OSHA Releases Notice on Respirator Fit Testing During COVID-19 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued two notices clarifying existing requirements for respirator fit-testing and their agency policy waivers during COVID-19. March 14, 2020 OSHA issued a notice temporarily waving the annual (not initial) fit-testing requirement for respirators and recommended discontinuing use of … Read More →
A Comprehensive Guide to the Respirator Fit Test
A respirator is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to protect the wearer from a potential hazardous environment. A respirator fit test determines if the PPE can be worn without having any leaks, and which device is best for the wearer. Read below to learn more about what a respirator fit test includes and how your … Read More →
DOT Issues Notice Concerning CBD Oil
The Department of Transportation recently published a notice clarifying existing requirements under the law concerning CBD oil and their agency policies. In December of 2018 the Farm Bill or Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 was passed. This bill removed hemp from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. Under the Farm Bill, hemp-derived … Read More →
DEA Drug Scheduling
Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependence potential. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) carefully considers the abuse rate of the drugs and substances before rating the scheduling. The list below … Read More →
FMCSA Increasing the Random Drug Testing Rate for 2020 to 50%, Alcohol Testing Will Remain at 10%
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is increasing the minimum annual percentage rate for random controlled substance testing for commercial motor vehicle drivers, from 25% to 50% percent, effective Jan. 1, in response to rising positive drug-testing rates. As published in a Recent Federal Notice, the agency explained that the 2018 FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing … Read More →
Understanding the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is going into effect soon, with full compliance effective on January 6, 2020. Users currently can create an account to ensure they’re prepared for the January compliance deadline. Those who are required to register with the Clearinghouse include drivers, employers, consortium/third-party administrators, Medical Review Officers and Substance Abuse Professionals. But what … Read More →
The Difference Between CBD and THC
As more states legalize marijuana, interest in CBD oil has grown substantially. In fact, the Brightfield Group estimates that the hemp-CBD market could hit $22 billion by 2022. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is said to help with stress, anxiety, restlessness, and aches and pains – without the mind-altering effects of marijuana. Although it is growing … Read More →
Lab Drug Testing
Laboratories play an important role in many effective, efficient drug testing systems. Upon receiving specimens, labs test them to determine whether or not drugs are present. In addition, they conduct validity testing to learn if the specimen has been adulterated or substituted. Labs conduct drug testing for a variety of clients, including those who must … Read More →
Drug Testing in Hospitals
Drug testing occurs in hospitals every day for a variety of reasons. Sometimes a member of the hospital staff will conduct a drug screening to prevent misdiagnosis or adverse drug reactions. Sometimes the hospital will require its employees to undergo drug testing after an accident, due to reasonable suspicion, or randomly. Sometimes a job applicant … Read More →
Levels of Drug Screen Results
Accurate drug test results will help you make the right decision about an employee’s future with your company, but unfortunately testing results are not always black and white. Whether you’re an employer scheduling drug testing or an employee preparing to be tested, it’s important to understand how a false positive might occur and take precautions to … Read More →
