[IPAC-List] Measuring Fear of Heights

[Reindl, Kevin]

I thought this might be a good question to pose to the IPAC list, since I'm sure many of the firefighter selection experts out there have encountered this...

Does anyone do any type of assessment/test that measures someone's fear of heights? We have been grappling with this for a while. We have some positions at a few of our companies that require employees to climb externally mounted stairs to the top of storage tanks (up to 200 feet). We've considered a pre-employment assessment where we simply ask candidates to actually perform this task. However, the concern for safety has always been a barrier.

Any thoughts/advice/experiences would be greatly appreciated.


Kevin Reindl
Sr. People Research Advisor
San Diego Gas & Electric
Human Resources
8306 Century Park Court, CP41A
San Diego, CA 92123-1530
Tel: 858-654-1823
Fax: 858-654-1515
Email: kreindl at semprautilities.com<mailto:kreindl at semprautilities.com>

"This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. Receipt by an unintended recipient does not constitute a waiver of any applicable privilege. Reading, disclosure, discussion, dissemination, distribution or copying of this information by anyone other than the intended recipient or his or her employees or agents is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender."