Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme Not protectively marked Protective Marking Publication Scheme Y/N Title Version Summary Branch / OCU Date created Review date Yes Job Related Fitness Test (JRFT) – Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Version 1 This SOP details procedures for the Job Related Fitness Test (JRFT), which forms part of the National Recruitment Standards and is used for specialist units to determine physical fitness standards for role. Human Resources Directorate April 2008 April 2011 Job Related Fitness Test - Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Contents Number Section 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Application 3.0 Standard Operating Procedure Details 4.0 Procedure 5.0 JRFT Safety Factors 6.0 JRFT Implementation 7.0 Specialist group JRFT 8.0 In-Year Fitness Assessment 9.0 Incapacitating Illness or Injury 10.0 Responsibilities 11.0 Associated Documents and Policies Appendices 1.0 Introduction The Job Related Fitness Test (JRFT) forms part of the National Recruitment Standards and is used for specialist units to determine physical fitness standards for role. It forms part of the Occupational Health, Health and Wellbeing Policy. 2.0 Application This standard operating procedure takes immediate effect and replaces Special Notice 46/97. This Special Notice is hereby cancelled. All police officers and police staff, including the extended police family and those working voluntarily or under contract to the MPA must be aware of, and are required to comply with, all relevant MPS policy and associated procedures. However, this standard operating procedure applies in particular to officers and police staff in the following roles: Members of police personnel Line managers Heads of B/OCU’s/Branches HR Managers Occupational Health Advisors Practice Support Managers Assistant Director, Practice Support Trade union representatives N.B. This list in not intended to be exhaustive. 3.0 Standard Operating Procedure Details The JRFT is to be administered in a recognised MPS fitness training facility, which has a 15 metre-running course and a Concept II DYNO machine. Only HR Physical Training Instructors (PTI) are to be permitted to administer the JRFT. Every HR PTI must have a valid Emergency Life Support (ELS) and defibrillator certificate. A JRFT is to be booked in advance through either the Health and Fitness Assessment Centre or Peel Centre Administration Unit. All prospective officers, serving Police Officers and Police Staff are to complete a cardiac health questionnaire prior to taking the JRFT. If an affirmative answer is given the individual in question is not permitted to take the JRFT, but is to be referred to an Occupational Therapist (OHA). The individual can only take the JRFT once the OHA has given approval. The multi stage shuttle run test is to be followed by the DYNO push test and completed with the DYNO pull test. For Specialist Firearm Officers a twenty second-rope hang test is to be administered after the DYNO pull test. For all JRFTs, a running warm up is to be administered, using the first two levels of the multi stage shuttle run test, followed by a mobility and stretching session for the major joints and muscles of the body. To record an overall pass, a pass at the required role related standard must be achieved in both the multi-stage shuttle run and the dynamic strength test. The pass enables authorisation or is valid until the end of the month in which it was taken, for the following calendar year. For example, if a pass was recorded on 02 May 2005, it would not expire until 31 May 2006. This would give a validity period of 12-months and 29 days, amounting to almost 13months. All JRFT record sheets are filed and the JRFT results entered on to MetHR by the Physical Education Branch Administration Officer. 4.0 Procedure Setting JRFT standards All JRFT standards must be objectively set to reflect the physical demands of the role. As the standards are role related, the level recommended is to be the same for both men and women, regardless of age. On request from Portfolio holders to set a JRFT standard for their specialist unit, the Head of Physical Education will assess the physical demands of the role and training, and reflect the findings in the subsequent JRFT standards recommendations. To determine the aerobic demands of the role either heart rate telemetry or VO2 max. testing is to be used. To establish strength demands of the role, where possible a hand-held force gauge is to be used to determine pull and push forces. A thorough observation of the role and training is also to be carried out, where practicable. The role activities observed are to be considered and taken into account when setting the role related standards. Discrimination Regulations The