In order to better assist you, APGASIF has compiled a listing of commonly asked questions about the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) drug and alcohol testing procedures.

PHMSA FAQs

Currently the random testing rate is 50% for drugs testing. PHMSA prohibits random alcohol testing.
No. Your PHMSA-regulated employees cannot be included in a random testing pool that includes random alcohol testing.
No. You should evaluate their usual job duties and determine which set of job duties (PHMSA or FMCSA) require more than 50% of their duty day. If they work on a pipeline for more than 50%, they must be in a PHMSA-regulated random testing pool. If they drive a truck more than 50% of their duty day, they should be in the FMCSA pool.
Yes. When they are driving their truck, the FMCSA drug/alcohol testing rules found in 49CFR Part 382 will apply to them. So, if they have a vehicle accident that meets the FMCSA definition of an accident while they are driving to their pipeline job, they would need to submit to the post-accident drug and alcohol testing rules found in 49CFR Part 382.
You must ensure that all CDL drivers are covered by FMCSA alcohol testing regulations. That may require those CDL drivers to be in a separate pool for alcohol testing only, in addition to the PHMSA drug testing pool.
Yes. All transportation modalities (FAA, FMCSA, PHMSA, FTA, FRA, USCG) all require the same procedures for collection, laboratory testing, and MRO review. There are some differences between modalities in some areas, so the DER should be very familiar with the drug testing regulations for all agencies that govern the duties of employees in your company.
The two-hour rumor started years ago, but is incorrect. Upon notification, the employee must immediately stop what they are doing and all actions must lead to the completion of the drug test collection. Translated: they must go now!!!
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