EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

aide, a mechanic, or any other employee who holds a commercial driver’s license which is necessary to perform duties related to Agency employment (a "covered employee").

To ensure safe operation of our buses, and to remain in compliance with Federal Law, AVSTA is committed to a drug and alcohol free environment. The illegal use of controlled substances and alcohol presents a danger to the driver, co-workers and the precious cargo we transport. In accordance with Federal Law, the Agency conducts pre employment, random, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. Random testing occurs throughout the year. The names of those to be tested are selected at random and given to the AVSTA by a third party. The Agency has no control over who gets tested at these “random” tests. i A “reasonable suspicion” test is done after a supervisor observes certain behavior or elements. The law states, “The employer’s determination that reasonable suspicion exists to require the driver to undergo an alcohol test must be based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning the appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors of the employee.” ii 1. WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE TEST a. The employee being tested will be notified of the requirement to test and must report immediately. If the driver or aide is on their route, he or she must report immediately upon return to the yard. b. A refusal to test is prohibited by Federal law and will be treated the same as a positive result. iii c. A photo ID is needed to check in for the test. d. There will be some paperwork to complete. e. Outer garments must be removed (sweaters, jackets, etc.) and pockets must be emptied. f. The person being tested will be required to wash his or her hands prior to testing. g. The employee being tested will select the appropriate specimen container and verify that it is unopened and the seal is intact. h. A sample will then be provided by the employee. If there is difficulty in providing the sample, the employee will be given water. The employee being tested has up to three (3) hours to provide a sample. If a sample is still not provided, the employee will need to be examined by a doctor to provide a reason for the inability to provide a sample. If there is no medical reason that prevents the employee from providing a sample, the test will be considered a refusal to test and be treated as a positive test result. After the sample submission: i. A technician checks the sample for temperature, appearance, and signs of adulteration. j. The sample is split into two containers while the employee watches. k. The samples are sealed with tape that contains a unique collection number that is assigned to the person being tested. The employee will initial this tape. Everyone who comes into contact with the sample from that point on will also sign the chain of custody. l. The employee will receive a copy of the test paperwork and the sample will be sent to a certified laboratory. m. An employee receiving a dilute negative result on a random drug test will be

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Revised 8/9/2023