Working as a Firefighter

Firefighting and fire safety are crucial and important services to the community. Our staged selection process has been designed to enable you to show your abilities to your best advantage and for us to find out if you have got what we are looking for.

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Do you measure up?

To be considered for selection as a firefighter you must meet the national statutory requirements.

You must be:

A minimum of 18 years old
Able to pass the statutory physical fitness test which includes a step test, a grip test and a leg/back pull test.
Able to pass the very stringent medical and eye examination designed to make sure you are fit to undertake arduous firefighting duties. You must have good eyesight (without glassed or contact lenses). This is defined as 6/6 left eye: 6/6 right eye as measured by the Snellen test. The eyesight standard is very stringent and will be tested by a qualified ophthalmologist. You must also have good colour vision (as tested by Ishihara plates).
How the job of firefighter contributes to the Authority's principal aim
Attend emergency and other calls for assistance.
Carry out fire safety work in the community.
Regularly attend practice drills, exercises, lectures and other forms of training.
Become familiar with risks and potential hazards to be found within the fire station's area.
Check equipment and other firefighting resources, e.g. Fire hydrants.
Maintain a high level of fitness needed to carry out firefighting duties.
Deal with a variety of people and maintain the confidence of members of the local community.

Emergencies occur in all kinds of locations and come in all sizes. When firefighters turn out to a call they rarely know what to expect. It can vary from the very minor to a major disaster - a small rubbish fire to an intense blaze in a multi-storey hotel or busy office block.

Training
There is an initial period of 20 weeks intensive training at our Training School where the basic skills of a firefighter including use of breathing apparatus, ladder safety and hose laying are acquired and practised. You will also spend some time learning about fire safety in the community. You will be required to undertake regular study and do revision at home, as well as in the classroom and you will be assessed regularly to monitor your progress.

This period of training is very arduous and demands stamina and commitment on your part. To enable you to cope successfully with the many strenuous and physically demanding aspects of initial training you are advised to prepare yourself to a good level of physical fitness in advance.

Training is an ongoing process and continues throughout your career to meet the ever-changing problems and hazards handled by the Brigade.

Working Conditions
The initial training period will be spent on day duties (weekdays only from 8.30am to 4.30pm). On successful completion of your training you will be sent to a fire station to gain practical experience of the job. On a station you will be required to work on a shift system of 2 day shifts, followed by two night shifts, followed by four days off. This makes a 42-hour working week. During your first year you will be on probation and your performance will be assessed regularly.

The London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority currently has 113 fire stations throughout the greater London area and although we try to send you to work at a fire station near your home once you have completed the training, this is not always possible. You will be expected to work at any fire station within the greater London area.

Career Prospects
A career as a London firefighter offers excitement, variety and a well-structured career path, which will also give real responsibility at a fairly early age to those that want it. It is a career, which requires self-discipline, commitment and a genuine desire to work with and for others.

All members of the fire service start as firefighters gaining essential front line experience. In practical terms this means that every new recruit firefighters with a range of abilities - some without qualifications when they join and some who may already have spent time in higher education gaining 'A' levels or a degree for example. For those seeking promotion there are opportunities available and every encouragement will be given.

Promotion is earned on individual merit and is subject to passing relevant examination and demonstrating potential through means of attendance at assessment centres. The first step up the ladder is to the rank of Leading Firefighter, followed by Sub Officer then, after about five years in the service, to Station Officer. All times are approximate as it depends on the individual.

And finally...
You should remember that the Brigade is a uniformed disciplined service and respect for rank is expected of you. You will be required to wear a uniform at all times whilst you are on duty and to keep this clean and smart. There are certain rules and regulations you have to follow including the way in which you conduct yourself in public and how to wear your hair for example.

Contributed by: London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority www.london-fire.gov.uk/l

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