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

What, if anything, caused them to believe it was substance-abuse-related behavior? On what
basis did they reach their conclusions?
The supervisor should observe the employee. What can the supervisor observe and
objectively document as it relates to physical signs and symptoms, emotional state, physical
evidence, and related facts? The reasonable suspicion determination must be made based on the
trained supervisor’s observations.
Transport the Employee. Although the FTA regulations do not specify that the employee
must be transported, it is unwise to allow an employee suspected of being under the influence of
alcohol or drugs to proceed alone to the collection site or to drive home. He or she could be a
danger to self or others. In addition, the employer’s exposure to liability is great if damage or
injury occurs. Accompanying the employee to the collection site also assures that there is no
opportunity en route for the employee to ingest or acquire anything that could affect the test
result.
The direct or immediate supervisor of the employee must not serve as the collection site
person for drug or alcohol tests (§655.53).
Document Events. Record the behavioral signs and symptoms that support the
determination to conduct a reasonable suspicion test, and maintain those records for a minimum
of 2 years. The signs and symptoms to look for are more fully described in Appendix F.
Chapter 5. Training 5-22 August 2002