PHMSA Mandated Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing FAQ

Being a federally regulated employee working within the mode of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, or PHMSA, can be challenging but you also may receive comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, health and dental insurance, long-term care and life insurance. Apart from a retirement plan, employees may also get to enjoy a thrift savings plan. Other benefits could include mentoring programs, employee assistance and fitness programs. However, all employees with safety-sensitive duties must be drug and alcohol-free. You need to look for a DOT SAP provider for PHMSA mandated employees if you fail a drug or alcohol test.

What Alcohol or Drug Regulations Affect PHMSA Mandated Employees?

If you’re a safety-sensitive employee, you’re expected to be drug and alcohol-free to ensure everyone is safe while you’re performing your safety-sensitive functions. You’re considered a safety-sensitive employee when your tasks can affect the safety of the general public, yourself, or your colleagues.

PHMSA mandated employees are tested for alcohol and drug during pre-employment, after certain accidents, at random, when there is reasonable suspicion, as part of the return-to-duty process, and during follow-up testing (after returning to work according to SAP instructions after passing a return-to-duty test).

PHMSA safety-sensitive employees will be tested for cocaine, marijuana, amphetamines or opiates, and phencyclidine. Additionally, if an employee has tested positive for an alcohol concentration of .04 or greater, they will not be able to perform their safety-sensitive functions until they complete the return to duty process.

Looking for a DOT SAP Provider for PHMSA Mandated Employees?

All employers must provide a SAP list, or a referral to a service agent, to all employees who have failed their drug or alcohol tests. Many employees have found that using a SAP list can take time, which is why they often find it more beneficial to get in touch with SAP Referral services, a service agent with a network of SAPs nationwide. Get in touch with us today and get scheduled with a SAP near you typically within 72-business hours.