical Fitness Test - A measure of the physical fitness of an employee.
4.14 Physically Fit - The physical ability to perform the tasks required of an individual assigned to the Fire Protection Occupational Series.
4.15 Program Manager - An employee of DFRS who has received specialized training and education in administering physical fitness programs. This employee shall be assigned by, and report directly to, the Physical Fitness Officer in all matters concerning the administration of this policy. The Director shall determine the nature of assignment, primary or collateral, depending on fiscal concerns and Department priorities.

The Union shall be given an opportunity to preview the qualifications of the candidates for this assignment, and provide recommendation for the Director's consideration.

4.16 Prohibited Physical Activities - Those activities producing an unreasonable exposure to possible injury. The program manager, in consultation with the Union, will develop a list of prohibited activities. The Director, Department of Fire and Rescue Services, will then approve the list of prohibited activities.
4.17 Shift Evaluators - Individuals trained by the Program Manager to evaluate and supervise at the station level.
4.18 Training Period - An on-duty time period allocated for physical fitness training.

RESPONSIBILITY
5.0 All personnel assigned to the Fire Protection Occupational Series are required to be physically fit sufficient to be able to perform the normal job duties of the position.
5.1 All supervisors are responsible for providing the opportunity to participate in physical fitness activities as outlined in this policy, while ensuring the exclusion of prohibited physical activities.
5.2 The Physical Fitness Officer is responsible for program development, maintenance and oversight, disseminating nutrition information to the duty station level, responding to questions regarding physical fitness and nutrition, providing individual counseling and training to employees failing to meet minimum acceptable criteria as established by the Level I and Level II Physical Fitness Tests, and coordinating the Incentive Awards Program.
5.3 The Physical Fitness Coordinator is responsible to evaluate fitness levels, supervise shift evaluations, and ensure compliance with this policy.
5.4 Shift Physical Fitness Evaluators are responsible for maintaining the physical fitness records of their assigned shift, including the Bureaus of Fire Prevention and Field Support Services.

POLICY
6.0 The DFRS is committed to developing and maintaining a physically fit work force because of the demanding nature of fire/rescue work and the accumulating evidence that the maintenance of good physical fitness is the best preventive medicine.
6.1 The Department will assist personnel in achieving and maintaining physical fitness through use of fitness testing, and provision of weight control programs, and nutrition information. Specific objectives of this program include:

  1. Improve the overall fitness level of all uniformed employees.

  2. Manage obesity through fitness and behavior modification.

  3. Reduce the number of disabling injuries due to strains, sprains, fatigue, and cardiovascular disease.

  4. Have motivated employees who can withstand the stresses, strains, and lifestyles demanded by the Fire Service.

  5. To reward individuals, shifts or stations for outstanding achievements in the area of physical fitness.

6.2 All applicable personnel must participate in the Physical Fitness Program, either in a Maintenance Program or Monitored Program. Occasionally, personnel may be excused from participation in physical fitness activities by the supervisor or Shift Physical Fitness Evaluator for cause. Personnel assigned to the Monitored Program may participate in any team activity as time permits only after they complete the monitored program daily.

However, before any employee is required to participate in the Physical Fitness Program, he/she may request a base line physical evaluation from O.M.S. The physical evaluation will include assessments in accordance with the standards in Attachment 8.4, "Base Line Physical Standards." The requests for physicals will not be unreasonably denied.

6.3 Personnel excused from participation for cause must be assigned a specific work function activity while the remainder of the shift completes the physical fitness program.
6.4 Personnel excused longer than fourteen consecutive calendar days must be scheduled for evaluation of their condition by OMS.
6.5 Supervisors will identify where authorized physical fitness activities are to occur and designate a different time period when appropriate. This time and place must be consistent with DFRS policy 240, Station Management. The Shift Evaluator, or in his/her absence, the supervisor will lead the activity, ensure that all employees participate, and provide complete program participation daily. The supervisor must ensure that the physical fitness activities are not done in a hazardous environment, or outside during inclement weather.
6.6 The Chief, Bureau of Fire Prevention, is responsible for developing and implementing Physical Fitness plan within the Bureau. The Physical Fitness Plan must be approved by the Program Manager. Training will be conducted at the location approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention Physical Fitness Coordinator.
6.7 The Chief, Bureau of Field Support Services, is responsible for developing and implementing a Physical Fitness plan within the Bureau. The Physical Fitness Plan must be approved by the Program Manager. Training will be conducted at the location approved by the Bureau of Field Support Services Fitness Coordinator.
6.8 Level II personnel will normally participate in physical fitness training three days per week for 1.5 hours per day.
6.9 Bi-annually (April and October), Physical Fitness Evaluators will conduct a fitness evaluation of each employee. For two consecutive years following the issue of this policy, the bi-annual evaluations will be used for information and instructional purposes to assist personnel in achieving the standards set forth in the Physical Fitness Tests.

