Prohibitions .Alcohol drug testing

The use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited and random testing is done. 

The regulations require a driver to submit to an alcohol or drug test when the employer has reasonable suspicion to believe the driver has violated the drug and alcohol prohibitions in Part 382, Subpart B. The employer s suspicion must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors of the driver. 

I As stated in the first paragraph of 382.307 Reasonable suspicion testing, you shall require a driver to submit to a drug or alcohol test when you have reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver has violated the DOT s prohibitions on drug and alcohol use. 

If one of your drivers is foimd to have violated any of the prohibitions described in Subpart B (described above, including failing or refusing any DOT drug or alcohol test), you must immediately remove that driver from performing any safety-sensitive functions, according to 382.501 Removal from safety-sensitive function. Remember that positive test results must be verified before you can take action against the driver. 

Train your drivers and supervisors regularly on the drug and alcohol prohibitions and testing requirements, and make sure they receive up-to-date information on your company policies, regulation changes, and other important information. 

Sec. 382.413(g) prohibits an employer from using a driver to perform safety-sensitive functions if the employer obtains information that the driver failed an alcohol test or tested positive for drugs, imless the employer has obtained information that the driver has complied with the provisions of Sec. 382.605. 

Companies generally require that all contractors have a drug and alcohol program and that each contractor employee be tested annually and before entering the company s premises. (Contractors or vendors whose need for site access poses a minimal safety risk may be exempted from preaccess substance abuse testing.) Contractor employees can also be tested upon reasonable suspicion by the contractor or company that an employee has consumed any prohibited substance. 

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