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49 CFR Part 199 · 49 CFR Part 40
FRA Drug & Alcohol Testing for Railroad Professionals
FRA-compliant drug and alcohol testing programs for railroad operators and safety-sensitive employees under 49 CFR Part 219 and 49 CFR Part 40 — ensuring rail safety, compliance, and operational integrity across the network.
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What's Included
- FRA-compliant drug & alcohol testing program setup
- Random testing pool management
- Pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing coordination
- FRA policy development and compliance guidance
- Designated Employer Representative (DER) support
- Supervisor training (reasonable suspicion determinations)
- Post-accident toxicological testing coordination
- Recordkeeping and audit-ready documentation
Who Must Comply?
Operate trains and are responsible for the safe movement of freight and passengers across the rail network.
Oversee train operations, coordinate crew activities, and ensure compliance with safety procedures during transit.
Maintain tracks, signals, and infrastructure critical to safe railroad operations.
Monitor rail traffic, manage signals, and coordinate train movement to prevent collisions and ensure operational efficiency.
How it works
Required Test Types
Required before an employee performs FRA-regulated safety-sensitive functions.
Employees are selected throughout the year based on FRA random testing requirements.
FRA requires post-accident toxicological testing following qualifying rail incidents.
Conducted when a trained supervisor observes signs of drug or alcohol use.
Required after a violation before an employee can resume safety-sensitive duties.
Unannounced testing conducted according to a SAP-prescribed plan.
Compliance Checklist
Program Setup & Policy
- Written FRA-compliant drug & alcohol policy in place
- DER assigned and trained
- Safety-sensitive positions clearly defined
- Employees notified and policy acknowledgment documented
Testing & Training
- Random testing pool established and maintained
- Supervisors trained for reasonable suspicion determinations
- All required testing types implemented
- Employee education and awareness training completed
Documentation & Oversight
- Records maintained per FRA retention requirements
- Post-accident testing procedures clearly documented
- MRO and SAP services accessible
- Audit logs and compliance reports readily available
Regulatory Resources
Authoritative FRA regulations governing drug and alcohol testing for railroad employees performing safety-sensitive 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 considered safety-sensitive under FRA?
Employees such as engineers, conductors, dispatchers, and maintenance personnel who directly impact rail safety.
How is FRA different from other DOT agencies?
FRA includes specific post-accident toxicological testing requirements unique to railroad operations.
What substances are tested?
Marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, and PCP under DOT regulations.
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. FRA has strict post-accident testing rules for qualifying rail incidents.
Do small rail operators need to comply?
Yes. Any employer with FRA-regulated safety-sensitive employees must comply.