TITLE 49: TRANSPORTATION
PART 40 - PROCEDURES FOR TRANSPORTATION WORKPLACE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAMS
Reprinted by the Department of Transportation, Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance Office,
400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20590 (202) 366-3784
Subpart A - Administrative Provisions
§ 40.1 Who
does this regulation cover?
§ 40.3 What do the terms used in this regulation mean?
§ 40.5 Who issues authoritative interpretations of this
regulation?
§ 40.7 How can you get an exemption from a requirement in
this regulation?
Subpart B - Employer Responsibilities
§ 40.11 What are the general
responsibilities of employers under this regulation?
§ 40.13 How do DOT drug and
alcohol tests relate to non-DOT tests?
§ 40.15 May an employer use a
service agent to meet DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements?
§ 40.17 Is an employer
responsible for obtaining information from its service agents?
§ 40.19 [Reserved]
§ 40.21 May an employer stand
down an employee before the MRO has completed the verification process?
§ 40.23 What actions do
employers take after receiving verified test results?
§ 40.25 Must an employer check on the drug and alcohol
testing record of employees it is intending to use to perform safety-sensitive duties?
§ 40.26 What form must an
employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT
agency?
§ 40.27 May an employer require
an employee to sign a consent or release in connection with the DOT drug and
alcohol testing program?
§ 40.29 Where is other
information on employer responsibilities found in this regulation?
Subpart C - Urine Collection Personnel
§ 40.31 Who may collect urine
specimens for DOT drug testing?
§ 40.33 What training
requirements must a collector meet?
§ 40.35 What information about
the DER must employers provide to collectors?
§ 40.37 Where is other
information on the role of collectors found in this regulation?
Subpart D - Collection Sites, Forms, Equipment and Supplies Used in DOT Urine Collections
§ 40.41 Where does a urine
collection for a DOT drug test take place?
§ 40.43 What steps must
operators of collection sites take to protect the security and integrity of
urine collections?
§ 40.45 What form is used to
document a DOT urine collection?
§ 40.47 May employers use the
CCF for non-Federal collections or non-Federal forms for DOT collections?
§ 40.49 What materials are used
to collect urine specimens?
§ 40.51 What materials are used
to send urine specimens to the laboratory?
Subpart E - Urine Specimen Collections
§ 40.61 What are the
preliminary steps in the collection process?
§ 40.63 What steps does the
collector take in the collection process before the employee provides a urine
specimen?
§ 40.65 What does the collector
check for when the employee presents a specimen?
§ 40.67 When and how is a
directly observed collection conducted?
§ 40.69 How is a monitored
collection conducted?
§ 40.71 How does the collector
prepare the specimens?
§ 40.73 How is the collection
process completed?
Subpart F - Drug Testing Laboratories
§ 40.81 What laboratories may
be used for DOT drug testing?
§ 40.83 How do laboratories
process incoming specimens?
§ 40.85 What drugs do
laboratories test for?
§ 40.87 What are the cutoff
concentrations for initial and confirmation tests?
§ 40.89 What is validity
testing, and are laboratories required to conduct it?
§ 40.91 What validity tests
must laboratories conduct on primary specimens?
§ 40.93 What criteria do
laboratories use to establish that a specimen is dilute or substituted?
§ 40.95 What criteria do
laboratories use to establish that a specimen is adulterated?
§ 40.97 What do laboratories
report and how do they report it?
§ 40.99 How long does the
laboratory retain specimens after testing?
§ 40.101 What relationship may a laboratory
have with an MRO?
§ 40.103 What are the requirements for
submitting blind specimens to a laboratory?
§ 40.105 What happens if the laboratory
reports a result different from that expected for a blind specimen?
§ 40.107 Who may inspect
laboratories?
§ 40.109 What documentation must the
laboratory keep, and for how long?
§ 40.111 When and how must a
laboratory disclose statistical summaries and other information it maintains?
§ 40.113 Where is other information
concerning laboratories found in this regulation?
Subpart G - Medical Review Officers and the Verification Process
§ 40.121 Who is qualified to
act as an MRO?
§ 40.123 What are the MRO's
responsibilities in the DOT drug testing program?
§ 40.125 What relationship may
an MRO have with a laboratory?
§ 40.127 What are the MRO's
functions in reviewing negative test results?
§ 40.129 What are the MRO's
functions in reviewing laboratory confirmed positive, adulterated, substituted,
or invalid drug test results?
§ 40.131 How does the MRO or
DER notify an employee of the verification process after a confirmed positive,
adulterated, substituted, or invalid test result?
§ 40.133 Under what
circumstances may the MRO verify a test as positive, or as a refusal to test
because of adulteration or substitution, without interviewing the employee?
§ 40.135 What does the MRO tell
the employee at the beginning of the verification interview?
§ 40.137 On what basis does the
MRO verify test results involving marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, or PCP?
§ 40.139 On what basis does the
MRO verify test results involving opiates?
§ 40.141 How does the MRO
obtain information for the verification decision?
§ 40.143 [Reserved]
§ 40.145 On what basis does the
MRO verify test results involving adulteration or substitution?
§ 40.147 [Reserved]
§ 40.149 May the MRO change a
verified positive drug test result or refusal to test?
§ 40.151 What are MROs
prohibited from doing as part of the verification process?
§ 40.153 How does the MRO
notify employees of their right to a test of the split specimen?
§ 40.155 What does the MRO do
when a negative or positive test result is also dilute?
§ 40.157 [Reserved]
§ 40.159 What does the MRO do
when a drug test result is invalid?
§ 40.161 What does the MRO do
when a drug test specimen is rejected for testing?
§ 40.163 How does the MRO
report drug test results?
§ 40.165 To whom does the MRO
transmit reports of drug test results?
§ 40.167 How are MRO reports of
drug results transmitted to the employer?
§ 40.169 Where is other
information concerning the role of MROs and the verification process found in
this regulation?
Subpart H - Split Specimen Tests
§ 40.171 How does an employee
request a test of a split specimen?
§ 40.173 Who is responsible for
paying for the test of a split specimen?
§ 40.175 What steps does the
first laboratory take with a split specimen?
§ 40.177 What does the second
laboratory do with the split specimen when it is tested to reconfirm the
presence of a drug or drug metabolite?
§ 40.179 What does the second
laboratory do with the split specimen when it is tested to reconfirm an
adulterated test result?
§ 40.181 What does the second
laboratory do with the split specimen when it is tested to reconfirm a
substituted test result?