JRFT is now justified against the requirements of the role of policing in that it is aligned to Officer Safety Training. In essence the JRFT ensures an officer has the necessary physical fitness and functionality to perform all aspects of Officer Safety Training. Under the Age Regulations, any difference in treatment because of age will need to be justified on objective, job-related grounds. This would be unlikely with the JRFT because it gives people access to the same job - you do not get access to different jobs based on your age. The JRFT standards must be role related and therefore both men and women must attain the same set level. The JRFT standards are not to be set taking into account age or gender. Indirect discrimination The JRFT standards must not be set artificially too high so as to cause an adverse impact disproportionately to any one unit, group, or an individual. Physical Education Branch will review the JRFT pass and failure rates, on a 3monthly basis to ensure no adverse disproportional impact. Direct discrimination The JRFT battery and standards are to be the same for men and women, regardless of age or ethnicity. 5.0 JRFT safety factors Risk assessments All JRFT related hazards have been identified, addressed and recorded in MPS Corporate Risk Assessments. All conditions therein are to be followed strictly by every HR PTI when administering the JRFT. The JRFT risk assessment is presented at appendix A. Cardiac questionnaire Prior to the JRFT being taken, a specific cardiac questionnaire is to be completed. The purpose of the questionnaire is to ensure that health is not placed at risk when vigorous exercise is performed. The questionnaire is intended to screen for risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. It is expected that MPS Police Students, Police Officers in specialist roles, Police Officers and Police Staff applying for entry to specialist units will make lifestyle choices in these areas to ensure that they do not place themselves at risk of developing heart disease. If no positive answers are given to questions 1 to 7 inclusive, the JRFT can be taken. The questionnaire is to be handed over to the HR PTI who will be administering the JRFT. If a positive answer is given to question 1, blood pressure will be measured on the day of the JRFT and if the reading is considered too high (systolic >160 and/or diastolic >100) the JRFT will not be able to be taken and a referral will be made for an OHA consultation, for further investigation. If a positive answer is given to questions 2 to 7 inclusive, again the JRFT will not be able to be taken and a referral will be made for an OHA consultation, for further investigation. Being referred to an OHA will help to ensure safety when taking the JRFT. If the questionnaire has been completed before the day of the JRFT and a positive answer has been given, the form is to be faxed to Physical Education Branch Administration Office on 51256 (Peel Centre). On receipt, a letter will be sent to the relevant OHA informing them of the situation, and who in turn will arrange a consultation and give further guidance. The cardiac questionnaire is presented at appendix B. Emergency Life Support and defibrillator training Every HR PTI must have a current and valid ELS and defibrillator certificate. JRFT facilities and defibrillators The JRFT is to only be administered at the following recognised facilities: Peel Centre, Catford TDP, Milton, Limehouse, and Empress State Health and Fitness Assessment Centre. Every JRFT facility must have a fully operational defibrillator device, which is easily and readily available to use, when necessary. Signs and symptoms of deteriorating health The JRFT is to be stopped immediately if a person taking the test elicits signs and/or symptoms that are indicative of deteriorating health. If this should occur appropriate first aid is to be administered by an HR PTI. Depending on the severity of the condition, an ambulance may have to be called. The full list of signs and symptoms of deteriorating health is presented at appendix C. JRFT related injuries All injuries or accidents that occur during the JRFT are to be recorded at the time of the occurrence by an HR PTI and inputted on to MetAir. All details, including the name, warrant number, and exact cause and nature of the injury, are to be recorded. The Head Physical Education is to be notified of all injuries or accidents recorded 6.0 JRFT Implementation Warm up The warm up is a mandatory requirement and must precede the JRFT. Each person taking the JRFT must complete a running warm up on the 15-metre multi stage shuttle run, to the end of level two. Following the warm up run, the shoulder girdle and knees are to be mobilised followed by stretches for the triceps, trapezius, pectorals, quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles. Multi-stage