Designated Employer Representative Training (PHMSA)
PHMSA Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training
Protecting Critical Infrastructure Through Compliance
Pipeline operators and hazardous materials employers are entrusted with protecting critical infrastructure, public safety, and the environment. The PHMSA DER Training Course provides the specialized knowledge required to administer drug and alcohol testing programs for safety-sensitive employees covered under 49 CFR Part 199.
This course is designed for natural gas transmission operators, hazardous liquid pipeline operators, utility companies, contractors, and compliance professionals responsible for maintaining PHMSA compliance.
Participants will learn how to oversee testing programs for pipeline controllers, maintenance personnel, emergency response employees, and other covered workers. The course covers pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing requirements while emphasizing incident prevention and regulatory accountability.
Key topics include:
* PHMSA drug and alcohol testing requirements
* Covered employee determinations
* Pipeline safety compliance responsibilities
* Incident and accident response procedures
* Testing program administration
* Recordkeeping and confidentiality requirements
* Managing violations and employee removals
* Return-to-duty procedures
* Contractor oversight considerations
* Preparing for PHMSA inspections and audits
Upon completion, DERs will possess the knowledge necessary to manage compliant testing programs that support safe pipeline operations, reduce regulatory risk, and protect critical energy and hazardous materials infrastructure.
Related Courses
DER Training (Designated Employer Representative)
Our DER Training helps employers and reps understand and follow federal drug and alcohol testing rules, manage programs, handle violations, and stay fully compliant with DOT regulations.
Designated Employer Representative Training (FTA)
**FTA DER Training (Designated Employer Representative)** Our FTA Designated Employer Representative (DER) Training course is designed for public transit agencies and contractors responsible for administering drug and alcohol testing programs under FTA regulations (49 CFR Part 655 and 49 CFR Part 40). Public transportation systems rely on trained DERs to ensure safety-sensitive employees remain compliant with federal testing requirements while protecting passengers, employees, and communities. This training provides a comprehensive overview of FTA-specific testing requirements for bus operators, rail operators, maintenance personnel, dispatchers, and other covered employees. Participants will learn how to manage random testing programs, reasonable suspicion determinations, post-accident testing events, return-to-duty processes, and annual Management Information System (MIS) reporting requirements. The course also addresses oversight of contractors, grant-funded compliance obligations, and best practices for maintaining program documentation and audit readiness. Designed for transit managers, safety professionals, HR personnel, and compliance officers, this course equips DERs with the tools necessary to effectively administer FTA drug and alcohol testing programs while promoting public safety and regulatory compliance.