Breath Alcohol Testing

Breath alcohol testing is a simple method of determining whether an employee is under the influence while they are on the job. Consider the following times to perform breath alcohol testing on employees.

• Random Testing – a proven method of deterring alcohol use at work, random testing allows the employer to test the employee at any time.
• Reasonable Suspicion – if you smell alcohol on your employee’s breath, or their behavior indicates they may be under the influence, it’s probably a good time to do a test.
• Post Accident – anytime there is vehicle accident, it’s a great idea to eliminate the possibility of drug or alcohol use.

Workplace alcohol testing is mandatory for DOT employers and a strongly recommended practice for all businesses to increase safety and reduce Workers’ Compensation claims. DOT employers should refer to their workplace drug testing policy for when alcohol testing is required. An effective policy will outline the specific processes/requirements of alcohol testing.

Alcohol testing programs are mandated by U.S Congress for all transportation workers. Per DOT regulations, alcohol consumption can be detected in any form including:

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Prescriptions
• Over-the-Counter Medicine
• Products Containing Alcohol

The DOT requires alcohol testing in the following situations:

• Post Accident (Accident defined by the DOT)
• Reasonable Suspicion of Alcohol Use
• Return to Duty (Before & After Returning to Work- Post Alcohol Violation)
• Random- FAA, FMCSA, FTA & FRA