shuttle run test The multi stage shuttle run test, is to be the first recorded element of the JRFT. The requirement is to run back and forth continuously from one line to another, 15 metres apart, in time to an electronic bleep. The run is gradual and progressive, and the pace will increase with each new level. An everincreasing running speed will have to be maintained until the required pass mark is reached. Failure to touch the line with the foot in time with the electronic bleep, will result in a warning being given. Three consecutive warnings will result in the test being terminated and a fail recorded. If however, the line is reached in time with the bleep, after either a first or second warning has been given, the previous warning are nullified. The warning process however will be repeated if the line is again not reached in time with the electronic bleep. If the line is not reached at the target level, irrespective of previous warnings being given, the multi stage shuttle run test is to be terminated and a fail awarded. Dynamic strength test The dynamic strength test is to be the second and final recorded element of the JRFT. A Concept II DYNO machine is to be used. The resistance is to be set with dampers one to four set to open and dampers five to eight set closed. The push element is to be taken first. The person taking the push test must sit with his/her back firmly against the back of the seat, with both feet placed flat on the floor. The bar is set at chest height and arms length from the body. With both hands on the push bar, three warm up pushes are to be completed, followed by five maximum pushes. A three-second delay between pushes is to be taken. The HR PTI administering the JRFT is to control the speed through verbal instruction. The average of the five maximum pushes is to be recorded. The pull element is to be taken second. The person taking the pull test must sit with his/her chest firmly against the chest pad, with both feet placed flat on the floor. The pull handles are set at chest height and arms length from the body. With both hands grasped around the pull handles, three warm up pulls are to be completed, followed by five maximum pulls. A three-second delay between pulls is to be taken. The HR PTI administering the JRFT is to control the speed through verbal instruction. The average of the five maximum pulls is then recorded. Additional test For the Specialist Firearms Officer (SFO) JRFT a job-related rope hang test is to be administered. The SFO will be required to suspend himself/herself from the rope, with both arms bent and locked into the body, and without use of the feet. The position is to be held for twenty seconds. Failed components When the JRFT is failed and a re-test is to be taken, only the failed element has to be administered and passed. If the failed element is again failed, the whole JRFT must be taken on the third attempt. For prospective police officers taking the JRFT as part of the selection process, a failure on the third re-test JRFT will result in the application being withdrawn for a 12-month period. 7.0 Specialist group JRFT Prospective Police Officers The JRFT is to be administered as part of the Day-Two National Recruitment Standards. Every prospective Police Officer must achieve a pass at the minimum standard. A total of three attempts are to be permitted if the JRFT is failed after the first and second attempt. Six-weeks is to be given between each attempt. An HR PTI will input the JRFT result directly on to MetHR. Student Police Officers The JRFT is to be administered as part of the initial phase of the Foundation Course, in week one. Every student Police Officer must achieve a pass at the minimum standard, in order to be able to take part in CO11 Officer Safety Training and to progress on to borough street duties at the end of the fiveweek Hendon based training. For the police students that record a fail, the HR PTI is to provide a tailored training action plan. The re-test date and time will be set depending on an objective assessment of the progress made as a result of the tailored training programme. The HR PTI will consider the gains in aerobic stamina or strength when determining whether a police student is ready to re-take the JRFT. Home Office Circular 43/2004 The JRFT standards and protocol for delivery to prospective Police Officers and student Police Officers are cited in the Home Office Circular 43/2004. The conditions therein are to be strictly adhered to by every HR PTI that administers the JRFT Dog Handler Section The Dog Handler Section JRFT is set to the minimum standard and is to be administered yearly as an annual mandatory requirement. Failure to achieve a pass at the minimum standard will result in authorisation to handle a