Workplace Employee Alcohol Testing Programs

Lifeloc specializes in guiding customers through all aspects of setting up and administering alcohol-testing programs in the workplace. There is simply no better source of helpful and authoritative information.

In addition, Lifeloc is truly a “one-stop-shop” for all your needs, providing, with our nationwide network, the highest quality:

Worker impairment due to alcohol or drugs is a pervasive problem in working environments of all categories… transportation, manufacturing, construction, service industries, and all levels of government and industry. Workers under the influence due to substance abuse are a danger to themselves, a danger to co-workers and customers, and represent a huge cost to government and business that can jeopardize jobs and health in numerous ways.

Although the U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated random employee alcohol testing for industries regulated by them since 1994, increasingly other businesses and public agencies are setting up their own drug and alcohol testing policies. Most often, they choose to adopt proven D.O.T. protocols for this testing. The D.O.T. protocol for alcohol testing is the most advanced and clearly defined in the world, and is both effective and fair to the worker. It has become a model for all businesses in the U.S. and for International entities who are seeking to establish their own regulations.

Lifeloc defines Workplace testing as: evidential in nature, where an individual’s employment status may be at stake. Workplace testing, or employee alcohol testing, then falls into two categories: mandated, often referred to as “D.O.T Testing”, and non-mandated.

Mandated breath alcohol testing covers companies/employees in the transportation industries that are specifically regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), such as trucking, aviation, etc. The detailed procedures and regulations for employee alcohol testing are clearly defined in the DOT 49CFR Part 40. In general, this section of the Federal Register covers all aspects of breath alcohol testing conducted on transportation workers in the United States in safety sensitive positions.

Because of the seriousness of this testing and to ensure that employee alcohol testing is conducted properly and results in valid tests, testing and certifications are required. The individual administering the tests must become a certified Breath Alcohol Technician, which requires the completion of a DOT specified course. As part of this certification, the applicant must be trained and demonstrate proficiency on the EBT (Evidential Breath Tester) being used. In becoming fully trained and qualified as an Equipment Operator and Calibration Technician, the individual in most cases gains an additional certification from the manufacturer (Lifeloc program).

Non-mandated breath alcohol testing is much broader and can be applied to just about every type of industry or business. Examples would be construction, manufacturing, food processing, heavy equipment operators, highway contractors…the list is extensive. Non-mandated breath alcohol testing programs can be customized to fit the needs of the particular employer, but there are numerous non-mandated companies that choose to follow the DOT program/protocol. The DOT program is tried, tested and proven by years of precedent.

An additional consideration when discussing Workplace testing is the role of the Third Party Administrator (TPA) or Service Agent. As defined by the DOT, the TPA or Service Agent is, “Any person or entity, other than an employee of the employer, who provides services specified under this part (49 CFR Part 40) to employers and/or employees in connection with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements.” A TPA is therefore anyone or any business that the employer contracts to perform breath alcohol testing on that employer’s behalf. Companies that choose not to perform testing in-house for economic or administrative reasons commonly use TPA's. TPA’s typically perform mandated and non-mandated testing and may be private businesses, clinics, doctor’s offices, hospitals, etc. When conducting mandated testing, these persons or organizations must meet the qualifications set forth in applicable sections of 49 CFR Part 40.

Any breath alcohol testing program should be formally documented and applied consistently. Before implementing such a program it would be wise to consult with someone experienced in the field. Jaime Andrade Lifeloc Business Manager Workplace Alcohol Testing Programs ( Jaime@lifeloc.com ), or Amy Evans Lifeloc Workplace Training Manager ( amy@lifeloc.com ), would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Lifeloc will refer you to additional sources of information, and in addition manages a nationwide network of certified trainers who can provide expert consultation and templates for HR policies pertaining to substance abuse.