Obstacles to Completing a Test Upon Successfully completing
Obstacles to Completing a Test Upon Successfully completing this unit, students will be able to: • Describe and demonstrate the procedures for test refusals and uncompleted tests. • Describe and demonstrate the procedures for an inability to provide an adequate amount of breath. • Describe and demonstrate the procedures for cancelled tests.
Refusals are defined in the DAFWP, but may include refusing to: Complete and sign Step 2 and 4 of the ATF (Step 4 is not a required step for DOT-regulated employees, but a refusal to sign step 4 should be noted in the remarks section). Provide breath. Provide an adequate amount of breath. Cooperate with the testing process. Failure to report to the testing site. Failure to remain at the testing site until testing is complete. Failure to undergo a medical examination or evaluation, as directed by the employer as part of the insufficient breath procedures. (Information only, BAT’s will not be involved in this determination) Tampering with or possessing items that may interfere with the process.
Completed Refusal Form Note the remarks section and the lack of signature in Step 4.
Consequences of Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace Violations: Most will indicate that the employee: Must be immediately removed from any safety-sensitive duties. Should seek treatment with a Substance Abuse Professional, otherwise lose any chance of keeping the position. If non-compliant with the process (Refusal), that they be immediately terminated with no chance of re-hire.
Uncompleted Tests An uncompleted test could be: A screening or confirmation test that cannot be completed. An event occurring that would cancel the test. A fire or earthquake may be a cause of an uncompleted test. NOT a refusal (employee refused to sign, walked out, etc. )
Inability to Provide an Adequate Amount of Breath An employee is unable, or alleges that he/she is unable, to provide an amount of breath sufficient to permit a valid breath test because of a medical condition. A healthy employee may use this as an excuse not to complete the test; you should always have the employee make a three attempts to provide a sample. Closely observe the employee during these attempts, give detailed instructions, and make a determination after a third failed attempt whether or not it should be considered a refusal or if the employer should have the employee evaluated by a doctor. A manual test is also a possibility in such cases. Ask your device instructor about conducting a manual test on your device.
Cancelled Tests An alcohol test is cancelled under the following circumstances: The next external calibration check produces a result differing by more than the tolerance stated in the QAP (the Intoximeters RBT IV tolerance is +/- 0. 005) The minimum 15 minute waiting period prior to confirmation test is not observed. Air blank is not performed before a confirmation test.
Cancelled Tests (continued) The form is not signed by the BAT and the corrective action is not accomplished. BAT failure to note an employee’s refusal to sign form and corrective action is not accomplished. EBT fails to print a confirmation test result. Unique test numbering or alcohol concentration displayed on EBT is not the same as that printed.
Error Correction Training Error made which causes test to be cancelled Training must be accomplished within 30 days of error notification Provided and documented by trainer Proficiency Demonstration: 3 consecutive error-free mock tests (1 uneventful; 2 related to error area) If not accomplished within 30 days, the technician cannot perform alcohol tests May be completed with Drug Testing Courses
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