U.S. Department of the Interior Home Page - Specialized Employee Services

December 2000

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FRA SUPPLEMENT
(DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-DOT ALCOHOL & DRUG TESTING HANDBOOK)

Prepared By: Employee and Public Services
National Business Center

Draft 11/2000

FRA SUPPLEMENT
(DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-DOT ALCOHOL & DRUG TESTING HANDBOOK)

Index.............................................................. Page

Introduction...................................................... 1

Requirements.....................................................2

Types of Testing................................................ 3

Training Requirements...................................... 10

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Employee Notification
Appendix 2 - Drug Fact Sheets
Appendix 3 - Instructions for Submission of FRA Annual Report
Appendix 4 - Random Testing Methodology

INTRODUCTION

The FRA supplement was formulated based on the requirement of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, and the Federal Railroad Administration Final Rule as published in the Federal Register (49 CFR Part 219 and 49 CFR Part 40). In all cases where there is a difference between this plan and Part 219 or Part 40, the CFR takes precedence. This rule requires the Department of the Interior to test employees and others who are involved in performing Railroad Operations (RO)/covered service for the illegal use of alcohol and controlled substances.

For further information contact: Richard Hipkins, Employee and Public Services, Drug Program Coordination Staff, National Business Center, at (202) 208-5638; or David Mathews at (202) 273-3218; or Alice Currie at (202) 208-5638. Email address: richard_e_hipkins@nbc.gov.

Operations Statement

The Department of the Interior (DOI) recognizes the problem of substance abuse in today=s society. This problem poses particular concerns to an employer who is subject to governmental regulations and seeks to promote the safety of the general public. The DOI has a concern for the safety, health and well being of its employees as well as an obligation to comply with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations. The DOI will comply with all statutes and regulations administered by the FRA in implementing the required Part 219 Drug and Alcohol Program.

Programs have been established in the DOI which require covered employees to demonstrate their safety posture through:

1. Urine screens to detect the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opiates (morphine, codeine), phencyclidine and amphetamines (methamphetamines);
2. Breath alcohol tests to detect the unauthorized use of alcohol; and
3. Breath, urine, blood and tissue (fatality) testing after qualifying FRA Post-Accident events.

In accordance with the applicable Federal regulations, the DOI prohibits employees and others who perform work covered by the Federal Hours of Service Laws (see 49 U.S.C. §§ 21101-21108) from being under the influence and/or possession of illegal substances and/or under the influence of alcohol while on duty or within four hours of reporting for covered service.

Identifying Information.

Company/Agency
Name: Department of the Interior
Address: Drug Program Staff
1849 C Street, NW, Mailstop 1366
Washington, DC 20240
Phone: (202) 208-5638
Fax: (202) 208-5455
E-Mail: richard_e_hipkins@nbc.gov

Program Administrator.
Name: Ricahrd Hipkins
Phone: same as above
Fax:
E-Mail

Applicable Operating Location
Name: Steamtown National Historic Site
Address: 150 South Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: (570) 340-5244
Fax:
E-Mail:

Operating Location Administrator
Name: Mark Brennan
Phone: Same

Medical Review Officer.
Name: Greystone Health Sciences, Inc.
Address: Dr. Oppenheim
7777 Alvarado Road, ste.606
La Mesa, Ca 91941
Phone: (800) 666-3791
Fax: ____________________________

Testing Laboratory.
Name: NWT, Inc.
Address: 1141 East 3900 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
____________________________
Phone: (800) 322-3361
Fax: ____________________________

REQUIREMENTS

Purpose.

The purpose of this program is to prevent accidents and casualties in railroad operations/covered service that result from impairment of employees and others by alcohol or drugs.

Authority. The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. DOT regulations covering RO/covered service employees (49 CFR Part 219).

Applicability/Scope.

The requirements of the program apply to all employees that are full-time, part-time, seasonal, intermittent, volunteers and/or occasional RO workers; who are subject to perform duties subject to the Federal hours of service laws. The DOI persons who perform covered service at Steamtown are in positions including dispatchers, conductors, engineers, passenger services, yardmasters, signal maintenance, etc.

Approximately 64 covered service persons work for the above railroad.

Railroad Operations/Covered Service (RO).

Employees involved in railroad operations/covered service means a person who has been assigned to perform service subject to the Hours of Service Act (45 U.S.C. 61-64b) during a duty tour, whether or not the person has performed or is currently performing such service, and any person who performs such service. (An employee is not ``covered'' within the meaning of this part exclusively by reason of being an employee for purposes of section 2(a)(3) of the Hours of Service Act, as amended (45 U.S.C. 62(a)(3)).) For the purposes of pre-employment testing only, the term covered employee includes a person applying to perform covered service.
Employees involved in railroad operations/covered service such as dispatchers, conductors, engineers, passenger services, yardmasters, signal maintenance, etc., will be subject to both alcohol and drug testing.

Types of Testing.

Seven types of testing are required/authorized under the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991.

Pre-employment
Reasonable suspicion
Post-accident
Random
Return-to-duty
Follow-up
Federal Reasonable Cause Testing (Authorized but not required)

Pre-employment Drug Testing - (49 CFR 219.501) - Urine only.

Applicants will be informed that all individuals this entity will use for covered service must be drug-free. Passing a Federal pre-employment drug test is a condition prior to performing covered service duties. If an applicant refuses to submit to the drug test, or tests positive on the drug test, the applicant will not be considered qualified to perform covered service and will not be offered a position in covered service.

Testing For Cause - (49 CFR 219.300 and 301) - Urine and Breath.

Reasonable Suspicion Testing - (49 CFR 219.300)

Covered service personnel will be required to submit to a Federal drug and alcohol test whenever a properly trained supervisory employee or assigned railroad has reasonable suspicion (as defined in 49 CFR Part 219) that a covered employee is currently under the influence of or impaired by a controlled substance or alcohol. Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific, contemporaneous personal observations the supervisor can articulate concerning the employee=s appearance, behavior, speech, body odor, chronic effect or withdrawal effects. The observations must be made by at least one qualified supervisor (219.11(g)), who has received proper training in the signs of alcohol use and/or at least two qualified supervisors who have received proper training in the signs and symptoms of drug use consistent with standards which FRA regulatory requirements. Documentation of this decision will be maintained.

Federal Reasonable Cause Testing - (49 CFR 219.301) Authorized but not required.

A Federal reasonable cause (urine and/or breath) drug and/or alcohol test may be required (Employer's decision) when a covered service person:

a. was involved in a qualifying accident (219.301(b)(2)) and a supervisor has a reasonable belief based on specific and articulable facts that the covered service person's acts or omissions contributed to the occurrence or severity of the incident, or

b. committed a rule violation (219.301(b)(3)).

This company will coordinate with the host railroad and decide how the supervisor on the site will immediately communicate and coordinate decisions to test and who (contractor or supported railroad) will administer the necessary testing. In all Reasonable Suspicion and Reasonable Cause cases, the supervisor will ensure that the covered service person is transported immediately to a collection site for a timely collection of a urine and/or breath specimen(s). If the covered service person is deemed not fit to return to work, the supervisor will arrange transportation for the person. This is not a Federal requirement but safety will be better assured if accomplished.

Supervisors must document the observations that led them to decide that there was Areasonable suspicion or cause@ to have the covered service person submit to a Federal drug and/or alcohol test.

FRA Post-Accident Drug/Alcohol Testing - (49 CFR 219.201) - Urine, Breath, Blood, and tissues as required.***

FRA regulations require blood and urine specimens from all surviving covered service personnel when they are directly involved in a qualifying accident or incident. Tissues are also collected in addition to urine and blood from any fatality involving an on-duty covered person (direct or contractual employees). Events requiring FRA post-accident testing include:

***Regulatory exemptions will be followed.

Major train accident involving any rail equipment accident with damages in
excess of the current reporting threshold under 49 C.F.R. Part 225 and one or more of the following:

(1) A fatality (any fatality).

