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PART 219—CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

Authority:   49 U.S.C. 20103, 20107, 20140, 21301, 21304, 21311; 28 U.S.C. 2461, note; and 49 CFR 1.49(m).

Source:   66 FR 41973, Aug. 9, 2001, unless otherwise noted.

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(a) The purpose of this part is to prevent accidents and casualties in railroad operations that result from impairment of employees by alcohol or drugs.

(b) This part prescribes minimum Federal safety standards for control of alcohol and drug use. This part does not restrict a railroad from adopting and enforcing additional or more stringent requirements not inconsistent with this part.

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(a) General. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, this part applies to—

(1) Railroads that operate rolling equipment on standard gage track which is part of the general railroad system of transportation; and

(2) Railroads that provide commuter or other short-haul rail passenger service in a metropolitan or suburban area (as described by 49 U.S.C. 20102) in the United States.

(b) Exceptions available to both domestic and foreign railroads. (1) This part does not apply to a railroad that operates only on track inside an installation which is not part of the general railroad system of transportation.

(2) Subparts D, E, F and G of this part do not apply to a railroad that—

(i) Has a total of 15 or fewer employees who are covered by the hours of service laws at 49 U.S.C. 21103, 21104, or 21105, or who would be subject to the hours of service laws at 49 U.S.C. 21103, 21104, or 21105 if their services were performed in the United States; and

(ii) Does not operate on the tracks in the United States of another railroad (or otherwise engage in joint operations in the United States with another railroad) except as necessary for purposes of interchange.

(3) Subpart I of this part does not apply to a railroad that has fewer than 400,000 total employee hours, including hours worked by all employees of the railroad, regardless of occupation, not only while in the United States but also while outside the United States. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “employees of the railroad” includes individuals who perform service for the railroad, including not only individuals who receive direct monetary compensation from the railroad for performing a service for the railroad, but also such individuals as employees of a contractor to the railroad who perform a service for the railroad.

(c) Exceptions available to foreign railroads only. (1) Subparts E, F and G of this part do not apply to train or dispatching service in the United States performed by an employee of a foreign railroad whose primary reporting point is outside the United States, on that portion of a rail line in the United States extending up to10 route miles from the point that the line crosses into the United States from Canada or Mexico.

(2) Unless otherwise provided by paragraph (b) of this section, subparts A, B, C, D, H, I, and J of this part apply to signal service in the United States of a foreign railroad performed by an employee of the foreign railroad if the employee's primary place of reporting is located outside the United States. Subparts E, F, and G of this part do not apply to signal service in the United States of a foreign railroad performed by an employee of the foreign railroad if the employee's primary place of reporting is located outside the United States.

(3) Unless otherwise excepted under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, on and after June 11, 2004, a foreign railroad shall conduct a pre-employment drug test on each of its final applicants for, and each of its employees seeking to transfer for the first time to, duties involving train or dispatching service in the United States while having his or her primary reporting point outside of the United States. The test shall be conducted in accordance with this part prior to the applicant or employee's performance of train or dispatching service in the United States.

[69 FR 19286, Apr. 12, 2004]

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(a) General. A foreign railroad may petition the FRA Associate Administrator for Safety for recognition of a workplace testing program promulgated under the laws of its home country as a compatible alternative to the return-to-service requirements in subpart B of this part and the requirements of subparts E, F, and G of this part with respect to its employees whose primary reporting point is outside the United States but who enter the United States to perform train or dispatching service and with respect to its final applicants for, or its employees seeking to transfer for the first time to, duties involving such service.

(1) To be so considered, the petition must document that the foreign railroad's workplace testing program contains equivalents to subparts B, E, F, and G of this part:

(i) Pre-employment drug testing;

(ii) A policy dealing with co-worker and self-reporting of alcohol and drug abuse problems;

(iii) Random drug and alcohol testing;

(iv) Return-to-duty testing; and

(v) Testing procedures and safeguards reasonably comparable in effectiveness to all applicable provisions of the United States Department of Transportation Procedures for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs (part 40 of this title).

(2) In approving a program under this section, the FRA Associate Administrator for Safety may impose conditions deemed necessary.

(b) Alternative programs. (1) Upon FRA's recognition of a foreign railroad's workplace testing program as compatible with the return-to-service requirements in subpart B and the requirements of subparts E, F, and G of this part, the foreign railroad must comply with either the enumerated provisions of part 219 or with the standards of the recognized program, and any imposed conditions, with respect to its employees whose primary reporting point is outside the United States and who perform train or dispatching service in the United States. The foreign railroad must also, with respect to its final applicants for, or its employees seeking to transfer for the first time to, duties involving such train or dispatching service in the United States, comply with either subpart E of this part or the standards of the recognized program.

(2) The foreign railroad must comply with subparts A, B (other than the return-to-service provisions in §219.104(d)), C, reasonable suspicion testing in subpart D, and subparts I and J. Drug or alcohol testing required by these subparts must be conducted in compliance with all applicable provisions of the United States Department of Transportation Procedures for Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs (part 40 of this title).

(c) Petitions for recognition of a foreign railroad's workplace testing programs. Each petition for recognition of a foreign workplace testing program shall contain:

(1) The name, title, address, and telephone number of the primary person to be contacted with regard to review of the petition;

(2) The requirements of the foreign railroad workplace testing program to be considered for recognition;

(3) Appropriate data or records, or both, for FRA to consider in determining whether the foreign railroad workplace testing program is equivalent to the minimum standards contained in this part and provides at least an equivalent level of safety.

(d) Federal Register notice. FRA will publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each petition under paragraph (c) of this section that it receives.

(e) Comment. Not later than 30 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Federal Register concerning a petition under paragraph (c) of this section, any person may comment on the petition.

(1) A comment shall set forth specifically the basis upon which it is made, and contain a concise statement of the interest of the commenter in the proceeding.

(2) Any comment on a petition should reference the FRA docket and notice numbers. A commenter may submit a comment and related material by only one of the following methods:

(i) Web site: http://dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.

(ii) Fax: 1–202–493–2251.

(iii) Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–0001.

(iv) Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.

(v) Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.

(3) The commenter shall certify that a copy of the comment was served on the petitioner. Note that all petitions received will be posted without change to http://dms.dot.gov including any personal information provided.

(f) Disposition of petitions. (1) If FRA finds that the petition complies with the requirements of this section and that the foreign railroad's workplace testing program is compatible with the minimum standards of this part, the petition will be granted, normally within 90 days of its receipt. If the petition is neither granted nor denied within 90 days, the petition remains pending for decision. FRA may attach special conditions to the approval of any petition. Following the approval of a petition, FRA may reopen consideration of the petition for cause.

(2) If FRA finds that the petition does not comply with the requirements of this section or that the foreign railroad's workplace testing program is not compatible with the minimum standards of this part, the petition will be denied, normally within 90 days of its receipt.

(3) When FRA grants or denies a petition, or reopens consideration of the petition, written notice is sent to the petitioner and other interested parties.

(g) Program recognition. If its program has been recognized, the foreign railroad shall maintain a letter on file indicating that it has elected to extend specified elements of the recognized program to its operations in the United States. Once granted, program recognition remains valid so long as the program retains these elements and the foreign railroad complies with the program requirements.

[69 FR 19286, Apr. 12, 2004]

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As used in this part—

Accident or incident reportable under part 225 does not include a case that is classified as “covered data” under §225.5 of this chapter ( i.e., employee injury/illness cases reportable exclusively because a physician or other licensed health care professional either made a one-time topical application of a prescription-strength medication to the employee's injury or made a written recommendation that the employee: Take one or more days away from work when the employee instead reports to work (or would have reported had he or she been scheduled) and takes no days away from work in connection with the injury or illness; work restricted duty for one or more days when the employee instead works unrestricted (or would have worked unrestricted had he or she been scheduled) and takes no other days of restricted work activity in connection with the injury or illness; or take over-the-counter medication at a dosage equal to or greater than the minimum prescription strength, whether or not the employee actually takes the medication).

Class I, Class II, and Class III have the meaning assigned by regulations of the Surface Transportation Board (49 CFR part 1201; General Instructions 1–1).

Controlled substance has the meaning assigned by 21 U.S.C. 802, and includes all substances listed on Schedules I through V as they may be revised from time to time (21 CFR Parts 1301–1316).

Covered employee means a person who has been assigned to perform service in the United States subject to the hours of service laws (49 U.S.C. ch. 211) 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 49 U.S.C. 21106.) For the purposes of pre-employment testing only, the term “covered employee” includes a person applying to perform covered service in the United States.

Covered service means service in the United States that is subject to the hours of service laws at 49 U.S.C. 21103, 21104, or 21105, but does not include any period the employee is relieved of all responsibilities and is free to come and go without restriction.

Co-worker means another employee of the railroad, including a working supervisor directly associated with a yard or train crew, such as a conductor or yard foreman, but not including any other railroad supervisor, special agent, or officer.

