DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules

1
DOT Alcohol and Drug Testing Rules

• What Supervisors Need to Know

2
Session Objectives

• You will be able to
• Understand the requirements of the DOT alcohol
  and drug testing rules
• Recognize the performance effects of drug and
  alcohol use
• Identify signs and symptoms of substance use on
  the job
• Make proper reasonable-suspicion determinations

3
DOT Regulations

• What do the regulations require?
• To whom do the rules apply?
• What is prohibited?

4
DOT Regulations (cont.)

• What must we test for?
• BAC at or above 0.02
• Illegal drugs, including
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• PCP

5
DOT Regulations (cont.)

• Employees immediately removed after
• Positive drug test results
• Verified tainted or substituted drug test
  results
• Alcohol test gt0.04

6
DOT Regulations (cont.)

• Employees temporarily removed after
• Alcohol test between 0.02 and 0.39
• Diluted specimen
• Invalid drug test requiring second test

7
Training Requirements

• Employee training
• Information about substance abuse
• Substance abuse policy
• Testing requirements
• How to get help
• Supervisor training includes all the issues
  covered in this session

8
What Else Do Drivers Need To Know About the Rules?
Name of person who can answer questions about
substance abuse and rules Who is subject to
requirements, and when When and how testing will
be conducted
9
What Else Do Drivers Need To Know About the
Rules? (cont.)
Refusal to submit to testing Consequences for
violating rules Effects of substance abuse
10
When Testing Is Required
Preemployment
Preemployment
Post-accident
Post-accident
Reasonable-suspicion
Reasonable suspicion
Random
Random
Return-to-duty
Return-to-duty
Follow-up
Follow-up
11
What Happens if an Employee Tests Positive?

• Employees who test positive must be
• Removed from safety-sensitive duties
• Evaluated by a substance abuse professional
• Treated for their abuse problem
• Able to pass a return-to-duty drug test

12
Alcohol and Drug Test Records

• Confidentiality
• Retention requirements

13
Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules True or False?
Alcohol use on or off the job by CDL drivers is
absolutely prohibited by. Drivers with a BAC of
0.02 or more must be removed from
safety-sensitive duties. Drivers may refuse to
submit to a drug or alcohol test under the DOT
rules. Suspended drivers must pass a
return-to-duty test before they can resume
safety-sensitive duties.
14
Drug and Alcohol Testing Rules

• Do you understand
• Requirements of the DOT regulations?
• Employee training and education requirements?
• When testing is required?
• What happens if an employee tests positive?
• Basic rules covering employee drug and alcohol
  test records?

15
Reasonable-Suspicion Testing

• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse

16
Performance Effects of Alcohol and Drug Use

• Substance use can negatively affect
• Vision
• Reflexes
• Coordination
• Emotions
• Aggressiveness
• Judgment

17
Signs and Symptoms Of Alcohol Abuse

• Evidence of presence beverage containers,
  drinking from paper bags, odor of alcohol
• Physical symptomspoor reflexes, slurred speech,
  loss of coordination, unsteady gait
• Behavioral symptomsmore talkative and less
  emotional control, distorted judgment, impaired
  thinking and memory, and impaired driving

18
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse Marijuana

• Evidence of presencesmoking paraphernalia, odor
• Physical symptomsred eyes, fatigue, cough,
  slowed speech, impaired coordination, altered
  perception, increased appetite
• Behavioral symptomsimpaired memory, time-space
  distortion, euphoria, panic or paranoia, careless
  attitude, false sense of power

19
Signs and Symptoms Amphetamines

• Evidence of presencepills, storage containers,
  syringes and needles
• Physical symptomsdilated pupils, sweating,
  dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, insomnia
• Behavioral symptomsconfusion, talkativeness,
  restlessness, anxiety, moodiness, and false
  sense of confidence and power

20
Signs and Symptoms Cocaine

• Evidence of presencebags or vials, razor
  blades, straws or rolled bills, spoons and
  heating apparatus
• Physical symptomsdilated pupils, runny or
  irritated nose, sweating, tremors, needle
  tracks, restlessness, talkativeness
• Behavioral symptoms increased activity,
  secretiveness, defensiveness, mood swings,
  difficulty concentrating, false sense of power

21
Signs and Symptoms Opiates

• Evidence of presence packets, balloons, bloody
  tissues, syringes, matches
• Physical symptoms constricted pupils, sweating,
  nausea and vomiting, needle marks, slurred speech
  and slowed reflexes, drowsiness and fatigue
• Behavioral symptoms mood swings, impaired
  coordination, depression and apathy, stupor,
  euphoria

22
Signs and Symptoms PCP

• Evidence of presencepackets, tablets, capsules,
  or powder residue
• Physical symptomsdilated pupils, jerky eye
  movement, drooling, sweating, dizziness,
  drowsiness, impaired coordination, disorientation
• Behavioral symptomsanxiety, aggressive or
  violent behavior, confusion and agitation, mood
  swings, poor judgment

23
Reasonable-Suspicion Determinations

• Determinations must be based on specific,
  current, objective observations
• Observations must be made by a supervisor or
  manager
• Observations must be made in connection with
  safety-sensitive functions

24
Reasonable-Suspicion Determinations (cont.)

• Test should be performed promptly after the
  determination is made
• Action under DOT rules must be based on a drug or
  alcohol test, not just observations
• You must prepare a written and signed report
  describing your observations

• Test should be performed promptly after the
  determination is made
• Action under DOT rules must be based on a drug or
  alcohol test, not just observations
• You must prepare a written and signed report
  describing your observations

25
Direct Observation

• Direct observation of urine collection required
  when
• Employee attempts to tamper with specimen
• MRO orders direct observation
• Test is for a return-to-duty or follow-up

26
Direct Observation (cont.)

• Observer must be same gender
• Check for prosthetic or other device
• Follow strict requirements for observation
• Give notice and document when a device is
  observed
• Failure to permit direct observation is a refusal
  to test

27
Reasonable Suspicion Q A
Q.
What must suspicions be based on?
A.
Current, specific, objective observations.
Q.
When should reasonable-suspicion tests be
conducted?
A.
As soon as possible after the observation.
Q.
Can you base reasonable suspicion on something
an employee reports but you havent actually
seen?
A.
No. You have to observe the evidence,
appearance, behavior, or odor.
28
Reasonable Suspicion

• Do you understand
• Grounds for reasonable- suspicion testing?
• Performance effects of alcohol and drug use?
• Signs and symptoms of substance use?
• Reasonable-suspicion procedures?

29
Key Points to Remember

• DOT regulations prohibit alcohol and drug use by
  CDL drivers
• We must test drivers for substance use when they
  are performing safety-sensitive duties
• You play a key role in compliance with the DOT
  rules