Breath Alcohol Testing
What is the range that a calibration can be within to pass?
+/- 0.0005
Situations that require alcohol testing
-Random -Reasonable suspicion -Post-Accident -Return to Duty -Follow up
What is required for an EBT to perform a calibration test?
-print results in triplicate -assign a unique test result to each completed test -print on each copy the manufacturers name for the device, the device's serial number, and the time of the test -be able to distinguish alcohol from acetone at 0.02 alcohol concentration level.
The range of breath alcohol that does not require SAP to be notified but is a positive test.
0.020 to 0.039
How long does it take for mouth alcohol to dissipate?
15 minutes
Designated Employer Representative
An employee authorized by the employer to take immediate actions to remove or cause to be removed employees from safety sensitive duties and to make required decisions in the testing and evaluation processes. The DER also receives test results and other communications for the employer consistent with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 40.
CPL
Conforming Products List
49 CFR Part 40
Department of Transportation's Alcohol Testing Procedure Rules; Federal Regulation
What is the necessary equipment to complete a breath alcohol test?
EBT and form, no keyboard is required
How often are calibration completed?
Every 30 days or 50 tests which ever comes first
EBT
Evidential Breath Tester
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration
FMCSA
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FRA
Federal Railroad Administration
FTA
Federal Transit Administration
What are two other types of alcohol?
Methanol and isopropanol
NHTSA
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
PHMSA
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
QAP
Quality Assurance Plan
SAP
Substance Abuse Professional
What happens is no photo ID is given before breath alcohol test?
The DER must be contacted to verify employee's identity.
What happens if an employee tests between 0.020 to 0.039?
They must be removed from safety sensitive duties for 8 hours or until a breath test result is below 0.020.
What are the calibration standards for an EBT?
Wet Bath Simulator and Dry Gas
Consortium/Third Party Administrator
a service agent that provides or coordinates the provision of a variety of drug and alcohol testing services to employees.
What is a Quality Assurance Plan?
a set of criteria to assure accuracy, developed by the manufacturer, and approved by NHTSA
What type of alcohol is not detected on an EBT?
acetone
Which test should be completed first, if an employee is taking both a alcohol and a drug test?
an alcohol test should be performed first
Cancelled Test
an alcohol test that has a problem identified that cannot be or has not been corrected, or which this part otherwise requires to be cancelled. A cancelled test is neither positive or negative.
Service agent
any person or entity, other than an employee of the employer who provides services specified under the 49 CFR part 40 to employers and/or employees in connection with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, collectors, BATs, C/TPAs, laboratories, etc., to act as a service agent, persons and organizations must meet the qualifications set forth in applicable sections of the 49 CFR part 40.
What is a positive test?
anything higher than 0.020
What is the most common alcohol?
ethanol, grain alcohol or beverage alcohol is normally consumed
What type of technology is in the EBT?
fuel cell technology in which the the EBT relies upon the process of Electrochemical Oxidation
What are the results of a BrAC in terms of alcohol and breath?
grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath
Where does the exchange of alcohol from the blood to the breath occur?
in the alveoli of the lungs or deep lung air region
Fatal Flaw
occurrences during the testing process which cause the test to be cancelled
Correctable flaw
occurrences during the testing process, which a BAT may correct to avoid cancelling the test
What result requires a calibration immediately after?
positive test results
What two requirements must an EBT meet according to NHTSA's Model Specification?
precision and accuracy
Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991
requires alcohol testing of "safety sensitive" transportation workers
What is required to run a EBT?
take an air blank before confirmation test and perform external calibration check
What happens if an EBT fails an external calibration?
the EBT must be taken out of service
How is a sample taken on an EBT?
the READ button must be pushed to take a sample
Alcohol use
the drinking or swallowing of any beverage, liquid mixture or preparation, containing alcohol
What is the first test on the EBT called?
the first test is a screening test
Qualification training
the training required for a BAT to be qualified to perform their functions in the DOT alcohol-testing program
What are two important components to ensuring a proper breath sample?
time and pressure
Error Correction Training
training provided to BATs following an error that resulted in the cancellation of a drug or alcohol test. Error correction training must be provided in person or by means that provides real-time observation and interaction between the instructor and trainee.
Refresher training
training required every five years for BATs to review basic requirements and provide instruction concerning changes in technology and amendments, interpretations, guidance, and issues concerning 49 CFR part 40 and DOT alcohol training
Follow up testing
unannounced and at least six tests must be conducted in the first year after return to duty, follow up testing may be extended for up to 60 months
What units are the results of a breath test expressed in?
weight of alcohol (grams) per volume of breath (liters)