Cross-border operation means a rail operation that crosses into the United States from Canada or Mexico.

Domestic railroad means a railroad that is incorporated in the United States.

DOT Agency means an agency (or “operating administration”) of the United States Department of Transportation administering regulations requiring alcohol or controlled substance testing (14 CFR parts 61, 63, 65, 121 and 135; 49 CFR parts 199, 219, 382 and 655) in accordance with Part 40 of this title.

Drug means any substance (other than alcohol) that has known mind- or function-altering effects on a human subject, specifically including any psychoactive substance and including, but not limited to, controlled substances.

Foreign railroad means a railroad that is incorporated outside the United States.

FRA means the Federal Railroad Administration, United States Department of Transportation.

FRA representative means the Associate Administrator for Safety of FRA, the Associate Administrator's delegate (including a qualified State inspector acting under Part 212 of this chapter), the Chief Counsel of FRA, or the Chief Counsel's delegate.

General railroad system of transportation means the general railroad system of transportation in the United States.

Hazardous material means a commodity designated as a hazardous material by Part 172 of this title.

Impact accident means a train accident (i.e., a rail equipment accident involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold (see §225.19(e) of this chapter)) consisting of a head-on collision, a rear-end collision, a side collision (including a collision at a railroad crossing at grade), a switching collision, or impact with a deliberately-placed obstruction such as a bumping post. The following are not impact accidents:

(1) An accident in which the derailment of equipment causes an impact with other rail equipment;

(2) Impact of rail equipment with obstructions such as fallen trees, rock or snow slides, livestock, etc.; and

(3) Raking collisions caused by derailment of rolling stock or operation of equipment in violation of clearance limitations.

Independent with respect to a medical facility, means not under the ownership or control of the railroad and not operated or staffed by a salaried officer or employee of the railroad. The fact that the railroad pays for services rendered by a medical facility or laboratory, selects that entity for performing tests under this part, or has a standing contractual relationship with that entity to perform tests under this part or perform other medical examinations or tests of railroad employees does not, by itself, remove the facility from this definition.

Medical facility means a hospital, clinic, physician's office, or laboratory where toxicological specimens can be collected according to recognized professional standards.

Medical practitioner means a physician or dentist licensed or otherwise authorized to practice by the state.

NTSB means the National Transportation Safety Board.

Passenger train means a train transporting persons (other than employees, contractors, or persons riding equipment to observe or monitor railroad operations) in intercity passenger service, commuter or other short-haul service, or for excursion or recreational purposes.

Positive rate for random drug testing means the number of verified positive results for random drug tests conducted under this part plus the number of refusals of random drug tests required by this part, divided by the total number of random drug tests results ( i.e., positives, negatives, and refusals) under this part.

Possess means to have on one's person or in one's personal effects or under one's control. However, the concept of possession as used in this part does not include control by virtue of presence in the employee's personal residence or other similar location off of railroad property.

Railroad means any form of nonhighway ground transportation that runs on rails or electromagnetic guideways, and any person providing such transportation, including—

(1) Commuter or other short-haul railroad passenger service in a metropolitan or suburban area and commuter railroad service that was operated by the Consolidated Rail Corporation on January 1, 1979; and

(2) High speed ground transportation systems that connect metropolitan areas, without regard to whether those systems use new technologies not associated with traditional railroads; but does not include rapid transit operations in an urban area that are not connected to the general railroad system of transportation.

Railroad property damage or damage to railroad property refers to damage to railroad property, including railroad on-track equipment, signals, track, track structures (including bridges and tunnels), or roadbed, including labor costs and all other costs for repair or replacement in kind. Estimated cost for replacement of railroad property must be calculated as described in the FRA Guide for Preparing Accident/Incident Reports. (See §225.21 of this chapter.) However, replacement of passenger equipment is calculated based on the cost of acquiring a new unit for comparable service.

Reportable injury means an injury reportable under part 225 of this chapter except for an injury that is classified as “covered data” under §225.5 of this chapter ( i.e., employee injury/illness cases reportable exclusively because a physician or other licensed health care professional either made a one-time topical application of a prescription-strength medication to the employee's injury or made a written recommendation that the employee: Take one or more days away from work when the employee instead reports to work (or would have reported had he or she been scheduled) and takes no days away from work in connection with the injury or illness; work restricted duty for one or more days when the employee instead works unrestricted (or would have worked unrestricted had he or she been scheduled) and takes no other days of restricted work activity in connection with the injury or illness; or take over-the-counter medication at a dosage equal to or greater than the minimum prescription strength, whether or not the employee actually takes the medication.

Reporting threshold means the amount specified in §225.19(e) of this chapter, as adjusted from time to time in accordance with Appendix B to Part 225 of this chapter.

State means a State of the United States of America or the District of Columbia.

Supervisory employee means an officer, special agent, or other employee of the railroad who is not a co-worker and who is responsible for supervising or monitoring the conduct or performance of one or more employees.

Train, except as context requires, means a locomotive, or more than one locomotive coupled, with or without cars. (A locomotive is a self-propelled unit of equipment which can be used in train service.)

Train accident means a passenger, freight, or work train accident described in §225.19(c) of this chapter (a “rail equipment accident” involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold), including an accident involving a switching movement.

Train incident means an event involving the movement of railroad on-track equipment that results in a casualty but in which railroad property damage does not exceed the reporting threshold.

United States means all of the States.

Violation rate for random alcohol testing means the number of 0.04 and above random alcohol confirmation test results conducted under this part plus the number of refusals of random alcohol tests required by this part, divided by the total number of random alcohol screening tests (including refusals) conducted under this part.

[66 FR 41973, Aug. 9, 2001, as amended at 68 FR 10135, Mar. 3, 2003; 68 FR 75463, Dec. 31, 2003; 69 FR 19287, Apr. 12, 2004]

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(a) A person subject to a requirement of this part may petition the FRA for a waiver of compliance with such requirement.

(b) Each petition for waiver under this section must be filed in a manner and contain the information required by Part 211 of this chapter. A petition for waiver of the Part 40 prohibition against stand down of an employee before the Medical Review Officer has completed the verification must also comply with §40.21 of this title.

(c) If the FRA Administrator finds that waiver of compliance is in the public interest and is consistent with railroad safety, the Administrator may grant the waiver subject to any necessary conditions.

(d) Special dispensation for employees performing train or dispatching service on existing cross-border operations. If a foreign railroad requests a waiver not later than August 10, 2004, for an existing cross-border operation, subparts E, F, and G of this part shall not apply to train or dispatching service on that operation in the United States performed by an employee of a foreign railroad whose primary reporting point is outside the United States, until the railroad's waiver request is acted upon by FRA.

(e) Waiver requests for employees performing train or dispatching service on new or expanded cross-border operations. A foreign railroad seeking a waiver from subparts E, F, and G of this part for its employees performing train or dispatching service on a new cross-border operation that proceeds more than 10 route miles into the United States, or a formerly excepted cross-border operation that expands beyond the 10 mile limited haul exception in paragraph (d) of this section, must file a petition not later than 90 days before commencing the subject operation. FRA will attempt to decide on such petitions within 90 days. If no action is taken on the petition within 90 days, the petition remains pending for decision and the cross-border crew assignments on the operation covered by the petition will be subject to subparts E, F, and G until FRA grants the petition should the petitioner commence the proposed operation.

[66 FR 41973, Aug. 9, 2001, as amended at 69 FR 19287, Apr. 12, 2004]

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(a) Any person (an entity of any type covered under 1 U.S.C. 1, including but not limited to the following: A railroad; a manager, supervisor, official, or other employee or agent of a railroad; any owner, manufacturer, lessor, or lessee of railroad equipment, track, or facilities; any independent contractor providing goods or services to a railroad; and any employee of such owner, manufacturer, lessor, lessee, or independent contractor) who violates any requirement of this part or causes the violation of any such requirement is subject to a civil penalty of at least $550 and not more than $16,000 per violation, except that: Penalties may be assessed against individuals only for willful violations; where a grossly negligent violation or a pattern of repeated violations has created an imminent hazard of death or injury, or has caused death or injury, a penalty not to exceed $27,000 per violation may be assessed; and the standard of liability for a railroad will vary depending upon the requirement involved. See, e.g., §219.105, which must be construed to qualify the responsibility of a railroad for the unauthorized conduct of an employee that violates §219.101 or §219.102 (while imposing a duty of due diligence to prevent such conduct). Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. See Appendix A to this part for a statement of agency civil penalty policy.

(b)(1) In the case of joint operations, primary responsibility for compliance with this part with respect to determination of events qualifying for breath or body fluid testing under Subparts C and D of this part rests with the host railroad, and all affected employees must be responsive to direction from the host railroad consistent with this part. However, nothing in this paragraph (b)(1) restricts the ability of the railroads to provide for an appropriate assignment of responsibility for compliance with this part as among those railroads through a joint operating agreement or other binding contract. FRA reserves the right to bring an enforcement action for noncompliance with applicable portions of this part against the host railroad, the employing railroad, or both.

