The physical ability test (PAT) comprises of a series of physical tasks that applicants at the fire department have to finish within a definite time limit. In this case, nine tasks were involved with the most challenging being the “charged hose drag” (Bennett, 2008). After engaging 44 test takers, including one female, full-time firefighter, the results had an average of 3:30 for male while the female had 5:30. However, the Farmingville officials assigned four minutes for each test. Despite trying twice, Pietras, a probationary female firefighter failed the PAT test, leading to her termination. She filed suit in federal court, holding that the PAT four-minute test had a "disparate impact" on females. The claim was supported by the testimony of a professional exercise physiologist, who established that the PAT test in the Farmingville Fire Department had a disparate impact on females, and was not job related. Therefore, the court ruled in favor of Pietras.
Although the scenario proved the PAT to have a disparate effect on females, fire departments have to ensure that their physical ability tests meet the job requirements. In my fire department, the PAT consists of a set of tests. First is the ladder raise and extension, second is the stair climb which takes place on a stair machine. Other tests include the forcible entry, equipment carry, hose drag, ceiling breach and pull as well as search and rescue (Ryan, 1996). The tests have the candidates wearing a 50 pound vest, with an additional 25 pounds during the stair climb. These tests are work related and reflect a real world scenario.
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In conclusion, the physical agility test seeks to ensure that candidates meet the required physical fitness for the profession. It seeks to ensure that candidates are strong enough to operate with the fire equipment as required in emergency situation per Rana, (2004). Since the difficulty is balanced, testing does not have a disparate impact based upon sex or age.
References
Bennett, L. T. (2008). Fire service law . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Rana, M. R. (2004). Physical fitness and job performance of firefighters. Journal of strength and Conditioning Research , 18(2), 348-352.
Ryan, A. M., Greguras, G. J., & Ployhart, R. E. (1996). Perceived job relatedness of physical ability testing for firefighters: Exploring variations in reactions. Human Performance , 9(3), 219-240.