  1. The Level I Physical Fitness Test is comprised of the following minimum acceptable criteria: 35 sit-ups in 1 1/2 minutes, 25 push-ups, three pull-ups, a grip strength of 100 lbs. in each hand; a positive result (extending fingertips beyond toes while in a seated position with legs extended) of the sit and reach; 1 1/2 mile run under 12 minutes. The total time allowed each employee to complete the Level I (or II) Physical Fitness Test shall be no less than one half hour. Employee may request a rest period between phases of the test.

    On the advice of their physician and certified by OMS, personnel who are restricted from running for fitness must substitute one of the following aerobic evaluation tests as part of the LIPFT. Standards equivalent to the minimum aerobic capacity requirement for the 1 1/2 mile run must be determined by the Program Manager. Personnel at the rank of Lieutenant and below in all Bureaus are subject to the LIPFT.

  1. Exercise cycle
  2. Step Test
  3. Walking
  4. Treadmill
  1. The Level II Physical Fitness Test is comprised of the following minimum acceptable criteria: 25 sit-ups in 1 1/2 minutes; 20 push-ups; a positive result of the sit and reach test (extending fingertips beyond the toes while in a seated position with legs extended); 1 1/2 mile run in under 13 minutes. The total time allowed each employee to complete the Level I (or II) Physical Fitness Test shall be no less than one half hours. Employee may request a rest period between phases of the test.

    On the advice of their physician and certified by OMS, personnel who are restricted from running for fitness must substitute one of the following alternative aerobic evaluation tests as part of LIIPFT.

  1. Exercise cycle
  2. Step Test
  3. Walking
  4. Treadmill

Standards equivalent to the minimum aerobic capacity for the 1 1/2 mile run must be determined by the Program Manager. Personnel at the rank of Captain and above in all Bureaus are subject to the LIIPFT.

  1. If the employee fails to meet the standards established in 6.9(a) and 6.9(b) then they will be placed on the Monitored program. Employees may, at their option, take the Combat Task Test prior to being placed on the Monitored program. If the employee successfully completes the Combat Task Test they will not be placed on the Monitored Program, but will remain on the Maintenance Program.
  1. The Physical Training Policy and Procedure will be implemented on a phased-in basis due to budgetary limitations and present fitness levels. Personnel who fail to achieve the standards set forth in 6.09a or 6.09b will be counseled and assisted by the Program Manager.

6.10 DFRS is committed to providing each shift with nutrition training and information to promote healthy, physically-fit personnel. This information shall be distributed by the Physical Fitness Program Manager.
6.11 The Physical Fitness Officer will oversee and coordinate the Incentive Awards Program, which will nationally certify successful participants as physically fit.
6.12 The Physical Fitness Officer may recommend additional awards to the Director for special performance recognition. These awards may be individual, but shift, or by station.
6.13 Personnel placed off-duty due to any injury, illness, or other condition for longer than 30 calendar days will report to the Program Manager for a physical fitness evaluation. Personnel must complete the appropriate Physical Fitness Test before returning to full duty. If they cannot pass the test, they will be placed on the Monitored Program.

PROCEDURE
7.0 At the appointed time and place, each on-duty employee must participate in authorized physical fitness activities. Employees must wear issued physical fitness training clothing, or an authorized substitute (Sec. 4.1).
7.1 All personnel must participate in 30-40 minutes (See 7.7a) of warm-up and muscular fitness exercises to ensure that they are sufficiently stretched and flexed prior to weight and aerobics training.
7.2 After completing warm-ups and muscular fitness, personnel must select and complete an aerobic activity selected from 7.7b, for at least 20 minutes.
7.3 After completing the primary muscular fitness/flexibility and aerobic segments of the program, personnel on the Maintenance Program are encouraged to complete 7.7c or other approved physical activity, and required to complete 7.7d. Personnel on the Monitored Program are required to complete 7.7c or one of the alternative programs outlined in Attachments 8.0 or 8.1.
7.4 Station/Shift Physical Fitness Evaluators will supervise the program on a daily basis. The evaluators will provide quarterly reports to the Physical Fitness Coordinator detailing activities completed, employees not participating (give reason), accidental personal injuries occurring during activity, and evaluations of employee status.
7.5 The Physical Fitness Coordinator will monitor the quarterly reports as received and the results of the bi-annual evaluations as per 6.10a and 6.10b to determine the ability of each supervised employee to demonstrate physical fitness.
7.6 All test must be furnished to the Program Manager. The Program Manager will report to the Physical Fitness Officer on the fitness level of the Department. The Physical Fitness Officer must approve the report, and forward the report to the Director. The Union will receive a copy of the Program Manager's report.
7.7 The following physical fitness activities are authorized and are to be completed as follows:

  1. Primary Muscular Fitness/Flexibility Exercise Program:

This activity should prevent minor injuries throughout the work day as individuals are prepared for vigorous tasks. Complete one set of the 22 exercises listed below:

  1. Neck Rotation - 10 clockwise, 10 counter clockwise
  2. Shoulder Rolls - 10 clockwise, 10 counter clockwise
  3. Shoulder Girdle Stretch - 2 sets for each shoulder, hold each stretch for 10 seconds
  4. Hip Flexor - 2 hands behind head, fingers, interlocked and 2 with fingers interlocked and arms behind back outstretched. Hold each stretch for a 10-count.
  5. Ankle Rolls - 5 clockwise, 5 counter clockwise
  6. Spread Eagle Stand - 2 to left foot hold for 10 counts, 2 to center, hold for 10, 2 to right foot hold for 10.
  7. Spread Eagle Sitting - 2 to left foot hold for 10 counts, 2 to center, hold for 10, 2 to right foot hold for 10.
  8. Groin Stretch - 5, holding each stretch for 5 seconds each.
  9. Left Leg to Chest, Right Leg to Chest - 2 each leg, hold each stretch for 10 seconds.
  10. Hurdlers Exercise - 5 left - 5 right, hold each stretch for 5 seconds.
  11. Shoulder Shrugs - 20
  12. Pectoral Stretch - 20
  13. Side Bends - 5 each side, hold each stretch for 5 seconds
  14. Calf Raises - 25
  15. Press Ups - 10
  16. Legs In and Out - 15
  17. Abdominal Crunches - 20, increasing to 35
  18. Left Leg/Right Leg Crunches - 5 left and 5 right
  19. Both Legs Crunches - 5
  20. Jumping Jacks - 15 (4 count) increasing to 25
  21. Push Ups - 15 increasing to 30
  22. Squat Thrusts - 25

  1. Primary Daily Aerobic Activity:

Complete a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise at your target heart rate in one or more of the following activities.

  1. walking
  2. jogging
  3. running
  4. jumping rope
  5. use of exercise bike
  6. stair step machine
  7. ski machine
  8. swimming
  9. treadmill

  1. Primary Muscular Fitness/Weight Training

Each individual will complete a minimum of two sets with 10 repetitions of the following, or equal circuit training.

  1. Dips Bench press
  2. Leg extension and flex
  3. Shoulder press, seated
  4. Lat pull downs
  5. Curls regular and reverse
  6. Upright rows
  7. Pull ups

Workout weight is to be determined by the individual under the guidance of the Fitness Coordinator. The weight selected shall not exceed 80% of a 5 repetition maximum.

  1. Cool Down Flexibility Exercises

The following exercises are recommended as a part of each individual's "cool down" to promote flexibility. Refer to Attachment 8.2 for illustration. Hold each stretch to the point of tightness for 5 to 10 seconds.

  1. Squat and Pike - 3
  2. Fencer's Lunge - 3 each leg
  3. Side Bends - 2 each side
  4. Seated Squat and Pike - 3
  5. Cool Down Walk - Approximately 5 minutes to allow heart rate to return to normal

ATTACHMENTS
8.0 Alternative Calisthenic Program.
8.1 Alternative Circuit Weight Training/Aerobic Program.
8.2 Flexibility and Warm-Up Program - Description.
8.3 Davis-Dotson Combat Task Force.
8.4 Base Line Physical Standards.
8.5 Projected Implementation Dates for Various Aspects of Physical Fitness Training and Testing.


Policy & Procedure Manual

ATTACHMENT 8.0

Provides training for muscular and cardiovascular systems. This may be substituted for Weight Training Program. Personnel should start with Beginner level and work up to Advanced. Complete two circuits of 11 stations, 22 separate exercises, in 20 minutes.