(2) Where an employee of one railroad is required to participate in breath or body fluid testing under Subpart C or D of this part and is subsequently subject to adverse action alleged to have arisen out of the required test (or alleged refusal thereof), necessary witnesses and documents available to the other railroad must be made available to the employee on a reasonable basis.

(c) Any independent contractor or other entity that performs covered service for a railroad has the same responsibilities as a railroad under this part, with respect to its employees who perform covered service. The entity's responsibility for compliance with this part may be fulfilled either directly by that entity or by the railroad's treating the entity's employees who perform covered service as if they were its own employees for purposes of this part. The responsibility for compliance must be clearly spelled out in the contract between the railroad and the other entity or in another document. In the absence of such a clear delineation of responsibility, FRA will hold the railroad and the other entity jointly and severally liable for compliance.

[66 FR 41973, Aug. 9, 2001, as amended at 69 FR 30593, May 28, 2004; 72 FR 51196, Sept. 6, 2007]

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(a) Any employee who performs covered service for a railroad is deemed to have consented to testing as required in subparts B, C, D, and G of this part; and consent is implied by performance of such service.

(b)(1) Each such employee must participate in such testing, as required under the conditions set forth in this part by a representative of the railroad.

(2) In any case where an employee has sustained a personal injury and is subject to alcohol or drug testing under this part, necessary medical treatment must be accorded priority over provision of the breath or body fluid specimen(s).

(3) Failure to remain available following an accident or casualty as required by company rules (i.e., being absent without leave) is considered a refusal to participate in testing, without regard to any subsequent provision of specimens.

(c) A covered employee who is required to be tested under subpart C or D of this part and who is taken to a medical facility for observation or treatment after an accident or incident is deemed to have consented to the release to FRA of the following:

(1) The remaining portion of any body fluid specimen taken by the treating facility within 12 hours of the accident or incident that is not required for medical purposes, together with any normal medical facility record(s) pertaining to the taking of such specimen;

(2) The results of any laboratory tests for alcohol or any drug conducted by or for the treating facility on such specimen;

(3) The identity, dosage, and time of administration of any drugs administered by the treating facility prior to the time specimens were taken by the treating facility or prior to the time specimens were taken in compliance with this part; and

(4) The results of any breath tests for alcohol conducted by or for the treating facility.

(d) An employee required to participate in body fluid testing under subpart C of this part (post-accident toxicological testing) or testing subject to subpart H of this part shall, if requested by the representative of the railroad or the medical facility (including, under subpart H of this part, a non-medical contract collector), evidence consent to taking of specimens, their release for toxicological analysis under pertinent provisions of this part, and release of the test results to the railroad's Medical Review Officer by promptly executing a consent form, if required by the medical facility. The employee is not required to execute any document or clause waiving rights that the employee would otherwise have against the employer, and any such waiver is void. The employee may not be required to waive liability with respect to negligence on the part of any person participating in the collection, handling or analysis of the specimen or to indemnify any person for the negligence of others. Any consent provided consistent with this section may be construed to extend only to those actions specified in this section.

(e) Nothing in this part may be construed to authorize the use of physical coercion or any other deprivation of liberty in order to compel breath or body fluid testing.

(f) Any railroad employee who performs service for a railroad is deemed to have consented to removal of body fluid and/or tissue specimens necessary for toxicological analysis from the remains of such employee, if such employee dies within 12 hours of an accident or incident described in subpart C of this part as a result of such event. This consent is specifically required of employees not in covered service, as well as employees in covered service.

(g) Each supervisor responsible for covered employees (except a working supervisor within the definition of co-worker under this part) must be trained in the signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug influence, intoxication and misuse consistent with a program of instruction to be made available for inspection upon demand by FRA. Such a program shall, at a minimum, provide information concerning the acute behavioral and apparent physiological effects of alcohol and the major drug groups on the controlled substances list. The program must also provide training on the qualifying criteria for post-accident testing contained in subpart C of this part, and the role of the supervisor in post-accident collections described in subpart C and Appendix C of this part. The duration of such training may not be less than 3 hours.

(h) Nothing in this subpart restricts any discretion available to the railroad to request or require that an employee cooperate in additional body fluid testing. However, no such testing may be performed on urine or blood specimens provided under this part. For purposes of this paragraph (h), all urine from a void constitutes a single specimen.

(i) A railroad required or authorized to conduct testing under this part may conduct all such testing in the United States. A foreign railroad required to conduct testing under this part may conduct such tests in its home country, provided that it otherwise complies with the requirements of this part.

[66 FR 41973, Aug. 9, 2001, as amended at 69 FR 19288, Apr. 12, 2004]

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(a) Under section 20106 of title 49, United States Code, issuance of the regulations in this part preempts any State law, rule, regulation, order or standard covering the same subject matter, except a provision directed at a local hazard that is consistent with this part and that does not impose an undue burden on interstate commerce.

(b) FRA does not intend by issuance of the regulations in this part to preempt provisions of State criminal law that impose sanctions for reckless conduct that leads to actual loss of life, injury or damage to property, whether such provisions apply specifically to railroad employees or generally to the public at large.

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Nothing in this part—

(a) Restricts the power of FRA to conduct investigations under sections 20107, 20108, 20111, and 20112 of title 49, United States Code; or

(b) Creates a private right of action on the part of any person for enforcement of the provisions of this part or for damages resulting from noncompliance with this part.

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(a) The information collection requirements of this part have been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ) and have been assigned OMB control number 2130–0526.

(b) The information collection requirements are found in the following sections: 219.7, 219.23, 219.104, 219.201, 219.203, 219.205, 219.207, 219.209, 219.211, 219.213, 219.303, 219.401, 219.403, 219.405, 219.407, 219.501, 219.502, 219.503, 219.601, 219.605, 219.701, 219.801, 219.803, 219.901, and 219.903.

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(a) Whenever a breath or body fluid test is required of an employee under this part, the railroad must provide clear and unequivocal written notice to the employee that the test is being required under FRA regulations. Use of the mandated DOT form for drug or alcohol testing satisfies the requirements of this paragraph (a).

(b) Whenever a breath or body fluid test is required of an employee under this part, the railroad must provide clear, unequivocal written notice of the basis or bases upon which the test is required (e.g., reasonable suspicion, violation of a specified operating/safety rule enumerated in subpart D of this part, random selection, follow-up, etc.). Completion of the DOT alcohol or drug testing form indicating the basis of the test (prior to providing a copy to the employee) satisfies the requirement of this paragraph (b). Use of the DOT form for non-Federal tests is prohibited.

(c) Use of approved forms for mandatory post-accident toxicological testing under subpart C of this part provides the notifications required under this section with respect to such tests. Use of those forms for any other test is prohibited.

(d) Each railroad must provide educational materials that explain the requirements of this part, and the railroad's policies and procedures with respect to meeting those requirements.

(1) The railroad must ensure that a copy of these materials is distributed to each covered employee prior to the start of alcohol testing under the railroad's alcohol misuse prevention program and to each person subsequently hired for or transferred to a covered position.

(2) Each railroad must provide written notice to representatives of employee organizations of the availability of this information.

(e) Required content. The materials to be made available to employees must include detailed discussion of at least the following:

(1) The identity of the person designated by the railroad to answer employee questions about the materials.

(2) The classes or crafts of employees who are subject to the provisions of this part.

(3) Sufficient information about the safety-sensitive functions performed by those employees to make clear that the period of the work day the covered employee is required to be in compliance with this part is that period when the employee is on duty and is required to perform or is available to perform covered service.

(4) Specific information concerning employee conduct that is prohibited under subpart B of this part.

(5) In the case of a railroad utilizing the accident/incident and rule violation reasonable cause testing authority provided by this part, prior notice (which may be combined with the notice required by §§219.601(d)(1) and 219.607(d)(1)), to covered employees of the circumstances under which they will be subject to testing.

(6) The circumstances under which a covered employee will be tested under this part.

(7) The procedures that will be used to test for the presence of alcohol and controlled substances, protect the employee and the integrity of the testing processes, safeguard the validity of the test results, and ensure that those results are attributed to the correct employee.

(8) The requirement that a covered employee submit to alcohol and drug tests administered in accordance with this part.

(9) An explanation of what constitutes a refusal to submit to an alcohol or drug test and the attendant consequences.

(10) The consequences for covered employees found to have violated Subpart B of this part, including the requirement that the employee be removed immediately from covered service, and the procedures under §219.104.

(11) The consequences for covered employees found to have an alcohol concentration of .02 or greater but less than .04.

(12) Information concerning the effects of alcohol misuse on an individual's health, work, and personal life; signs and symptoms of an alcohol problem (the employee's or a coworker's); and available methods of evaluating and resolving problems associated with the misuse of alcohol, including utilization of the procedures set forth in subpart E of this part and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of substance abuse professionals and counseling and treatment programs.

