EMPCO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EMPCO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which respiratory hazard requires the use of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) rather than an air-purifying respirator? → Oxygen-deficient atmosphere below 19.5%
2. What is 'neutral posture' in ergonomics? → Body position where joints are naturally aligned and biomechanical stress is minimized
3. What is the purpose of an emergency action plan? → To establish procedures for responding to various emergencies
4. When presenting information to a large group in a medical workplace, which strategy is most effective? → Use clear visuals, speak in plain language, and allow time for questions
5. Under EMPCO-style health programs, what is the typical frequency for periodic medical surveillance of workers with significant chemical exposures? → Annually or as specified by the applicable OSHA standard
6. Which approach best reduces the risk of 'faking' on self-report personality assessments used in pre-employment screening? → Using forced-choice formats where candidates rank preferences rather than rate agreement
7. Why is it important to monitor exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace? → To ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect employee health
8. Which regulation governs the retention and access requirements for employee exposure and medical records in the workplace? → OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1020
9. A medical surveillance record for a worker exposed to lead must be retained for a minimum of: → 30 years
10. Which lifting technique is recommended to prevent lower back injuries in the workplace? → Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with the legs
11. How does health surveillance benefit employers? → By improving employee safety, reducing absenteeism, and minimizing legal risks
12. During a hazardous materials incident, the COLD zone (support zone) is defined as: → The area free of contamination where command, staging, and media are located
13. Which section of an occupational health record documents the employee's self-reported medical history? → Subjective
14. A patient requests that notes about a mental health diagnosis be excluded from their occupational health record. The provider should: → Explain confidentiality policies and what information is and is not shared with employers
15. In audiometric surveillance, a Standard Threshold Shift (STS) is defined as an average shift in hearing threshold of how many decibels? → 10 dB averaged over 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz
16. NIOSH recommends that when the Lifting Index (LI) exceeds 3.0, the task: → Represents significant injury risk and requires immediate ergonomic redesign
17. Which document must be completed before a third-party vendor can access an employee's occupational health records for wellness program administration? → A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) under HIPAA
18. What is the chain of command? → The hierarchical structure of authority in a military organization
19. During a mass-casualty incident, the START triage system tags a non-breathing victim as which color after attempting to open the airway? → Black
20. What is dead reckoning in navigation? → Estimating current position based on a known past position and course/speed
21. Which workplace intervention best addresses awkward posture as an ergonomic risk factor? → Adjusting workstation height and tool design to maintain neutral posture
22. Which screening tool is commonly used to identify alcohol use disorders in occupational health settings? → CAGE questionnaire
23. What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) primarily used for in a Return-to-Work program? → To objectively measure an employee's physical abilities and compare them to job demands
24. In occupational health documentation, what does the abbreviation 'FFD' stand for? → Fit for Duty
25. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) typically provides employees with: → Confidential short-term counseling and referrals for personal and work-related problems
26. Professionalism in a team-based occupational health setting includes which of the following? → Communicating clearly, sharing relevant information, and supporting team members' roles
27. OSHA requires employers in high-risk industries to develop and implement an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). The cornerstone of this program is: → Management commitment and employee involvement in safety
28. When managing a scene with multiple injured workers, which victim should be treated LAST using the START triage system? → A worker with a minor laceration who is walking
29. Which signal word on a chemical label indicates a MORE severe hazard than the other option? → Danger
30. Which NFPA standard specifically governs the installation of fire sprinkler systems in buildings? → NFPA 13