§ 40.183 What information do
laboratories report to MROs regarding split specimen results?
§ 40.185 Through what methods
and to whom must a laboratory report split specimen results?
§ 40.187 What does the MRO do
with split specimen laboratory results?
§ 40.189 Where is other information
concerning split specimens found in this regulation?
Subpart I - Problems in Drug Tests
§ 40.191 What is a refusal to
take a DOT drug test, and what are the consequences?
§ 40.193 What happens when an
employee does not provide a sufficient amount of urine for a drug test?
§ 40.195 What happens when an
individual is unable to provide a sufficient amount of urine for a
pre-employment follow-up or return-to-duty test because of a permanent or
long-term medical condition?
§ 40.197 What happens when an
employer receives a report of a dilute specimen?
§ 40.199 What problems always
cause a drug test to be cancelled?
§ 40.201 What problems always
cause a drug test to be cancelled and may result in a requirement for another
collection?
§ 40.203 What problems cause a drug test to be
cancelled unless they are corrected?
§ 40.205
How are drug test problems corrected?
§ 40.207 What is the effect of
a cancelled drug test?
§ 40.208 What problem requires
corrective action but does not result in the cancellation of a test?
§ 40.209 What procedural
problems do not result in the cancellation of a test and do not require
corrective action?
Subpart J - Alcohol Testing Personnel
§ 40.211 Who conducts DOT
alcohol tests?
§ 40.213 What training
requirements must STTs and BATs meet?
§ 40.215 What information about
the DER do employers have to provide to BATs and STTs?
§ 40.217 Where is other
information on the role of STTs and BATs found in this regulation?
Subpart K - Testing Sites, Forms, Equipment and Supplies Used in Alcohol Testing
§ 40.221 Where does an alcohol
test take place?
§ 40.223 What steps must be
taken to protect the security of alcohol testing sites?
§ 40.225 What form is used for
an alcohol test?
§ 40.227 May employers use the
ATF for non-DOT tests, or non-DOT forms for DOT tests?
§ 40.229 What devices are used
to conduct alcohol screening tests?
§ 40.231 What devices are used
to conduct alcohol confirmation tests?
§ 40.233 What are the
requirements for proper use and care of EBTs?
§ 40.235 What are the
requirements for proper use and care of ASDs?
Subpart L - Alcohol Screening Tests
§ 40.241 What are the first
steps in any alcohol screening test?
§ 40.243 What is the procedure
for an alcohol screening test using an EBT or non-evidential breath ASD?
§ 40.245 What is the procedure
for an alcohol screening test using a saliva ASD or a breath tube ASD?
§ 40.247 What procedures does
the BAT or STT follow after a screening test result?
Subpart M - Alcohol Confirmation Tests
§ 40.251 What are the first
steps in an alcohol confirmation test?
§ 40.253 What are the
procedures for conducting an alcohol confirmation test?
§ 40.255 What happens next
after the alcohol confirmation test result?
Subpart N - Problems in Alcohol Testing
§ 40.261 What is a refusal to
take an alcohol test, and what are the consequences?
§ 40.263 What happens when an
employee is unable to provide a sufficient amount of saliva for an alcohol
screening test?
§ 40.265 What happens when an
employee is unable to provide a sufficient amount of breath for an alcohol
test?
§ 40.267 What problems always
cause an alcohol test to be cancelled?
§ 40.269 What problems cause an
alcohol test to be cancelled unless they are corrected?
§ 40.271 How are alcohol
testing problems corrected?
§ 40.273 What is the effect of
a cancelled alcohol test?
§ 40.275 What is the effect of
procedural problems that are not sufficient to cancel an alcohol test?
§ 40.277 Are alcohol tests
other than saliva or breath permitted under these regulations?
Subpart O - Substance Abuse Professionals and the Return-to-Duty Process
§ 40.281 Who is qualified to
act as a SAP?
§ 40.283 How does a
certification organization obtain recognition for its members as SAPs?
§ 40.285 When is a SAP
evaluation required?
§ 40.287 What information is an
employer required to provide concerning SAP services to an employee who has a
DOT drug and alcohol regulation violation?
§ 40.289 Are employers required
to provide SAP and treatment services to employees?
§ 40.291 What is the role of
the SAP in the evaluation, referral, and treatment process of an employee who
has violated DOT agency drug and alcohol testing regulations?
§ 40.293 What is the SAP's
function in conducting the initial evaluation of an employee?
§ 40.295 May employees or
employers seek a second SAP evaluation if they disagree with the first SAP's
recommendations?
§ 40.297 Does anyone have the
authority to change a SAP's initial evaluation?
§ 40.299 What is the SAP's role
and what are the limits on a SAP's discretion in referring employees for
education and treatment?
§ 40.301 What is the SAP's
function in the follow-up evaluation of an employee?
§ 40.303 What happens if the
SAP believes the employee needs additional treatment, aftercare, or support group
services even after the employee returns to safety-sensitive duties?
§ 40.305 How does the
return-to-duty process conclude?
§ 40.307 What is the SAP's
function in prescribing the employee's follow-up tests?
§ 40.309 What are the
employer's responsibilities with respect to the SAP's directions for follow-up
tests?
§ 40.311 What are the
requirements concerning SAP reports?
§ 40.313 Where is other
information on SAP functions and the return-to-duty process found in this
regulation?
Subpart P - Confidentiality and Release of Information
§ 40.321 What is the general
confidentiality rule for drug and alcohol test information?
§ 40.323 May program participants
release drug or alcohol test information in connection with legal proceedings?
§ 40.325 [Reserved]
§ 40.327 When must the MRO
report medical information gathered in the verification process?
§ 40.329 What information must
laboratories, MROs, and other service agents release to employees?
§ 40.331 To what additional parties
must employers and service agents release information?
§ 40.333 What records must
employers keep?
Subpart Q - Roles and Responsibilities of Service Agents
§ 40.341 Must service agents
comply with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements?
§ 40.343 What tasks may a
service agent perform for an employer?
§ 40.345 In what circumstances
may a C/TPA act as an intermediary in the transmission of drug and alcohol
testing information to employers?
§ 40.347 What functions may
C/TPAs perform with respect to administering testing?
§ 40.349 What records may a
service agent receive and maintain?
§ 40.351 What confidentiality
requirements apply to service agents?
§ 40.353 What principles govern
the interaction between MROs and other service agents?
§ 40.355 What limitations apply
to the activities of service agents?