(f) Optional provisions. The materials supplied to employees may also include information on additional railroad policies with respect to the use or possession of alcohol and drugs, including any consequences for an employee found to have a specific alcohol concentration, that are based on the railroad's authority independent of this part. Any such additional policies or consequences must be clearly and obviously described as being based on independent authority.

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(a) Prohibitions. Except as provided in §219.103—

(1) No employee may use or possess alcohol or any controlled substance while assigned by a railroad to perform covered service.

(2) No employee may report for covered service, or go or remain on duty in covered service while—

(i) Under the influence of or impaired by alcohol;

(ii) Having .04 or more alcohol concentration in the breath or blood; or

(iii) Under the influence of or impaired by any controlled substance.

(3) No employee may use alcohol for whichever is the lesser of the following periods:

(i) Within four hours of reporting for covered service; or

(ii) After receiving notice to report for covered service.

(4) No employee tested under the provisions of this part whose test result indicates an alcohol concentration of .02 or greater but less than .04 may perform or continue to perform covered service functions for a railroad, nor may a railroad permit the employee to perform or continue to perform covered service, until the start of the employee's next regularly scheduled duty period, but not less than eight hours following administration of the test.

(5) If an employee tested under the provisions of this part has a test result indicating an alcohol concentration below 0.02, the test must be considered negative and is not evidence of alcohol misuse. A railroad may not use a federal test result below 0.02 either as evidence in a company proceeding or as a basis for subsequent testing under company authority. A railroad may take further action to compel cooperation in other breath or body fluid testing only if it has an independent basis for doing so.

(b) Controlled substance. “Controlled substance” is defined by §219.5. Controlled substances are grouped as follows: marijuana, narcotics (such as heroin and codeine), stimulants (such as cocaine and amphetamines), depressants (such as barbiturates and minor tranquilizers), and hallucinogens (such as the drugs known as PCP and LSD). Controlled substances include illicit drugs (Schedule I), drugs that are required to be distributed only by a medical practitioner's prescription or other authorization (Schedules II through IV, and some drugs on Schedule V), and certain preparations for which distribution is through documented over the counter sales (Schedule V only).

(c) Railroad rules. Nothing in this section restricts a railroad from imposing an absolute prohibition on the presence of alcohol or any drug in the body fluids of persons in its employ, whether in furtherance of the purpose of this part or for other purposes.

(d) Construction. This section may not be construed to prohibit the presence of an unopened container of an alcoholic beverage in a private motor vehicle that is not subject to use in the business of the railroad; nor may it be construed to restrict a railroad from prohibiting such presence under its own rules.

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No employee who performs covered service may use a controlled substance at any time, whether on duty or off duty, except as permitted by §219.103.

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(a) This subpart does not prohibit the use of a controlled substance (on Schedules II through V of the controlled substance list) prescribed or authorized by a medical practitioner, or possession incident to such use, if—

(1) The treating medical practitioner or a physician designated by the railroad has made a good faith judgment, with notice of the employee's assigned duties and on the basis of the available medical history, that use of the substance by the employee at the prescribed or authorized dosage level is consistent with the safe performance of the employee's duties;

(2) The substance is used at the dosage prescribed or authorized; and

(3) In the event the employee is being treated by more than one medical practitioner, at least one treating medical practitioner has been informed of all medications authorized or prescribed and has determined that use of the medications is consistent with the safe performance of the employee's duties (and the employee has observed any restrictions imposed with respect to use of the medications in combination).

(b) This subpart does not restrict any discretion available to the railroad to require that employees notify the railroad of therapeutic drug use or obtain prior approval for such use.

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(a) Removal from covered service. (1) If the railroad determines that an employee has violated §219.101 or §219.102, or the alcohol or controlled substances misuse rule of another DOT agency, the railroad must immediately remove the employee from covered service and the procedures described in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section apply.

(2) If an employee refuses to provide breath or a body fluid specimen or specimens when required to by the railroad under a mandatory provision of this part, the railroad must immediately remove the employee from covered service, and the procedures described in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section apply.

(3)(i) This section does not apply to actions based on breath or body fluid tests for alcohol or drugs that are conducted exclusively under authority other than that provided in this part (e.g., testing under a company medical policy, for-cause testing policy wholly independent of subpart D of this part, or testing under a labor agreement).

(ii) This section and the information requirements listed in §219.23 do not apply to applicants who refuse to submit to a pre-employment test or who have a pre-employment test with a result indicating the misuse of alcohol or controlled substances.

(b) Notice. Prior to or upon withdrawing the employee from covered service under this section, the railroad must provide notice to the employee of the reason for this action.

(c) Hearing procedures. (1) If the employee denies that the test result is valid evidence of alcohol or drug use prohibited by this subpart, the employee may demand and must be provided an opportunity for a prompt post-suspension hearing before a presiding officer other than the charging official. This hearing may be consolidated with any disciplinary hearing arising from the same accident or incident (or conduct directly related thereto), but the presiding officer must make separate findings as to compliance with §§219.101 and 219.102.

(2) The hearing must be convened within the period specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. In the absence of an agreement provision, the employee may demand that the hearing be convened within 10 calendar days of the suspension or, in the case of an employee who is unavailable due to injury, illness, or other sufficient cause, within 10 days of the date the employee becomes available for hearing.

(3) A post-suspension proceeding conforming to the requirements of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, together with the provisions for adjustment of disputes under sec. 3 of the Railway Labor Act (49 U.S.C. 153), satisfies the procedural requirements of this paragraph (c).

(4) Nothing in this part may be deemed to abridge any additional procedural rights or remedies not inconsistent with this part that are available to the employee under a collective bargaining agreement, the Railway Labor Act, or (with respect to employment at will) at common law with respect to the removal or other adverse action taken as a consequence of a positive test result in a test authorized or required by this part.

(5) Nothing in this part restricts the discretion of the railroad to treat an employee's denial of prohibited alcohol or drug use as a waiver of any privilege the employee would otherwise enjoy to have such prohibited alcohol or drug use treated as a non-disciplinary matter or to have discipline held in abeyance.

(d) The railroad must comply with the return-to-service and follow-up testing requirements, and the Substance Abuse Professional conflict-of-interest prohibitions, contained in §§40.305, 40.307, and 40.299 of this title, respectively.

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(a) A railroad may not, with actual knowledge, permit an employee to go or remain on duty in covered service in violation of the prohibitions of §219.101 or §219.102. As used in this section, the knowledge imputed to the railroad must be limited to that of a railroad management employee (such as a supervisor deemed an “officer,” whether or not such person is a corporate officer) or a supervisory employee in the offending employee's chain of command.

(b) A railroad must exercise due diligence to assure compliance with §§219.101 and 219.102 by each covered employee.

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(a) An employee who refuses to provide breath or a body fluid specimen or specimens when required to by the railroad under a mandatory provision of this part must be deemed disqualified for a period of nine (9) months.

(b) Prior to or upon withdrawing the employee from covered service under this section, the railroad must provide notice of the reason for this action, and the procedures described in §219.104(c) apply.

(c) The disqualification required by this section applies with respect to employment in covered service by any railroad with notice of such disqualification.

(d) The requirement of disqualification for nine (9) months does not limit any discretion on the part of the railroad to impose additional sanctions for the same or related conduct.

(e) Upon the expiration of the 9-month period described in this section, a railroad may permit the employee to return to covered service only under the same conditions specified in §219.104(d), and the employee must be subject to follow-up tests, as provided by that section.

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(a) List of events. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, post-accident toxicological tests must be conducted after any event that involves one or more of the circumstances described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section:

(1) Major train accident. Any train accident (i.e., a rail equipment accident involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold) that involves one or more of the following:

(i) A fatality;

(ii) A release of hazardous material lading from railroad equipment accompanied by—

(A) An evacuation; or

(B) A reportable injury resulting from the hazardous material release (e.g., from fire, explosion, inhalation, or skin contact with the material); or

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

(2) Impact accident. An impact accident (i.e., a rail equipment accident defined as an “impact accident” in §219.5) that involves damage in excess of the current reporting threshold, resulting in—

(i) A reportable injury; or

(ii) Damage to railroad property of $150,000 or more.

(3) Fatal train incident. Any train incident that involves a fatality to any on-duty railroad employee.

(4) Passenger train accident. Reportable injury to any person in a train accident (i.e., a rail equipment accident involving damage in excess of the current reporting threshold) involving a passenger train.

(b) Exceptions. No test may be required in the case of a collision between railroad rolling stock and a motor vehicle or other highway conveyance at a rail/highway grade crossing. No test may be required in the case of an accident/incident the cause and severity of which are wholly attributable to a natural cause (e.g., flood, tornado, or other natural disaster) or to vandalism or trespasser(s), as determined on the basis of objective and documented facts by the railroad representative responding to the scene.