(2) A release of hazardous material from railroad "lading" that results in an evacuation or reportable injury caused by the hazardous material release.

(3) Damage to railroad property of $1,000,000 or more.

Impact accident involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold that results in a reportable injury or Damage to railroad property of $150,000 or more.

3. Fatal train incident involving any on-duty railroad employee where damages do not exceed the (current reporting) threshold.Passenger train accident with a reportable injury to any person in a train accident involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold that involves a passenger train.

The railroad employer supervisor(s) on the scene will make the timely determinations as to the event being a qualifying event and which covered employee personnel are required to be tested and which will not be tested according to the rule.

Specimens for any FRA mandatory post-accident testing will be collected using procedures required in Part 219 Appendix C. The railroad's FRA Post-Accident Specimen kits must be used. Specimens will be collected, packaged and shipped via express courier service by the railroad where the covered employee person(s) were working.

The shipping address is as follows:

NWT, Inc.
1141 East 3900 South
Suite A-110
Salt Lake City, UT 84124
1-800-228-2431 Daytime
1-800-483-3383 Night and Weekends

The DOI will coordinate all necessary actions with the railroad. The DOI (contractor) will include the identification of appropriate covered personnel who must be tested and then ensure that specimens are collected and shipped.

Random Drug & Alcohol Testing B (49 CFR 219.600) - Urine and Breath

The railroad utilizing this entity's covered service personnel is responsible for ensuring that the random program meets regulatory requirements and is approved by FRA . The selection process will ensure that each covered service person has an equal chance of being selected at every random selection. The random plan shall ensure that testing is accomplished at the beginning and at the end of the duty period for alcohol. The minimum for alcohol at either end of the duty period is 10% over the course of a year.

The Program Administrator (PA) will:

1. Identify and maintain an up-to-date database or list of all personnel working in covered service.

2. Administer the computer or manual selection for the required number of collections for the selection period. This arrayed or ordered list will be sent to the on-site contractor supervisor for the administration of the testing.

3. Utilize the list to identify the person's social security number or ID number and confidentially hold the information until the designated time of the test.

4. Safeguard records to ensure that information concerning collection dates and selections are not disclosed until necessary to arrange for collection or provide notifications. To ensure objectivity and credibility, the testing date and time within the testing "window" provided in the plan, will be determined by the Program Administrator.

5. Ensure selected covered service personnel are tested or document who is unavailable due to authorized vacation, sick leave, suspension, jury duty, or leave of absence. Selected personnel do not actually have to be performing covered service on the test date, rather they have to be on duty and subject to performing covered service.

In the event that all or a clearly defined portion of the supported railroad is subject to an emergency such as a flood or severe ice storm, the ranking operations officer on duty is authorized to declare an emergency by completing a memorandum setting forth the facts necessitating this action. If such an emergency determination is made, the date/time of the emergency and drug/alcohol tests that were suspended must be entered into the Program Administrator=s files. Random selections not administered because of the emergency are deemed void, and the selection numbers will be adjusted later to make the required percentage.

Only a substantiated medical emergency involving the selected person or an emergency involving an immediate family member (e.g., birth, death, or a medical emergency) provides the basis for excusing a covered employee person from being tested once notified. A medical emergency is defined as an acute medical condition requiring immediate emergency care. A person excluded under these criteria must provide substantiation from a credible outside professional (e.g., doctor, hospital, law enforcement officer, school authority, court official) which can be furnished prior to this release or within a reasonable period of time after the emergency has been resolved. Such excluded (excused) persons will not be tested based on this selection.

Once the covered service person selection is made, the Program Administrator will notify the person. No prior notification will be given. A selected person will only be tested during his/her tour of duty, extended only long enough to complete testing but not to exceed Federal hours of service law requirements. The person must proceed to the selected testing facility IMMEDIATELY upon notification by the Program Administrator or his/her agent. The collection date and time during the selection period (testing window) will be varied by the PA to ensure that it cannot be anticipated.
Drug Testing Procedures.

The designated collection agents will be qualified and follow the proper collection procedures as described in 49 CFR Part 40.

a. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) will review all drug test results as required in 49 CFR Part 40. All test results will be reported exclusively through the MRO.

b. A laboratory certified by the Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (DHHS/SAMHSA), under the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs, will perform all drug testing.

c. Test results will be reported from the laboratory only to the MRO for review and action consistent with 49 CFR Part 40.

d. The name of the individual providing the specimen will remain confidential and will not be provided to the laboratory performing the test. The testing laboratory is only able to identify the specimen by the specimen identification number printed on the chain-of-custody form. The laboratory will only use a urine custody and control form consistent with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 40.

e. The designated laboratory will only test for the drugs listed in 49 CFR 219.705.

f. The MRO will verify the results and report (using procedures in 49 CFR Part 40) to the Program Administrator or the designated representative whether the test was positive or negative and the drugs for which there was a positive result.

g. External blind performance testing specimens will be submitted by a rate of not less than three per 100 Federal employee specimens as required by 49 CFR 40.31.

Alcohol Testing Procedures.

Breath alcohol testing will be performed by fully trained and certified Breath Alcohol Technicians (BAT) using National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) approved testing devices. The results will be documented on an approved Federal Breath Alcohol Testing Form and will be signed by the employee and the BAT. At the time of the alcohol test, the employee will receive a copy of the test results, with an identical copy being sent to the contractor's Program Administrator.

For any FRA testing, the contractor employer should notify the employee in writing of test results.

a. Negative results. The Program Administrator will be mailed a copy of the negative test results.

b. Positive results. The BAT will immediately and directly notify the Railroad's Program Administrator if the test results are positive (.02 or higher). The Railroad's PA will notify the contractor's PA of the result who will take appropriate action to remove or restrict the employee from covered service.

Drug Test Results.

Positive Results. If the laboratory reports the drug test result as POSITIVE, the following procedures will be followed:

a. The MRO will immediately inform the covered service person of the result and offer the person the opportunity for an interview to discuss the test result. If the MRO has difficulty reaching the employee, the procedures set forth in 49 CFR 40.33 will be followed.

b. The MRO will complete the review as required by 40.33 and 49 CFR 219.707, determining if the external chain of custody was intact, if the person has a legitimate medical explanation for the presence of any controlled substance, and whether there is any basis to question the scientific sufficiency of the test results. In the case of an opiate positive, the MRO will also make the special determinations required by the regulation.

c. The MRO will then inform the person in writing whether the test result is verified positive as required by 49 CFR 219.707. A positive report will be provided to the person not later than 24 hours following removal from covered service.

d. If the MRO has verified the test result as positive, the MRO will report the result to the Railroad's Program Administrator. The MRO will provide the Program Administrator with a certified copy of copy two of the custody and control form, showing verification by the MRO. The MRO will not provide the Program Administrator with the quantitative test results unless the employee, as stipulated in the regulation, disputes the test. The railroad's PA will notify the contractor's PA of the result.

Negative results. If the MRO has determined that the drug test is NEGATIVE, the MRO will accomplish the required administrative review and report the negative results to this entity's Program Administrator who will provide the person with a negative report.

Alcohol Test Results.

a . Negative results. The Program Administrator will be mailed a copy of the negative test result.

b. Positive results. The testing facility (BAT) will immediately and directly notify the Railroad's Program Administrator if the test result is positive (any result > .02 BAC). Documentation of the result will then be mailed to the Program Administrator. The railroad's PA will notify the contractor's PA who will take appropriate action to remove or restrict the employee from covered service..

Both alcohol and drug testing are performed under the seven types of testing. Note: Alcohol testing for applicant tests has been suspended.

The other types of tests are explained in the DOI Department of Transportation Handbook.

