Things You Should Know About DOT Drug Testing

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates substance testing to maintain public and workers’ safety. Employers must meet the requirements and maintain DOT drug testing compliance. The DOT Drug Test is required for “safety-sensitive” employees, meaning that all workers who have a job that impacts their safety and the public’s safety must undergo testing. Here are the people who are subject to this test:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – All workers under this administration must take a drug test. All personnel, including the flight crew (including flight attendants), ground security coordinators, aircraft dispatchers, and other employees, are required.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – Drug testing is mandatory for drivers of public vehicles and all those who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and operate Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs). Other examples are vehicles that carry 16 passengers or more, including the driver, and those that transport hazardous materials like chemicals.

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) – Drug testing is obligatory for drivers, including vehicle operators, controllers, mechanics, and armed security.

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) – It is necessary for Hours of Service Act personnel, including engine & train workers, signal service workers, and train dispatchers, to have drug testing before operating.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) – All crew members operating a commercial vessel need to undergo drug testing too.

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration – The test is also necessary for all emergency response workers, maintenance, and operations.

Why DOT Drug Testing Is Required

A drug test can be required for different reasons. Here are the instances when drug testing is needed:

• Pre-employment – drug testing is done for new employees who apply for jobs.
• Random testing – random testing should be done quarterly, and all employees must have an equal opportunity to get selected.
• Reasonable cause – employers should be trained to observe their employees. If they notice that their employee might be under the influence of drugs, they subject the worker to a drug test.
• Post-accident – whether the employee has caused an accident or not, they must undergo drug testing.
• Return-to-duty (RTD) – return-to-duty testing happens when an employee fails a drug test. To return to any DOT job, they must be tested unannounced at least six times in 12 months.
• Follow-up Testing – this test happens before RTD. It is managed by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) for up to five years.

What DOT Drug Testing Looks For

Drug testing looks for specific substances in an employee’s system to make the workplace safer. The test looks for the following drugs:

• Marijuana/THC
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
• Opioids/Morphine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

These tests are done in third-party drug testing facilities. In any case, complying with the DOT Drug Test requirements will clear your company for operation and make your workplace safer. Get in touch with Drug Screen Compliance for drug test services in Texas today!