(c) Good faith determinations. (1)(i) The railroad representative responding to the scene of the accident/incident must determine whether the accident/incident falls within the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section or is within the exception described in paragraph (b) of this section. It is the duty of the railroad representative to make reasonable inquiry into the facts as necessary to make such determinations. In making such inquiry, the railroad representative must consider the need to obtain specimens as soon as practical in order to determine the presence or absence of impairing substances reasonably contemporaneous with the accident/incident. The railroad representative satisfies the requirement of this section if, after making reasonable inquiry, the representative exercises good faith judgement in making the required determinations.

(ii) The railroad representative making the determinations required by this section may not be a person directly involved in the accident/incident. This section does not prohibit consultation between the responding railroad representative and higher level railroad officials; however, the responding railroad representative must make the factual determinations required by this section.

(iii) Upon specific request made to the railroad by the Associate Administrator for Safety, FRA (or the Associate Administrator's delegate), the railroad must provide a report describing any decision by a person other than the responding railroad representative with respect to whether an accident/incident qualifies for testing. This report must be affirmed by the decision maker and must be provided to FRA within 72 hours of the request. The report must include the facts reported by the responding railroad representative, the basis upon which the testing decision was made, and the person making the decision.

(iv) Any estimates of railroad property damage made by persons not at the scene must be based on descriptions of specific physical damage provided by the on-scene railroad representative.

(v) In the case of an accident involving passenger equipment, a host railroad may rely upon the damage estimates provided by the passenger railroad (whether present on scene or not) in making the decision whether testing is required, subject to the same requirement that visible physical damage be specifically described.

(2) A railroad must not require an employee to provide blood or urine specimens under the authority or procedures of this subject unless the railroad has made the determinations required by this section, based upon reasonable inquiry and good faith judgment. A railroad does not act in excess of its authority under this subpart if its representative has made such reasonable inquiry and exercised such good faith judgment, but it is later determined, after investigation, that one or more of the conditions thought to have required testing were not, in fact, present. However, this section does not excuse the railroad for any error arising from a mistake of law (e.g., application of testing criteria other than those contained in this part).

(3) A railroad is not in violation of this subpart if its representative has made such reasonable inquiry and exercised such good faith judgment but nevertheless errs in determining that post-accident testing is not required.

(4) An accident/incident with respect to which the railroad has made reasonable inquiry and exercised good faith judgment in determining the facts necessary to apply the criteria contained in paragraph (a) of this section is deemed a qualifying event for purposes of specimen analysis, reporting, and other purposes.

(5) In the event specimens are collected following an event determined by FRA not to be a qualifying event within the meaning of this section, FRA directs its designated laboratory to destroy any specimen material submitted and to refrain from disclosing to any person the results of any analysis conducted.

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(a) Employees tested. (1)(i) Following each accident and incident described in §219.201, the railroad (or railroads) must take all practicable steps to assure that all covered employees of the railroad directly involved in the accident or incident provide blood and urine specimens for toxicological testing by FRA. Such employees must cooperate in the provision of specimens as described in this part and Appendix C to this part.

(ii) If the conditions for mandatory toxicological testing exist, the railroad may also require employees to provide breath for testing in accordance with the procedures set forth in part 40 of this title and in this part, if such testing does not interfere with timely collection of required specimens.

(2) Such employees must specifically include each and every operating employee assigned as a crew member of any train involved in the accident or incident. In any case where an operator, dispatcher, signal maintainer or other covered employee is directly and contemporaneously involved in the circumstances of the accident/incident, those employees must also be required to provide specimens.

(3) An employee must be excluded from testing under the following circumstances: In any case of an accident/incident for which testing is mandated only under §219.201(a)(2) (an “impact accident”), §219.201(a)(3) (“fatal train incident”), or §219.201(a)(4) (a “passenger train accident with injury”) if the railroad representative can immediately determine, on the basis of specific information, that the employee had no role in the cause(s) or severity of the accident/incident. The railroad representative must consider any such information immediately available at the time the qualifying event determination is made under §219.201.

(4) The following provisions govern accidents/incidents involving non-covered employees:

(i) Surviving non-covered employees are not subject to testing under this subpart.

(ii) Testing of the remains of non-covered employees who are fatally injured in train accidents and incidents is required.

(b) Timely specimen collection. (1) The railroad must make every reasonable effort to assure that specimens are provided as soon as possible after the accident or incident.

(2) This paragraph (b) must not be construed to inhibit the employees required to be tested from performing, in the immediate aftermath of the accident or incident, any duties that may be necessary for the preservation of life or property. However, where practical, the railroad must utilize other employees to perform such duties.

(3) In the case of a passenger train which is in proper condition to continue to the next station or its destination after an accident or incident, the railroad must consider the safety and convenience of passengers in determining whether the crew is immediately available for testing. A relief crew must be called to relieve the train crew as soon as possible.

(4) Covered employees who may be subject to testing under this subpart must be retained in duty status for the period necessary to make the determinations required by §219.201 and this section and (as appropriate) to complete the specimen collection procedure. An employee may not be recalled for testing under this subpart if that employee has been released from duty under the normal procedures of the railroad, except that an employee may be immediately recalled for testing if—

(i) The employee could not be retained in duty status because the employee went off duty under normal carrier procedures prior to being contacted by a railroad supervisor and instructed to remain on duty pending completion of the required determinations (e.g., in the case of a dispatcher or signal maintainer remote from the scene of an accident who was unaware of the occurrence at the time the employee went off duty);

(ii) The railroad's preliminary investigation (contemporaneous with the determination required by §219.201) indicates a clear probability that the employee played a major role in the cause or severity of the accident/incident; and

(iii) The accident/incident actually occurred during the employee's duty tour. An employee who has been transported to receive medical care is not released from duty for purposes of this section. Nothing in this section prohibits the subsequent testing of an employee who has failed to remain available for testing as required (i.e., who is absent without leave); but subsequent testing does not excuse such refusal by the employee timely to provide the required specimens.

(c) Place of specimen collection. (1) Employees must be transported to an independent medical facility where the specimens must be obtained. The railroad must pre-designate for such testing one or more such facilities in reasonable proximity to any location where the railroad conducts operations. Designation must be made on the basis of the willingness of the facility to conduct specimen collection and the ability of the facility to complete specimen collection promptly, professionally, and in accordance with pertinent requirements of this part. In all cases blood may be drawn only by a qualified medical professional or by a qualified technician subject to the supervision of a qualified medical professional.

(2) In the case of an injured employee, the railroad must request the treating medical facility to obtain the specimens.

(d) Obtaining cooperation of facility. (1) In seeking the cooperation of a medical facility in obtaining a specimen under this subpart, the railroad shall, as necessary, make specific reference to the requirements of this subpart.

(2) If an injured employee is unconscious or otherwise unable to evidence consent to the procedure and the treating medical facility declines to obtain blood specimens after having been acquainted with the requirements of this subpart, the railroad must immediately notify the duty officer at the National Response Center (NRC) at (800) 424–8801 or (800) 424–8802, stating the employee's name, the medical facility, its location, the name of the appropriate decisional authority at the medical facility, and the telephone number at which that person can be reached. FRA will then take appropriate measures to assist in obtaining the required specimen.

(e) Discretion of physician. Nothing in this subpart may be construed to limit the discretion of a physician to determine whether drawing a blood specimen is consistent with the health of an injured employee or an employee afflicted by any other condition that may preclude drawing the specified quantity of blood.

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(a) General. Urine and blood specimens must be obtained, marked, preserved, handled, and made available to FRA consistent with the requirements of this subpart, and the technical specifications set forth in Appendix C to this part.

(b) Information requirements. In order to process specimens, analyze the significance of laboratory findings, and notify the railroads and employees of test results, it is necessary to obtain basic information concerning the accident/incident and any treatment administered after the accident/incident. Accordingly, the railroad representative must complete the information required by Form FRA 6180.73 (revised) for shipping with the specimens. Each employee subject to testing must cooperate in completion of the required information on Form FRA F 6180.74 (revised) for inclusion in the shipping kit and processing of the specimens. The railroad representative must request an appropriate representative of the medical facility to complete the remaining portion of the information on each Form 6180.74. One Form 6180.73 must be forwarded in the shipping kit with each group of specimens. One Form 6180.74 must be forwarded in the shipping kit for each employee who provides specimens. Forms 6180.73 and 6180.74 may be ordered from the laboratory specified in Appendix B to this part; the forms are also provided to railroads free of charge in the shipping kit. (See paragraph (c) of this section.)

(c) Shipping kit. (1) FRA and the laboratory designated in Appendix B to this part make available for purchase a limited number of standard shipping kits for the purpose of routine handling of toxicological specimens under this subpart. Whenever possible, specimens must be placed in the shipping kit prepared for shipment according to the instructions provided in the kit and Appendix C to this part.

(2) Kits may be ordered directly from the laboratory designated in Appendix B to this part.