Confidentiality.

a. Medical information a covered person provides to the MRO during the verification process is treated as confidential by the MRO and is not communicated to the DOI.

b. Confidentiality of Federal drug or alcohol testing results will be maintained as required by regulations. For example:

1. The laboratory observes confidentiality requirements as provided in the regulations. This entity does not advise the laboratory of the identity of persons submitting specimens. The laboratory performing the testing must keep all records pertaining to the drug test for a period of two years.

2. All test results will remain exclusively in the secure files of the MRO. The MRO will observe strict confidentiality in accordance with the regulations and professional standards. The MRO will retain the reports of individual test results as required in Subpart J.

3. The Program Administrator will maintain all test results reported by the MRO, both positive and negative, in secure storage. The results will be retained as required in Subpart J. Other personnel will be informed of individual test results only in the case of positive tests and authorized only on a need-to-know basis.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Certificate of Receipt. Each bureau shall ensure that each RO employee is required to sign a statement certifying that he or she has received a copy of these materials. Each bureau shall maintain the original of the signed certificate (file in OPF) and may provide a copy of the certificate to the RO person. Note these requirements apply to each RO person subsequently hired or transferred into a position requiring the performance of a RO function.

Training for Supervisors. Each bureau shall ensure that persons designated to determine whether post-accident or reasonable suspicion justification exists to require a RO person to undergo testing receive at least 60 minutes of training on post accident qualifying events, at least 60 minutes on alcohol misuse and receive at least an additional 60 minutes of training on controlled substances use.

Prescription Drugs (49 CFR 219.103).

There is nothing within this program which prohibits the use of controlled substances (on Schedules II through V of the controlled substance list) prescribed or authorized by a medical practitioner, if 219.103(a)(1)(2) and (3) and the instructions are followed. Covered personnel are required to seek the advice of a medical professional whenever any prescribed or over-the-counter drug appears to adversely affect the safety of the covered person during the performance of his/her covered functions.

Compliance with Testing Procedures.

a. All covered service personnel/applicants requested to undergo a Federal drug and/or alcohol test are required to promptly comply with this request. The DOI expects all prospective and current covered service personnel to exercise good faith and cooperation in complying with any procedures required under this policy. Refusal to submit to a Federal drug or alcohol test required under FRA rules, engaging in any conduct which jeopardizes the integrity of the specimen or the reliability of the test result, or any other violations of the prohibited conduct in 49 CFR Part 219.101 or 219.102 could subject the person to disciplinary action, (up to and including termination), independent and regardless of any test result. This includes failure to show up for a drug/alcohol test or postponing or rescheduling of specimen collections. The DOI reserves the right to require a direct observation collection for subsequent urine specimen collections when the covered service person has had a previous Federal test come up positive, or has failed to cooperate and comply fully with the Federal drug testing collection procedures on previous occasions and those circumstances resulted in a refusal to test under the FRA rules. Any subsequent follow-up testing could be under direct observation protocols.

b. As a minimum, a covered service person will be removed from FRA covered service for a minimum of nine months if there is a finding of Arefusal to test@.

Positive Test Results.

a. Covered service personnel will receive written notification of test results from the Program Administrator. A Federal positive drug test or a Federal alcohol test result of .02 or greater or a refusal to test will result in immediate removal from covered service under FRA regulations. A positive alcohol test of at least .02 but less than .04 will result in the removal of the person from covered service for at least eight hours.

b. A covered service person with a positive drug test or a breath alcohol test result of .04 or greater will be required to undergo an evaluation by a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) that is company approved, to determine the need for treatment. If treatment is warranted, the employee will be required to participate and comply with the recommended treatment and any after-care or follow-up treatment that may be recommended.

After treatment, the person will be required to provide a Federal return-to-duty specimen for testing (which is negative) prior to being allowed to return to covered service. In addition, the person will be subject to additional unannounced Federal follow-up testing, as determined by the SAP, for a maximum period of 60 months with a minimum of six tests being performed in the first twelve months (engineers - 6 drug tests and 6 alcohol tests). Failure to comply with these provisions and remain alcohol and drug-free will result in subsequent removal from covered services and could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

c. Other employer sanctions which could be applied to the covered service person for not complying with Part 219 are as follows:
- the same administrative and disciplinary actions listed in the DOT Handbook for the Department of the Interior Alcohol and Drug Testing Program.

Rehabilitation.

a. The DOI has an employee assistance program (EAP) and SAP which provides covered service personnel with a comprehensive EAP/SAP that can help individuals with alcohol and/or drug abuse problems.

EAP
Contact person: Pat Farrell; Steamtown; (570) 340-5187
Contract provider: Federal Occupational Health (or other designated contractor service)
Phone: 1-800-222-0364
SAP
Contact person: Same as above

b. Other rehabilitation information is as follows:

IDENTIFICATION OF TROUBLED EMPLOYEES

Voluntary referral and co-worker report:

The purpose of this provision is to prevent the use of alcohol and drugs in connection with covered service. The DOI supports and will assist in identification of those people performing covered service who abuse alcohol or drugs as a part of a treatable condition and help to ensure these people are provided the opportunity to obtain counseling or treatment; and to foster participation in preventing FRA regulation violations and encourage co-worker participation in the direct enforcement of these regulations, before those problems manifest themselves in detected violations.

The DOI will fully comply with the regulations governing the FRA "voluntary referral policy" and the FRA "co-worker report policy" in accordance with 49 CFR 219.403 & 405. The Steamtown EAP and Steamtown personnel are being properly informed of these requirements.
The DOI program to comply with Part 219.403 (voluntary referral policy) is as follows:

FRA PROHIBITIONS

The following FRA Prohibitions are mandated by 49 CFR 219.101, 102 & 103:

- No employee/person may use or possess alcohol or any controlled substance while assigned by a railroad to perform covered service

- No employee/person may report for covered service, or go or remain on duty in covered service while:
- - under the influence of or impaired by alcohol
- - having .04 or more alcohol concentration in the breath
- - under the influence of or impaired by any controlled substance

- No employee/person may use alcohol for whichever is the lesser of the following periods:
- - within four hours of reporting for covered service
- - after receiving notice to report for covered service

- No employee/person tested under the FRA regulations whose test result indicates an alcohol concentration of .02 or greater but less than .04 shall perform or be permitted to perform covered service functions for a period of not less than eight hours following administration of this test

- No employee/person who performs covered service may use a controlled substance at any time, whether on duty of off duty, except as permitted subject to the strict instructions of a licensed medical practitioner

Appendix 1

(Date)

Memorandum

To: Employees/Persons Occupying Positions Requiring Performance of Railroad Operations (RO)

From: (Bureau Head or Designee)

Subject: Employee Notice of New Testing Requirements

The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 (Public Law 102-143) requires alcohol and drug testing of safety-sensitive employees who perform railroad operations. On February 15, 1994, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration issued final rules requiring alcohol and drug testing of persons performing railroad operations (RO).

It has been determined that your position meets the new criteria for inclusion in the testing program mandated by DOT. Therefore, you will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing at any time following receipt of this notice.

Attached to this notice are definitions of terms used in the DOT testing program along with information you are required to have. Additionally, your agency drug testing liaison (name and telephone number of the agency drug testing liaison) is the point of contact for any questions you may have about this program.

Attachments

Your signature below acknowledges you have received and read this notice.

Printed Name Signature of Employee Date

NOTE: If an employee refuses to acknowledge this notice, the supervisor should certify that the notice was provided to the employee by signing below.

Signature of Supervisor Telephone Number Date

Attachment 1

FRA PROHIBITIONS

The following FRA Prohibitions are mandated by 49 CFR 219.101, 102 & 103:

- No employee/person may use or possess alcohol or any controlled substance while assigned by a railroad to perform covered service

Voluntary referral and co-worker report:

Attachment 2

DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN THE DOT/FRA TESTING PROGRAM

"Alcohol" - The intoxicating agency in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or other low molecular weight alcohols including methyl and isopropyl alcohol.

