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BREATH ALCOHOL TESTING
Our clinic provides evidential breath alcohol testing (EBT) services to meet the needs of your company’s alcohol testing requirements for both Federal Regulated (DOT) and Non-Regulated (Non-DOT) programs.
DOT (Federally regulated) and Non-DOT Breath Alcohol Testing
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require alcohol testing of drivers, who are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The FMCSA rules apply to safety-sensitive employees, who operate commercial motor vehicles requiring a CDL. The following alcohol tests are required by the FMCSA and conducted in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 40:
- Post-accident
- Reasonable suspicion
- Random
- Return to Duty; Follow up
The rules allow for screening tests to be conducted using saliva devices or breath testing using evidential breath testing (EBT) devices approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our clinic utilizes the NHTSA/DOT approved Intoxilyzer 200 breath testing device. All testing is performed by a certified Breath Alcohol Technician. Both DOT Federally Regulated Testing and Non-DOT Breath Alcohol Testing are performed in accordance to 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 40.
How is testing performed?
Two tests are required to determine if a person has a prohibited alcohol concentration. A screening test is conducted first. Any result less than 0.02 alcohol concentration is considered a “negative” test. If the alcohol concentration is 0.02 or greater, a second confirmation test must be conducted. The driver and the individual conducting the confirmation breath test (BAT) complete the alcohol testing form to ensure that the results are properly recorded. The confirmation test, if required, must be conducted using an EBT that prints out the results, date and time, a sequential test number, and the name and serial number of the EBT to ensure the reliability of the results. The confirmation test results determine any action taken.
Upon confirmation of an individual’s alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater, the individual is informed that their designated employer representative will be contacted via telephone immediately. The designated employer representative is informed via telephone that their employee has a positive breath alcohol test and the employer must arrange for transportation for the employee.
DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing - Employee Handbook -Download (pdf)
Helpful Links for Employers:
Department of Transportation (DOT) - Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules
http://www.dot.gov/ost/dapc/index.html
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration –Alcohol and Drug Rules
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/safety-initiatives/drugs/engtesting.htm
Writing Policy on Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
http://workplace.samhsa.gov/Helpline/Helpline.htm
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/demand/dfmanual/01df.htm
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Department of Health and Human Services
http://dwp.samhsa.gov/index.aspx
Institute for Drug-Free Workplace
http://www.drugfreeworkplace.org/
Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA)
http://www.datia.org/