Visual Acuity
Minimum Requirement:
20/30 corrected or 20/40 uncorrected.
Both eyes tested together.
Stage Two Assessment
Vision Assessment
Candidates must meet the vision requirements outlined in Chapter Six of NFPA 1582 before completing Stage Two certification.
The Vision Assessment is completed with your own eye care professional, then uploaded through your OFAI candidate account for OFAI review.
Candidates must meet the vision requirements as outlined in Chapter Six of NFPA 1582: Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
The vision assessment is not conducted by OFAI at the test facility. Candidates must download the OFAI vision assessment form from their OFAI candidate account, take it to an eye care professional of their choosing, and pay any applicable fees. Extended health benefits may be used where available.
Candidates must upload the completed form as one PDF file through their OFAI candidate account for review.
If the upload instructions are not followed in full, the vision form will not be processed. If OFAI identifies an issue with the submission, review notes will be provided in the candidate account.
OFAI will only accept the OFAI vision form, and it must be stamped by your optometrist. Do not attach a business card. If a stamp is unavailable, attach your paid receipt showing the optometrist name or address. Incorrect documentation may require another visit to the optometrist and additional charges may apply.
Please allow a minimum of three business days for your vision form to be processed.
There are three certificates issued for Stage Two:
- Stage Two: Vision Assessment (Two-Year Validity)
- Stage Two: Hearing Assessment (Two-Year Validity)
- Stage Two: Encapsulated Treadmill Test (Six-Month Validity)
NFPA 1582
Vision requirements candidates must meet
The following outlines the NFPA 1582 vision requirements candidates must meet before OFAI will validate the Stage Two Vision Assessment.
Minimum requirements
Colour Vision
Minimum Requirement:
Sufficient colour perception to safely perform all essential job tasks.
Individuals with abnormal colour perception, including red-green deficiency, do meet the colour vision requirement. Individuals with monochromatic vision do not meet the requirement.
Binocular Vision
Minimum Requirement:
Sufficient binocular vision to safely perform all essential job tasks.
Peripheral Vision
Minimum Requirement:
At least 110 degrees along the horizontal meridian in the better eye.
Ocular Health
Minimum Requirement:
Sufficient ocular health to safely perform all essential job tasks.
Category B Medical Conditions
Examples that may significantly affect safe job performance in a training or operational environment include diseases of the eye such as retinal detachment, progressive retinopathy, or optic neuritis; ophthalmological procedures such as radial keratotomy, LASIK, or retinal detachment repair; peripheral vision less than 110 degrees in the better eye or conditions affecting peripheral vision in both eyes; and amblyopia.
The 13 essential job tasks of a firefighter
The following essential job tasks are detailed in Chapter Five of NFPA 1582 and are referenced in the Stage Two Vision Assessment requirements:
While wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus, perform firefighting tasks such as hoseline operations, crawling, lifting and carrying heavy objects, ventilation, forcible entry, rescue operations, and other emergency response actions in stressful, hot, or cold environments for prolonged periods.
Operate as a member of a team at emergency incidents, including responding promptly and functioning effectively in physically demanding, high-risk environments.
Climb six or more flights of stairs while wearing personal protective equipment and carrying equipment weighing at least 22.6 kg (50 lb).
Advance water-filled hoselines of 65 mm (2.5 in.) or larger, or carry and operate attack lines, from fire apparatus to occupancy locations.
Search, find, and rescue victims in dark, confined, or smoke-filled spaces while wearing full protective equipment and SCBA.
Advance ladders, climb ladders, and work from heights while maintaining control of tools and equipment.
Operate fire apparatus and equipment, including pumps, nozzles, hand tools, and power tools, in emergency and training settings.
Perform physically demanding overhaul and salvage tasks following fire suppression operations.
Communicate clearly by voice and radio while using respiratory protection and while exposed to noise, heat, or other environmental stressors.
Assess hazards, maintain orientation, and make rapid safe decisions in changing emergency conditions.
Work around moving apparatus, traffic, unstable surfaces, and hazardous materials while maintaining situational awareness.
Participate in routine training, physical conditioning, and skills maintenance necessary to perform firefighter duties safely.
Perform all required duties without posing a significant risk to personal safety, team safety, or public safety.