Everything You Need to Know About the DOT Drug Test
More than forty-three percent of fatally injured drivers tested positive for drugs in 2016. The truth is that driving and drugs are not a good mix.
It’s particularly important that those whose job it is to get passengers safely from point A to point B are not under the influence. That’s why the Department of Transportation has implemented its own DOT drug test. Here’s the lowdown.
Workers and the DOT Drug Test
DOT agencies carry out drug and alcohol testing on safety-sensitive employees. This is to help ensure the safety of the traveling public and workers.
A safety-sensitive employee is anyone who has a job that can impact both their own safety and the safety of the public.
Those who come under this umbrella are members of flight crews and ground security coordinators.
Commercial Driver’s License holders who operate certain vehicles are also included. The same goes for the drivers of vehicles that transport hazardous materials.
Cabin Crew and Railway Staff
Crew members who operate a commercial vessel are also safety-sensitive employees. Workers who manage Hazardous Materials Safety might also be included. This includes emergency response workers.
Train workers, signal service workers, or train dispatchers may also be required to take a DOT drug test. Some of those who work in federal administration could also be included. They could be vehicle operators, mechanics, or armed security guards.
Substances Detection
All DOT drug tests use the same 5 point test. They’ll be trying to detect instances of:
- Marijuana metabolites, THC
- Cocaine metabolites
- Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, MDMA
- Opioids, including codeine, heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, hydromorphone, and oxymorphone
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
DOT-regulated drug tests must use urine samples, despite the availability of other checks such as nail drug testing.
Key Testing Times
DOT drug tests are required in certain situations. These would include pre-employment, or before a person starts undertaking their job responsibilities.
A trained supervisor may have has good reason to believe or suspect that an employee is under the influence of drugs. This could be based on observations about appearance, behavior, or speech, for example.
In this instance, a drug test may be required. Random tests may also crop up. Every employee must have an equal chance to be selected.
Previous Violations
There will be cases when there’s been a violation of drug and alcohol rules. In these instances, a person won’t be able to return to any DOT job before being tested.
They may have to undergo further unannounced testing at least six times during the first twelve months of returning to work.
Employees will be tested if they’re involved in an accident which meets certain DOT criteria. A drug test would have to take place within thirty-two hours.
Failing a DOT Drug Test
There are serious consequences when a person fails a DOT drug test. An employer has to immediately stop the employee from performing any DOT safety-sensitive job. Other consequences could include losing a certification or license.
Staying Safe
A DOT drug test is there to help everyone from drivers to airline and rail passengers stay safe.
Read more related articles in our latest news section such as how ketosis can affect a breathalyzer test.
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