Subpart R - Public Interest Exclusions
§ 40.361 What is the purpose of
a public interest exclusion (PIE)?
§ 40.363 On what basis may the
Department issue a PIE?
§ 40.365 What is the
Department's policy concerning starting a PIE proceeding?
§ 40.367 Who initiates a PIE
proceeding?
§ 40.369 What is the discretion
of an initiating official in starting a PIE proceeding?
§ 40.371 On what information
does an initiating official rely in deciding whether to start a PIE proceeding?
§ 40.373 Before starting a PIE
proceeding, does the initiating official give the service agent an opportunity
to correct problems?
§ 40.375 How does the
initiating official start a PIE proceeding?
§ 40.377 Who decides whether to
issue a PIE?
§ 40.379 How do you contest the
issuance of a PIE?
§ 40.381 What information do
you present to contest the proposed issuance of a PIE?
§ 40.383 What procedures apply
if you contest the issuance of a PIE?
§ 40.385 Who bears the burden
of proof in a PIE proceeding?
§ 40.387 What matters does the
Director decide concerning a proposed PIE?
§ 40.389 What factors may the
Director consider?
§ 40.391 What is the scope of a
PIE?
§ 40.393 How long does a PIE
stay in effect?
§ 40.395 Can you settle a PIE
proceeding?
§ 40.397 When does the Director
make a PIE decision?
§ 40.399 How does the
Department notify service agents of its decision?
§ 40.401 How does the
Department notify employers and the public about a PIE?
§ 40.403 Must a service agent
notify its clients when the Department issues a PIE?
§ 40.405 May the Federal courts
review PIE decisions?
§ 40.407 May a service agent
ask to have a PIE reduced or terminated?
§ 40.409 What does the issuance
of a PIE mean to transportation employers?
§ 40.411 What is the role of
the DOT Inspector General's office?
§ 40.413 How are notices sent
to service agents?
Appendix A to Part 40—DOT Standards for Urine
Collection Kits
Appendix B to Part 40—DOT Drug Testing Semi-Annual
Laboratory Report
Appendix C to Part 40 [Reserved]
Appendix D to Part 40—Report Format: Split Specimen
Failure to Reconfirm
Appendix E to Part 40—SAP Equivalency Requirements
for Certification Organizations
Appendix F to Part 40—Drug and Alcohol Testing
Information that C/TPAs May Transmit to Employers
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 102, 301, 322, 5331, 20140, 31306, and 45101 et seq.
Source: 65 FR 79526, Dec. 19, 2000, unless otherwise noted.
(Updated
as of October 16, 2006)
Subpart A - Administrative Provisions
§ 40.1 Who does this regulation cover?
(a) This part tells all parties who conduct drug and alcohol tests required by Department of Transportation (DOT) agency regulations how to conduct these tests and what procedures to use.
(b) This part concerns the activities of transportation employers, safety-sensitive transportation employees (including self-employed individuals, contractors and volunteers as covered by DOT agency regulations), and service agents.
(c) Nothing in this part is intended to supersede or conflict with the implementation of the Federal Railroad Administration's post-accident testing program (see 49 CFR 219.200).
§ 40.3 What do the terms used in this regulation mean?
In this part, the terms listed in this section have the following meanings:
Adulterated specimen. A specimen that contains a substance that is not expected to be present in human urine, or contains a substance expected to be present but is at a concentration so high that it is not consistent with human urine.
Affiliate. Persons are affiliates of one another if, directly or indirectly, one controls or has the power to control the other, or a third party controls or has the power to control both. Indicators of control include, but are not limited to: interlocking management or ownership; shared interest among family members; shared facilities or equipment; or common use of employees. Following the issuance of a public interest exclusion, an organization having the same or similar management, ownership, or principal employees as the service agent concerning whom a public interest exclusion is in effect is regarded as an affiliate. This definition is used in connection with the public interest exclusion procedures of Subpart R of this part.
Air blank. In evidential breath testing devices (EBTs) using gas chromatography technology, a reading of the device's internal standard. In all other EBTs, a reading of ambient air containing no alcohol.
Alcohol. The intoxicating agent in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol or other low molecular weight alcohols, including methyl or isopropyl alcohol.
Alcohol concentration. The alcohol in a volume of breath expressed in terms of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a breath test under this part.
Alcohol confirmation test. A subsequent test using an EBT, following a screening test with a result of 0.02 or greater, that provides quantitative data about the alcohol concentration.
Alcohol screening device (ASD). A breath or saliva device, other than an EBT, that is approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and placed on a conforming products list (CPL) for such devices.
Alcohol screening test. An analytic procedure to determine whether an employee may have a prohibited concentration of alcohol in a breath or saliva specimen.
Alcohol testing site. A place selected by the employer where employees present themselves for the purpose of providing breath or saliva for an alcohol test.
Alcohol use. The drinking or swallowing of any beverage, liquid mixture or preparation (including any medication), containing alcohol.
Blind specimen or blind performance test specimen. A specimen submitted to a laboratory for quality control testing purposes, with a fictitious identifier, so that the laboratory cannot distinguish it from an employee specimen.
Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT). A person who instructs and assists employees in the alcohol testing process and operates an evidential breath testing device.
Cancelled test. A drug or 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 a positive nor a negative test.
Chain of custody. The procedure used to document the handling of the urine specimen from the time the employee gives the specimen to the collector until the specimen is destroyed. This procedure uses the Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (CCF).
Collection container. A container into which the employee urinates to provide the specimen for a drug test.
Collection site. A place selected by the employer where employees present themselves for the purpose of providing a urine specimen for a drug test.
Collector. A person who instructs and assists employees at a collection site, who receives and makes an initial inspection of the specimen provided by those employees, and who initiates and completes the CCF.
Confirmation (or confirmatory) drug test. A second analytical procedure performed on a urine specimen to identify and quantify the presence of a specific drug or drug metabolite.
Confirmation (or confirmatory) validity test. A second test performed on a urine specimen to further support a validity test result.
Confirmed drug test. A confirmation test result received by an MRO from a laboratory.
Consortium/Third-party administrator (C/TPA). A service agent that provides or coordinates the provision of a variety of drug and alcohol testing services to employers. C/TPAs typically perform administrative tasks concerning the operation of the employers' drug and alcohol testing programs. This term includes, but is not limited to, groups of employers who join together to administer, as a single entity, the DOT drug and alcohol testing programs of its members. C/TPAs are not “employers” for purposes of this part.
