FACT LABS DOT AND NON-DOT PHYSICALS
Fast • Accurate • Confidential • Testing
ABOUT DOT AND NON-DOT PHYSICALS
Employers have a responsibility to provide their workers with a safe environment. In compliance with OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Association Act, employers are required to provide a work place free of serious recognized hazards and to comply with standards, rules and
regulations issued under the OSHA Regulations.
Employee drug and alcohol abuse is one of the most widely recognized safety concerns for companies. Work-related injuries, including those arising from drug and alcohol abuse, affect employers by many measures and may lead to possible OSHA violations, increased workers' comp premiums, a decrease in the productivity of staff, and a life-changing effect of accidents at home and at work.
The key question for decision-makers within the organization is: what is the best Drug-Free Initiative to implement, DOT (Department of Transportation) or Non-DOT. There are a few significant differences between the two programs, and companies will research the best solution for their business needs before trying to implement any, including consulting with the state and federal requirements that apply within the state in order to stay compliant Notwithstanding the definitive decision to follow the company's drug testing plan, a clear drug and alcohol policy should be written and very well-explained to staff.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
The DOT Guidelines are directed at safety-sensitive transport agencies, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for the federal trucking industry when trucks carry hazardous materials on public roads, whether interstate or within the state.
Non-DOT Requirements limit who is subject to the rules and regulations of the Department of Transport (DOT). Employees that merely drive a company vehicle, not transporting goods or passengers, are not automatically subject to the same DOT guidelines regarding drug and alcohol programs within the workplace. They are voluntary, but come within the scope of specific guidelines, if implemented.
WHAT DOES A DOT PHYSICAL CONSIST OF?
1. Vision
Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction. They are also required to have at least 70” peripheral in the horizontal meridian, measured in each eye.
2. Hearing
Drivers must be able to perceive what is known as a “forced whisper” at a distance of 5ft or less, with or without a hearing aid. This standard equates to an average hearing loss in the better ear of less than 40 dB.
3. Blood Pressure and Pulse
The medical examiner will check the driver's blood pressure and pulse to look for high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
4. Urinalysis
A urinalysis is required. The test looks for indications of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
5. Physical Examination
The physical exam will cover several different categories:
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General appearance
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Eyes (cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)
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Ears (scarring of tympanic membrane, perforated ear drums, etc.)
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Mouth and throat (to look for problems breathing or swallowing)
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Heart (murmurs, extra sounds, pacemaker, etc.)
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Lungs and chest (abnormal breathing, impaired respiratory functions, cyanosis, etc.)
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Abdomen (enlarged liver, viscera, muscle weakness)
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Vascular (abnormal pulse, carotid, varicose veins)
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Genito-urinary (hernias)
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Extremities (limb impaired)
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Spine and skeletal (previous surgery, limitation of motion, tenderness, etc.)
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Neurological (impaired equilibrium, coordination or speech pattern, etc.)
A DOT physical can only be completed by a medical examiner certified by the FMCSA. It is up to the Medical Examiner to determine if a candidate meets all the requirements, and to mark the report to the best of their knowledge.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers maintain a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876 to drive. As part of the physical, drivers are required to fill out the medical history portion of the Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875.
ABOUT FACT LABS
In February 2015, Fast and Accurate Test (FACT) was a place that only existed as a concept. In May 2016 the ribbons were cut on the doors of a business that we believe will set the tone for future health screening companies. Our store locations are independently owned and operated.