dog being removed. Authorised Firearm Officers All established and pre-selection firearm officers are to take the JRFT at the Empress State Health and Fitness Assessment Centre, as part of a comprehensive health screen. The firearm standards are set at four distinct and enhanced levels: Authorised Firearm Officer, Protection officer, Armed Response Officer and Specialist Firearm Officer. Firearm JRFT levels are presented in appendix D. Other specialist units The following specialist units have only a JRFT requirement as part of their selection process: Officer safety Instructor, Mounted Branch, Air Support Unit, Cycle Training, Method of Entry, Territorial Support Group, Public Order Medic, Public Order Evidence Gatherer. All specialist units with a JRFT requirement for selection only are presented at appendix E. 8.0 In-year fitness assessment Where a manager or a person in a supervisory role believes that an officer’s level of fitness may have deteriorated, since s/he passed the JRFT, to such an extent that the officer is unable to carry out his/her role or mandatory training requirement safely and effectively, the manager may refer the officer to the Head of Physical Education. In making that referral, it is essential that the manager or person in the supervisory role evidence that the officer’s level of fitness has deteriorated. Therefore, only where the manager has observed the signs and symptoms of a deteriorating fitness level, presented in appendix C, may s/he refer an officer to the Head of Physical Education. The signs and symptoms might be observed during an operational exercise or during tactical training. In most cases, if an officer has a fitness level below that which is required efficiently to complete a physical task without suffering the onset of undue fatigue, a combination of the physical signs and symptoms listed would probably be present. No manager may abuse this protocol to remove an officer from operational duties on grounds other than concern about the officer’s level of physical fitness. Managers should refer an officer to the Head of Physical Education using a brief memorandum, with details of the signs and symptoms that have been observed. The Head of Physical Education will then appoint an HR PTI to measure the officer’s fitness level using a Polar M62 Heart Rate Monitor. The assessment uses heart rate telemetry accurately and reliably to predict an officer’s fitness level with him/her in a fully rested position for five minutes. Where the HR PTI assesses the officer’s fitness as being at or above the level required to carry out his/her role safely and effectively, the officer should be returned to full operational duties immediately. Where the HR PTI assesses the officer’s fitness as being below the level required to carry out his/her role safely and effectively, the HR PTI will inform the officer’s line manager of the result and the physical area that is below standard. The line manager, through a risk assessment of the officer’s role, will determine what capacity s/he is able to be deployed. The HR PTI will draw up a programme designed to improve the officer’s fitness to the level at which s/he may again operate safely and effectively in his/her role. The programme is to be to a maximum of ten-weeks in duration before re-assessment and, should include advice about exercise and diet, as necessary. Before re-assessing the officer for operational duties, the HR PTI will establish the officer’s current fitness level using the Polar M62 heart rate monitor. If the result is comparable to the role-related level the officer will be asked to undertake a full JRFT, however, if the result is still below that of the role requirement, s/he will be referred back to line management. Once again, the line manager, through a risk assessment of the officer’s role, will determine what capacity s/he is able to be deployed and will make a decision as to whether further fitness training is required. 9.0 Incapacitating illness or injury If an officer in a specialist unit, that has a JRFT requirement as either part of the initial selection process or as a mandatory annual role requirement, suffers an injury or illness that results in him/her being taken off full duties for longer than one month, his/her fitness level must be established before s/he returns to full duties. If the condition affects the upper body, but does not affect the ability to exercise aerobically, only the dynamic strength test is to be administered. If the condition is to the legs or any other part of the body that prevents the undertaking of aerobic exercise, the officer’s aerobic capacity must be determined. The in-service testing protocol is to be followed. At times, if due to the condition it is not possible to undertake either strength or aerobic exercise, then the in-service testing protocol and the dynamic strength test is to be administered. The Head of Physical Education will formally present the result, on headed paper, to an Occupational Health Advisor. 