There are many companies that perform alcohol testing that do not have employees covered by DOT regulations. We call this “non-regulated” workplace testing. Many non-regulated companies choose to follow the “gold standard” of the DOT protocol, including training their staff as Breath Alcohol Technicians.
However, some non-regulated companies choose not to follow the DOT protocol. In this case, we still recommend that staff receive formal training in the use of their breath alcohol testing instruments. We call this type of training “Operator Training.”
Operator Training is much shorter than BAT training, primarily because it does not cover the DOT rules and regulations. AlcoPro typically customizes a course to address the specifics of the substance abuse policy of each company. Our Operator Training classes are typically one-half day long, with an emphasis on hands-on practice using the alcohol test instrument.
Documentation that staff is trained in the use of their breath alcohol test instrument is a critical element to successful defense of alcohol test results in the workplace. Corrections programs, substance abuse treatment programs, and any other organization that conducts evidential alcohol testing and who must defend their alcohol test results should also consider Operator Training.