FAA drug testing program: The Classifications

Posted by GeorgeVelvet on August 18th, 2015

Drug and alcohol testing in the workplaces is a common procedure followed by companies to ensure safety in the sectors of transportation and communication. While previously, it used to be a hidden concern, it’s an outrage at this point. Carrying out tests engaging the entire workforce is the only preventive way of coping with this problem and ensuring safety and protection of all involved. The FAA drug testing program as approved by FAA is classified under six different categories, each designed to fit a certain situation. Any certified FAA drug testing consortium can carry out these programs following the approval of the authorizing organisations.

Pre-Employment Test: This is a part of the screening process where the candidates chosen are made to pass through a drug examination. Primarily designed to improve productivity right from the start and reduce absenteeism, the other two benefits of pre-employment drug and alcohol testing are reduced instances where workers have to be compensated for unsafe work environments and diminished employee turnovers. The substance detection tests are carried out through samples of urine and hair strands.

Post-Accident Test: This is an on-site test that is mostly a part of the inspection of an accidental event. The consortiums send testing vehicles to the scene of the accident. There, the involved employees are made to go through the drug and alcohol tests in order to source the cause. Though accidents in transportation and communication are expectedly common, ruling out the possibilities of a drug induced one is not fair.

Random Test: Random test are every effective when it comes to detection of substance abuse in workplaces. If an employee took to abusing drug or alcohol after their admittance to work, this is the only way to find that out. Random drug tests are the best way to make the employees all the more cautious about the risks. Just let the contacted consortium know about the employees you want tested and when. They will arrive without prior intimation and conduct the test using the standard methods.

Reasonable Cause Test: Reasonable suspicion drug testing is the kind in which an employee or a group of employees suspected to be drug impaired are put through the test. This occupational drug testing technique has rendered effective for those looking to make their workspace drug-free.

On Return to Duty Test: Upon returning to work after a considerable period of officially approved absence, aviation and transportation employees are made to go through the drug screening to find out if they have been exposed to any sort of addiction during this time

Follow Up Test: This is to ensure that the employees who were given a clean bill are still clean. Follow-up tests are like maintenance calls.

Wondering which FAA drug testing program will suit your work situation? Talk to the inspectors working with our FAA drug testing consortium in order to make an informed decision.