SS.8 – Alcohol Testing

The DOT alcohol testing protocol ensures the validity and confidentiality of the employee’s testing information. A Screening Test Technician (STT) or a Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT) will perform the test using a DOT-approved device.

Steps:

1. Private testing area is established to prevent unauthorized people from hearing or seeing your test result.
2. You are required you to sign the Alcohol Testing Form (ATF).
3. Perform a screening test and show you the test result. If the screening test result is an alcohol concentration of less than 0.02. If the screening test result is 0.02 or greater, you will be required to
   1. Take a confirmation test, which can only be administered by BAT using an Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device.
   2. The BAT will: Wait at least 15 minutes, but not more than 30 minutes, before conducting the confirmation test. During that time, you are not be allowed to eat, drink, smoke, belch, put anything in you mouth or leave the testing area.
   3. Perform an “air blank” (which must read 0.00) on the EBT device to ensure that there is no residual alcohol in the EBT or in the air around it.
   4. Perform a confirmation test using a new mouthpiece.
   5. Display the test result to you on the EBT and on the printout from the EBT.
   6. Document the confirmation test result on the ATF, provide you a copy and provide your employer a copy.
   7. Report any result of 0.02 or greater immediately to the employer.

If after several attempts you are unable to provide an adequate amount of breath, the testing will be stopped. You will be instructed to take a medical evaluation to determine if there is an acceptable medical reason for not providing a sample. If it is determined that there is no legitimate physiological or psychological reason, the test will be treated as a refusal to test.