Task Specific Exercise Candidate Orientation Guide We are pleased you are interested in a position as a Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground at PHI. The Task Specific Exercise you are scheduled to complete is a tool used for selection into the Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground position. This Exercise is designed to gauge a candidate s likelihood of success in this position. The information provided in this guide is designed to give you some background and understanding of what to expect during the Exercise. What does a Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground do? A Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground performs a variety of physically demanding tasks under difficult conditions and weather. Tasks performed typically fall within the following categories, and are performed under the direction of higher classified employees: Making complicated cable splices and equipment connections Working in manholes Heating and preparing compound and solder for splicing Rodding, sealing, and cleaning duct lines Locating electrical faults Loading and unloading cable and materials Installing cable supports Replenishing departmental materials and supplies Operating hydraulic/pneumatic/electric/gas equipment Setting up and operating construction equipment and controls (e.g., aerial lifts, boom truck, derrick trucks, backhoes, cable pulling truck, cable dinghy) Using hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, and hydraulic tools What is the Task Specific Exercise? The Task Specific Exercise is a physically demanding demonstration test that simulates critical/core tasks of the job. They are called simulated tasks since certain parameters have been set (for example, you will be removing a manhole cover as if you were performing that task on an actual job site). Prepared by: The Pittman McLenagan Group, L.C. 1
What will I be asked to do? During this Exercise you will be asked to participate in training/testing over a two hour time period. During that time frame you will be evaluated on several tasks including: Setting up a manhole barricade and a retrieval device, and removing a manhole cover (approximately 90 pounds). Climbing up and down a ladder and working in a manhole (approximately 10 feet deep). Lowering a heavy solder pot (approximately 40 pounds) into a manhole using a rope. Lowering a splice box and a tool pan into a manhole using a rope. Rolling up and taping 30 of cable. Installing cable supports in a service hole/pull box (small manhole). The Exercise will begin with a briefing, fitting for equipment, safety instructions and stretching. The remainder of the time will be filled with physically demanding lifting, carrying, climbing, and other tasks. Specifically, you will receive instruction performing the physical tasks described above. Depending on the task, you may or may not be given an opportunity to practice. After the instruction period, and any practice offered, you will be evaluated on your ability to perform the tasks. Expect to be working almost continuously through this time period. There will be little time to rest or stop, so you should be prepared for such physical activities. How will I be asked to do this? You will be given an orientation to the job through discussions. You will also be given a safety briefing and fitted with the proper personal protective equipment (e.g., hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, safety harness). You will be required to wear this equipment and adhere to various safety rules. The instructor will provide detail on how to perform each of the tasks, and depending on the task, you may or may not be given time to practice. All of the equipment and materials that you will need to perform these tasks will be provided. Expect the personal protective equipment (PPE) to weigh approximately 2 lbs. You will have to wear this equipment while performing the physically demanding tasks described above. You must wear sturdy work boots with a defined heel and a minimum height of above the ankle. Tennis shoes are NOT appropriate attire for this Exercise. You will not be allowed to participate in this Exercise if you show up in tennis shoes. In addition, you should wear clothes that are appropriate for the tasks and weather conditions. If you have any questions regarding the proper attire contact your Recruiter. Prepared by: The Pittman McLenagan Group, L.C. 2
How will I be evaluated? Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground A team of evaluators will observe and evaluate your performance using behaviorally based guidelines or benchmarks specifically designed for this assessment process. The benchmarks are designed to assist the team in determining whether a candidate s performance is sufficient to pass the Exercise. Prior experience is not needed in order to pass the Exercise. You must, however, be able to learn the tasks and demonstrate a basic level of ability in performing each of the tasks, based on the instruction provided. Each evaluator is required to complete training in the evaluation and scoring process prior to serving as an evaluator. In order to be considered further for the Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground selection process, you must receive a passing score on each task of the Task Specific Exercise. How will I be notified of the results? You will receive your results in writing within one to two weeks. This notification will indicate either Successful or Unsuccessful. However, at the conclusion of the process, successful candidates may be scheduled to come back at a later time for an interview. Therefore, be prepared with your personal schedule. What should I know about arrival at the test site? You must show up at the designated time. If you are late, you will NOT be allowed to participate in the Exercise. The person who contacts you to schedule the test will give you the start time, location and directions. You will be required to sign a waiver (which is attached to this orientation packet) indicating your understanding of the physically demanding nature of the job and this Exercise. You will also be required to sign a confidentiality form to remind you that this is a test and the content of the test must not be discussed with others outside the testing process. What should I bring with me? You must bring photo identification and the signed waiver to register. You will NOT be allowed to register without photo identification and the signed waiver. If you fail to bring a signed waiver, one will be provided, on site, for you to sign. A driver s license is sufficient for photo identification. All equipment and materials you will need to take the actual test will be provided except for the proper attire described below. Prepared by: The Pittman McLenagan Group, L.C. 3