10.0 Responsibilities This standard operating procedure is owned by HR Board and will be implemented by Physical Education Branch through Occupational Health. Physical Education Branch has overall responsibility for the content and the processes contained in this standard operating procedure, and monitoring will be undertaken by the Strategic Centre. 11.0 Associated Documents and Policies • Health and Well-being Policy • Home Office Circular 43/2004 Appendices Service Branch: Physical Education Assessment Date: 3rd May 2007 Names of Assessors: Justin Dixon Date of Last Assessment: N/A Assessment No: HR/5(14)/Tra/013 Review Date: 3rd May 2008 Appendix A Type of Assessment Corporate Task / Activity Assessed Job Related Fitness Test (JRFT) Hazard Persons at Risk Pre-control Risk Rating S L R 1.Unknown cardio- All participants. vascular condition in group required to undertake the JRFT 5 All participants. 5 2.Undiagnosed cardiovascular condition manifested during warm-up exercise. 2 10 MPS Control measures Client is given guidance on the requirements of the JRFT and told when the JRFT will take place. Post-control Risk Rating S L R 1 5 5 Officers complete a questionnaire providing relevant medical information. 2 10 Only qualified Physical Training Instructors to implement the JRFT. Instructors given guidance on how to monitor clients whilst they are undertaking the exercise. 5 1 5 3 1 3 Appropriate instructions given to clients. All participants. 3.Muscular-skeletal injury generated by 3 2 6 Appropriate apparel worn by clients. Clients to be fully warmed up prior to the exercise. If contra-indicators present, or injury, the exercise must stop. warm-up exercise. If there is only one instructor, all exercises must stop, until the instructor can take control again. 4 2 8 All participants. 4.Cardio-vascular symptoms manifested during multi stage shuttle run and DYNO test:- As under warm-up exercise, plus drinking water available, adequate ventilation, trainer must be current ELS and defibrillator trained, and, for (a) to (e) o o o o 4 1 4 3 2 6 Stop exercising immediately ELS/defibrillation administered if required Professional medical advice sought Ambulance called, if required Proper cool-down period after exercise. a) Breathing difficulties b) Dizziness c) Loss of consciousness d) Chest pain or discomfort e) Cardiac incident All participants. 3 3 9 Stop exercising immediately and rest. Trainer must be current ELS trained and present. 5. Muscular-skeletal injury generated during exercise:- First Aid/ELS administered if required. a) Sprains Strains Call ambulance if required. b) Broken Bones Prior to commencement of exercise, ensure area to be used is suitable and safe for purpose. Seek professional medical advice before continuing. Appropriate apparel must be worn. c) Injury to joints Appropriate instructions given before commencement. from a slip, trip, or fall including a fall from a rope Participants to be fully warmed up prior to test. Gym mat placed under rope Do any procedures/plans relating to the task need to be amended or updated in light of your risk assessment findings? No X Yes If yes give details: Are current control measures adequate? Yes X No If “Yes” then assessment is complete subject to management confirmation. If “No” then complete additional boxes below for control measures. Appendix B JOB RELATED FITNESS TEST (JRFT) - CARDIOVASCULAR RISK QUESTIONNAIRE Name ……………………………………………….. Date ………………………… (B)OCU ……………………………… Contact telephone No: …………………………………. Work Location ………………………. Warrant/Pay no. ………………………………………… The purpose of this questionnaire is to ensure that your health is not placed at risk when you perform vigorous exercise. The questionnaire is intended to screen for those risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are outside of your control. It is expected that MPS recruits, police officers in specialist roles and police officers applying for entry to specialist units will make lifestyle choices in these areas to ensure that they do not place themselves at risk of developing heart disease. If no positive answers are given to questions 1 to 6 inclusive or 1 to 5 inclusive and to question 7 (if appropriate), please book your JRFT through P.E. Branch PTI Office on 51458 and hand over your completed questionnaire to the P.T.I. administering the fitness test. If a positive answer is given to question 1 your blood pressure will be measured on the day of your JRFT and if the reading is considered too high (systolic >160 and/or diastolic >100) you will not be able to take the fitness test, but will be referred to an OHA for further investigation. If a positive answer is given to questions 2 to 7 inclusive, again you will not be able to take the fitness test, but will be referred to an OHA for further investigation. If a positive answer has been given please fax your questionnaire to Angela Boyle HR5(14) on 51256 (Peel Centre). On receipt, a letter will be sent to your HR Manager and an O.H.A. informing them of the situation, and who in turn will contact you to give further guidance. Being referred to an OHA will help to ensure your safety when taking the JRFT. Please tick 1. Yes No Are you currently taking medication for high blood pressure? Blood Pressure Measurement Recorded ……/……… 2. Do you suffer from diabetes? 