The expanding focus on workplace safety and maintaining a drug and alcohol-free environment has created new career and business opportunities, including the role of a Breath Alcohol Technician (BAT). BATs conduct breath alcohol tests to determine impairment, essential for safety in industries regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Training
To become a BAT, you must complete a qualifying training course. Course duration varies, with in-person training lasting up to seven hours and online courses typically shorter. The course covers equipment use, measurement reading, calibration, and managing individuals during tests. For those working with DOT-regulated companies, the training must comply with CFR Part 40 Regulations and can be done on most modern DOT Breath Alcohol Testing devices (Breathalyzers).
Mock Collections
Qualification training, often called "Certification training," requires performing up to seven mock collections, simulating breath alcohol tests under a qualified instructor's observation. These mock collections not only officially qualify the technician to perform testing but also help them competently handle the equipment, follow procedures, and record results accurately.
Refresher Training
Breath Alcohol Technicians must undergo refresher training every five years to maintain their certification and stay up-to-date with the latest procedures and regulatory changes. This process involves retaking the initial training course, which covers the fundamental aspects of breath alcohol testing, including equipment use, measurement reading, device calibration, and managing individuals during tests.
In addition to the course, BATs must complete another mock test series. These mock tests are crucial as they allow technicians to demonstrate their ongoing competency in handling the testing equipment, following proper procedures, and accurately recording results. By completing these mock tests under the supervision of a qualified instructor, technicians can ensure they continue to meet industry and regulatory standards.
Refresher training helps maintain high standards of testing accuracy and reliability, ensuring that all breath alcohol tests are conducted in accordance with the latest best practices and legal requirements. This continuous education is essential for upholding workplace safety and compliance across DOT-regulated and non-DOT-regulated environments.
Risks of Not Being Properly Qualified
Not being properly qualified as a Breath Alcohol Technician carries significant risks. Inaccurate test results can lead to false positives or negatives, potentially allowing impaired individuals to continue working in safety-sensitive positions or wrongly penalizing sober employees. This compromises workplace safety and increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries, and testing without being properly qualified will result in non-compliance with federal regulations, such as those mandated by the DOT, and can result in severe legal repercussions, including fines, sanctions, and lawsuits from employees claiming wrongful termination or discrimination.
