Implementation Guidelines - Federal Transit Administration - U.S. ...

• Specified minimum intervals for
performing external calibration
checks that account for different
frequencies of use, environmental
conditions (e.g., temperature,
altitude, humidity), and contexts of
operation (e.g., stationary or mobile
use);
• Specified tolerances on an external
calibration check within which the
EBT is regarded to be in proper
calibration; and
• Specified inspection, maintenance,
and calibration requirements and
intervals for the device.
The regulation specifically requires that
the employer comply with the NHTSAapproved
quality assurance plan by ensuring
that the external calibration checks of each
EBT are performed as described in the
manufacturer’s plan and that the EBT will
be taken out of service if any external
calibration check results in a reading outside
the tolerances for the device. The EBT
cannot be placed back into service until it
has been repaired and has had an acceptable
external calibration check. The employer
must also ensure that the inspection,
maintenance, and calibration of each EBT is
performed by the manufacturer or a
maintenance representative certified by the
device’s manufacturer or an appropriate
state agency. The employer must also
maintain records of the external calibration
checks of the EBT and store the EBT in a
secure place when not being used. If the
employer delegates these duties to a service
agent, the employer remains responsible for
ensuring that these requirements are met.
Provisions should be made for a backup
EBT for times when the primary EBT is
unavailable, out of calibration, or being
serviced. You could acquire a second
instrument, arrange for a “loaner,” or
arrange to use another transit agency or
DOT employer’s EBT when necessary.
Other DOT employers might include school
bus agencies, trucking companies, airlines,
railroads, city/county public works
departments, etc.
Section 2. ALCOHOL TESTING
PERSONNEL
Screen Test Technicians (STT) and
Breath Alcohol Technicians (BAT) are the
only people authorized to conduct DOT
alcohol tests. STTs may conduct screen
tests only, whereas a BAT can conduct both
screen tests and confirmatory tests.
Screen Test Technician (40.213). To
serve as an STT, an individual must have
basic knowledge about the alcohol testing
process as specified in 49 CFR Part 40 and
current DOT alcohol testing program
guidance materials. The STT must have
qualifications training that follows the DOT
Model STT course, or an equivalent. The
STT must demonstrate proficiency in
following the alcohol testing procedures and
in the operation of the alcohol screen device
that he/she will be using. Proficiency will
be demonstrated by completing five
consecutive error-free mock tests under the
direct observation and scrutiny of a qualified
monitor. If the alcohol screen device that
the STT will be using indicates readings by
changes, contrasts, or other readings in
color, the STT must demonstrate as part of
the proficiency demonstration that he/she is
able to discern the changes, contrasts, or
readings correctly. STTs are required to
undergo refresher training every 5 years and
error correction training anytime a mistake
results in a cancelled test. See Chapter 5 for
a more detailed discussion of the STT
training requirements.
Chapter 8. Alcohol Testing Procedures 8-3 August 2002