Certified Electrical Systems Specialist - Hazardous Location (CESS-HL)

Certified Electrical Systems Specialist - Hazardous Location (CESS-HL) Blueprint

1. Overview

The Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CESS-HL) blueprint summarizes the examination structure and core knowledge areas aligned to the IASHEP General Industry course. The source course emphasizes 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations and standards, OSHA policies and procedures, hazard recognition, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety program implementation.

2. Examination Parameters

Duration	4 Day course alignment
Total Questions	Standardized assessment
Question Format	Multiple-choice and scenario-based
Passing Score	Standard passing requirement

3. Prerequisites & Qualifications

Candidates for this certification generally have responsibilities in workplace safety, compliance, supervision, industrial hygiene, facility operations, risk management, or program administration. Preparation should include:

• Familiarity with OSHA general industry requirements and 29 CFR 1910 standards.
• Ability to recognize common workplace hazards and recommend controls.
• Understanding of inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
• Practical experience supporting or managing safety and health programs.

4. Examination Domains

Domain Name	Weight (%)	Number of Questions
1. OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance	25%	25
2. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment	20%	20
3. Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls	20%	20
4. Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions	15%	15
5. Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning	10%	10
6. Communication, Training, and Professional Application	10%	10
TOTAL	100%	100

5. Domain Breakdown

Domain 1: OSHA General Industry Regulations and Compliance

Weight: 25%

Knowledge of:

• OSHA general industry regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• 29 CFR 1910 safety regulation/standard structure and application.
• Regulatory compliance requirements for workplace safety and health programs.
• Use of OSHA standards as a guide for identifying high-hazard areas.

Domain 2: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Weight: 20%

Knowledge of:

• Recognition of common workplace hazards including chemical, electrical, machinery, ergonomics, and environmental risks.
• Risk assessment methods for prioritizing hazards and exposures.
• Hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention concepts.
• Selection of practical control strategies based on observed workplace conditions.

Domain 3: Safety Program Implementation and Hazard Controls

Weight: 20%

Knowledge of:

• Implementation of effective safety programs and hazard control measures.
• Accident prevention strategies and corrective action planning.
• General industry safety and health principles as applied to real-world situations.
• Integration of safety procedures into routine operations.

Domain 4: Workplace Inspections and Corrective Actions

Weight: 15%

Knowledge of:

• Planning and conducting workplace inspections.
• Documenting inspection findings and identifying corrective actions.
• Evaluating facility, maintenance, production, and healthcare work environments.
• Communicating inspection results to supervisors, coordinators, and managers.

Domain 5: Incident Investigation and Prevention Planning

Weight: 10%

Knowledge of:

• Incident investigation principles and root-cause awareness.
• Corrective action planning following accidents, near misses, or identified hazards.
• Use of incident findings to improve hazard control and prevention programs.
• Follow-up activities to verify corrective actions are completed.

Domain 6: Communication, Training, and Professional Application

Weight: 10%

Knowledge of:

• Communicating OSHA requirements and safety expectations to workers and management.
• Supporting training, orientation, and safety awareness activities.
• Applying course knowledge immediately in workplace settings.
• Professional responsibilities for safety supervisors, coordinators, industrial hygienists, facility managers, line supervisors, and program administrators.

6. Additional Information

Course Alignment:

• IASHEP CSHS-GI course page identifies the course as a 4-day intermediate General Industry course.
• The course description identifies 29 CFR 1910 safety regulations/standards as the primary focus.
• The course outcomes include OSHA compliance, hazard identification, safety program implementation, workplace inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.

Source: IASHEP course page, Certified Safety Health Specialist - General Industry (CESS-HL), accessed May 14, 2026.