Continuing education. Training for medical review officers (MROs) and substance abuse professionals (SAPs) who have completed qualification training and are performing MRO or SAP functions, designed to keep MROs and SAPs current on changes and developments in the DOT drug and alcohol testing program.
Designated employer representative (DER). An employee authorized by the employer to take immediate action(s) to remove employees from safety-sensitive duties, or cause employees to be removed from these covered 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 this part. Service agents cannot act as DERs.
Dilute specimen. A specimen with creatinine and specific gravity values that are lower than expected for human urine.
DOT, The Department, DOT agency. These terms encompass all DOT agencies, including, but not limited to, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and the Office of the Secretary (OST). These terms include any designee of a DOT agency.
Drugs. The drugs for which tests are required under this part and DOT agency regulations are marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP), and opiates.
Employee. Any person who is designated in a DOT agency regulation as subject to drug testing and/or alcohol testing. The term includes individuals currently performing safety-sensitive functions designated in DOT agency regulations and applicants for employment subject to pre-employment testing. For purposes of drug testing under this part, the term employee has the same meaning as the term “donor” as found on CCF and related guidance materials produced by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Employer. A person or entity employing one or more employees (including an individual who is self-employed) subject to DOT agency regulations requiring compliance with this part. The term includes an employer's officers, representatives, and management personnel. Service agents are not employers for the purposes of this part.
Error Correction Training. Training provided to BATs, collectors, and screening test technicians (STTs) following an error that resulted in the cancellation of a drug or alcohol test. Error correction training must be provided in person or by a means that provides real-time observation and interaction between the instructor and trainee.
Evidential Breath Testing Device (EBT). A device approved by NHTSA for the evidential testing of breath at the .02 and .04 alcohol concentrations, placed on NHTSA's Conforming Products List (CPL) for “Evidential Breath Measurement Devices” and identified on the CPL as conforming with the model specifications available from NHTSA's Traffic Safety Program.
HHS. The Department of Health and Human Services or any designee of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services.
Initial drug test. The test used to differentiate a negative specimen from one that requires further testing for drugs or drug metabolites.
Initial validity test. The first test used to determine if a specimen is adulterated, diluted, or substituted.
Invalid drug test. The result of a drug test for a urine specimen that contains an unidentified adulterant or an unidentified interfering substance, has abnormal physical characteristics, or has an endogenous substance at an abnormal concentration that prevents the laboratory from completing or obtaining a valid drug test result.
Laboratory. Any U.S. laboratory certified by HHS under the National Laboratory Certification Program as meeting the minimum standards of Subpart C of the HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs; or, in the case of foreign laboratories, a laboratory approved for participation by DOT under this part. (The HHS Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs are available on the internet at http://www.health.org/workpl.htm or from the Division of Workplace Programs, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Room 2-1035, Rockville, MD 20857.)
Medical Review Officer (MRO). A person who is a licensed physician and who is responsible for receiving and reviewing laboratory results generated by an employer's drug testing program and evaluating medical explanations for certain drug test results.
Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance (ODAPC). The office in the Office of the Secretary, DOT, that is responsible for coordinating drug and alcohol testing program matters within the Department and providing information concerning the implementation of this part.
Primary specimen. In drug testing, the urine specimen bottle that is opened and tested by a first laboratory to determine whether the employee has a drug or drug metabolite in his or her system; and for the purpose of validity testing. The primary specimen is distinguished from the split specimen, defined in this section.
Qualification Training. The training required in order for a collector, BAT, MRO, SAP, or STT to be qualified to perform their functions in the DOT drug and alcohol testing program. Qualification training may be provided by any appropriate means (e.g., classroom instruction, internet application, CD–ROM, video).
Refresher Training. The training required periodically for qualified collectors, BATs, and STTs to review basic requirements and provide instruction concerning changes in technology (e.g., new testing methods that may be authorized) and amendments, interpretations, guidance, and issues concerning this part and DOT agency drug and alcohol testing regulations. Refresher training can be provided by any appropriate means (e.g., classroom instruction, internet application, CD–ROM, video).
Screening Test Technician (STT). A person who instructs and assists employees in the alcohol testing process and operates an ASD.
Secretary. The Secretary of Transportation or the Secretary's designee.
Service agent. Any person or entity, other than an employee of the employer, who provides services specified under this part to employers and/or employees in connection with DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, collectors, BATs and STTs, laboratories, MROs, substance abuse professionals, and C/TPAs. To act as service agents, persons and organizations must meet the qualifications set forth in applicable sections of this part. Service agents are not employers for purposes of this part.
Shipping container. A container that is used for transporting and protecting urine specimen bottles and associated documents from the collection site to the laboratory.
Specimen bottle. The bottle that, after being sealed and labeled according to the procedures in this part, is used to hold the urine specimen during transportation to the laboratory.
Split specimen. In drug testing, a part of the urine specimen that is sent to a first laboratory and retained unopened, and which is transported to a second laboratory in the event that the employee requests that it be tested following a verified positive test of the primary specimen or a verified adulterated or substituted test result.
Stand-down. The practice of temporarily removing an employee from the performance of safety-sensitive functions based only on a report from a laboratory to the MRO of a confirmed positive test for a drug or drug metabolite, an adulterated test, or a substituted test, before the MRO has completed verification of the test result.
Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). A person who evaluates employees who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Substituted specimen. A specimen with creatinine and specific gravity values that are so diminished that they are not consistent with human urine.
Verified test. A drug test result or validity testing result from an HHS-certified laboratory that has undergone review and final determination by the MRO.
[65 FR 79526, Dec. 19, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 41950, Aug. 9, 2001; 71 FR 49384, Aug. 23, 2006; 71 FR 55347, Sept. 22, 2006]
§ 40.5 Who issues authoritative interpretations of this regulation?
ODAPC and the DOT Office of General Counsel (OGC) provide written interpretations of the provisions of this part. These written DOT interpretations are the only official and authoritative interpretations concerning the provisions of this part. DOT agencies may incorporate ODAPC/OGC interpretations in written guidance they issue concerning drug and alcohol testing matters. Only Part 40 interpretations issued after August 1, 2001, are considered valid.
§ 40.7 How can you get an exemption from a requirement in this regulation?
(a) If you want an exemption from any provision of this part, you must request it in writing from the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, under the provisions and standards of 49 CFR part 5. You must send requests for an exemption to the following address: Department of Transportation, Deputy Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Enforcement, 400 7th Street, SW., Room 10424, Washington, DC 20590.
