Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1135954
W EEKLY EDITION JUNE 26, 2019 PSAI Announces Updates to Its Certification Program for the Portable Sanitation Industry By Karleen Kos, PSAI Executive Director…Continued From Page 1 In September the PSAI's Certification Commission will begin working on a third level of certification aimed at managers and supervisors of front - line staff. B ac kg r ou n d. The portable sanitation industry meets a critical need . Through the effort of operators around the world, people can access sanitation in places where it is not otherwise available, and the environment is a cleaner, safer place. More than 9,000 companies provide portable sanitation in English - speaking North A merica alone. The industry provides employment for approximately 23,200 people outside of the ownership circle. Although there are a handful of large companies in the industry, the vast majorities are small, family owned businesses. The men and women who w ork in the industry are generally dedicated professionals who work hard and want to do a good job. Most of the regulation pertaining to the portable sanitation industry addresses environmental concerns, driver licensing, and employer requirements. In 201 4 leaders at the PSAI realized the original certification program required updating. In order to be more aligned with accepted practices for these programs, the organization formed its first Certification Commission (PSAI - CC), operating at arm's length fro m the PSAI Board of Directors and completely separated from the functions of standard - setting and training. The PSAI - CC exists to govern the development and administration of credentialing programs for portable sanitation industry professionals. The PSAI - C C maintains autonomy and administrative independence from the PSAI Board regarding credentialing decisions. It is composed of Commissioners representing the United States and Canada from companies of various sizes. The Commissioners each have more than 25 years' experience in the industry and collectively have knowledge of the range of products, services, and on - the - job activities required of the people who work in it. The PSAI - CC mission is to develop and maintain programs for evaluating and recognizing individual competency in applying industry knowledge and best practices to portable sanitation - related activities in a manner that protects public health and maximizes safety . The PSAI - CC set out to develop and implement portable sanitation industry cred entials for professionals and frontline workers in the field who demonstrate the competence and knowledge required to: P AGE 9 CONTINUED ON PAGE 10