As a reminder, you must wear the appropriate shoes (work boots) and attire (clothes appropriate for the weather conditions) as described above. Tennis shoes are NOT considered work boots. Remember you will be performing tasks such as climbing up and down ladders and lifting heavy objects such as manhole covers and solder pots. This Exercise will take place under any reasonable weather conditions. Therefore, if the weather requires, you should be prepared with foul weather gear; however, if the conditions are determined to be unsafe, the Exercise will be postponed. For planning purposes you should plan to show up for the Exercise regardless of the weather. What if I need special arrangements during the test? In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you have a disability that may require special arrangements to take the Exercise, you should notify the test scheduler prior to testing and indicate the desired arrangements. A decision will be made regarding whether the special arrangements can be accommodated for this Exercise. We may not be able to consider a request for special arrangements made on the day of testing. What can I do to perform my best? Be sure to eat before the process. Some foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can help to reduce stress. Foods that can increase stress should be avoided (e.g., artificial sweeteners, chocolate, fried foods, junk food). The process is a physically demanding one. It is critical for you to understand the physically demanding nature of this job and this test. If you have any questions regarding how physically demanding the test is you should contact your Recruiter. Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at the training/testing site. You will NOT be allowed to participate if you are late. Expect to spend about two hours training, practicing and testing. The process will be physically demanding. Consider these things in your planning. Be prepared to perform physically demanding tasks in an outside environment. Be prepared to continuously perform physical tasks throughout the testing period and to use physical strength while performing all of the tasks. You will not be successful if you are not physically prepared to perform the required tasks. You should dress appropriately for the types of tasks you may be asked to perform. This Exercise will take place under any reasonable weather conditions. Therefore, if the weather requires, you should be prepared with Prepared by: The Pittman McLenagan Group, L.C. 4
foul weather gear; however, if the conditions are determined to be unsafe, the Exercise will be postponed. You must have a photo I.D. and the signed waiver for the registration process. Remember to listen closely to the instructor. To be successful you must follow the instructions given. Pay attention and asks questions if you do not understand the instructions. Practice when given the opportunity. Lack of practicing will negatively affect your performance. You must wear personal protective equipment and follow all the safety rules. Even though this is a simulation, you must still perform each task as you would in the field. Do not rush through the tasks. Make sure you have performed all steps that you believe are necessary. Good Luck!! Prepared by: The Pittman McLenagan Group, L.C. 5
Appendix A Prepared by: The Pittman McLenagan Group, L.C. 6
Pepco Holdings, Inc. Task Specific Exercise for Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground Applicant Activities Release and Hold Harmless Agreement I,, have submitted my application for the position of Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground with Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI) or one of its subsidiaries or affiliates. As part of the pre-employment evaluation of candidates for this position, I acknowledge that I will be required to participate in an exercise performing such tasks as climbing into manholes, lifting heavy objects, and other related activities ( Task Specific Exercise ). Further, I understand that I will be asked to practice various physically demanding tasks over a set time period. I also acknowledge that the Exercise activities are related to the position for which I am applying. I voluntarily assume the risks inherent in participating in this Exercise. In consideration for being permitted to participate in the Exercise, I hereby release, forever discharge, and agree to hold harmless PHI, its subsidiaries and affiliated entities, and the officers, directors, agents, employees, successors and assigns of each of them (collectively Company ), individually and collectively, and all other persons or organizations, from all claims and demands, damages, actions and causes of action present or future, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, costs and expenses, including but not limited to those which arise or may arise from or by reason of personal and bodily injuries, emotional distress, sickness, disease, death and/or damage to or loss or destruction of property, and any and all consequential injuries and damages, including lost wages or profits, etc. which allegedly result or may result from the Exercise, whether such injury or damage occurs before, during or after my participation in the Exercise, or in, on or about the premises where the Exercise activities are conducted. This Release and Hold Harmless Agreement shall be binding upon my heirs, assigns, executors and administrators. Applicant s Signature Print Name Date Witness Emergency Contact Name Phone number Refusal of medical treatment waiver (Do not complete unless refusing medical treatment) Having been offered medical treatment for an injury sustained during the Cable Splicer/Electrician Underground Task Specific Exercise, I knowingly and voluntarily refuse such treatment. Signature: Date: Prepared by: The Pittman McLenagan Group, L.C. 7