(b) Under the standards of 49 CFR part 5, we will grant the request only if the request documents special or exceptional circumstances, not likely to be generally applicable and not contemplated in connection with the rulemaking that established this part, that make your compliance with a specific provision of this part impracticable.
(c) If we grant you an exemption, you must agree to take steps we specify to comply with the intent of the provision from which an exemption is granted.
(d) We will issue written responses to all exemption requests.
Subpart B - Employer Responsibilities
§ 40.11 What are the general responsibilities of employers under this regulation?
(a) As an employer, you are responsible for meeting all applicable requirements and procedures of this part.
(b) You are responsible for all actions of your officials, representatives, and agents (including service agents) in carrying out the requirements of the DOT agency regulations.
(c) All agreements and arrangements, written or unwritten, between and among employers and service agents concerning the implementation of DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements are deemed, as a matter of law, to require compliance with all applicable provisions of this part and DOT agency drug and alcohol testing regulations. Compliance with these provisions is a material term of all such agreements and arrangements.
§ 40.13 How do DOT drug and alcohol tests relate to non-DOT tests?
(a) DOT tests must be completely separate from non-DOT tests in all respects.
(b) DOT tests must take priority and must be conducted and completed before a non-DOT test is begun. For example, you must discard any excess urine left over from a DOT test and collect a separate void for the subsequent non-DOT test.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, you must not perform any tests on DOT urine or breath specimens other than those specifically authorized by this part or DOT agency regulations. For example, you may not test a DOT urine specimen for additional drugs, and a laboratory is prohibited from making a DOT urine specimen available for a DNA test or other types of specimen identity testing.
(d) The single exception to paragraph (c) of this section is when a DOT drug test collection is conducted as part of a physical examination required by DOT agency regulations. It is permissible to conduct required medical tests related to this physical examination (e.g., for glucose) on any urine remaining in the collection container after the drug test urine specimens have been sealed into the specimen bottles.
(e) No one is permitted to change or disregard the results of DOT tests based on the results of non-DOT tests. For example, as an employer you must not disregard a verified positive DOT drug test result because the employee presents a negative test result from a blood or urine specimen collected by the employee's physician or a DNA test result purporting to question the identity of the DOT specimen.
(f) As an employer, you must not use the CCF or the ATF in your non-DOT drug and alcohol testing programs. This prohibition includes the use of the DOT forms with references to DOT programs and agencies crossed out. You also must always use the CCF and ATF for all your DOT-mandated drug and alcohol tests.
§ 40.15 May an employer use a service agent to meet DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements?
(a) As an employer, you may use a service agent to perform the tasks needed to comply with this part and DOT agency drug and alcohol testing regulations, consistent with the requirements of Subpart Q and other applicable provisions of this part.
(b) As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that the service agents you use meet the qualifications set forth in this part (e.g., §40.121 for MROs). You may require service agents to show you documentation that they meet the requirements of this part (e.g., documentation of MRO qualifications required by §40.121(e)).
(c) You remain responsible for compliance with all applicable requirements of this part and other DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations, even when you use a service agent. If you violate this part or other DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations because a service agent has not provided services as our rules require, a DOT agency can subject you to sanctions. Your good faith use of a service agent is not a defense in an enforcement action initiated by a DOT agency in which your alleged noncompliance with this part or a DOT agency drug and alcohol regulation may have resulted from the service agent's conduct.
(d) As an employer, you must not permit a service agent to act as your DER.
§ 40.17 Is an employer responsible for obtaining information from its service agents?
Yes, as an employer, you are responsible for obtaining information required by this part from your service agents. This is true whether or not you choose to use a C/TPA as an intermediary in transmitting information to you. For example, suppose an applicant for a safety-sensitive job takes a pre-employment drug test, but there is a significant delay in your receipt of the test result from an MRO or C/TPA. You must not assume that “no news is good news” and permit the applicant to perform safety-sensitive duties before receiving the result. This is a violation of the Department's regulations.
§ 40.19 [Reserved]
§ 40.21 May an employer stand down an employee before the MRO has completed the verification process?
(a) As an employer, you are prohibited from standing employees down, except consistent with a waiver a DOT agency grants under this section.
(b) You may make a request to the concerned DOT agency for a waiver from the prohibition of paragraph (a) of this section. Such a waiver, if granted, permits you to stand an employee down following the MRO's receipt of a laboratory report of a confirmed positive test for a drug or drug metabolite, an adulterated test, or a substituted test pertaining to the employee.
(1) For this purpose, the concerned DOT agency is the one whose drug and alcohol testing rules apply to the majority of the covered employees in your organization. The concerned DOT agency uses its applicable procedures for considering requests for waivers.
(2) Before taking action on a waiver request, the concerned DOT agency coordinates with other DOT agencies that regulate the employer's other covered employees.
(3) The concerned DOT agency provides a written response to each employer that petitions for a waiver, setting forth the reasons for the agency's decision on the waiver request.
(c) Your request for a waiver must include, as a minimum, the following elements:
(1) Information about your organization:
(i) Your determination that standing employees down is necessary for safety in your organization and a statement of your basis for it, including any data on safety problems or incidents that could have been prevented if a stand-down procedure had been in place;
(ii) Data showing the number of confirmed laboratory positive, adulterated, and substituted test results for your employees over the two calendar years preceding your waiver request, and the number and percentage of those test results that were verified positive, adulterated, or substituted by the MRO;
(iii) Information about the work situation of the employees subject to stand-down, including a description of the size and organization of the unit(s) in which the employees work, the process through which employees will be informed of the stand-down, whether there is an in-house MRO, and whether your organization has a medical disqualification or stand-down policy for employees in situations other than drug and alcohol testing; and
(iv) A statement of which DOT agencies regulate your employees.
