Purpose: This test has been created in accordance with Indiana law (Indiana Code 36-8-3.2) to assess whether applicants for the Portage Fire Department are able to comfortably work at heights. This is crucial because firefighting often requires climbing high ladders, and it’s important to ensure that candidates are not excessively afraid of heights, a condition known as acrophobia.
Instructions: Applicants must put on safety equipment including a harness, helmet, and gloves and attach themselves to a safety line. They are then required to climb an aerial ladder until they touch a specified rung. They should then climb back down to the bottom of the ladder. Throughout this task, candidates should keep their hands and feet on the ladder rungs and should not use the sides of the ladder for support.
Safety: If an applicant feels uncomfortable at any point during the ladder climb, they should immediately secure the hook from their safety belt to a ladder rung. They will then be assisted down the ladder to ensure their safety.
Ladder setup: The ladder used for this test will be set up to a height of 70 feet and at an angle of 70 degrees.
Time Limit: While there is no strict time limit, if an evaluator notices an applicant has stopped climbing and appears unable to complete the climb without help, this may result in a failed attempt.
Scoring: This test is scored on a pass/fail basis.
Fail Criteria: Applicants will fail the test if they:
- Are unable to complete the task without assistance
- Do not touch the top rung of the ladder
- Skip any ladder rungs while going up or coming down
- Stop during the test.
Overall, this test is designed to assess whether potential recruits can safely and successfully perform a crucial part of the firefighting job, which is climbing high ladders under safety measures.