3. To the best of your knowledge have you ever suffered from: any of the conditions listed below? Heart attack or heart disease? Cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart)? Myocarditis or pericarditis (inflammation of the heart)? A heart murmur or heart valve problem? 4. Have you ever attended your GP or a specialist complaining of chest pain? 5. Are you currently having investigations or treatment for a heart problem? 6. Has any close relative e.g. father, mother, brother or sister had a heart attack at a young age (e.g. between 35 and 60)? Complete Q7 if you have previously given a ‘Yes’ to Qs 2-6 inclusive and taken the JRFT 7. In the past 12 months have you experienced a diabetic or cardiac event and/or has a close relative experienced a cardiac related incident? Signature ……………………………………………………………. Appendix C SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INDICATIVE OF DETERIORATING HEALTH AND MUSCULO-SKELETAL INJURY If an individual displays signs or symptoms of deteriorating health during a job related fitness test, the test must be stopped immediately and, appropriate first aid administered. If a respiratory, circulatory or cardiac condition is suspected an ambulance must be called. If you are the only instructor on hand, all other tests must be stopped as well. If an individual has an adverse health condition, which is made apparent or is suspected prior to the start of a job related fitness test, he / she must not be permitted to take the test and, appropriate first aid measures are to be administered. The following signs and symptoms indicative of deteriorating health and musculo-skeletal injury are to be specifically looked out for: Deteriorating Health • Red Full Flushed Face – High blood pressure could be present. • Breathlessness - Heavy laboured breathing. Difficulty catching breath. • Disorientation – Confused state. Not able to focus properly. • Poor Co-ordination - Not running in a straight line. Impaired balance. • Sweating Profusely – Overly and uncomfortably hot. • Dizziness – Complaining of nausea and / or feeling faint. • Chest pain – Complaining of chest pain or clutching chest. • Loss of Consciousness – Collapsing to the floor. • Flu symptoms – Streaming runny nose. Nasally speech. Watery eyes. Cough. Musculo-skeletal Injury • Limping – Pronounced or exaggerated gait • Expression of Pain – Cry or complaint of pain or discomfort • Swelling – Inflamed and reddening of affected joint or limb • Bruising – Discolouration of affected joint or limb • Immobility of Joint or Limb – Restricted movement of joint or limb • Protruding Bone – Open wound with bone visible. Appendix D Firearm JRFT Levels Level Endurance Dynamic Strength Push SO14 AFO 7/2 37 38 SO14 SEG 8/0 40 41 SO14 Close Prot. 8/0 40 41 CO6 AFO 8/0 37 38 CO6 Resid. Prot 8/0 40 41 Rifle Branch 8/0 37 38 9/4 43 45 SO1 8/0 40 41 SCD15 Surveillance 7/2 37 38 SCD7(5) Flying Sq. 8/0 40 41 CO19 ARV 9/4 43 45 CO19 SFO 10/2 52 54 CO18 AFO 8/0 37 38 9/4 43 45 Belmarsh Team 8/0 37 38 Air Protection Officers 9/6 50 50 CO6 Enhanced Car Additional Test Pull Officer CO18 Enhanced Car Officer 20sec Rope Hang JRFT Levels for Specialist Units Job / Role Stamp End D/S Appendix E Level Description Push Pull Candidate N/A 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Recruit REC 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Divisional Officer DIV 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Officer Safety Instructor OSI 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Senior Officer Advanced Public Order Course Dog Handlers DIV 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level DHS 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Mounted Branch DIV 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Air Support Unit (Observer) ASU 5/4 34 35 Cycle Training level 1,2, & 3 CYC 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Method of Entry MoE 5/4 34 35 Minimum Level Territorial Support Group TSG 9/0 34 35 TSG Level Public Order Medic MED 10/2 46 48 Medic Level EG 10/2 46 48 Evidence Gatherer Public Order Evidence Gatherer 20 Sec Rope hang Minimum Level