(2) Your proposed written company policy concerning stand-down, which must include the following elements:
(i) Your assurance that you will distribute copies of your written policy to all employees that it covers;
(ii) Your means of ensuring that no information about the confirmed positive, adulterated, or substituted test result or the reason for the employee's temporary removal from performance of safety-sensitive functions becomes available, directly or indirectly, to anyone in your organization (or subsequently to another employer) other than the employee, the MRO and the DER;
(iii) Your means of ensuring that all covered employees in a particular job category in your organization are treated the same way with respect to stand-down;
(iv) Your means of ensuring that a covered employee will be subject to stand-down only with respect to the actual performance of safety-sensitive duties;
(v) Your means of ensuring that you will not take any action adversely affecting the employee's pay and benefits pending the completion of the MRO's verification process. This includes continuing to pay the employee during the period of the stand-down in the same way you would have paid him or her had he or she not been stood down;
(vi) Your means of ensuring that the verification process will commence no later than the time an employee is temporarily removed from the performance of safety-sensitive functions and that the period of stand-down for any employee will not exceed five days, unless you are informed in writing by the MRO that a longer period is needed to complete the verification process; and
(vii) Your means of ensuring that, in the event that the MRO verifies the test negative or cancels it—
(A) You return the employee immediately to the performance of safety-sensitive duties;
(B) The employee suffers no adverse personnel or financial consequences as a result; and
(C) You maintain no individually identifiable record that the employee had a confirmed laboratory positive, adulterated, or substituted test result (i.e., you maintain a record of the test only as a negative or cancelled test).
(d) The Administrator of the concerned DOT agency, or his or her designee, may grant a waiver request only if he or she determines that, in the context of your organization, there is a high probability that the procedures you propose will effectively enhance safety and protect the interests of employees in fairness and confidentiality.
(1) The Administrator, or his or her designee, may impose any conditions he or she deems appropriate on the grant of a waiver.
(2) The Administrator, or his or her designee, may immediately suspend or revoke the waiver if he or she determines that you have failed to protect effectively the interests of employees in fairness and confidentiality, that you have failed to comply with the requirements of this section, or that you have failed to comply with any other conditions the DOT agency has attached to the waiver.
(e) You must not stand employees down in the absence of a waiver, or inconsistent with the terms of your waiver. If you do, you are in violation of this part and DOT agency drug testing regulations, and you are subject to enforcement action by the DOT agency just as you are for other violations of this part and DOT agency rules.
§ 40.23 What actions do employers take after receiving verified test results?
a) As an employer who receives a verified positive drug test result, you must immediately remove the employee involved from performing safety-sensitive functions. You must take this action upon receiving the initial report of the verified positive test result. Do not wait to receive the written report or the result of a split specimen test.
(b) As an employer who receives a verified adulterated or substituted drug test result, you must consider this a refusal to test and immediately remove the employee involved from performing safety-sensitive functions. You must take this action on receiving the initial report of the verified adulterated or substituted test result. Do not wait to receive the written report or the result of a split specimen test.
(c) As an employer who receives an alcohol test result of 0.04 or higher, you must immediately remove the employee involved from performing safety-sensitive functions. If you receive an alcohol test result of 0.02—0.039, you must temporarily remove the employee involved from performing safety-sensitive functions, as provided in applicable DOT agency regulations. Do not wait to receive the written report of the result of the test.
(d) As an employer, when an employee has a verified positive, adulterated, or substituted test result, or has otherwise violated a DOT agency drug and alcohol regulation, you must not return the employee to the performance of safety-sensitive functions until or unless the employee successfully completes the return-to-duty process of Subpart O of this part.
(e) As an employer who receives a drug test result indicating that the employee's specimen was dilute, take action as provided in §40.197.
(f) As an employer who receives a drug test result indicating that the employee's specimen was invalid and that a second collection must take place under direct observation—
(1) You must immediately direct the employee to provide a new specimen under direct observation.
(2) You must not attach consequences to the finding that the test was invalid other than collecting a new specimen under direct observation.
(3) You must not give any advance notice of this test requirement to the employee.
(4) You must instruct the collector to note on the CCF the same reason (e.g. random test, post-accident test) as for the original collection.
(g) As an employer who receives a cancelled test result when a negative result is required (e.g., pre-employment, return-to-duty, or follow-up test), you must direct the employee to provide another specimen immediately.
(h) As an employer, you may also be required to take additional actions required by DOT agency regulations (e.g., FAA rules require some positive drug tests to be reported to the Federal Air Surgeon).
(i) As an employer, you must not alter a drug or alcohol test result transmitted to you by an MRO, BAT, or C/TPA.
[65 FR 79526, Dec. 19, 2000, as amended at 71 FR 49384, Aug. 23, 2006]
§ 40.25 Must an employer check on the drug and alcohol testing record of employees it is intending to use to perform safety-sensitive duties?
(a) Yes, as an employer, you must, after obtaining an employee's written consent, request the information about the employee listed in paragraph (b) of this section. This requirement applies only to employees seeking to begin performing safety-sensitive duties for you for the first time (i.e., a new hire, an employee transfers into a safety-sensitive position). If the employee refuses to provide this written consent, you must not permit the employee to perform safety-sensitive functions.
(b) You must request the information listed in this paragraph (b) from DOT-regulated employers who have employed the employee during any period during the two years before the date of the employee's application or transfer:
(1) Alcohol tests with a result of 0.04 or higher alcohol concentration;
(2) Verified positive drug tests;
(3) Refusals to be tested (including verified adulterated or substituted drug test results);
(4) Other violations of DOT agency drug and alcohol testing regulations; and
(5) With respect to any employee who violated a DOT drug and alcohol regulation, documentation of the employee's successful completion of DOT return-to-duty requirements (including follow-up tests). If the previous employer does not have information about the return-do-duty process (e.g., an employer who did not hire an employee who tested positive on a pre-employment test), you must seek to obtain this information from the employee.
(c) The information obtained from a previous employer includes any drug or alcohol test information obtained from previous employers under this section or other applicable DOT agency regulations.
(d) If feasible, you must obtain and review this information before the employee first performs safety-sensitive functions. If this is not feasible, you must obtain and review the information as soon as possible. However, you must not permit the employee to perform safety-sensitive functions after 30 days from the date on which the employee first performed safety-sensitive functions, unless you have obtained or made and documented a good faith effort to obtain this information.
(e) If you obtain information that the employee has violated a DOT agency drug and alcohol regulation, you must not use the employee to perform safety-sensitive functions unless you also obtain information that the employee has subsequently complied with the return-to-duty requirements of Subpart O of this part and DOT agency drug and alcohol regulations.
(f) You must provide to each of the employers from whom you request information under paragraph (b) of this section written consent for the release of the information cited in paragraph (a) of this section.
(g) The release of information under this section must be in any written form (e.g., fax, e-mail, letter) that ensures confidentiality. As the previous employer, you must maintain a written record of the information released, including the date, the party to whom it was released, and a summary of the information provided.
(h) If you are an employer from whom information is requested under paragraph (b) of this section, you must, after reviewing the employee's specific, written consent, immediately release the requested information to the employer making the inquiry.