(3) FRA maintains a limited number of kits at its field offices. A Class III railroad may utilize kits in FRA's possession, rather than maintaining such kits on its property.

(d) Shipment. Specimens must be shipped as soon as possible by pre-paid air express or air freight (or other means adequate to ensure delivery within twenty-four (24) hours from time of shipment) to the laboratory designated in Appendix B to this part. Where express courier pickup is available, the railroad must request the medical facility to transfer the sealed toxicology kit directly to the express courier for transportation. If courier pickup is not available at the medical facility where the specimens are collected or for any other reason prompt transfer by the medical facility cannot be assured, the railroad must promptly transport the sealed shipping kit holding the specimens to the most expeditious point of shipment via air express, air freight or equivalent means. The railroad must maintain and document secure chain of custody of the kit from release by the medical facility to delivery for transportation, as described in Appendix C to this part.

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Documentation of breath test results must be made available to FRA consistent with the requirements of this subpart, and the technical specifications set forth in Appendix C to this part.

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(a) In the case of an employee fatality in an accident or incident described in §219.201, body fluid and/or tissue specimens must be obtained from the remains of the employee for toxicological testing. To ensure that specimens are timely collected, the railroad must immediately notify the appropriate local authority (such as a coroner or medical examiner) of the fatality and the requirements of this subpart, making available the shipping kit and requesting the local authority to assist in obtaining the necessary body fluid or tissue specimens. The railroad must also seek the assistance of the custodian of the remains, if a person other than the local authority.

(b) If the local authority or custodian of the remains declines to cooperate in obtaining the necessary specimens, the railroad must immediately notify the duty officer at the National Response Center (NRC) at (800) 424–8801 or (800) 424–8802 by providing the following information:

(1) Date and location of the accident or incident;

(2) Railroad;

(3) Name of the deceased;

(4) Name and telephone number of custodian of the remains; and

(5) Name and telephone number of local authority contacted.

(c) A coroner, medical examiner, pathologist, Aviation Medical Examiner, or other qualified professional is authorized to remove the required body fluid and/or tissue specimens from the remains on request of the railroad or FRA pursuant to this part; and, in so acting, such person is the delegate of the FRA Administrator under sections 20107 and 20108 of title 49, United States Code (but not the agent of the Secretary for purposes of the Federal Tort Claims Act (chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code). Such qualified professional may rely upon the representations of the railroad or FRA representative with respect to the occurrence of the event requiring that toxicological tests be conducted and the coverage of the deceased employee under this part.

(d) Appendix C to this part specifies body fluid and tissue specimens required for toxicological analysis in the case of a fatality.

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(a)(1) A railroad that has experienced one or more events for which specimens were obtained must provide prompt telephonic notification summarizing such events. Notification must immediately be provided to the duty officer at the National Response Center (NRC) at (800) 424–8802 and to the Office of Safety, FRA, at (202) 493–6313.

(2) Each telephonic report must contain:

(i) Name of railroad;

(ii) Name, title and telephone number of person making the report;

(iii) Time, date and location of the accident/incident;

(iv) Brief summary of the circumstances of the accident/incident, including basis for testing; and

(v) Number, names and occupations of employees tested.

(b) If the railroad is unable, as a result of non-cooperation of an employee or for any other reason, to obtain a specimen and cause it to be provided to FRA as required by this subpart, the railroad must make a concise narrative report of the reason for such failure and, if appropriate, any action taken in response to the cause of such failure. This report must be appended to the report of the accident/incident required to be submitted under Part 225 of this chapter.

(c) If a test required by this section is not administered within four hours following the accident or incident, the railroad must prepare and maintain on file a record stating the reasons the test was not promptly administered. Records must be submitted to FRA upon request of the FRA Associate Administrator for Safety.

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(a) The laboratory designated in Appendix B to this part undertakes prompt analysis of specimens provided under this subpart, consistent with the need to develop all relevant information and produce a complete report. Specimens are analyzed for alcohol and controlled substances specified by FRA under protocols specified by FRA, summarized in Appendix C to this part, which have been submitted to Health and Human Services for acceptance. Specimens may be analyzed for other impairing substances specified by FRA as necessary to the particular accident investigation.

(b) Results of post-accident toxicological testing under this subpart are reported to the railroad's Medical Review Officer and the employee. The MRO and the railroad must treat the test results and any information concerning medical use or administration of drugs provided under this subpart in the same confidential manner as if subject to subpart H of this part, except where publicly disclosed by FRA or the National Transportation Safety Board.

(c) With respect to a surviving employee, a test reported as positive for alcohol or a controlled substance by the designated laboratory must be reviewed by the railroad's Medical Review Officer with respect to any claim of use or administration of medications (consistent with §219.103) that could account for the laboratory findings. The Medical Review Officer must promptly report the results of each review to the Associate Administrator for Safety, FRA, Washington, DC 20590. Such report must be in writing and must reference the employing railroad, accident/incident date, and location, and the envelope must be marked “ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL: ATTENTION ALCOHOL/DRUG PROGRAM MANAGER.” The report must state whether the MRO reported the test result to the employing railroad as positive or negative and the basis of any determination that analytes detected by the laboratory derived from authorized use (including a statement of the compound prescribed, dosage/frequency, and any restrictions imposed by the authorized medical practitioner). Unless specifically requested by FRA in writing, the Medical Review Officer may not disclose to FRA the underlying physical condition for which any medication was authorized or administered. The FRA is not bound by the railroad Medical Review Officer's determination, but that determination will be considered by FRA in relation to the accident/incident investigation and with respect to any enforcement action under consideration.

(d) To the extent permitted by law, FRA treats test results indicating medical use of controlled substances consistent with §219.103 (and other information concerning medically authorized drug use or administration provided incident to such testing) as administratively confidential and withholds public disclosure, except where it is necessary to consider this information in an accident investigation in relation to determination of probable cause. (However, as further provided in this section, FRA may provide results of testing under this subpart and supporting documentation to the National Transportation Safety Board.)

(e) An employee may respond in writing to the results of the test prior to the preparation of any final investigation report concerning the accident or incident. An employee wishing to respond may do so by letter addressed to the Alcohol/Drug Program Manager, Office of Safety, FRA, 400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590 within 45 days of receipt of the test results. Any such submission must refer to the accident date, railroad and location, must state the position occupied by the employee on the date of the accident/incident, and must identify any information contained therein that the employee requests be withheld from public disclosure on grounds of personal privacy (but the decision whether to honor such request will be made by the FRA on the basis of controlling law).

(f)(1) The toxicology report may contain a statement of pharmacological significance to assist FRA and other parties in understanding the data reported. No such statement may be construed as a finding of probable cause in the accident or incident.

(2) The toxicology report is a part of the report of the accident/incident and therefore subject to the limitation of 49 U.S.C. 20903 (prohibiting use of the report for any purpose in a civil action for damages resulting from a matter mentioned in the report).

(g)(1) It is in the public interest to ensure that any railroad disciplinary actions that may result from accidents and incidents for which testing is required under this subpart are disposed of on the basis of the most complete and reliable information available so that responsive action will be appropriate. Therefore, during the interval between an accident or incident and the date that the railroad receives notification of the results of the toxicological analysis, any provision of collective bargaining agreements establishing maximum periods for charging employees with rule violations, or for holding an investigation, may not be deemed to run as to any offense involving the accident or incident (i.e., such periods must be tolled).

(2) This provision may not be construed to excuse the railroad from any obligation to timely charge an employee (or provide other actual notice) where the railroad obtains sufficient information relating to alcohol or drug use, impairment or possession or other rule violations prior to the receipt to toxicological analysis.

(3) This provision does not authorize holding any employee out of service pending receipt of toxicological analysis; nor does it restrict a railroad from taking such action in an appropriate case.

(h) Except as provided in §219.201 (with respect to non-qualifying events), each specimen (including each split specimen) provided under this subpart is retained for not less than three months following the date of the accident or incident (two years from the date of the accident or incident in the case of a specimen testing positive for alcohol or a controlled substance). Post-mortem specimens may be made available to the National Transportation Safety Board (on request).

(i) An employee (donor) may, within 60 days of the date of the toxicology report, request that his or her split specimen be tested by the designated laboratory or by another laboratory certified by Health and Human Services under that Department's Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs that has available an appropriate, validated assay for the fluid and compound declared positive. Since some analytes may deteriorate during storage, detected levels of the compound shall, as technically appropriate, be reported and considered corroborative of the original test result. Any request for a retest shall be in writing, specify the railroad, accident date and location, be signed by the employee/donor, be addressed to the Associate Administrator for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, DC 20590, and be designated “ADMINISTRATIVELY CONFIDENTIAL: ATTENTION ALCOHOL/DRUG PROGRAM MANAGER.” The expense of any employee-requested split specimen test at a laboratory other than the laboratory designated under this subpart shall be borne by the employee.