"Alcohol use" - The consumption of any beverage, mixture, or preparation, including any medication containing alcohol.

"Breath alcohol technician (BAT)" - An individual who instructs and assists individuals in the alcohol testing process and operates an evidential breath testing device.

"Drugs" - Marijuana, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, and cocaine are the drugs for which tested.

"Evidential breath testing device (EBT)" - A device approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the evidential testing of breath and placed on NHTSA's "Conforming Products List (CPL) of Evidential Breath Measurement Devices".

"Medical Review Officer (MRO)" - A licensed physician (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy) responsible for receiving laboratory results generated by an employer's drug testing program who has knowledge of substance abuse disorders and has appropriate medical training to interpret and evaluate an individual's confirmed positive test result together with his or her medical history and any other relevant biomedical information.

"Railroad Operations (RO)/Covered Service. Any function involved in the train's operation including ensuring that parts and accessories are in good working order, all safety equipment is in place and working, and inspections, services and conditioning of the train, tracks and signals are completed.

"Refusal to submit (to an alcohol or controlled substance test)" - A RO person: (1) fails to provide adequate breath for testing without a valid medical explanation after he or she has received notice of the requirement for breath testing; (2) fails to provide adequate urine for controlled substances testing without a valid medical explanation after he or she has received notice of the requirement for urine testing; or (3) engages in conduct that clearly obstructs the testing process.

ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENTS
FOR RAILROAD OPERATIONS/COVERED SERVICE

1. What procedures will be used to test for the presence of alcohol and controlled substances?

a. Alcohol test procedures - A breath alcohol technician (BAT) will administer breath alcohol testing using an evidential breath testing device (EBT) that meets National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's standards as indicated by their Conforming Products List.

b. Controlled substances (drug) testing procedures - A collection contractor will collect 45 milliliters of urine from the RO person. The specimen will be sent to a certified laboratory to test for the presence of marijuana, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, and cocaine. The RO person will have an opportunity to provide information to a Medical Review Officer that a positive result occurred for legal reasons.

2. What disciplinary action is mandated by the DOT regulations for positive test results?

The DOT regulations do not require a specific disciplinary action to be taken. However, the Department requires initiation of disciplinary action of a reprimand, suspension, demotion, or removal for a positive drug test just like the HHS program. In cases of alcohol concentration of 0.04 on a confirmation test, the Department recommends disciplinary action of a reprimand, suspicion, or removal. The Department requires initiation of removal action on the second finding of illegal drug use or an alcohol concentration of 0.04 on a confirmation test. Bureaus should consult with their servicing personnel and Solicitor's offices with respect to any disciplinary action.

NOTE: The American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) must be considered when proposing disciplinary actions.

3. What if initiation of removal conflicts with the ADA?

The provisions of the ADA are controlling.

4. Given the answer to number 7 above, are bureaus prevented from initiating removal action for the first positive test result?

No. As stated above, disciplinary action is governed by the specific facts of each case.

5. What are the effects of alcohol and controlled substances on work and behavior, signs and symptoms of an alcohol or controlled substances problem, and the role of an employee assistance program?

a. The following describes changes in the work and behavior patterns that are frequently associated with excessive drinking or drug abuse behavior:

(1) a pattern of absenteeism develops (i.e., after payday, before or after holidays, or weekends) or excuses are offered (i.e., colds, flu, bronchitis, sore throats, peculiar accidents, family problems);

(2) unexplained irritability or resentment;

(3) wage attachments or other involvement with the law;

(4) deteriorating personal appearance;

(5) odor of alcohol on breath (often covered by breath fresheners) or smell of burnt rope;

(6) "drinking lunch" and prolonged lunch hours;

(7) frequent disappearances at coffee breaks, frequent trips to the lavatory, with subsequent changes in physical/behavioral characteristics such as those described herein;

(8) poorer judgment;

(9) increasing complaints from fellow employees, supervisors;

(10) tardiness and early departure;

(11) drinking or drugging on the job;

(12) withdrawing from interaction with co-workers;

(13) avoiding/withdrawing from responsibility; or

(14) unusual patterns of behavior.

b. The following describes signs and withdrawal symptoms of alcohol and controlled substances use:

(1) Narcotics (heroin, dilaudid, methadone) - Signs of use include nodding, small pupils, skin scars, euphoria, nausea, and scratching. Withdrawal symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, irritability, tremors, cramps and nausea.

(2) Depressants (alcohol, valium, barbiturates, xanax, quaaludes) - Signs of use include slurred speech, drowsiness, drunken behavior with no odor of alcohol, slowed reactions, mood swings, and impaired judgments. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, tremors, convulsions and possible death.

(3) Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, crack) - Signs of use include runny nose, increased alertness and initiative, euphoria, loss of appetite, mood swings, borrowing money, decreased sexual performance/drive and depression-irritability. Withdrawal symptoms include agitation, depression (can be severe), disorientation and sleep disturbance.

(4) Hallucinogens (LSD, peyote, mescaline, PCP) - Signs of use include blank expression, staring, appearing drugged, hallucinations (sight, sound, taste, smell), poor perception (time and distance), restlessness, violent/hostile behavior, personality changes (unpredictable), psychosis, insensitivity to pain, and rapid and involuntary eye movement. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, irritability, alienation from surroundings and flash backs.

(5) Cannabis (marijuana, hash, hash oil) - Signs of use include reddening of eyes, euphoria, forgetfulness (short-term memory deficits), increased appetite, altered perception of time and distance, disoriented behavior, anxiety/paranoia and motivational syndrome. Withdrawal symptoms include sleep loss and disturbance, irritability, restlessness, hyperactivity, decreased appetite, sweating, sudden weight loss and increased salivation.

c. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides short-term professional counseling services. The counseling is confidential and free of charge to all employees. No names or any identifying information can be provided to the agency unless the employee signs a written statement authorizing the counselor to do so. Any employee may call an EAP counselor directly for assistance, however, in some situations where an employee is performing at an unacceptable level, or, engaging in unacceptable conduct, a supervisory referral is appropriate. The counselor will assess the problem and refer the employee to the appropriate treatment. The counselor will assist the employee with return to duty requirements, as required.

Attachment

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS FACTS SHEETS
Appendix 2

Alcohol (Ethanol) Fact Sheet

Alcohol is a drug that has been consumed throughout the world for centuries. It is considered a recreational beverage when consumed in moderation for enjoyment and relaxation during social gatherings. However, when consumed primarily for its physical and mood-altering effects, it is a substance of abuse. As a depressant, it slows down physical responses and progressively impairs mental functions.

Description

Generic/Chemical Names (Representative): Beer (about 4.5% alcohol), wine (about 14 to 20% alcohol), distilled spirits or liquor (about 50% alcohol).

Alternative Sources: After-shave lotion, cough medicine.

Common Street Names: Booze, juice, brew, grain, shine, hooch.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Pure ethanol (sold in some States as "Grain Alcohol") is a colorless liquid with a distinctive odor and taste. It has a cooling effect when rubbed on the skin. Most commonly, however, alcohol is consumed as the component of another beverage, and grain alcohol, itself, is normally diluted with juices or other soft drinks by the consumer. Depending upon the concentration of alcohol in the beverage, the aroma of alcohol may serve as indicator of the presence of alcohol in a beverage. Since the sale and distribution of all products containing more than a trace amount of ethanol are regulated by Federal and State governments, the best guide to whether a specific beverage contains alcohol will be label information if the original container is available.

Paraphernalia: Liquor, wine, after-shave, or cough medicine bottles; drinking glasses; cans of alcohol-containing beverages; can and bottle openers. Paper bags are sometimes used to conceal the container while the drink is being consumed.

Method of Intake: Alcohol is normally exclusively consumed by mouth. It is infrequently consumed as pure (grain) alcohol. It is, however, frequently consumed in the form in which it is sold (e.g. cans of bear, "straight" liquor, glasses of wine. Similarly, alcohol is often consumed in combination with other beverages (mixers) either to make it more palatable or to disguise from others that alcohol is being consumed.

