Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Human Resources Committee Item

26^th November 2009

Fitness Standards

Report of the Chief Officer

Contact: geoff.howsego@ hantsfire.gov.uk Tel: 02380 644 000 ext No. 3204 or [email protected] Tel: 02380 644 000 ext No. 2720

1

Summary

1.1

After conducting a wide study, Firefit Steering Group has recommended a national standard for the physical fitness of operational employees in their report "Fitness for Fire and Rescue - Standards, Protocols and Policy". A number of Fire and Rescue Services had previously implemented the recommendations and the Chief Fire Officer's Association (CFOA) is also supportive of the proposed national standard for pre-employment (CFOA Circular of 17 December 2008).

1.2

This report to the Human Resources Committee outlines the approach that Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service (HFRS) has taken in terms of aligning our fitness standards with the national guidance and for improving the fitness of our workforce.

2

RecommendationError! Bookmark not defined.

2.1

That the steps taken by Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service to align our fitness standards with the national guidance and for improving the fitness of our workforce are supported.

3

Introduction Error! Bookmark not defined.and Background

3.1

Firefit conducted a scientific study into the required fitness levels of a firefighter based on their role and tasks. Using the evidence gathered, they concluded that a VO₂ level of 42mlO₂/kg/min is the minimum safe standard for firefighters at all stages of their career, and has no bias in terms of age or gender (`Fitness for Fire and Rescue. Standards, Protocols and Policy').

3.2

Currently HFRS expects all potential operational employees to reach a minimum VO₂ level of 45mlO₂/kg/min. As individuals get older, this becomes harder to reach and maintain and is harder for females to achieve than it is for men. We know that we have an ageing workforce, therefore, HFRS needs to plan now for this by setting realistic and inclusive standards for all employees, and by putting in place systems of support to improve (where appropriate) and maintain a good level of physical fitness of our operational workforce.

3.3

For existing operational employees regular fitness tests have not been carried out

in all cases for some years. However, over the past 12 months, the vast majority

of operational employees have had a fitness test, and where necessary, have

received appropriate support and or management action. The current standard for existing operational employees is measured based on age and gender but there is no specified VO₂ level.

3.4

HFRS has not previously had a `cut off' point at which operational employees are removed from operational duties. The revised Service Order introduces this at VO₂ level 34mlO₂/kg/min and details what support will be put in place for any

employees needing to achieve a higher level of fitness. This is the level below which it would be unsafe to be exposed to the physical demands of operational fire and rescue duties. This is irrespective of age or gender.

3.5

In the year 08/09, 84% of HFRS's operational workforce undertook a fitness assessment. The results clearly indicate that proportionally our Retained Duty System (RDS) workforce is more likely to fail to achieve good fitness standards in comparison to the Wholetime Duty System (WDS) workforce:

WDS

RDS

Below desired range

(less than VO₂ level of 34)

1.8%

14%

Below national guidelines (less than VO₂ level of 42 but above 34)

6%

32%

3.6

Previously, HFRS accepted that fitness sessions could include playing an approved `game' such as table tennis, badminton, soft ball, etc. However, few of the approved games are considered beneficial in improving overall fitness levels. Physical training (PT) currently forms part of the night shift routine for operational crews. There is no PT on days. Therefore, `games' are no longer permitted as part of night watch fitness sessions. However, they can still be played during stand down periods.

3.7

It is accepted that by spending 30 minutes per day doing circuit based and functional exercise, individuals will achieve increased cardio vascular ability, strength and muscular endurance in a faster time than if they are to do longer and less frequent exercise sessions. The shorter the duration of the circuit based exercise session is, the more intense it can be as the individual can work harder for a shorter amount of time. Therefore, an individual will benefit considerably from more regular, intense physical fitness sessions recommended to consists of a 5 minute warm up, 20 minute cardio vascular workout or circuit followed by a 5 minute cool down.

3.8

We are clear as a Service that the responsibility to maintain the minimum level of fitness required as a firefighting professional is an individual one and is vested in each person employed in under `Grey Book' terms and conditions of employment. This applies equally to all grades. Whilst the Service will actively encourage individuals to participate in regular daily exercise, this will by necessity need to be undertaken outside of the working routines, except where specified for staff on stations during night shifts. The Service will continue to provide suitable equipment for training on stations and at HQ, will continue to support Watch-based Physical Training Instructors (PTI's), will provide centralised coordination for the physical fitness of staff through its Fitness Training Adviser (FTA) (who works within the Occupational Health & Welfare Department) and ensure that the physical fitness of staff continues to be a key part of our Workforce Wellbeing Strategy.

