What is Dot Drug Testing

Several millions of individuals rely on public transport all over the world. People use this public transportation to go from one place to another, be it within a city or state. Our families, friends, co-workers, and other acquaintances safety are dependent on the person who operates the public vehicles. They must be therefore ensured of not being drug addicts or from any criminal background. This is why drug testing is critical in the public transport industry. A DOT drug test is one such test that is government regulated to ensure the safety of the citizens. Contant NTA,Inc for DOT Drug Testing.

What is the DOT drug testing?

DOT or Department of Transportation has regulated a drug test to ensure this industry to be alcohol and drug-free, referred to as the DOT drug test.

US congress regulated an omnibus transportation employee testing act in 1991. This act directed the department of transportation and its agencies to implement alcohol and drug testing for their employees. This was in view to sustain the travel safety of the workers and the public.

The procedures and rules of drug screening are listed under CFR-Code of federal regulations Title 49 or Part 40. US coast guard and DOT has specific regulations that are valid to the industry. It clearly states the person who has to be tested, under what circumstances, and when.

Difference between a DOT drug test and a regular drug test

The two primary differences are:

• DOT tests use urine samples, while a regular drug test can be carried out using hair, urine, or saliva.
• DOT test makes use of the Federal drug testing CCF, also known as Control and Custody Form.

Who needs to get DOT test?

Anyone who is “safety-sensitive” and is an employee of the department of transportation should get tested for alcohol and drugs, according to DOT regulations.

Who is a safety-sensitive employee?

Any employee who has a job with DOT and can harm the safety of himself and the public is a safety-sensitive employee.

Which departments of DOT can come under these positions?

• Federal aviation administration- Employees include flight attendants, ground security, flight crews, dispatchers in aircraft, and so on.
• US coast guard- All crew members who run a commercial vessel.
• Federal motor carrier safety administration– Employees include CDL-commercial driver’s license holders operating CMVs-commercial motor vehicles, automobiles transporting inflammable materials, and carrying over 16 passengers. They need a DOT placard.
• Pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration– Workers involved in maintenance, operations, and emergency services.
• Federal transit administration-Mechanics, vehicle drivers, armed security, and controllers.
• Federal railroad administration-Workers are operating train and engine, signal service, train dispatchers, and others.

Why only industry-specific employees for the DOT drug test?

When taking public transportation to visit someone or for work or flying from one coast to another for any business meeting, you keep your life’s safety in the hands of the operator of the transport and other people of the department. This test assures travelers that they are safe traveling with them, and they take it as their responsibility.

What is DOT drug testing, and what do they test for?

DOT test requests your employer to carry out a drug screening while you have to undergo physical DOT. A DOT drug test makes use 5-panel test. These drug test screens for drugs such as methamphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine, opiates, and marijuana. Amphetamines that include MDMA and methamphetamine, Opioids include morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, heroin, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and oxycodone. DOT drug tests are regulated to be carried out by using urine samples.

What is DOT drug testing- How is drug test administered through urine?

There are three steps involved in a DOT drug test. These steps are:

• Urine collection
• Lab testing
• The medical officer did review

DOT drug testing includes the following steps.

• A specimen collector will check for a photo ID that is valid and current. It can be the employer issued ID, driver’s license, or passport. This is to verify your details.
• Secure the collection area by access restriction, water sources accessibility, and securing cleaning fluids.
• Privacy to specimen unless any rule exception to adulteration.
• Check for unnecessary items or garments by emptying your pocket.
• A sealed collection kit is handed over after opening it in your presence.
• After collection, pour it into two different bottles and seal them in front of you.
• Details of name, DOB, time are provided by you.
• Finish the documentation.
• Give you a CCF copy and ship the sealed bottles to CCF.
• Send it to the lab for tests
• Once the medical officer receives the report, paperwork is accurately checked.
• For a negative result, report to a DER-designated employer representative.
• For a positive result, an interview is set up with you for any legitimate reason medically and, if not, send the report to DER.

What is DOT drug testing- When should the employees take this test?

A DOT drug test is carried on safety-sensitive employees. It is taken:

• Before beginning your job or pre-employment.
• When there’s a cause or suspicion that you may be under drugs influence.
• When any of the trained supervisors suspects or believes the influence.
• Any observations of concerning behavior, smell, speech, or appearance.
• Random tests on each of the employees through random selection. Usually finished quarterly.
• When returning to duty after any drug violation or any rules related to alcohol consumption, testing is done.
• On return to duty, the employee may be subjected to testing without prior information for about 6 times in the initial year. The testing is carried out under observation.
• SAP-Substance Abuse Professional handles your follow up a return to duty testing. This is done for 5 years. Depending on the substance and times of testing, this testing is done. This is taken along with other testing needed by DOT.
• When an employee gets into an accident or is involved in any such criteria, post-accident DOT testing is done. A drug test is carried out within 32 hours and an alcohol test below 8 hours of the occurred accident.

Failing DOT drug test

When you fail the regulated DOT drug test, the employer who hired you must eliminate you from any DOT safety-sensitive work. You are not eligible to perform any such job activities. You may lose your license/certification, too, based on your employment agreement or business policy.

Conclusion

DOT drug testing is carried to safety-sensitive employees to ensure the safety of the lives of the travelers of public transportation, flights, and other means. It is regulated and tested by the collection of urine samples. DOT drug testing ensures the safety of the drivers and the passengers who entrust them their lives.