DOT SAP Guidelines Support PHMSA Employees
Employees who work for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) have a big responsibility for the overall safety of their workplace, co-workers, and even the general public. It is important to be aware of the requirements for submitting to drug and/or alcohol screening before hiring, after some types of accident on the job site, or simply randomly. These tests are meant to ensure that every PHMSA DOT mandated safety-sensitive employee is compliant. Should you fail a test, you will be subject to follow DOT SAP guidelines. Please read on for more information.
What Type of Employees are Required to Submit to Testing?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all operators and contractors of natural gas and other types of gas pipeline construction (including hazardous liquids pipeline transport) to submit to drug and alcohol testing, for all of the circumstances mentioned above. Additionally, DOT mandated safety-sensitive employees who perform maintenance and repairs, including emergency services, are also required to undergo this testing.
Why Are These Tests Important?
Drug and alcohol tests ensure that no one is operating machinery, constructing pipelines, or transporting dangerous materials while under the influence. It’s a public health and safety responsibility for all these types of employees. Being alert and physically capable of working your best prevents mistakes that can damage the equipment or hurt others.
What Happens if I Fail a Drug or Alcohol Test?
If you’ve failed a drug and/or alcohol test while on duty, you will be immediately removed from your safety-sensitive position. However, DOT SAP guidelines allow employees to fulfill a drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation program. Successfully complying to a program, as well as demonstrating the ability to pass additional drug tests, may allow you to return to their safety-sensitive position.
How Can a SAP Program Help Me?
Failing a drug or alcohol test while working in a safety-sensitive position mandated by PHSMA doesn’t mean the end of the world. Next, you must complete a SAP program. A SAP program involves an evaluation with a Substance Abuse Professional, a trained clinician that can recommend the right type of education or treatment program for you.
A SAP completes an initial evaluation with you to determine which program is best suited for your specific needs, and then monitors your progress. This program may include education, group meetings, Intensive Outpatient Services, and/or residential treatment to help you with drug use or alcohol abuse. Once you’ve complied with the program, you’ll have another face-to-face session with your SAP. Only they can clear you as ready to submit to a return-to-duty test.
How Can SAP Referral Services Help?
Please note: DOT SAP guidelines stipulate that only a qualified SAP can recommend that you return to your safety-sensitive duties after completing your program. Using a SAP without current DOT qualifications negates your entire program. This is where SAP Referral Services can help. Contact SAP Referral Services today and we will quickly connect you with a DOT-qualified SAP in your area!
SAP Referral Services (SRS) is the leading facilitator for mandated substance abuse evaluations. SRS maintains an extensive network of qualified providers in more than 3,000 locations nationwide for testing violations that originate from any of the DOT’s modes including FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA, or a company’s internal drug and alcohol testing policy.