DOT Testing Regulations – Who is Covered?
Those who are DOT-mandated, safety-sensitive employees are required to follow strict regulations regarding drugs and alcohol. The DOT testing regulations state that safety-sensitive employees may not use drugs or alcohol at work, must remain drug-free, may not report to duty under the influence, and must comply with mandated drug and alcohol testing rules and regulations.
Who Is Covered?
An FMCSA covered, safety-sensitive, employee is one who operates a CMV, or commercial motor vehicle, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds; or is intended to haul 16 people or more; or is used to transport hazardous materials requiring a placard. Safety-sensitive employees may be mandated in one of the following modes: FMCSA, FAA, FRA, FTA, USCG and PHMSA.
When Are DOT-Mandated Employees Tested?
DOT-mandated employees are tested for drug and/or alcohol as a part of pre-hire, anytime there is reasonable suspicion of use, and when certain accidents occur. Random testing can be administered at any time. If an employee fails the drug and/or alcohol testing, they will immediately be removed from their safety-sensitive position. They must successfully complete the SAP process before they can return to work.
DOT Testing Regulations – Zero Tolerance
In the case of a test failure, the employer is responsible for providing the DOT-mandated employee with a SAP list or service agent referral. If the employer provides the employee with a SAP list they must find DOT-qualified SAPs in their area themselves. If the employer refers the employee to a service agent, the employee can rely on the service agent to schedule the initial appointment for them.
Get Back to Work Now with the FastTrack Enrollment Program!
Are you an employee who is having trouble finding a DOT-qualified SAP? Whether you’re having difficulty locating a SAP with availability, or you just can’t seem to find a SAP in your geographic region, SAP Referral Services can help.
SAP Referral Services’ FastTrack Enrollment Program can help you get back to work quickly. Included in the program:
- Scheduling of the initial evaluation by a qualified SAP
- 2 – Face-to-face substance abuse evaluations from a DOT-qualified SAP
- Recommendations for employee education and/or treatment program
- 2 – SAP reports (an initial and a final)
- Recommendations for submitting a return-to-duty test
Don’t wait! Click here to enroll in SAP Referral Services’ FastTrack Enrollment Program and get help you back to work quickly.
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.