What does 49 CFR 40.33 (What training requirements must a collector meet for urine collection?) require?

Short answer

To be permitted to act as a urine collector in the DOT drug testing program, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be knowledgeable about this part, the current DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines, and DOT agency regulations applicable to the employers for whom you perform collections.

2. Meet the training requirements outlined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section before you begin to perform collector functions.

3. Complete refresher training that meets all the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section no less frequently than every five years.

The rule says

"You must be knowledgeable about this part, the current DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines, and DOT agency regulations applicable to the employers for whom you perform collections." (49 CFR 40.33)

"The five mock collections must include two uneventful collection scenarios, one insufficient quantity of urine scenario, one temperature out of range scenario, and one scenario in which the employee refuses to sign the CCF and initial the specimen bottle tamper-evident seal." (49 CFR 40.33)

"No less frequently than every five years from the date on which you satisfactorily complete the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, you must complete refresher training that meets all the requirements of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section." (49 CFR 40.33)

In plain English

The training requirements for urine collectors under 49 CFR 40.33 are designed to ensure that collectors are knowledgeable about the regulations and procedures for collecting urine specimens. This includes understanding the DOT Urine Specimen Collection Procedures Guidelines and the regulations applicable to the employers for whom they perform collections. The training also involves mock collections to demonstrate proficiency. Refresher training is required every five years to maintain proficiency. In practice, this means that collectors must stay up-to-date on the latest procedures and regulations to ensure the integrity of the drug testing process.

What to do

• Ensure that all collectors meet the initial training requirements before performing collector functions.
• Provide refresher training to collectors every five years.
• Maintain documentation showing that collectors currently meet all requirements of this section.
• Ensure that collectors demonstrate proficiency in the collection procedures through mock collections.