Duration of Single Dose Effect: alcohol is fully absorbed into the blood stream within 30 minutes to 2 hours depending upon the beverage consumed and associated food intake. The body can metabolize about one quarter of an ounce (0.25oz.-roughly half the amount in a can of beer) of alcohol per hour.

The effects of alcohol on behavior (including driving behavior) vary with the individual and with the concentration of alcohol in the individual's blood. The level of alcohol achieved in the blood depends in large part (although not exclusively) upon the amount of alcohol consumed and the time period over which it was consumed. One rule of thumb says that in a 150 pound person, each drink adds 0.02% to BAC and hour that passes removes 0.01% from it.

Generally speaking, alcohol is absorbed into the blood relatively quickly and metabolized more slowly. Therefore, the potential exists for alcohol concentrations to build steadily throughout a drinking session. The table below shows some general effects of varying levels of blood concentration:

BAC Behavioral Effects

0.02-0.09%Loss of muscular coordination; impaired senses; changes in mood and personality.

0.10-0.19%Marked mental impairment, further loss of coordination, prolonged reaction time.

0.20-0.29%Nausea, vomiting, double vision.

0.30-0.39%Hypothermia, blackouts, anesthesia.

0.40-0.70%Coma, respiratory failure, death.

Detection Time: The detection time for alcohol depends upon the maximum level of BAC achieved and varies by individual. Since under FHWA regulations alcohol concentrations as low as 0.02% (under USDOT testing procedures, breath alcohol concentration is used as a proxy for blood alcohol concentration), require employer action and current technology can reliably detect this level, a driver who had achieved a moderate level of intoxication (i.e., 0.10% BAC) would be detectable approximately 8 hours after achieving that level (note: this is detectability after achieving this level and not after commencing or stopping drinking).

Dependency Level: The chronic use of alcohol can produce dependence in some individuals manifested by craving, withdrawal, and tolerance. Despite the fact that many individuals consume alcoholic beverages (over 90% of Americans at some point during their lives), relatively few of them (only about 10% of drinkers) develop psychological and physical dependency on it.
Signs and Symptoms

Evidence of Presence of Alcohol: Bottles, cans, and other containers which alcohol-containing beverages may have been purchased and/or consumed in; bottle caps from alcohol containers; bottle or can openers; drivers drinking from paper bags; odor of alcohol on containers or on driver's breath.

Physical Symptoms: Reduction of reflexes, slurred speech, loss of coordination, unsteady gait.

Behavioral Symptoms: Increased talkativeness, reduced emotional control, distorted judgement, impaired driving ability, gross effects on thinking and memory.

Effects of Alcohol on the Individual

Physical Health Effects

The liver is the primary site of alcohol metabolism and can be severely affected by heavy alcohol use. The three primary dangers are fatty liver, alcohol hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

Heavy alcohol use can also severely affect the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to inflammation of the esophagus, exacerbating peptic ulcers, and causing acute and chronic pancreatitis. It interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food and contributes to malnutrition.

Heavy alcohol use affects the heart and vascular system contributing to heart attacks, hypertension, and strokes.

Either because of direct action or indirectly through the malnutrition, liver disease, and other effects it causes, alcohol depresses immune system functioning and increases the likelihood of infection.

There is considerable evidence that alcohol abuse is associated with the incidence of cancer, particularly cancers of the liver, esophagus, nasopharynx, and larynx.

Heavy alcohol consumption causes brain damage manifested through dementia, blackouts, seizures, hallucinations, and peripheral neuropathy.

Other Health Effects

In addition to having direct health effects through physiological changes in the drinker's body, alcohol contributes significantly to health problems indirectly. While most of the medical consequences of alcohol use listed above result in chronic use, these other effects can often result from a single episode of acute use:

One-half of all traffic accident fatalities are alcohol-related.

The risk of a traffic fatality per mile driven is at least 8 times higher for a drink driver than a sober one.

Falls are the most common cause of nonfatal injuries in the U.S., and the second most common cause of fatal accidents. Estimates of the involvement of alcohol in these falls range from 20 to 80 percent. A BAC between 0.05% and 0.10% increases the likelihood of a fall by 3 times. Between 0.10 and 0.15% it increases by a factor of 10 and above 0.16% it increases by a factor of 60.

Research indicates over 60 percent of those dying in nonvehicular fires (fourth leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.A.) have BACs over 0.10 percent.

Approximately 38 percent of those drowning (third leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.) have been exposed to alcohol at the time of their deaths.

Between 20 and 36 percent of suicide victims have a history of alcohol abuse or were drinking shortly before their suicides.

Alcohol also plays a significant role in crime and family violence including spousal and child abuse.

Effects on Driver Performance

The statistics reported above make it clear that alcohol can have a devastating effect on driver performance. By affecting vision, reflexes, coordination, emotions, aggressiveness, and judgement, alcohol deprives the professional driver of most of the tools he or she relies upon to perform safely.

Hangovers also present a risk to driver behavior as would other illnesses. The sick feeling associated with hangovers including headaches, nausea, and other symptoms can distract a driver's attention and lead to accidents even though alcohol may no longer be detectable in the body.

Overdose Effects

Unconsciousness, coma, death.

Withdrawal Syndrome

Repeated use of alcohol results in tolerance with increasing consumption necessary to attain its characteristic effects. Alcohol at a given blood level produces less impairment in heavy drinkers than it does in less heavy drinkers. Alcohol is toxic by itself and coupled with the malnutrition common in alcoholics, can lead to kidney disease, deterioration of mental faculties, and psychotic episodes (the DT's) if the alcohol is withdrawn. The DT's are characterized by hallucinations and extreme fear, and their presence are a clear indication of alcohol dependence. Withdrawal and the associated DT's can be fatal.

References

Blum Kenneth, "Handbook of Abusable Drugs," published, NY, Gardner Press 1984.

Department of Health and Human Services, "Alcohol and Health: 7th Special Report to the U.S. Congress," Washington, DC, 1990.
Amphetamine Fact Sheet

Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants that speed up the mind and body. The physical sense of energy at lower does and the mental exhilaration at higher doses are the reasons for abuse. Although widely prescribed at one time for weight reduction and mood elevation, the legal use of amphetamines is now limited to a very narrow range of medical conditions. Most amphetamines that are abused are illegally manufactured in foreign countries and smuggled into the U.S. or clandestinely manufactured in crude laboratories.

Description

Generic/Chemical Names: Include Amphetamine and Methamphetamine. Trade Names include: Desoxyn; Dexapex; Fastin; Vasotilin; Dexedrine; Delcobese; Fetamine; Obetrol.

Common Street Names: Uppers; speed; bennies; crystal; black beauties; Christmas trees; white crosses; mollies; bam; crank; meth; ice; LA ice.

Distinguishing Characteristics: In their pure form amphetamines are yellowish crystals. They are manufactured in a variety of forms including pill, capsule, tablet, powder, and liquid. Amphetamines ("speed") is sold in counterfeit capsules or as white, flat, double scored "mini bennies". Methamphetamine is often sold as a creamy white, granular powder or in limps wrapped in aluminum foil or sealable plastic bags.

Paraphernalia: Needles, syringes, and rubber tubing for tourniquets, used for the injection method.

Method of Intake: The most common forms of amphetamines are pills, tablets, etc., which are ingested. The less frequent forms, liquid and powder, are injected or snorted.

Duration of Single Dose Effect: 2 to 4 hours.

Detection Time: 1 to 2 days after use.

Dependency Level: Psychological dependence on amphetamines is known to be high. Physical dependence is possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Use

Evidence of Presence of Amphetamines: Most frequently-pills, capsules, or tablets; envelopes, bags, vials for storing the drug. Less frequently-syringes, needles, tourniquets.

