Implementation Guidelines - Federal Transit Administration - U.S. ...

Breath Alcohol Technician (§40.213).
Breath alcohol technicians must know the
alcohol testing rule and the alcohol testing
program guidance materials published by
the DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy
and Compliance (ODAPC). These materials
can be obtained at www.dot.gov/ost/dapc.
BATs must receive qualifications training
that is in accordance with the DOT Model
BAT course, and be “trained to proficiency”
in the operation of the EBT he/she will be
using as well as the alcohol testing
procedures specified in the regulation. The
DOT Model course or equivalent must
provide training in the principles of EBT
methodology, operation, and calibration
checks. In addition, the BAT must complete
training on the fundamentals of breath
analysis for alcohol content, the procedures
required for obtaining a breath specimen,
and interpreting and recording EBT results.
The BAT must demonstrate competence
in the operation of the specific EBT he/she
will use. Proficiency demonstrations must
include seven consecutive error-free mock
collections performed before a qualified
monitor. The BAT will also be required to
receive refresher training every 5 years and
error-correction training anytime a mistake
results in a cancelled test. See Chapter 5 for
a more detailed discussion of the BAT
training requirements.
If one BAT is selected as the primary
EBT operator, provisions should be made
for backup services. Each BAT/STT is
required to maintain documentation showing
that he/she has successfully met all the
requirements. This documentation must be
made available to employers and DOT
representatives upon request. Employers
should periodically check their service
agent’s records to ensure that the minimum
training and proficiency demonstration
requirements are being met.
The immediate or direct supervisor of an
employee cannot serve as the BAT or STT
for that employee’s test. Law enforcement
officers who have been certified by state or
local governments to conduct breath alcohol
tests on the EBT or ASD that was used for
the test are deemed to be qualified as BATs
and are not required to complete the DOT
training requirements. If local law
enforcement agencies will be used to
conduct alcohol testing services under the
DOT regulations, the alcohol testing devices
utilized should be checked against the
NHTSA conforming products list to
determine if they qualify as EBTs.
Section 3. ALCOHOL TESTING
SITES
Alcohol Testing Site (§40.221).
Alcohol test sites should provide visual and
aural privacy. The alcohol test can be
performed in a medical facility, employer’s
facility, a mobile collection facility (e.g., a
van equipped for alcohol testing) or any
other facility meeting the privacy
requirements.
EBTs and ASDs can be purchased and
operated directly by the transit system or
any service agent willing to perform breath
testing services. If possible, alcohol tests
should be performed at the same location
used to collect urine for drug tests. By
conducting the alcohol and drug tests in the
same location, the time and logistical
Chapter 8. Alcohol Testing Procedures 8-4 August 2002