[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 49, Volume 4]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 49CFR219.905]



[Page 241-249]

 

                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION

 

       CHAPTER II--FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF 

                             TRANSPORTATION

 

PART 219_CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE--Table of Contents

 

                  Subpart J_Recordkeeping Requirements

 

Sec. 219.905  Access to facilities and records.



    (a) Release of covered employee information contained in records 

required to be maintained under Sec. Sec. 219.901 and 219.903 must be 

in accordance with part 40 of this title and with this section. (For 

purposes of this section only, urine drug testing records are considered 

equivalent to breath alcohol testing records.)

    (b) Each railroad must permit access to all facilities utilized in 

complying with the requirements of this part to the Secretary of 

Transportation, United States Department of Transportation, or any DOT 

agency with regulatory authority over the railroad or any of its covered 

employees.

    (c) Each railroad must make available copies of all results for 

railroad alcohol and drug testing programs conducted under this part and 

any other information pertaining to the railroad's alcohol and drug 

misuse prevention program, when requested by the Secretary of 

Transportation or any DOT agency with regulatory authority over the 

railroad or covered employee.



           Appendix A to Part 219--Schedule of Civil Penalties



    The following chart lists the schedule of civil penalties:



                          Penalty Schedule \1\

------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                              Willful

               Section \2\                   Violation       violation

------------------------------------------------------------------------

           Subpart A--General



219.3 Application:

    Railroad does not have required               $5,000          $7,500

     program............................

219.11 General conditions for chemical

 tests:

    (b)(1) Employee unlawfully refuses             2,500           5,000

     to participate in testing..........

    (b)(2) Employer fails to give                  3,000           8,000

     priority to medical treatment......

    (b)(3) Employee fails to remain                2,500           5,000

     available..........................

    (b)(4) Employee tampers with                   2,500           5,000

     specimen...........................

    (d) Employee unlawfully required to            2,500           5,000

     execute a waiver of rights.........

    (e) Railroad used or authorized the   ..............           7,500

     use of coercion to obtain specimens

    (g) Failure to meet supervisory                2,500           5,000

     training requirements or program of

     instruction not available or

     program not complete...............

    (h) Urine or blood specimens                   2,500           5,000

     provided for Federal testing were

     used for non-authorized testing....

219.23 Railroad policies:

    (a) Failure to provide written                 1,000           4,000

     notice of FRA test.................

    (b) Failure to provide written                 1,000           4,000

     notice of basis for FRA test.......

    (c) Use of Subpart C form for other            1,000           4,000

     test...............................

    (d) Failure to provide educational             1,000           4,000

     materials..........................

    (e) Educational materials fail to              1,000           4,000

     explain requirements of this part

     and/or include required content....

    (f) Non-Federal provisions are                 1,000           4,000

     clearly described as independent

     authority..........................



         Subpart B--Prohibitions



219.101 Alcohol and drug use prohibited:

    Employee violates prohibition(s)....          10,000  ..............

219.103 Prescribed and over-the-counter

 drugs:

    (a) Failure to train employee                  2,500           5,000

     properly on requirements...........

219.104 Responsive action:

    (a) Failure to remove employee from            3,000           8,000

     covered service immediately........

    (b) Failure to provide notice for              1,000           4,000

     removal............................

    (c) Failure to provide prompt                  2,000           7,000

     hearing............................

    (d) Employee improperly returned to            2,000           7,000

     service............................

219.105 Railroad's duty to prevent

 violations:



[[Page 242]]





    (a) Employee improperly permitted to           7,000          10,000

     remain in covered service..........

    (b) Failure to exercise due                    2,500           5,000

     diligence to assure compliance with

     prohibition........................

219.107 Consequences of unlawful

 refusal:

    (a) Failure to disqualify an                   5,000           7,500

     employee for nine months following

     a refusal..........................

    (e) Employee unlawfully returned to            5,000           7,500

     service............................



 Subpart C--Post-Accident Toxicological

                 Testing



219.201 Events for which testing is

 required:

    (a) Failure to test after qualifying           5,000           7,500

     event (each employee not tested is

     a violation).......................

    (c)(1)(i) Failure to make good faith           2,500           5,000

     determination......................

    (c)(1)(ii) Failure to provide                  1,000           3,000

     requested decision report to FRA...

    (c)(2) Testing performed after non-            5,000          10,000

     qualifying event...................

219.203 Responsibilities of railroads

 and employees:

    (a)(1)(i) and (a)(2)(i) Failure to             2,500           5,000

     properly test/exclude from testing.

    (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2)(ii) Non-                 2,500           5,000

     covered service employee tested....

    (b)(1) Delay in obtaining specimens            2,500           5,000

     due to failure to make every

     reasonable effort..................