Physical Symptoms: Dilated pupils; sweating; increased blood pressure; palpitations; rapid heartbeat; dizziness; decreased appetite; dry mouth, headaches; blurred vision; insomnia; high fever (depending on the level of the dose).

Behavioral Symptoms: Confusion; panic; talkativeness, hallucinations, restlessness; anxiety; moodiness; false sense of confidence and power, "amphetamine psychosis" which might result extended use.

Effects of Amphetamine Use on the Individual

Physical Health Effects

Regular use produces strong psychological dependence and increasing tolerance to drug.

High doses may cause toxic psychosis resembling schizophrenia.

Intoxication may induce a heart attack or stroke due to spiking of blood pressure.

Chronic use may cause heart and brain damage due to severe constriction of capillary blood vessels.

The euphoric stimulation increases impulsive and risk-taking behaviors, including bizarre and violent acts.

Long-term heavy use can lead to malnutrition, skin disorders, ulcers, and various diseases that come from vitamin deficiencies.

Lack of sleep, weight loss, and depression also result from regular use.

Users who inject drugs intravenously can get serious and life-threatening infections (e.g., lung or heart disease, kidney damage) from non-sterile equipment or contaminated self-prepared solutions.

Effects on Mental Performance

Anxiety, restlessness
Moodiness
False sense of power

Large doses over long period can result in

Hallucinations
Delusions
Paranoia
Brain damage

Effects on Driver Performance

Amphetamines cause a false sense of alertness and potential hallucinations which can result in risky driver behavior and increased accidents. Drivers who fail to get sufficient rest may use the drug to increase alertness. However, although low doses will cause a short-term improvement in mental and physical functioning, greater use impairs functioning.

Overdose Effects

Agitation
Increase in body temperature
Hallucinations
Convulsions
Death

Withdrawal Syndrome

Apathy
Long-term periods of sleep
Irritability
Depression
Disorientation

Workplace Issues

Since amphetamines alleviate the sensation of fatigue, they may be abused to increase alertness because of unusual overtime demands or failure to get rest.

Low-dose amphetamine use will cause a short-term improvement in mental and physical functioning. With greater use or increasing fatigue, the effect reverses and has an impairing effect. Hangover effect is characterized by physical fatigue and depression, which may make operation of equipment or vehicles dangerous.
Cocaine Fact Sheet

Cocaine is used as a local anesthetic. It is abused as a powerful physical and mental stimulant. The entire central nervous system is energized. Muscles are more tense, the heart beats faster and stronger, and the body burns more energy. The brain experiences an exhilaration caused by a large release of neurohormone associated with mood elevations.

Description

Generic/Chemical Names: Cocaine Hydrochloride or Cocaine Base.

Common Street Names: Coke; crack; snow; blow; flake; "C"; toot; rock; base; nose candy; snort; white horse.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Cocaine is an alkaloid (organic base) derived from the coca plant. In its more common form, cocaine hydrochloride or "snorting coke" is a white to creamy granular or lumpy powder chopped fine before use. Cocaine base, rock or crack is a crystalline rock about the size of a small pebble.

Paraphernalia: Cocaine hydrochloride - single-edged razor blade; a small mirror or piece of smooth metal; a half straw or metal tube; and a small screw cap vial or folded paper packet containing the cocaine (used for snorting); needles, tourniquets (used for injecting). Cocaine base - a "crack pipe" (small glass smoking device for vaporizing the crack crystals); a lighter, alcohol lamp, small butane torch for heating the substance.

Method of Intake: Cocaine hydrochloride is snorted into the nose, rubbed on the gums, or injected into the veins. Cocaine base is heated in a glass pipe and the vapor is inhaled.

Duration of a Single Dose Effect: 1 to 2 hours.

Detection Time: Up to 2 to 3 days after last use.

Dependency Level: Research indicates possible physical dependence. Although there is insufficient evidence for humans, animal studies indicate "reverse tolerance", in which certain behavioral effects become stronger with repeated use of cocaine. Psychological dependence on cocaine is known to be high.

Signs and Symptoms

Evidence of Presence of Cocaine: Small folded envelopes, plastic bags, or vials used to store cocaine; razor blades; cut-off drinking straws or rolled bills for snorting; small spoons; heating apparatus.

Physical Symptoms: Dilated pupils; runny or irritated nose; profuse sweating; dry mouth; tremors; needle tracks; loss of appetite; hyper excitability; restlessness; high blood pressure; heart palpitations; insomnia; talkativeness; formication (sensation of bugs crawling on skin).

Behavioral Symptoms: Increased physical activity; depression; isolation and secretive behavior; unusual defensiveness; frequent absences; wide mood swings; difficulty in concentration; paranoia, hallucinations; confusion; false sense of power and control.

Effects of Cocaine Use on the Individual

Physical Health Effects

Research suggests that regular cocaine use may upset the chemical balance of the brain. As a result, it may speed up the aging process by causing irreparable damage to critical nerve cells. The onset of nervous system illnesses such as Parkinson's disease could also occur.

Cocaine use causes the heart to beat faster and harder and rapidly increases blood pressure. In addition, cocaine causes spasms of blood vessels in the brain and heart. Both effects lead to ruptured vessels causing strokes or heart attacks.

Strong psychological dependency can occur with one "hit" of crack. Usually, mental dependency occurs within days of using crack or within several months of snorting coke. Cocaine causes the strongest mental dependency of any known drug.

Treatment success rates are lower than those of other chemical dependencies.

Cocaine is extremely dangerous when taken with depressant drugs. Death due to overdose is rapid. The fatal effects of an overdose are not usually reversible by medical intervention. The number of cocaine overdose deaths in the U.S. has tripled in the last four years.

Effects On Mental Performance

Paranoia and hallucinations
Hyper excitability and overreaction to stimulus
Difficulty in concentration
Wide mood swings
Withdrawal leads to depression and disorientation.

Effects on Driver Performance

Cocaine use results in an artificial sense of power and control which leads to a sense of invincibility. Lapses in attention and the ignoring of warning signals brought on by cocaine use greatly increase the potential for accidents. Paranoia, hallucinations, and extreme mood swings make for erratic and unpredictable reactions while driving.

The high cost of cocaine frequently leads to workplace theft and/or dealing. Forgetfulness, absenteeism, tardiness, and missed assignments can translate into lost business.

Overdose Effects

Agitation
Increase in body temperature
Hallucinations
Convulsions
Death

Withdrawal Syndrome

Apathy
Long period of sleep
Irritability
Depression
Disorientation
Cannabinoids (Marijuana) Fact Sheet

Marijuana is one of the most misunderstood and underestimated drug of abuse. People use marijuana for the mildly tranquilizing and mood-altering effects it produces.

Description

Generic/Chemical Name: Dronabinal, Marinol, and Nabilone.

Common Street Names: Pot, dope, grass, hemp, weed, hooch, herb, hash, joint, Acapulco gold, reefer, sinsemilla, Thai sticks.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Like tobacco, marijuana consists of dried, chopped leaves they are green to light tan in color. The seeds are oval with one slightly pointed end. Marijuana has a distinctly pungent aroma resembling a combination of sweet alfalfa and incense. Less prevalent, hashish is a compressed sometimes tar-like substance ranging in color from pale yellow to black. It is usually sold in small chunks wrapped in aluminum foil.

Paraphernalia: Cigarette papers, roach clip holders, and small pipes made of bone, brass, or glass are commonly found. Smoking "bongs" can easily be made from soft drink cans and toilet paper rolls.

Method of Intake: Marijuana is usually inhaled in cigarette or pipe smoke. Occasionally, it is added to baking ingredients (e.g. brownies) and ingested. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active chemical detected in urinalysis, is released by exposure to heat.

Duration of Single Dose Effect: The most obvious effects are felt for 4 to 6 hours. Preliminary studies suggest that performance impairment lasts longer. The active chemical, THC, stores in body fat and is slowly metabolized over time.