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(a) Disqualification. An employee who refuses to cooperate in providing breath, blood or urine specimens following an accident or incident specified in this subpart must be withdrawn from covered service and must be deemed disqualified for covered service for a period of nine (9) months in accordance with the conditions specified in §219.107.

(b) Procedures. Prior to or upon withdrawing the employee from covered service under this section, the railroad must provide notice of the reason for this action and an opportunity for hearing before a presiding officer other than the charging official. The employee is entitled to the procedural protection set out in §219.104(d).

(c) Subject of hearing. The hearing required by this section must determine whether the employee refused to submit to testing, having been requested to submit, under authority of this subpart, by a representative of the railroad. In determining whether a disqualification is required, the hearing official shall, as appropriate, also consider the following:

(1) Whether the railroad made a good faith determination, based on reasonable inquiry, that the accident or incident was within the mandatory testing requirements of this subpart; and

(2) In a case where a blood test was refused on the ground it would be inconsistent with the employee's health, whether such refusal was made in good faith and based on medical advice.

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(a) Requirements. (1) A railroad must require a covered employee to submit to an alcohol test when the railroad has reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee has violated any prohibition of subpart B of this part concerning use of alcohol. The railroad's determination that reasonable suspicion exists to require the covered employee to undergo an alcohol test must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech or body odors of the employee.

(2) A railroad must require a covered employee to submit to a drug test when the railroad has reasonable suspicion to believe that the employee has violated the prohibitions of subpart B of this part concerning use of controlled substances. The railroad's determination that reasonable suspicion exists to require the covered employee to undergo a drug test must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech or body odors of the employee. Such observations may include indications of the chronic and withdrawal effects of drugs.

(b)(1) With respect to an alcohol test, the required observations must be made by a supervisor trained in accordance with §219.11(g). The supervisor who makes the determination that reasonable suspicion exists may not conduct testing on that employee.

(2) With respect to a drug test, the required observations must be made by two supervisors, at least one of whom is trained in accordance with §219.11(g).

(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to require the conduct of alcohol testing or drug testing when the employee is apparently in need of immediate medical attention.

(d)(1) If a test required by this section is not administered within two hours following the determination under this section, the railroad must prepare and maintain on file a record stating the reasons the test was not properly administered. If a test required by this section is not administered within eight hours of the determination under this section, the railroad must cease attempts to administer an alcohol test and must state in the record the reasons for not administering the test. Records must be submitted to FRA upon request of the FRA Administrator.

(2) [Reserved]

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(a) Authorization. A railroad may, under the conditions specified in this subpart, require any covered employee, as a condition of employment in covered service, to cooperate in breath or body fluid testing, or both, to determine compliance with §§219.101 and 219.102 or a railroad rule implementing the requirements of §§219.101 and 219.102. This authority is limited to testing after observations or events that occur during duty hours (including any period of overtime or emergency service). The provisions of this subpart apply only when, and to the extent that, the test in question is conducted in reliance upon the authority conferred by this section. Section 219.23 prescribes the notice to an employee that is required when an employee is required to provide a breath or body fluid specimen under this part. A railroad may not require an employee to be tested under the authority of this subpart unless reasonable cause, as defined in this section, exists with respect to that employee.

(b) For cause breath testing. In addition to reasonable suspicion as described in §219.300, the following circumstances constitute cause for the administration of alcohol tests under this section:

(1) [Reserved]

(2) Accident/incident. The employee has been involved in an accident or incident reportable under Part 225 of this chapter, and a supervisory employee of the railroad has a reasonable belief, based on specific, articulable facts, that the employee's acts or omissions contributed to the occurrence or severity of the accident or incident; or

(3) Rule violation. The employee has been directly involved in one of the following operating rule violations or errors:

(i) Noncompliance with a train order, track warrant, timetable, signal indication, special instruction or other direction with respect to movement of a train that involves—

(A) Occupancy of a block or other segment of track to which entry was not authorized;

(B) Failure to clear a track to permit opposing or following movement to pass;

(C) Moving across a railroad crossing at grade without authorization; or

(D) Passing an absolute restrictive signal or passing a restrictive signal without stopping (if required);

(ii) Failure to protect a train as required by a rule consistent with §218.37 of this chapter (including failure to protect a train that is fouling an adjacent track, where required by the railroad's rules);

(iii) Operation of a train at a speed that exceeds the maximum authorized speed by at least ten (10) miles per hour or by fifty percent (50%) of such maximum authorized speed, whichever is less;

(iv) Alignment of a switch in violation of a railroad rule, failure to align a switch as required for movement, operation of a switch under a train, or unauthorized running through a switch;

(v) Failure to apply or stop short of derail as required;

(vi) Failure to secure a hand brake or failure to secure sufficient hand brakes, as required;

(vii) Entering a crossover before both switches are lined for movement; or

(viii) In the case of a person performing a dispatching function or block operator function, issuance of a train order or establishment of a route that fails to provide proper protection for a train.

(c) For cause drug testing. In addition to reasonable suspicion as described in §219.300, each of the conditions set forth in paragraphs (b)(2) (“accident/incident”) and (b)(3) (“rule violation”) of this section as constituting cause for alcohol testing also constitutes cause with respect to drug testing.

(d) [Reserved]

(e) Limitation for subpart C events. The compulsory drug testing authority conferred by this section does not apply with respect to any event subject to post-accident toxicological testing as required by §219.201. However, use of compulsory breath test authority is authorized in any case where breath test results can be obtained in a timely manner at the scene of the accident and conduct of such tests does not materially impede the collection of specimens under Subpart C of this part.

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(a) Testing under this subpart may only be conducted promptly following the observations or events upon which the testing decision is based, consistent with the need to protect life and property.

(b) No employee may be required to participate in alcohol or drug testing under this section after the expiration of an eight-hour period from—

(1) The time of the observations or other events described in this section; or

(2) In the case of an accident/incident, the time a responsible railroad supervisor receives notice of the event providing reasonable cause for conduct of the test.

(c) An employee may not be tested under this subpart if that employee has been released from duty under the normal procedures of the railroad. An employee who has been transported to receive medical care is not released from duty for purposes of this section. Nothing in this section prohibits the subsequent testing of an employee who has failed to remain available for testing as required (i.e., who is absent without leave).

(d) As used in this subpart, a “responsible railroad supervisor” means any responsible line supervisor (e.g., a trainmaster or road foreman of engines) or superior official in authority over the employee to be tested.

(e) In the case of a drug test, the eight-hour requirement is satisfied if the employee has been delivered to the collection site (where the collector is present) and the request has been made to commence collection of the drug testing specimens within that period.

(f) [Reserved]

(g) Section 219.23 prescribes the notice to an employee that is required to provide breath or a body fluid specimen under this part.

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(a) The purpose of this subpart is to prevent the use of alcohol and drugs in connection with covered service.

(b) Each railroad must adopt, publish and implement—

(1) A policy designed to encourage and facilitate the identification of those covered employees who abuse alcohol or drugs as a part of a treatable condition and to ensure that such employees are provided the opportunity to obtain counseling or treatment before those problems manifest themselves in detected violations of this part (hereafter “voluntary referral policy”); and

(2) A policy designed to foster employee participation in preventing violations of this subpart and encourage co-worker participation in the direct enforcement of this part (hereafter “co-worker report policy”).

(c) A railroad may comply with this subpart by adopting, publishing and implementing policies meeting the specific requirements of §§219.403 and 219.405 or by complying with §219.407.

(d) If a railroad complies with this part by adopting, publishing and implementing policies consistent with §§219.403 and 219.405, the railroad must make such policies, and publications announcing such policies, available for inspection and copying by FRA.

(e) Nothing in this subpart may be construed to—

(1) Require payment of compensation for any period an employee is out of service under a voluntary referral or co-worker report policy;

(2) Require a railroad to adhere to a voluntary referral or co-worker report policy in a case where the referral or report is made for the purpose, or with the effect, of anticipating the imminent and probable detection of a rule violation by a supervising employee; or

(3) Limit the discretion of a railroad to dismiss or otherwise discipline an employee for specific rule violations or criminal offenses, except as specifically provided by this subpart.

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(a) Scope. This section prescribes minimum standards for voluntary referral policies. Nothing in this section restricts a railroad from adopting, publishing and implementing a voluntary referral policy that affords more favorable conditions to employees troubled by alcohol or drug abuse problems, consistent with the railroad's responsibility to prevent violations of §§219.101 and 219.102.

(b) Required provisions. A voluntary referral policy must include the following provisions:

(1) A covered employee who is affected by an alcohol or drug use problem may maintain an employment relationship with the railroad if, before the employee is charged with conduct deemed by the railroad sufficient to warrant dismissal, the employee seeks assistance through the railroad for the employee's alcohol or drug use problem or is referred for such assistance by another employee or by a representative of the employee's collective bargaining unit. The railroad must specify whether, and under what circumstances, its policy provides for the acceptance of referrals from other sources, including (at the option of the railroad) supervisory employees.

