This Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Tribal Environmental Professionals online training was developed for all Tribal environmental employees to identify when and what PPE is necessary to protect them from the hazards that they may encounter in their workplace and/or fieldwork they may conduct. This online course is focused on Level D PPE and is not intended to replace Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. Additionally, this course may create awareness for future training, including HAZWOPER and/or other safety training specific to each employees’ needs. It is important to note that PPE is used as the final option after eliminating workplace hazards using administrative or engineering controls. PPE is the least desirable method of controlling hazards because the hazard is still present in the workplace.

This online course does not cover all situations requiring employees to wear PPE. Therefore, it is critical that tribal staff take the time to identify the proper selection and use of PPE needed for different job positions in their department. If a tribe does not have their own Health and Safety Officer, they may consider hiring a consultant to assist them with writing Site Specific Health & Safety plans which includes proper PPE for various tasks. Employees must receive proper on-the-job training specific to their job duties. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure workers remain competent in activities specific to their job functions and determine if this training meets the needs for PPE that their employees require. The employer may determine that hands-on training is unnecessary, however, must assess the employees’ skill level, and ensure that workers remain competent in their current and any newly assigned duties.

This course is focused on Level D PPE found in the workplace and does not include training employees on selecting and using respirators. Resources are included for participants to learn more about what training and health monitoring employers are required to provide their employees for proper respiratory protection.

This online course is equivalent to 0.8 continuing education units (CEUs) and requires approximately eight hours of total learning time. CEUs and a certificate of completion are earned by completing the following course modules:

    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Overview & Limitations
    Identifying When PPE is Necessary
    Identifying Appropriate PPE, Wear, Care, Maintenance, and Disposal

It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure workers remain competent in activities specific to their job functions.