Oil Pipeline Employment

In 49 CFR Part 199, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) compliance requires drug and alcohol testing for employees in pipeline facilities operating under 49 CFR parts 192, 193, and 195.

PHMSA compliance conforms with DOT procedures for drug and alcohol testing. DOT PHMSA drug testing procedures are described in 49 CFR Part 40 and include guidelines on pre-employment drug testing, post-accident drug testing, random drug testing, return to duty drug tests, and the types of drug tests.

Register for drug testing online or by calling (888) 378-2499.

Get Started

Oil Pipeline Employment -

Oil Pipeline Employment Drug Testing Info

Drug Testing Regulations and PHMSA Compliance

PHMSA compliance requires drug testing for the following:

double_arrow
Pre-employment Testing
chevron_right
Operators may not hire an employee before drug testing
double_arrow
Post-accident Testing
chevron_right
Post-accident drug testing must be given as soon as possible and within 32 hours after the accident.
chevron_right
Each covered employee who may have contributed to the accident must comply with PHMSA compliance for drug testing.
chevron_right
If a drug test was not administered within the 32-hour time frame, the employer must give reasons why drug testing did not occur and not continue with drug testing.
double_arrow
Random Drug Testing
chevron_right
Employers will select employees for random drug testing each year at the "highest percentage rate established for the calendar year by the DOT agency."
chevron_right
Employers will drug test when a reasonable cause is shown that the employee is using a prohibited drug.
double_arrow
Return-to-Duty Testing
chevron_right
The employee must follow DOT procedures for drug testing before returning to work.
chevron_right
An employee that refuses a drug test may not return to work.
double_arrow
Follow-up Drug Testing
chevron_right
Employees who refuse drug testing or had a positive drug test are subject to random follow-up drug testing.
chevron_right
Employers do not need to inform the employee prior to follow-up testing.
chevron_right
The frequency of follow-up testing will be determined by a substance abuse professional.

Alcohol Testing

Pipeline operators may conduct pre-employment alcohol testing, although it is not a requirement. Operators that screen for alcohol will alcohol test covered employees prior to the first performance of job functions. This includes testing new employees and employees that have taken on new positions that involve covered functions. For pre-employment alcohol testing:

arrow_right
Employers must treat each employee equally, testing all employees.
arrow_right
Employers must comply with DOT drug test regulations.
arrow_right
Employers must notify employees prior to alcohol testing.
arrow_right
Operators will prohibit the use of alcohol for covered employees while they are performing covered job functions, and four hours prior to performing these functions.
arrow_right
Employees will continue performing covered functions as long as the operator has no knowledge that the employee is using alcohol while performing these functions.

Required alcohol testing includes:

arrow_right
Reasonable suspicion testing
arrow_right
Return-to-duty testing
arrow_right
Follow-up testing
arrow_right
Post-accident testing

Frequently Asked Questions

Do pipeline workers get drug tested?

Yes. Pipeline drug testing guidelines include pre-employment drug testing, post-accident drug testing, random drug testing, and return-to-duty drug tests. Pipeline operators must maintain PHMSA compliance and follow DOT drug test regulations. Alcohol testing is also required under DOT and PHMSA regulations.

What are the PHMSA compliance laws for drug tests and alcohol?

Pipeline operators in facilities subject to Title 49 parts 192, 193, or 195 are required to drug and alcohol test their covered employees. PHMSA compliance conforms with DOT drug testing regulations. Drug and alcohol testing includes pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, return-to-duty testing, and random drug testing.

This Information Is Not Intended for Legal Purposes

The information provided on this page is intended for your own knowledge, and should not be used for legal matters. Please seek the advice of a legal expert regarding legal advice for drug testing laws in your state.