(i) As the employer requesting the information required under this section, you must maintain a written, confidential record of the information you obtain or of the good faith efforts you made to obtain the information. You must retain this information for three years from the date of the employee's first performance of safety-sensitive duties for you.
(j) As the employer, you must also ask the employee whether he or she has tested positive, or refused to test, on any pre-employment drug or alcohol test administered by an employer to which the employee applied for, but did not obtain, safety-sensitive transportation work covered by DOT agency drug and alcohol testing rules during the past two years. If the employee admits that he or she had a positive test or a refusal to test, you must not use the employee to perform safety-sensitive functions for you, until and unless the employee documents successful completion of the return-to-duty process (see paragraphs (b)(5) and (e) of this section).
§ 40.26 What form must an employer use to report Management Information System (MIS) data to a DOT agency?
As an employer, when you are required to report MIS data to a DOT agency, you must use the form and instructions at appendix H to part 40. You must submit the MIS report in accordance with rule requirements (e.g., dates for submission; selection of companies required to submit, and method of reporting) established by the DOT agency regulating your operation.
[68 FR 43952, July 25, 2003]
§ 40.27 May an employer require an employee to sign a consent or release in connection with the DOT drug and alcohol testing program?
No, as an employer, you must not require an employee to sign a consent, release, waiver of liability, or indemnification agreement with respect to any part of the drug or alcohol testing process covered by this part (including, but not limited to, collections, laboratory testing, MRO and SAP services).
[66 FR 41950, Aug. 9, 2001]
§ 40.29 Where is other information on employer responsibilities found in this regulation?
You can find other information on the responsibilities of employers in the following sections of this part:
§40.3—Definition.
§40.35—Information about DERs that employers must provide collectors.
§40.45—Modifying CCFs, Use of foreign-language CCFs.
§40.47—Use of non-Federal forms for DOT tests or Federal CCFs for non-DOT tests.
§40.67—Requirements for direct observation.
§§40.103–40.105—Blind specimen requirements.
§40. 173—Responsibility to ensure test of split specimen.
§40.193—Action in “shy bladder” situations.
§40.197—Actions following report of a dilute specimen.
§40.207—Actions following a report of a cancelled drug test.
§40.209—Actions following and consequences of non-fatal flaws in drug tests.
§40.215—Information about DERs that employers must provide BATs and STTs.
§40.225—Modifying ATFs; use of foreign-language ATFs.
§40.227—Use of non-DOT forms for DOT tests or DOT ATFs for non-DOT tests.
§40.235 (c) and (d)—responsibility to follow instructions for ASDs.
§40.255 (b)—receipt and storage of alcohol test information.
§40.265 (c)–(e)—actions in “shy lung” situations.
§40.267—Cancellation of alcohol tests.
§40.271—Actions in “correctable flaw” situations in alcohol tests.
§40.273—Actions following cancelled tests in alcohol tests.
§40.275—Actions in “non-fatal flaw” situations in alcohol tests.
§§40.287–40.289—Responsibilities concerning SAP services.
§§40.295–40.297—Prohibition on seeking second SAP evaluation or changing SAP recommendation.
§40.303—Responsibilities concerning aftercare recommendations.
§40.305—Responsibilities concerning return-to-duty decision.
§40.309—Responsibilities concerning follow-up tests.
§40.321—General confidentiality requirement.
§40.323—Release of confidential information in litigation.
§40.331—Other circumstances for the release of confidential information.
§40.333—Record retention requirements.
§40.345—Choice of who reports drug testing information to employers.
[65 FR 79526, Dec. 19, 2000. Redesignated at 66 FR 41950, Aug. 9, 2001]
Subpart C - Urine Collection Personnel
§ 40.31 Who may collect urine specimens for DOT drug testing?
(a) Collectors meeting the requirements of this subpart are the only persons authorized to collect urine specimens for DOT drug testing.
(b) A collector must meet training requirements of §40.33.
(c) As the immediate supervisor of an employee being tested, you may not act as the collector when that employee is tested, unless no other collector is available and you are permitted to do so under DOT agency drug and alcohol regulations.
(d) You must not act as the collector for the employee being tested if you work for a HHS-certified laboratory (e.g., as a technician or accessioner) and could link the employee with a urine specimen, drug testing result, or laboratory report.
§ 40.33 What training requirements must a collector meet?
To be permitted to act as a collector in the DOT drug testing program, you must meet each of the requirements of this section:
(a) Basic information. You must be knowledgeable about this part, the current “DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines,” and DOT agency regulations applicable to the employers for whom you perform collections, and you must keep current on any changes to these materials. The DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines document is available from ODAPC (Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, SW., Room 10403, Washington DC, 20590, 202–366–3784, or on the ODAPC web site (http://www.dot.gov/ost/dapc).
(b) Qualification training. You must receive qualification training meeting the requirements of this paragraph. Qualification training must provide instruction on the following subjects:
(1) All steps necessary to complete a collection correctly and the proper completion and transmission of the CCF;
(2) “Problem” collections (e.g., situations like “shy bladder” and attempts to tamper with a specimen);
(3) Fatal flaws, correctable flaws, and how to correct problems in collections; and
(4) The collector's responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the collection process, ensuring the privacy of employees being tested, ensuring the security of the specimen, and avoiding conduct or statements that could be viewed as offensive or inappropriate;
(c) Initial Proficiency Demonstration. Following your completion of qualification training under paragraph (b) of this section, you must demonstrate proficiency in collections under this part by completing five consecutive error-free mock collections.
(1) The five mock collections must include two uneventful collection scenarios, one insufficient quantity of urine scenario, one temperature out of range scenario, and one scenario in which the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen bottle tamper-evident seal.
(2) Another person must monitor and evaluate your performance, in person or by a means that provides real-time observation and interaction between the instructor and trainee, and attest in writing that the mock collections are “error-free.” This person must be a qualified collector who has demonstrated necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities by—
i) Regularly conducting DOT drug test collections for a period of at least a year;
(ii) Conducting collector training under this part for a year; or
(iii) Successfully completing a “train the trainer” course.
(d) Schedule for qualification training and initial proficiency demonstration. The following is the schedule for qualification training and the initial proficiency demonstration you must meet:
(1) If you became a collector before August 1, 2001, and you have already met the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, you do not have to meet them again.
(2) If you became a collector before August 1, 2001, and have yet to meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, you must do so no later than January 31, 2003.
(3) If you become a collector on or after August 1, 2001, you must meet the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section before you begin to perform collector functions.
