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49 CFR Part 199 · 49 CFR Part 40
PHMSA Drug & Alcohol Testing for Pipeline Professionals
PHMSA-compliant drug and alcohol testing programs for pipeline operators, contractors, and covered employees under 49 CFR Part 199 and 49 CFR Part 40 — helping protect pipeline safety, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity.
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What's Included
- PHMSA-compliant drug & alcohol testing program
- Written anti-drug and alcohol misuse plan support
- Random testing pool management
- Designated Employer Representative support
- Supervisor reasonable suspicion training
- Contractor and covered employee compliance tracking
- Recordkeeping and audit-ready documentation
- Substance Abuse Professional referral support
Who Must Comply?
Companies operating regulated gas, hazardous liquid, or LNG pipeline facilities must maintain compliant testing programs for covered employees.
Workers who inspect, repair, or maintain pipeline systems perform safety-critical functions that directly impact system reliability and public safety.
Employees who respond to pipeline incidents or emergencies must be fit for duty and ready to perform safely under high-pressure conditions.
Personnel who monitor pipeline systems, control flow, or support operational decisions play a key role in preventing incidents and maintaining safe operations.
How it works
Required Test Types
Required before a covered employee performs PHMSA-regulated safety-sensitive functions.
Covered employees are placed in a random testing pool and selected throughout the year based on DOT/PHMSA requirements.
Required after qualifying pipeline accidents or incidents when an employee’s performance may have contributed.
Conducted when a trained supervisor observes signs of possible drug or alcohol misuse.
Required after a DOT drug or alcohol violation before the employee may resume covered functions.
Unannounced testing required under a SAP-directed follow-up plan after return-to-duty.
Compliance Checklist
Program Setup & Policy
- Written anti-drug plan in place
- Written alcohol misuse plan in place
- DER assigned and trained
- Covered positions and covered employees clearly identified
Testing & Training
- Random testing pool established and maintained
- Supervisors trained for reasonable suspicion determinations
- All required testing types implemented
- Contractors and covered employees included where applicable
Documentation & Oversight
- Testing records maintained according to DOT/PHMSA requirements
- MRO and SAP services documented and accessible
- Post-accident testing procedures clearly documented
- Audit logs, testing records, and compliance reports readily available
Regulatory Resources
Official PHMSA requirements for drug and alcohol testing programs covering pipeline operators and employees who perform regulated operations, maintenance, or emergency-response functions.
View official resource →
Standardized federal procedures for workplace drug and alcohol testing across all DOT-regulated industries under 49 CFR Part 40.
View official resource →
Frequently Ask Questions
Who is covered under PHMSA drug and alcohol testing rules?
Covered employees include individuals performing regulated operations, maintenance, or emergency-response functions on pipeline facilities subject to PHMSA rules.
Do contractors have to be included?
Yes. Contractors performing covered functions for a regulated pipeline operator may also be subject to PHMSA drug and alcohol testing requirements.
What regulations apply to pipeline drug and alcohol testing?
PHMSA programs are governed primarily by 49 CFR Part 199, while DOT testing procedures are governed by 49 CFR Part 40.
What happens after a failed or refused test?
The employee must be removed from covered functions and complete the DOT return-to-duty process with a qualified Substance Abuse Professional before returning.
Is post-accident testing required?
Yes. PHMSA requires post-accident testing after qualifying pipeline accidents or incidents when the employee’s performance may have contributed.
Does PHMSA require written plans?
Yes. Pipeline operators must maintain written anti-drug and alcohol misuse plans that align with PHMSA and DOT requirements.