    (c) Independent medical facility not           2,500           5,000

     utilized...........................

    (d) Failure to report event or                 1,000           3,000

     contact FRA when intervention

     required...........................

219.205 Specimen collection and

 handling:

    (a) Failure to observe requirements            2,500           5,000

     with respect to specimen

     collection, marking and handling...

    (b) Failure to provide properly                2,500           5,000

     prepared forms with specimens......

    (d) Failure to promptly or properly            2,500           5,000

     forward specimens..................

219.207 Fatality:

    (a) Failure to test.................           5,000           7,500

    (a)(1) Failure to ensure timely                2,500           5,000

     collection and shipment of required

     specimens..........................

    (b) Failure to request assistance              2,500           5,000

     when necessary.....................

219.209 Reports of tests and refusals:

    (a)(1) Failure to provide telephonic           1,000           2,000

     report.............................

    (b) Failure to provide written                 1,000           2,000

     report of refusal to test..........

    (c) Failure to maintain report                 1,000           2,000

     explaining why test not conducted

     within 4 hours.....................

219.211 Analysis and follow-up:

    (c) Failure of MRO to report review            2,500           5,000

     of positive results to FRA.........



      Subpart D--Testing for Cause



219.300 Mandatory reasonable suspicion

 testing:

    (a)(1) Failure to test when                    5,000           7,500

     reasonable suspicion criteria met..

    (a)(2) Tested when reasonable                  5,000           7,500

     suspicion criteria not met.........

219.301 Testing for reasonable cause:

    (a) Event did not occur during daily           2,500           5,000

     tour...............................

    (b)(2) Tested when accident/incident           5,000           7,500

     criteria not met...................

    (b)(3) Tested when operating rules             5,000           7,500

     violation criteria not met.........

219.302 Prompt specimen collection:

    (a) Specimen collection not                    2,500           5,000

     conducted promptly.................



  Subpart E--Identification of Troubled

                Employees



219.401 Requirement for policies:

    (b) Failure to publish and/or                  2,500           5,000

     implement required policy..........

219.407 Alternate policies:

    (c) Failure to file agreement or               2,500           5,000

     other document or provide timely

     notice or revocation...............



     Subpart F--Pre-Employment Tests



219.501 Pre-employment tests:

    (a) Failure to perform pre-                    2,500           5,000

     employment drug test before first

     time employee performs covered

     service............................



   Subpart G--Random Testing Programs



219.601 Railroad random drug programs:

    (a)(1) Failure to file a random                2,500           5,000

     program............................

    (a)(2) Failure to file amendment to            2,500           5,000

     program............................

    (b) Failure to meet random testing             2,500           5,000

     criteria...........................

    (b)(1)(i) Failure to use a neutral             2,500           5,000

     selection process..................

    (b)(2)(i)(B) Testing not spread                2,500           5,000

     throughout the year................

    (b)(3) Testing not distributed                 2,500           5,000

     throughout the day.................

    (b)(4) Advance notice provided to              2,500           5,000

     employee...........................

    (b)(6) Testing when employee not on            2,500           5,000

     duty...............................

219.601A Failure to include covered                2,500           5,000

 service employee in pool...............

219.602 Administrator's determination of

 drug testing rate:

    (f) Total number of tests below                2,500           5,000

     minimum random drug testing rate...

219.603 Participation in drug testing:

    Failure to document reason for not             2,500           5,000

     testing selected employee..........

219.607 Railroad random alcohol

 programs:

    (a)(1) Failure to file a random                2,500           5,000

     alcohol program....................

    (a)(2) Failure to file amendment to            2,500           5,000

     program............................



[[Page 243]]





    (b) Failure to meet random testing             2,500           5,000

     criteria...........................

    (b)(1) Failure to use a neutral                2,500           5,000

     selection process..................

    (b)(5) Testing when employee not on            2,500           5,000

     duty...............................

    (b)(8) Advance notice provided to              2,500           5,000

     employee...........................

219.607A Failure to include covered                2,500           5,000

 service employee in pool...............

219.608 Administrator's determination of

 random alcohol testing rate:

    (e) Total number of tests below                2,500           5,000

     minimum random alcohol testing rate

219.609 Participation in alcohol

 testing:

    Failure to document reason for not             2,500           5,000

     testing selected employee..........



   Subpart H--Drug and Alcohol Testing

               Procedures



219.701 Standards for drug and alcohol

 testing:

    (a) Failure to comply with Part 40            -5,000          -7,500

     procedures in Subpart B, D, F, or G

     testing............................

    (b) Testing not performed in a                 2,500           5,000

     timely manner......................



