Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/10/01/02-24731/procedures-for-transportation-workplace-drug-and-alcohol-testing-programs-procedures-for
Timestamp: 2018-02-21 17:58:01
Document Index: 56639516

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', 'art 40', '§\u200940', '§\u200940', '§\u200940', '§40', '§\u200940', '§\u200940', '§\u200940']

A Rule by the Transportation Department on 10/01/2002
This rule is effective October 31, 2002.
61521-61523 (3 pages)
Docket OST-2002-13431
2105-AD13
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/02-24731 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/02-24731
The Department of Transportation (DOT) originally established procedures for use of non-evidential alcohol screening devices (ASDs) in April, 1995. At that time, we indicated that as additional ASDs were determined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be capable of detecting the presence of alcohol at the 0.02 or greater level of alcohol concentration, they would be suitable for use within DOT regulated industry testing programs. Because NHTSA has approved a device, the operating mechanism of which differs from other ASDs, the Department had no Part 40 procedures for its use. This rule establishes procedures for the use of this device.
Jim L. Swart, Drug and Alcohol Policy Advisor at 202-366-3784 (voice), 202-366-3897 (fax), or at: jim.swart@ost.dot.gov (e-mail).
When the Department originally published its alcohol testing rules on February 15, 1994 (54 FR 7302 et seq.), the Department established breath testing using evidential breath testing devices (EBTs) as the method to be used. However, in response to comments requesting additional flexibility in testing methods the Department said that NHTSA would develop model specifications, evaluate additional screening devices, and periodically publish a conforming products list of those additional screening devices that meet model specifications. The Department noted, too, that the Department would also have to undertake separate rulemaking proceedings to establish procedures for use by DOT-regulated industries of any devices after they are approved by NHTSA.
On April 20, 1995 (FR Vol. 60, No. 76), the Department published procedures for use of ASDs, both breath devices and saliva devices. At that time, the Department did not anticipate that additional devices would be developed that, while using breath or saliva as the means of obtaining a result, would necessitate new procedures for their use. As a result, the revised Part 40 (65 FR 79462) published December 19, 2000 stated, in part, that ASDs on the NHTSA conforming products list (CPL) could be used for Part 40 alcohol screening tests. Because NHTSA added an ASD to their CPL and the Department had no procedures for its use, we were forced to amend that rule. On August 9, 2001 (65 FR 41944) Part 40 was amended to read, “You may use an ASD that is on the NHTSA CPL for DOT alcohol tests only if there are instructions for its use in this part.”
This effectively prevented use of this ASD for DOT testing purposes even though it was on NHTSA's CPL. The Department has taken steps to rectify this situation by developing procedures for this ASD's use and by amending the regulation accordingly. We have also taken the step to fine-tune the regulation to include in regulation text the fact that breath alcohol technicians (BAT), knowledgeable of how to use an ASD (or ASDs), can conduct screening tests using them.
Instructions for use of the breath tube are somewhat parallel to those for the saliva device. Both devices prohibit use of the device after the expiration date has been reached. Both have procedures for conducting additional tests if proper procedures cannot be followed. Both have some similar fatal flaw criteria.
The breath tube requires the STT or BAT to remove a tube from the box and break the device's ampule in the presence of the employee. The STT or BAT must then attach an inflation bag to the appropriate end of the tube. The employee is given the opportunity to hold the tube and provided instructions regarding how to blow (i.e., forcefully and steadily for approximately 12 seconds) through the tube.
The rules also provide instructions for reading the results. In this case, the STT or BAT must compare the color of the crystals in the breath tube with the colored crystals on manufacturer-produced control tube. Comparisons must take place within specific time frames.
Fatal Flaws” require tests to be cancelled. Problems with the breath tube which cause fatal flaws are: The STT or BAT reads the device either sooner or after than the time allotted; and the device is used after its expiration date.
The breath tube works this way. When a person's breath is blown though the tube it goes around and across the tube's crystals. If the person's breath contains no alcohol, the crystals remain their original color. However, if the person's breath contains alcohol, the alcohol causes a chemical reaction leading to a change in crystal color. A color change matching the color of crystals in the control tube is indicative of a screening test result that must subsequently be confirmed using an EBT. Such a color change indicates that the screening test result is 0.02 or above.
This rule is not a significant rule for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and DOT. It does not increase costs on regulated parties. In fact it may facilitate the use of a device that may increase flexibility, and decrease costs, for employers who choose to use them. There are not sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. The Department certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. To the extent that there is any such impact, it is expected to be a small favorable impact, since some small entities may be able to conduct screening tests at a lower cost.
The Department is issuing this as a final rule without opportunity for notice and public comment. The Department determined that doing so would be impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest because this breath device already appears on NHTSA's CPL and has, therefore, proven to be an accurate screening device for Part 40 alcohol screening tests.
Issued this 20th day of September at Washington, DC.
2. Revised § 40.245 to read as follows:
(1) Check the expiration date on the device or on the package containing the device and show it to the employee. You must not use the device after its expiration date.
(2) Remove a device from the package and break the tube's ampule in the presence of the employee.
(3) Secure an inflation bag onto the appropriate end of the device, as directed by the manufacturer on the device's instructions.
(6) When the employee completes the breath process, take the device from the employee (or if you were holding it, remove it from the employee's mouth); remove the inflation bag; and either hold the device or place it on a clean flat surface while waiting for the reading to appear.
(8) If you were able to successfully follow the procedures of paragraphs (b)(4) through (b)(6) of this section, you must compare the color of the crystals in the device with the colored crystals on the manufacturer-produced control tube no sooner than the manufacturer instructs. In all cases color comparisons must take place within 15 minutes of the test.
(9) You must follow the manufacturer's instructions for determining the result of the test. You must then show both the device and the control tube side-by-side to the employee and record the result on the ATF.
(10) You must never re-use devices or gloves used in breath tube testing. The inflation bag must be voided of air following removal from a device. One inflation bag can be used for up to 10 breath tube tests.
3. Amend § 40.267 by revising the introductory text and paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Start Printed Page 61523
(1) The STT or BAT reads the result either sooner than or later than the time allotted by the manufacturer and this Part (see § 40.245(a)(8) for the saliva ASD and §40.245(b)(8) for the breath tube ASD).
(2) The saliva ASD does not activate (see § 40.245(a)(7); or
(3) The device is used for a test after the expiration date printed on the device or on its package (see § 40.245(a)(1) for the saliva ASD and § 40.245(b)(1) for the breath tube ASD).
[FR Doc. 02-24731 Filed 9-30-02; 8:45 am]