Training

The PSAI’s training program is comprised of courses relevant to portable sanitation professionals. They can be taken individually or as a series. Most are accepted for licensing or continuing education credit.

All PSAI courses are offered periodically both in person and through live web broadcasts. Check our calendar for upcoming training opportunities and information on how to register. If you don’t see the course you want listed, contact us to request that it be scheduled.

About Our Courses

Read below for details of the training courses we offer.

Basic Service Technician Training Series

The following courses are offered both individually and as a series. The series is designed to address the basic competencies required for success in the role of a portable sanitation professional and serves as preparation for those seeking certification through the PSAI. When taken together and followed by successful completion of the exam, these three courses will satisfy the licensing requirements in the states of Illinois and Georgia. They are also accepted for continuing education credit in many other states.

Transportation and Logistics in Portable Sanitation

This 90-minute course is designed to address the major areas of competency required for portable sanitation professionals operating vehicles and setting up sites in the field.

You will learn how to:

Prepare portable sanitation equipment for safe transportation on public highways
Identify specific equipment and explain its function in tank vehicles and understand the unique issues involved in transporting loads of liquid waste
Select sites and place equipment under a variety of conditions
List the relevant laws and regulations that apply to waste disposal
Explain the relevant vehicle inspection and maintenance protocols that pertain to most portable sanitation operations

Servicing and Maintaining Portable Sanitation Equipment

This 2-hour course is designed to teach learners about the proper use of pumping equipment, techniques for cleaning equipment in the field and in the yard and best practices for field repair.

You will learn how to:

Identify the key considerations involved in the safe and effective operation of pumping equipment
Clean and service the most common types of portable sanitation equipment, both in the field and in the yard
Adjust your procedures for cleaning in extreme temperatures
Conduct field repairs

Health, Safety, and Professional Excellence in Portable Sanitation

This 2.5-hour course is designed to teach learners about the responsibilities of employers and workers for safety on the job, how to minimize the risk of illness or infection from job-related exposure and how to approach the position of portable sanitation professional for maximum success.

You will learn how to:

Identify and describe the required personal protective equipment (PPE) for service technicians and when/how it should be worn
Outline and explain the proper procedures for materials handling, spill containment and accident/incident management that may occur on the job
Name the infectious diseases that are potential risks for portable sanitation technicians and how to reduce the risk of contracting them
Understand the record-keeping protocols that pertain to most portable sanitation operations
Give examples of professional demeanor and conduct in a variety of scenarios

Individual Courses

The following courses are offered as standalone training sessions.

Portable Sanitation and Special Events

This 90-minute course is relevant to anyone working at a portable sanitation company. Service technicians, sales staff, dispatchers and office assistants will all benefit from this session.

You will learn:

How to communicate with customers throughout the bidding process, during the event and at the post-event meeting
Key considerations in determining the optimal number and types of portable units required
Ideal and acceptable placement configuration options at various special events
Specific behaviors that should be employed and those that should be avoided when placing, servicing and picking up special event units
The most likely areas in which problems may develop and the steps that can be taken, both proactively and reactively, to minimize their impact on a successful event

Portable Sanitation and Worksites

This 90-minute course is designed to assist portable sanitation operators and their teams in growing their skills and confidence in serving worksite customers.

You will learn:

How to differentiate needs and best practices for different types of worksites
What you need to know regarding special types of worksites such as federal installations, schools and big box stores
Key considerations in determining the optimal number and types of portable units required for worksites
How to identify both ideal and acceptable placement configuration options at various worksites
Specific behaviors you should employ or avoid when placing, servicing and picking up at worksites

Portable Sanitation: Preparing for Extremes

This 90-minute course focuses on preparing to deal effectively with the things nature can throw at your business.

You will learn:

Key considerations and optimal tactics for placing and servicing units subject to cold temperatures (32°F/0°C or below)
Considerations and best practices for placing and servicing units subject to hot temperatures (85°F/29°C or above)
How to identify acceptable tactics for securing units in windy conditions
Planning, risk management and responses for disasters in your service area

Join the PSAI Today!

Don't miss out on great member benefits!

Join Now! Learn More

How to Attend a Training

PSAI training courses are offered in person, through live web broadcasts, and on-demand.

In-Person Training

In-person training is available at the PSAI Annual Convention and Trade Show and our PSAI EDGE Summit. We also offer in-person training in collaboration with related organizations including:

It may be possible to offer in-person training events at your location. Our trainers are volunteers, so whether on-site training for your company is possible depends on a variety of factors such as trainer availability, size of the group, travel costs, health precautions, etc. In addition to the cost of course registration, you will also be responsible for additional fees including personal trainer fee, airfare and lodging.

For more information on in-person training, contact us.

Live Web Broadcasts

The PSAI’s courses are accepted by many state licensing agencies for licensing or continuing education credits. To be compliant with these agencies’ requirements, we offer our training courses via live web broadcast throughout the year. This allows you and your group to interact with the trainer, ask questions, and participate in discussions.

To participate in a live training presentation delivered via the Internet, you and your team will need a computer with a high-speed connection, sound, and microphone. Some companies have each individual at their own computer. Others set up a group training experience so that the course is on a large single screen in a training room. This can work well, provided someone in the room can interact with the trainer(s) when questions need to be asked or discussion is involved.

These courses are available to both PSAI members and nonmembers. Registration fees vary depending on the course, membership level, and status. Course materials are provided in advance of each session.

For more information on live web broadcasts, contact us.