4

Summary of Actions taken

4.1

The following provides a summary of actions taken by the service to implement the national fitness standards and improve the levels of fitness in operational roles;

a. Implemented a fitness standard minimum VO₂ level of 42mlO₂/kg/min in relation to aerobic capacity for pre-employment of operational employees.

b. Implemented a fitness standard minimum VO₂ level of 42mlO₂/kg/min in relation to aerobic capacity for existing operational employees. There will be an `amnesty period' leading up to the new assessment year which starts in April 2010. The `amnesty period' will therefore run until 1 April 2010 to give employees time to achieve this new standard.

c. Operational employees who fail to achieve a VO₂ level of 34mlO₂/kg/min are removed from all operational duties until they are able to demonstrate fitness above VO₂ level of 34mlO₂/kg/min. For the level of 34, below which evidence has shown they are of a standard too low to remain operational then there will be no amnesty. It should be noted that this will be a small number and they will be given a programme to follow and reassessed in 8 weeks (In accordance with the revised Service Order SO/8/7/1 4.10.2). Currently anyone below the age of 60 (Male) and 50 (Female) with a fitness of this level would also be below the desired range and on a remedial programme.

d. The option of playing `games' within the Physical Training Session detailed within the working routine for Night Watches on Stations has been removed.

e. The personal responsibility to maintain the required physical fitness levels required for `Grey Book' staff will be reinforced through a communications plan.

f. Within its health promotion activities, HFRS actively encourages all employees to participate in regular 30 minute fitness sessions outside of their working routines* to improve their overall fitness levels. (*A Physical Training (PT) Session of 1 hour is detailed within the working routine for Night Watches on Stations.)

4.2

A full communications programme will support the introduction of these new standards for physical fitness in HFRS.

5

Resources

5.1

There is a resource issue insofar as the Fitness Training Adviser is unable to personally monitor and support all employees requiring assistance to achieve the minimum VO₂ level of 42mlO₂/kg/min. Therefore, the Group and Watch Fitness Training Advisors are being utilised to help improve overall fitness levels.

5.2

Physical Resources

5.2.1

Covox Gas Analysis equipment was purchased in the 07/08 financial year from the Occupational Health budget.

5.2.2

An audit of the fitness equipment on all Stations identified a number of short falls in respect of quality and quantity. The Fitness Training Advisor is developing a business case which will incorporate the findings of the audit and make recommendations on what each Station requires. Early indications are that this is likely to recommend that RDS Stations are targeted as priority. Accordingly, an initial pilot is being undertaken on 2 RDS stations using a schedule of equipment that will support suitable physical training exercises. This schedule of equipment costs £1000 per station.

5.3

Financial Implications (3 Year Financial Plan)

The costs of providing the equipment needed to support the maintenance of physical fitness standards is estimated at £1000 per station. See para 5.2 above. This schedule of equipment will be subject to a period of testing before it is rolled out across all remaining stations. Therefore, financial provision will conditionally be based on £1000 per each of our 51 stations. This total of £51,000 will be funded from the budget allocated to trainees courses (C£250K) as no courses are planned for Financial Year 2010/11. The nature of the equipment being provided means that there is virtually no maintenance required. What little costs that may arise will be easily subsumed through station equipment and maintenance budgets, but it is stressed this will be very small.

6

People Impact Assessment

6.1

A People Impact Assessment (PIA) has been completed and highlighted a number of issues. These are detailed below.

6.2

There is a recognised inequality on the fitness standards for females and males. Statistically, females may have reduced strength and aerobic capacity in comparison to males. The proposed fitness standard is specific to the role of firefighter and is independent of those differentials on the basis of it being a genuine occupational requirement. Regular fitness sessions will assist both females and males to achieve the required minimum fitness standard and maintain it throughout their career. It is also recognised that operational employees have a responsibility to participate in fitness activities outside of the workplace and this will have the most significant impact on their overall fitness levels.

6.3

Aerobic capacity and strength decline with age, therefore achieving the fitness standard may become more difficult as an individual gets older. However, as mentioned in para 6.2 above, regular fitness sessions will assist with maintaining the minimum level of fitness required.

6.4

Some ethnic minorities tend to have reduced lung function and aerobic capacity to caucasian individuals. Therefore, they may need to work harder to achieve the same fitness standards, but again, regular fitness sessions will assist with this.

6.5

RDS employees are currently less supported by Physical Training Instructors (PTI's) than WDS employees. This will need to be addressed to improve the fitness levels of our RDS workforce. This need forms part of the development of the Physical Fitness strand of the Workforce Wellbeing Strategy.

6.6

The proposals within this report are considered compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Human Rights Act 1998, and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

7

Consultation

7.1

The Fire Brigades Union, Retained Firefighters Union and Fire Officers Association were consulted regarding the changes to fitness standards as outlined in this report and all were fully supportive. In addition, the amended Service Order, which incorporates the recommendations in section 2 of this report was distributed for consultation across HFRS in the usual way. There were no significant comments following this process.

Background Information (Section 100D of Local Government Act 1972)

The following documents disclose the facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of the report:

Firefit Steering Groups report "Fitness for Fire and Rescue - Standards, Protocols and Policy".

CFOA Circular of 17 December 2008.

Note: The list excludes: (1) published works; and (2) documents that disclose exempt or confidential information defined in the Act.