Detection Time: Traces of marijuana will remain in the urine of an occasional user for up to 1 week; and in the case of a chronic user, for 3 to 4 weeks.

Dependency Level: Evidence indicates moderate psychological dependence.

Signs and Symptoms of Use

Evidence of Presence of Marijuana: Plastic bags (used to sell marijuana); smoking papers; roach clip holders; small pipes of bone, brass, or glass; smoking bongs; distinctive odor.

Physical Symptoms: Reddened eyes (often masked by eye drops); stained fingertips from holding "joints", particularly for non-smokers; chronic fatigue; irritating cough, chronic sore throat; accelerated heartbeat; slowed speech; impaired motor coordination; altered perception; increased appetite.

Behavioral Symptoms: Impaired memory; time-space distortions; feeling of euphoria; panic reactions; paranoia; I don't care attitude; false sense of power.

Health Effects

General

When marijuana is smoked, it is irritating to the lungs. Chronic smoking causes emphysema-like conditions.

One joint causes the heart to race and be overworked. People with undiagnosed heart conditions are at risk.

Marijuana is commonly contaminated with the fungus Aspergillus, which can cause serious respiratory tract and sinus infections.

Marijuana smoking lowers the body's immune system response, making users more susceptible to infection. The U.S. government is actively researching a possible connection between marijuana smoking and the activation of AIDS in positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers.

Pregnancy Problems and Birth Defects

The active chemical, THC, and 60 other related chemicals in marijuana concentrate in the ovaries and testes.

Chronic smoking of marijuana in males causes a decrease in sex hormone, testosterone, and increase in estrogen, the female sex hormone. The result is a decrease in sperm count, which can lead to temporary sterility. Occasionally, the onset of female sex characteristics including breast development occurs in heavy users.

Chronic smoking of marijuana in females causes a decrease in fertility and an increase in testosterone.

Pregnant women who are chronic marijuana smokers have a higher than normal incidence of stillborn births, early termination of pregnancy, and higher infant mortality rate during the first few days of life.

In test animals, THC causes birth defects, including malformations of the brain, spinal cord, forelimbs, and liver and water on the brain and spine.

Offsprings of test animals who were exposed to marijuana have fewer chromosomes than normal, causing gross birth defects or death of the fetus. Pediatricians and surgeons are concluding that the use of marijuana by either or both parents, especially during pregnancy, leads to specific birth defects of the infant's feet and hands.

One of the most common effects of prenatal cannabinoid exposure is underweight newborn babies.

Fetal exposure may decrease visual functioning and causes other ophthalmic problems.

Mental Function

Regular use can cause the following effects:

Delayed decision-making

Diminished concentration

Impaired short-term memory, interfering with learning

Impaired signal detection (ability to detect a brief flash of light), a risk for users who are operating machinery.

Impaired tracking (the ability to follow a moving object with the eyes) and visual distance measurements.

Erratic cognitive function.

Distortions in time estimation.

Long-term negative effects on mental function known as "acute brain syndrome" which is characterized by disorders in memory, cognitive function, sleep patterns, and physical condition.

Effects on Driver Performance

The mental impairments resulting from the use of marijuana produce reactions that can lead to unsafe and erratic driving behavior. Distortions in visual perceptions, impaired signal detection, and altered reality can make driving a vehicle very dangerous.
Overdose Effects

Aggressive urges
Anxiety
Confusion
Fearfulness
Hallucinations
Heavy sedation
Immobility
Panic
Paranoic reaction
Unpleasant distortions in body image

Withdrawal Syndrome

Sleep disturbance
Hyperactivity
Decreased appetite
Irritability
Gastrointestinal distress
Salivation, sweating, and tremors

Workplace Issues

The active chemical, THC, stores in body fat and slowly releases over time. Marijuana smoking has long-term effect on performance.

A 500 to 800 percent increase in THC concentration in the past several years makes smoking three to five joints a week today equivalent to 15 to 40 joints a week in 1978.

Combining alcohol or other depressant drugs and marijuana can produce a multiplied effect, increasing the impairing effect of both the depressant and marijuana.
Opiates (Narcotics) Fact Sheet

Opiates (also called narcotics) are drugs that alleviate pain, depress body functions and reactions,and when taken in large doses, causes a strong euphoric feeling.

Description

Generic/Chemical Names: Natural and Natural Derivatives include: opium; morphine; codeine; and heroin (semi-synthetic).

Synthetics include: meperidine (Demerol); oxymorphine (Numorphan); and oxycodone (Percodan).

Common Street Names: Big M; micro; dots; horse; "H"; junk; smack; scag; Miss Emma; dope; China white.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Because of the variety of compounds and forms, opiates are more difficult to clearly describe in terms of form, color, odor, and other physical characteristics. Opium and its derivatives can range from dark brown chunks to white crystals or powders. Depending on the method of intake, they may be in powder, pill or liquid form.

Paraphernalia: Needles; syringe caps; eyedroppers; bent spoons; bottle caps; and rubber tubing (used in the preparation for injection of the drug).

Method of Intake: Opiates may be taken in pill form, smoked, or injected, depending upon the type of narcotic used.

Duration of Single Dose Effect: 3 to 6 hours.

Detection Time: Usually up to 2 days.

Dependency Level: Both physical and psychological dependence on opiates are known to be high. Dependence on codeine is moderate.

Signs and Symptoms of Use

Evidence of Presence of Drug: In addition to paraphernalia enumerated above, the following items may be present: foil, glassine envelopes, or paper "bundles" (packets for holding drugs); balloons or prophylactics used to hold heroin; bloody tissues used to wipe the injection site; and a pile of burned matches used to heat the drug prior to injection.
Physical Symptoms: Constricted pupils; sweating; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; needle marks or "tracks", wearing long sleeves to cover tracks; loss of appetite; slurred speech; slowed reflexes; depressed breathing and heartbeat; and drowsiness and fatigue.

Behavioral Symptoms: Mood swings; impaired coordination; depression and apathy; stupor; and euphoria.

Health Effects

IV needle users have a high risk of contracting hepatitis and AIDS due to the sharing of needles.

Narcotics increase pain tolerance. As a result, people could more severely injure themselves or fail to seek medical attention after an accident due to the lack of pain sensitivity.

Narcotics' effects are multiplied when used in combination with other depressant drugs and alcohol, causing increased risk of an overdose.

Effects on Mental Performance

Depression and apathy
Wide mood swings
Slowed movement and reflexes

In addition the high physical and psychological dependence level of opiates compounds the impaired functioning.

Effects on Driver Performance

The apathy caused by opiates can translate into an "I don't really care" attitude towards performance. The physical effects as well as the depression, fatigue, and slowed reflexes impede the reaction time of the driver, raising the potential for accidents. Although opiates have a legitimate medical use in alleviating pain, workplace use may cause impairment of physical and mental functions.

Social Issues

There are over 500,000 heroin addicts in the US, most of whom are IV drug users.

An even greater number of medicinal narcotic-dependence persons obtain their narcotics through prescriptions.

Because of tolerance, there is an ever-increasing need for more narcotic to produce the same effect.

Strong mental and physical dependency occurs.

The combination of tolerance and dependency creates an increasing financial burden for the user. Costs of heroin can reach hundreds of dollars a day.

Workplace Issues

Unwanted side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, mental clouding, and drowsiness place the legitimate user and abuser at higher risk for an accident.

Narcotics have a legitimate medical use in alleviating pain. Workplace use may cause impairment of physical and mental functions.Phencyclidine (PCP) Fact Sheet

Phencyclidine (PCP) was originally developed as an anesthetic, but the adverse side effects prevented its use except as a large animal tranquilizer. PCP acts as both a depressant and a hallucinogen,and sometimes as a stimulant. It is abused primarily for its variety of mood-altering effects. Low does produce sedation and euphoric mood changes. The mood can change rapidly from sedation to excitation and agitation. Larger doses may produce a coma-like condition with muscle rigidity and a blank stare with the eyelids half closed. Sudden noises or physical shocks may cause "freak out" in which the person has abnormal strength, extremely violent behavior, and an inability to speak or comprehend communication.

