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Turn the raw legal text into a practical explanation grounded in Manual of Standards Part 139H - Standards Applicable to the Provision of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services.

Chapter 17: ARFFS Personnel—Recruitment

CASR References:	Regulations 139. 840 and 139.845

Section 17.1: General

17.1.1 Standard: Recruitment Suitability for Employment

17.1.1.1 When recruiting fire staff, suitable applicants must have a police clearance as their place of employment is in a secure area.

17.1.2 Medical Requirements for Recruitment

17.1.2.1 Personnel recruited for ARFFS will be required to undergo a medical examination prior to recruitment and be subject to ongoing medical examination as defined in Chapter 21 of this Manual.

17.1.2.2 The hazardous nature of the job makes most types of ongoing medication inadvisable. For example, antihistamines and tranquillisers may cause drowsiness and a slowing of reaction time. Sufferers from hay fever who regularly use antihistamines may be assessed as unfit for fire service duty.

17.1.2.3 The criteria to be considered in establishing a recruitment medical policy is as follows:

(a) general physique;

(b) upper limbs;

(c) locomotion;

(d) hearing;

(e) vision;

(f) general fitness.

17.1.2.4 Personnel recruited for ARFFS duties may be required to be multi-skilled in other aerodrome activities.

17.1.2.5 Recruitment policy must reflect obligations under State, Territory and Federal Laws reflecting OH&S, Equity and Diversity and any other legislation that may impact on the recruitment process.