Beginner - Intermediate - Advance

1. Four Count 25 50 75 Jumping Jacks

2. Push-ups 15 30 50

3. Prone Arm and 15 30 50 Leg Lift

4. Bent Knee 20 50 60 Abdominal Crunches

5. Four Count Moun- 10 20 35 tain Climbers

6. Straddle Hops 50 85 125

7. Front Trunk 10 20 35 Raise

8. Knee In 15 30 45

9. Four Count 10 20 35 Squat Thrust

10. Side Trunk Raise 8 15 30

11. Sitting Tucks 10 25 40

ATTACHMENT 8.1 & 8.2

ALTERNATIVE CIRCUIT WEIGHT TRAINING/AEROBIC PROGRAM

Develops muscular strength and endurance. Combines calisthenics and weight training with short rest periods, using a multi-station weight-training device to achieve improved strength and aerobic capacity. One can start anywhere in the circuit and proceed to next station. Allow 15 seconds at each station and 20 seconds in between stations.

1. Warm-up and Flexibility Exercise (See Section 7.7).

2. Circuit Training Station.

Flexibility and Warm-Up Program - Description.

1. Pull-Up

2.Arm Curl

3. Lat Pull Down

4. Leg Press

5. Arm Dip

6. Crunches

7. Bench Press

8.Hip Flexor

9.Shoulder Press

10. Knee-Extension

11. Push-Up

12. Jumping-Jacks

13. Flutter Kick

14. Run in Place

3. Cool-Down - A period when the participant walks to allow the heart rate to return to normal, and perform flexibility exercises outlined in Section 7.7d.

ATTACHMENT 8.3

DAVIS/DOTSON COMBAT TEST

Conditions

While wearing full protective clothing and using a 30 minute SCBA, the participant must complete the following evolutions in less than seven minutes. All tasks must be performed sequentially.

Task 1. High Rise Stair Climb Evolution

Starting from street level, carry a standpipe pack to the fifth floor of a building and deposit it in a designated location. The participant's free hand may be used to assist in the climb.

Task 2. Hoist Evolution

Using a 1/2" utility rope and hose roller, pull a 50' length of 2 1/2" brass coupled (or 2 lengths of 2 1/2" pyrolite coupled hose) up and through a fifth floor window. The task is completed when the coupling clears the window.

Task 3. Forcible Entry Evolution

Walk from the fifth floor to street level and proceed to the railroad tie station. Using the sledge hammer provided, drive an eight foot railroad tie five feet. This evolution is completed when the end being driven crosses the five foot line. Move to the 1 1/2" Hose Advance Evolution (concrete surface area).

Task 4. 1 1/2" Hose Advance Evolution

Take the nozzle end of a 150' charge 1 1/2" hoseline and advance the line into a structural building and out the other side. The course must be arranged to that the participant has to follow the hoseline back and advance the slack. The task is complete when the firefighter and nozzle emerge from the other side of the building.

Task 5. Victim Rescue Evolution

From the hose advance, move to the victim rescue evolution. Drag the 175lb. "victim" a distance of 100'. The evolution is completed when the participant and victim cross the finish line.

ATTACHMENT 8.4

BASE LINE PHYSICAL STANDARDS

The following attachment dated February 3, 1992, was obtained from the Occupational Medical Section, entitled "Entry Level Medical and Physical Qualifications Montgomery County Career Firefighters." This attachment covers the Base Line Physical Standards for DFRS. However, only pages 4 through 6 apply to Montgomery County Career Firefighter/Rescuers, except where it discusses the drug testing. Department of Fire and Rescue Services has a separate policy, entitled "Employment Drug Testing" policy #522, which addresses the guidelines set forth for a drug test to be performed. This is the "Base Line Physical Standard" as referenced in 67.2 of the Physical Fitness Training and Testing policy.

ATTACHMENT 8.5

PROJECTED IMPLEMENTATION DATES FOR VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING AND TESTING

January - April 1993: Initial Physical Fitness Assessment. Certified Fitness Coordinators working as Shift Evaluators train each shift in all stations.

October 1993: Initial evaluation utilizing L.I.P.F.B.C.T. and L.II. P.F.B.C.T.

April 1994: Bi-Annual Evaluation.

April 1994: Initial utilization of the Combat Task Test as necessary.

October 1994: Bi-Annual Evaluations.

April 1995: Bi-Annual Evaluations.

October 1995: Bi-Annual Evaluations and review of pilot program entitled Physical Fitness Training and Testing.