Description

Generic/Chemical Names: Phencyclidine

Common Street Names: Angel dust; peace pills; hog; killer weed;mint; monkey; dust; supergrass; Tran Q; weed.

Distinguishing Characteristics: PCP is commonly sold as a creamy, granular powder. It is either brown or white and often packaged in one-inch square aluminum foil or folded paper packets. Occasionally, it is sold in capsule, tablet, or liquid form. It is sometimes combined with procaine, a local anesthetic, and sold as imitation cocaine.

Paraphernalia: Foil or paper packets; stamps; (off which PCP is licked); needles, syringes, and tourniquets (for injection); leafy herbs (for smoking).

Method of Intake: In pill, capsule, or tablet for, PCP may be ingested. It is commonly injected as "angel dust". It may be smoked or snorted when applied to leafy materials or combined with marijuana or tobacco.

Duration of Single Dose Effect: Days

Detection Time: Up to 8 days.

Dependency Level: Psychological dependence on PCP is known to be high. Physical dependence is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms of Use

Evidence of Presence of PCP: Packets; stamps; injection paraphernalia; herbs.

Physical Symptoms: Dilated or floating pupils; blurred vision; nystagmus (jerky eye movement); drooling; muscle rigidity; profuse sweating; decreased sensitivity to pain; dizziness; drowsiness; impaired physical coordination (e.g. drunken-like walk, staggering); severe disorientation; rapid heartbeat.

Behavioral Symptoms: Anxiety; panic/fear/terror; aggressive/violent behavior; distorted perception; severe confusion and agitation; disorganization; mood swings; poor perception of time and distance; poor judgement; auditory hallucinations.

Health Effects

The potential for accidents and overdose emergencies is high due to the extreme mental effects combined with the anesthetic effect on the body.

PCP is potentiated by other depressant drugs, including alcohol, increasing the likelihood of an overdose reaction.

Misdiagnosing the hallucinations as LSD induced, and then treating with Thorazine, can cause a fatal reaction.

Use can cause irreversible memory loss, personality changes, and other disorders.

There are four phases to PCP abuse. The first phase is acute toxicity. It can last up to three days and can include combativeness, catatonia, convulsions, and coma. Distortions of size, shape, and distance perception are common. The second phase, which does not always follow the first, is toxic psychosis. Users may experience visual and auditory delusions, paranoia, and agitation. The third phase, is a drug-induced schizophrenia that may last a month or longer. The fourth phase is PCP-induced depression. Suicidal tendencies and mental dysfunction can last for months.

Effects on Mental Performance

Irreversible memory loss.
Personality changes.
Thought disorders.
Hallucination

Effects on Driver Performance

The distortions in perception, and potential visual and auditory make driver performance unpredictable and dangerous. PCP use can cause drowsiness, convulsions, paranoia, agitation, or coma, all obviously dangerous to driving.
Overdose Effects

Longer, more intense "trip" episodes
Psychosis
Coma
Possible death

Workplace Issues

PCP abuse is less common today than in recent years. It is also not generally used in a workplace setting because of the severe disorientation that occurs.

References

Federal Highway Administration, Office of Motor Carriers, "Guidelines for Implementing the FHWA Anti-Drug Program," Publication No. FHWA-MC-91-014, March 1992.

ANNUAL REPORTAppendix 3

Instructions for Submission of Annual FRA Report

Each Bureau shall prepare and maintain an annual calendar year summary of the results of its alcohol and controlled substances testing under the DOT Program. By March 15 of each year, the bureau shall complete the annual summary covering the previous calendar. A copy of the report will be submitted to the Employee and Public Services Staff, National Business Center, Mail Stop 1366, 1849 C Street N.W., Washington DC, 20240. The Employee and Public Services staff will maintain the reports and as necessary make them available to the Department of Transportation.

The report shall be submitted using the attached forms. The
forms should be duplicated locally.

Appendix 4

FRA Random Testing Methodology (11/2000)

Random Testing Pool

The random pool will include all covered service persons (employees and volunteers) listed by name and ssn.
Full time employees will be eligible for selection 12 months of the year.
Volunteers will be eligible for selection while they are subject to performing covered service from April to December (during normal time of train operations).

The pool will be updated monthly, before the next random selection is made. The Steamtown operations administrator will provide the list of names of covered service persons to the DOI Program Administrator. The number of persons will be carefully monitored in order to ensure that an appropriate number of tests will be conducted each calender year.

The job categories for employees/volunteers in the pool include: dispatchers, conductors, engineers, passenger services, signal maintenance, etc.

Test(s) will be performed only on those randomly selected. No one will have the discretion as to who would be actually providing a sample.

Random Selections

No person performing covered service will be eliminated from the pool; there will be no selections without replacement; and there will be no selection weighting.

DOI has approx. 64 persons performing covered service.
25% random drug = 16 drug tests per year.
10% random alcohol = 6 alcohol tests per year.
Random selections will be made on a monthly basis, at the beginning of each month.
Adjustments will be made for no tests so they are conducted the next month.

We will conduct the proper number of tests for the total number of covered positions. That number will be adjusted for increases and decreases in population.
For example, if the testing pool has 64 people in testing positions, the drug/alcohol testing would be conducted as follows:
From January thru March; 3 drug and 1 alcohol tests will be conducted. The first person randomly selected will be both drug and alcohol tested; the other two people will only be drug tested.
In January, one person will be randomly selected, and will be both drug and alcohol tested.
In February, one person will be randomly selected, and will be only drug tested.
In March, one person will be randomly selected, and will be only drug tested.

From April thru June; 5 drug and 2 alcohol tests will be conducted. The first two people randomly selected will be both drug and alcohol tested; the other 3 people will only be drug tested.
In April, two people will be randomly selected, and will be both drug and alcohol tested.
In May, two people will be randomly selected, and will only be drug tested.
In June, one person will be randomly selected, and will only be drug tested.

From July thru September; 4 drug and 2 alcohol tests will be conducted. The first two people randomly selected will be both drug and alcohol tested; the other four people will only be drug tested.
In July, two people will be randomly selected, and will be both drug and alcohol tested.
In August, one person will be randomly selected, and will only be drug tested.
In September, one person will be randomly selected, and will only be drug tested.

From October thru December; 4 drug and 1 alcohol tests will be conducted. The first two people randomly selected will be both drug and alcohol tested; the other three people will only be drug tested.
In October, two people will be randomly selected. The first one randomly selected will be both drug and alcohol tested. The second one randomly selected will only be drug tested.
In November, one person will be randomly selected, and will only be drug tested.
In December, one person will be randomly selected, and will only be drug tested.

The DOI Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) developed, maintains and performs the random testing methodology. FWS uses Quatro Pro or Excel (or similar computer random number generator program) to generate random numbers between 0 and 64 (or whatever the total number of testing positions is for the month). The Steamtown list will be provided to the FWS and numbered in record order starting with the number one at the top of the list, and through number 64 for the last name on the list. FWS will match the random numbers generated with the people in the record order, and provide that information to the DOI Program Administrator. The DOI Program Administrator will in turn notify the Steamtown operations administrator of the selections. The operations administrator will give the selected person no more than 2 hours notice on the day of testing. The DOI Program Administrator will determine when the test(s) will be conducted, based on work schedules and logistics.

Testing will be distributed unpredictably throughout the designated testing period, covering all operating days and shifts. Collections will be conducted at the beginning, middle and end of the work shift.

All no tests and reasons will be documented by the DOI Program Administrator.

The local clinic near Steamtown will perform the drug/alcohol tests. Additional clinics have been identified for backup service.

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