RSP study guide
RSP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
This page supports candidates preparing for the RSP examination. Before you build a study plan, one limitation must be stated plainly: the official source retrieved for this profile (2026-10-31) documents only the NASP/IASP, Inc. The RSP study guide has 8 sections and about 3,098 words.
01Safety Management Systems and Program Development
A safety management system (SMS) is a documented, auditable set of interrelated processes that continually reduce risk - not a binder of policies. Candidates should be able to compare the two dominant frameworks.
362 words, about 2 min02Laws, Regulations and Consensus Standards
The OSH Act of 1970 created three obligations: the General Duty Clause , Section 5(a)(1), requiring each employer to furnish a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm; Section 5(a)(2), requiring compliance with promulgated standards; and the employer's duty to employees. Regulations sit in 29 CFR - Part 1910 for general industry, 1926 for construction, 1904 for recordkeeping.
376 words, about 2 min03Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
Hazard identification is proactive; incident investigation is reactive. Know when each tool fits.
396 words, about 2 min04Incident Investigation and Recordkeeping
A case is recordable if it is work-related and results in death, days away from work, restricted work or transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, loss of consciousness, or a significant injury or illness diagnosed by a physician or other licensed health care professional. First aid - including a butterfly bandage, tetanus shot, non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength, hot/cold compresses, and simple wound cleaning - is not medical treatment.
403 words, about 2 min05Training, Education and Communication
Training is a control of last resort in the hierarchy - it does not substitute for engineering out a hazard, and cutting a training class does not reduce a noise or chemical exposure. Good programs follow an instructional design cycle ( ADDIE : analyze, design, develop, implement, evaluate).
389 words, about 2 min06Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health
Anticipation → recognition → evaluation → control. Recognition means knowing what agents are present (chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial).
390 words, about 2 min07Emergency Preparedness and Fire Prevention
The Emergency Action Plan (29 CFR 1910.38) covers reporting procedures, evacuation or shelter-in-place, accounting for employees, rescue duties, and alarm systems; employers with ten or fewer employees may communicate it orally. The Fire Prevention Plan (1910.39) addresses major fire hazards, handling and storage of flammable materials, potential ignition sources, housekeeping, and maintenance of fire protection equipment.
387 words, about 2 min08Environmental and Sustainability Management
An environmental management system under ISO 14001 mirrors ISO 45001: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement, on the PDCA cycle. The central analytical step is separating environmental aspects from environmental impacts .
395 words, about 2 min