Chester Step Test Medical
Course Information
The Chester Step Test Medical is designed to test the general fitness of a delegate and is often a pre-requisite for working in roles requiring a basic level of physical fitness.
Entry Requirements
Speak English
18+
Physically Able
Chester Step Test
The Chester Step Test (CST) is a submaximal, multistage aerobic capacity test. The test requires a low step, heart rate monitor, instructional CD with stepping beat rhythms, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) chart and CST software calculator. The accompanying manual includes graphical datasheets and fitness rating norms geared to age and gender.
The Chester Step Test Medical is designed to test the general fitness of a delegate and is often a pre-requisite for working in roles requiring a basic level of physical fitness.
The medical consists of your maximum heart rate will be calculated (220 – Age) and then 80% of your maximum heart rate.
These values will be entered in the appropriate box on the Chester Step Test Record sheet. There will be two horizontal lines drawn on the graph to represent these values.
A heart rate monitor will be attached to you. You will then be told what will be required of you during the test. You will be given a brief demonstration of the initial stepping rate (15 steps /min). When the CD is turned on your will be encouraged to commence stepping at the appropriate stepping rate. This part of the test will continue the next 2 minutes.
After the first 2 minutes of stepping, which is considered stage 1. A recording of your heart rate will be taken during the last few seconds of stepping. You may also be asked to indicate your rating of perceived exertion (RPE) from a chart numbered 6 to 20. For instance, low scores being very light exertion and high scores being very hard exertion. Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate, and the RPE is below 14, you’ll be asked to continue. At this point, you will commence stepping at a slightly faster rate in stage 2 (20 steps/min).
After another 2 minutes of stepping your heart rate will be recorded. The recording is done during the last few seconds of stage 2. Once again, you may be asked to indicate your RPE from the chart provided. Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate and the RPE is below 14, you’ll be asked to continue stepping. This time at the slightly faster rate in stage 3 (25 steps/min).
The test will continue until either you report an RPE greater than 14 and/or an exercise heart rate greater than 80% of your maximum heart rate (stage 4 = 30 steps/min, stage 5 = 35 steps/min). Your results will then be plotted and a decision will be made by the Occupational D.
The GWO regulates the wind farm industry and follows the medial guidance in Issue 2 (2013) of Renewable UK Medical Fitness to Work guidelines. To work on wind turbines onshore or offshore, delegates must complete the Chester Step Test.
To begin, with the heart rate monitor will be attached to you in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. You will then be given instructions by the test administrator on how to carry out the test, including a brief demonstration.
The Chester Step Test Software will then commence and it will be the candidates’ task to continue stepping for a total of 2 minutes.
After the first 2 minutes, which is called stage 1, you will stop and the administrator will assess your heart beat in line with the chart or graph.
Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate and the RPE is below 14 at the end of the first stage you will then be permitted to continue on to stage 2 which consists of 20 steps per minute. You’ll be asked to continue stepping at the slightly faster rate in stage 2 (20 steps/min).
Once again, after another 2 minutes elapses your heart rate will be taken.
Providing your heart rate is below 80% of your maximum heart rate and the RPE is below 14, you’ll be asked to continue stepping at the slightly faster rate is stage 3 (25 steps/min).
The test will continue until either you report an RPE greater than 14 and/or an exercise heart rate greater than 80% of your maximum heart rate (stage 4 = 30 steps/min, stage 5 = 35 steps/min).
Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) sets a standard of fitness to be reached by anyone working in the industry. That UK standard is being increasingly accepted as a worldwide indicator of health and fitness for anyone working in the oil and gas industry.
The standard dictates that a full medical should be taken to work onsite. The Chester Step Test forms part of the OGUK Offshore Medical Test, which you can book with CTS.
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