(2) Except as may be provided under paragraph (c) of this section, the railroad treats the referral and subsequent handling, including counseling and treatment, as confidential.

(3) The railroad will, to the extent necessary for treatment and rehabilitation, grant the employee a leave of absence from the railroad for the period necessary to complete primary treatment and establish control over the employee's alcohol or drug problem. The policy must allow a leave of absence of not less than 45 days, if necessary for the purpose of meeting initial treatment needs.

(4) Except as may be provided under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the employee will be returned to service on the recommendation of the substance abuse professional. Approval to return to service may not be unreasonably withheld.

(5) With respect to a certified locomotive engineer or a candidate for certification, the railroad must meet the requirements of §240.119(e) of this chapter.

(c) Optional provisions. A voluntary referral policy may include any of the following provisions, at the option of the railroad:

(1) The policy may provide that the rule of confidentiality is waived if—

(i) The employee at any time refuses to cooperate in a recommended course of counseling or treatment; and/or

(ii) The employee is later determined, after investigation, to have been involved in an alcohol or drug-related disciplinary offense growing out of subsequent conduct.

(2) The policy may require successful completion of a return-to-service medical examination as a further condition on reinstatement in covered service.

(3) The policy may provide that it does not apply to an employee who has previously been assisted by the railroad under a policy or program substantially consistent with this section or who has previously elected to waive investigation under §219.405 (co-worker report policy).

(4) The policy may provide that, in order to invoke its benefits, the employee must report to the contact designated by the railroad either:

(i) During non-duty hours (i.e., at a time when the employee is off duty); or

(ii) While unimpaired and otherwise in compliance with the railroad's alcohol and drug rules consistent with this subpart.

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(a) Scope. This section prescribes minimum standards for co-worker report policies. Nothing in this section restricts a railroad from adopting, publishing and implementing a policy that affords more favorable conditions to employees troubled by alcohol or drug abuse problems, consistent with the railroad's responsibility to prevent violations of §§219.101 and 219.102.

(b) Employment relationship. A co-worker report policy must provide that a covered employee may maintain an employment relationship with the railroad following an alleged first offense under this part or the railroad's alcohol and drug rules, subject to the conditions and procedures contained in this section.

(c) General conditions and procedures. (1) The alleged violation must come to the attention of the railroad as a result of a report by a co-worker that the employee was apparently unsafe to work with or was, or appeared to be, in violation of this part or the railroad's alcohol and drug rules.

(2) If the railroad representative determines that the employee is in violation, the railroad may immediately remove the employee from service in accordance with its existing policies and procedures.

(3) The employee must elect to waive investigation on the rule charge and must contact the substance abuse professional within a reasonable period specified by the policy.

(4) The substance abuse professional must schedule necessary interviews with the employee and complete an evaluation within 10 calendar days of the date on which the employee contacts the professional with a request for evaluation under the policy, unless it becomes necessary to refer the employee for further evaluation. In each case, all necessary evaluations must be completed within 20 days of the date on which the employee contacts the professional.

(d) When treatment is required. If the substance abuse professional determines that the employee is affected by psychological or chemical dependence on alcohol or a drug or by another identifiable and treatable mental or physical disorder involving the abuse of alcohol or drugs as a primary manifestation, the following conditions and procedures apply:

(1) The railroad must, to the extent necessary for treatment and rehabilitation, grant the employee a leave of absence from the railroad for the period necessary to complete primary treatment and establish control over the employee's alcohol or drug problem. The policy must allow a leave of absence of not less than 45 days, if necessary for the purpose of meeting initial treatment needs.

(2) The employee must agree to undertake and successfully complete a course of treatment deemed acceptable by the substance abuse professional.

(3) The railroad must promptly return the employee to service, on recommendation of the substance abuse professional, when the employee has established control over the substance abuse problem. Return to service may also be conditioned on successful completion of a return-to-service medical examination. Approval to return to service may not be unreasonably withheld.

(4) Following return to service, the employee, as a further condition on withholding of discipline, may, as necessary, be required to participate in a reasonable program of follow-up treatment for a period not to exceed 60 months from the date the employee was originally withdrawn from service.

(e) When treatment is not required. If the substance abuse professional determines that the employee is not affected by an identifiable and treatable mental or physical disorder—

(1) The railroad must return the employee to service within 5 days after completion of the evaluation.

(2) During or following the out-of-service period, the railroad may require the employee to participate in a program of education and training concerning the effects of alcohol and drugs on occupational or transportation safety.

(f) Follow-up tests. A railroad may conduct return-to-service and/or follow-up tests (as described in §219.104) of an employee who waives investigation and is determined to be ready to return to service under this section.

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(a) In lieu of a policy under §219.403 (voluntary referral) or §219.405 (co-worker report), or both, a railroad may adopt, publish and implement, with respect to a particular class or craft of covered employees, an alternate policy or policies having as their purpose the prevention of alcohol or drug use in railroad operations, if such policy or policies have the written concurrence of the recognized representatives of such employees.

(b) The concurrence of recognized employee representatives in an alternate policy may be evidenced by a collective bargaining agreement or any other document describing the class or craft of employees to which the alternate policy applies. The agreement or other document must make express reference to this part and to the intention of the railroad and employee representatives that the alternate policy applies in lieu of the policy required by §219.403, §219.405, or both.

(c) The railroad must file the agreement or other document described in paragraph (b) of this section with the Associate Administrator for Safety, FRA. If the alternate policy is amended or revoked, the railroad must file a notice of such amendment or revocation at least 30 days prior to the effective date of such action.

(d) This section does not excuse a railroad from adopting, publishing and implementing the policies required by §§219.403 and 219.405 with respect to any group of covered employees not within the coverage of an appropriate alternate policy.

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(a) Prior to the first time a covered employee performs covered service for a railroad, the employee must undergo testing for drugs. No railroad may allow a covered employee to perform covered service, unless the employee has been administered a test for drugs with a result that did not indicate the misuse of controlled substances. This requirement applies to final applicants for employment and to employees seeking to transfer for the first time from non-covered service to duties involving covered service.

(b) As used in subpart H of this part with respect to a test required under this subpart, the term covered employee includes an applicant for pre-employment testing only. In the case of an applicant who declines to be tested and withdraws the application for employment, no record may be maintained of the declination.

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(a) A railroad may, but is not required to, conduct pre-employment alcohol testing under this part. If a railroad chooses to conduct pre-employment alcohol testing, the railroad must comply with the following requirements:

(1) It must conduct a pre-employment alcohol test before the first performance of safety-sensitive functions by every covered employee (whether a new employee or someone who has transferred to a position involving the performance of safety-sensitive functions).

(2) It must treat all safety-sensitive employees performing safety-sensitive functions the same for the purpose of pre-employment alcohol testing (i.e., it must not test some covered employees and not others).

(3) It must conduct the pre-employment tests after making a contingent offer of employment or transfer, subject to the employee passing the pre-employment alcohol test.

(4) It must conduct all pre-employment alcohol tests using the alcohol testing procedures of part 40 of this title.

(5) It must not allow a covered employee to begin performing safety-sensitive functions unless the result of the employee's test indicates an alcohol concentration of less than 0.04.

(b) As used in subpart H of this part, with respect to a test authorized under this subpart, the term covered employee includes an applicant for pre-employment testing only. In the case of an applicant who declines to be tested and withdraws the application for employment, no record may be maintained of the declination.

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The railroad must provide for medical review of drug test results as provided in subpart H of this part. The railroad must notify the applicant of the results of the drug and alcohol tests in the same manner as provided for employees in subpart H of this part. Records must be maintained confidentially and be retained in the same manner as required under subpart J of this part for employee test records, except that such records need not reflect the identity of an applicant whose application for employment in covered service was denied.

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An applicant who has refused to submit to pre-employment testing under this section may not be employed in covered service based upon the application and examination with respect to which such refusal was made. This section does not create any right on the part of the applicant to have a subsequent application considered; nor does it restrict the discretion of the railroad to entertain a subsequent application for employment from the same person.

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(a) Submission. Each railroad must submit for FRA approval a random testing program meeting the requirements of this subpart. A railroad commencing operations must submit such a program not later than 30 days prior to such commencement. The program must be submitted to the Associate Administrator for Safety, FRA, for review and approval by the FRA Administrator. If, after approval, a railroad desires to amend the random testing program implemented under this subpart, the railroad must file with FRA a notice of such amendment at least 30 days prior to the intended effective date of such action. A railroad already subject to this subpart that becomes subject to this subpart with respect to one or more additional employees must amend its program not later than 60 days after these employees become subject to this subpart and file with FRA a notice of such amendment at least 30 days prior to the intended effective date of such action. A program responsive to the requirements of this section or any amendment to the program may not be implemented prior to approval.

(b) Form of programs. Random testing programs submitted by or on behalf of each railroad under this subpart must meet the f