(e) Refresher training. No less frequently than every five years from the date on which you satisfactorily complete the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, you must complete refresher training that meets all the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
(f) Error Correction Training. If you make a mistake in the collection process that causes a test to be cancelled (i.e., a fatal or uncorrected flaw), you must undergo error correction training. This training must occur within 30 days of the date you are notified of the error that led to the need for retraining.
(1) Error correction training must be provided and your proficiency documented in writing by a person who meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(2) Error correction training is required to cover only the subject matter area(s) in which the error that caused the test to be cancelled occurred.
(3) As part of the error correction training, you must demonstrate your proficiency in the collection procedures of this part by completing three consecutive error-free mock collections. The mock collections must include one uneventful scenario and two scenarios related to the area(s) in which your error(s) occurred. The person providing the training must monitor and evaluate your performance and attest in writing that the mock collections were “error-free.”
(g) Documentation. You must maintain documentation showing that you currently meet all requirements of this section. You must provide this documentation on request to DOT agency representatives and to employers and C/TPAs who are using or negotiating to use your services.
[65 FR 79526, Dec 19, 2000; 66 FR 3885, Jan. 17, 2001, as amended at 66 FR 41950, Aug. 9, 2001]
§ 40.35 What information about the DER must employers provide to collectors?
As an employer, you must provide to collectors the name and telephone number of the appropriate DER (and C/TPA, where applicable) to contact about any problems or issues that may arise during the testing process.
§ 40.37 Where is other information on the role of collectors found in this regulation?
You can find other information on the role and functions of collectors in the following sections of this part:
§40.3—Definition.
§40.43—Steps to prepare and secure collection sites.
§§40.45–40.47—Use of CCF.
§§40.49–40.51—Use of collection kit and shipping materials.
§§40.61–40.63—Preliminary steps in collections.
§40.65—Role in checking specimens.
§40.67—Role in directly observed collections.
§40.69—Role in monitored collections.
§40.71—Role in split specimen collections.
§40.73—Chain of custody completion and finishing the collection process.
§40.103—Processing blind specimens.
§40.191—Action in case of refusals to take test.
§40.193—Action in “shy bladder” situations.
§40.199–40.205—Collector errors in tests, effects, and means of correction.
Subpart D - Collection Sites, Forms, Equipment and Supplies Used in DOT Urine Collections
§ 40.41 Where does a urine collection for a DOT drug test take place?
(a) A urine collection for a DOT drug test must take place in a collection site meeting the requirements of this section.
(b) If you are operating a collection site, you must ensure that it meets the security requirements of §40.43.
(c) If you are operating a collection site, you must have all necessary personnel, materials, equipment, facilities and supervision to provide for the collection, temporary storage, and shipping of urine specimens to a laboratory, and a suitable clean surface for writing.
(d) Your collection site must include a facility for urination described in either paragraph (e) or paragraph (f) of this section.
(e) The first, and preferred, type of facility for urination that a collection site may include is a single-toilet room, having a full-length privacy door, within which urination can occur.
(1) No one but the employee may be present in the room during the collection, except for the observer in the event of a directly observed collection.
(2) You must have a source of water for washing hands, that, if practicable, should be external to the closed room where urination occurs. If an external source is not available, you may meet this requirement by securing all sources of water and other substances that could be used for adulteration and substitution (e.g., water faucets, soap dispensers) and providing moist towelettes outside the closed room.
(f) The second type of facility for urination that a collection site may include is a multistall restroom.
(1) Such a site must provide substantial visual privacy (e.g., a toilet stall with a partial-length door) and meet all other applicable requirements of this section.
(2) If you use a multi-stall restroom, you must either—
(i) Secure all sources of water and other substances that could be used for adulteration and substitution (e.g., water faucets, soap dispensers) and place bluing agent in all toilets or secure the toilets to prevent access; or
(ii) Conduct all collections in the facility as monitored collections (see §40.69 for procedures). This is the only circumstance in which you may conduct a monitored collection.
(3) No one but the employee may be present in the multistall restroom during the collection, except for the monitor in the event of a monitored collection or the observer in the event of a directly observed collection.
(g) A collection site may be in a medical facility, a mobile facility (e.g., a van), a dedicated collection facility, or any other location meeting the requirements of this section.
§ 40.43 What steps must operators of collection sites take to protect the security and integrity of urine collections?
(a) Collectors and operators of collection sites must take the steps listed in this section to prevent unauthorized access that could compromise the integrity of collections.
(b) As a collector, you must do the following before each collection to deter tampering with specimens:
(1) Secure any water sources or otherwise make them unavailable to employees (e.g., turn off water inlet, tape handles to prevent opening faucets);
(2) Ensure that the water in the toilet is blue;
(3) Ensure that no soap, disinfectants, cleaning agents, or other possible adulterants are present;
(4) Inspect the site to ensure that no foreign or unauthorized substances are present;
(5) Tape or otherwise secure shut any movable toilet tank , or put bluing in the tank;
6) Ensure that undetected access (e.g., through a door not in your view) is not possible;
(7) Secure areas and items (e.g., ledges, trash receptacles, paper towel holders, under-sink areas) that appear suitable for concealing contaminants; and
(8) Recheck items in paragraphs (b)(1) through (7) of this section following each collection to ensure the site's continued integrity.
(c) If the collection site uses a facility normally used for other purposes, like a public rest room or hospital examining room, you must, as a collector, also ensure before the collection that:
(1) Access to collection materials and specimens is effectively restricted; and
(2) The facility is secured against access during the procedure to ensure privacy to the employee and prevent distraction of the collector. Limited-access signs must be posted.
(d) As a collector, you must take the following additional steps to ensure security during the collection process:
(1) To avoid distraction that could compromise security, you are limited to conducting a collection for only one employee at a time. However, during the time one employee is in the period for drinking fluids in a “shy bladder” situation (see §40.193(b)), you may conduct a collection for another employee.
(2) To the greatest extent you can, keep an employee's collection container within view of both you and the employee between the time the employee has urinated and the specimen is sealed.
(3) Ensure you are the only person in addition to the employee who handles the specimen before it is poured into the bottles and sealed with tamper-evident seals.
(4) In the time between when the employee gives you the specimen and when you seal the specimen, remain within the collection site.
(5) Maintain personal control over each specimen and CCF throughout the collection process.
(e) If you are operating a collection site, you must implement a policy and procedures to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering any part of the site in which urine specimens are collected or stored.