        Subpart I--Annual Report



219.801 Reporting alcohol misuse

 prevention program results in a

 management information system:

    (a) Failure to submit MIS report on            2,500           5,000

     time...............................

    (c) Failure to submit accurate MIS             2,500           5,000

     report.............................

    (d) Failure to include required data           2,500           5,000

219.803 Reporting drug misuse prevention

 program results in a management

 information system:

    (c) Failure to submit accurate MIS             2,500           5,000

     report.............................

    (d) Failure to submit MIS report on            2,500           5,000

     report.............................

    (e) Failure to include required data           2,500           5,000



  Subpart J--Recordkeeping Requirements



219.901 Retention of Alcohol Testing

 Records:

    (a) Failure to maintain records                2,500           5,000

     required to be kept by Part 40.....

    (b) Failure to maintain records                2,500           5,000

     required to be kept for five years.

    (c) Failure to maintain records                2,500           5,000

     required to be kept for two years..

219.903 Retention of Drug Testing

 Records:

    (a) Failure to maintain records                2,500           5,000

     required to be kept by Part 40.....

    (b) Failure to maintain records                2,500           5,000

     required to be kept for five years.

    (c) Failure to maintain records                2,500           5,000

     required to be kept for two years..

219.905 Access to facilities and

 records:

    (a) Failure to release records in              2,500           5,000

     this subpart in accordance with

     Part 40............................

    (b) Failure to permit access to                2,500           5,000

     facilities.........................

    (c) Failure to provide access to               2,500           5,000

     results of railroad alcohol and

     drug testing programs..............

------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ A penalty may be assessed against an individual only for a willful

  violation. The FRA Administrator reserves the right to assess a

  penalty of up to $27,000 for any violation, including ones not listed

  in this penalty schedule, where circumstances warrant. See 49 CFR Part

  209, appendix A.

\2\ The penalty schedule uses section numbers from 49 CFR Part 219; and

  if more than one item is listed as a type of violation of a given

  section, each item is also designated by a ``penalty code'' (e.g.,

  ``A''), which is used to facilitate assessment of civil penalties. For

  convenience, penalty citations will cite the CFR section and the

  penalty code, if any (e.g., ``Sec. 219.11A'') FRA reserves the right,

  should litigation become necessary, to substitute in its complaint the

  CFR citation in place of the combined CFR and penalty code citation.





[66 FR 41973, Aug. 9, 2001, as amended at 69 FR 30593, May 28, 2004]



  Appendix B to Part 219--Designation of Laboratory for Post-Accident 

                          Toxicological Testing



    The following laboratory is currently designated to conduct post-

accident toxicological analysis under subpart C of this part: Northwest 

Toxicology/LabOne, Hayes Building, Suite C, 2282 South 

Presidents Drive, West Valley City, UT 84120, Telephone: (800) 322-3361 

or (801) 293-2300 (Day), (801) 244-5599 (Night/Weekend).



[70 FR 16966, Apr. 4, 2005]



    Appendix C to Part 219--Post-Accident Testing Specimen Collection



    1.0 General.

    This appendix prescribes procedures for collection of specimens for 

mandatory post-accident testing pursuant to Subpart C of this part. 

Collection of blood and urine specimens is required to be conducted at 

an independent medical facility.



(Surviving Employees)



    2.0 Surviving Employees.

    This unit provides detailed procedures for collecting post-accident 

toxicological specimens from surviving employees involved in train 

accidents and train incidents, as required by Subpart C of this part. 

Subpart C



[[Page 244]]



specifies qualifying events and employees required to be tested.

    2.1 Collection Procedures; General.

    a. All forms and supplies necessary for collection and transfer of 

blood and urine specimens for three surviving employees can be found in 

the FRA post-accident shipping box, which is made available to the 

collection site by the railroad representative.

    b. Each shipping box contains supplies for blood/urine collections 

from three individuals, including instructions and necessary forms. The 

railroad is responsible for ensuring that materials are fresh, complete 

and meet FRA requirements.

    2.1.1 Responsibility of the Railroad Representative.

    a. In the event of an accident/incident for which testing is 

required under Subpart C of this part, the railroad representative shall 

follow the designated set of instructions, and, upon arrival at the 

independent medical facility, promptly present to the collection 

facility representative a post-accident shipping box or boxes with all 

remaining sets of instructions. (Each box contains supplies to collect 

specimens from three employees.) The railroad representative shall 

request the collection facility representative to review the 

instructions provided and, through qualified personnel, provide for 

collection of the specimens according to the procedures set out.

    b. The railroad representative shall undertake the following 

additional responsibilities--

    1. Complete Form FRA 6180.73 (revised), Accident Information 

Required for Post-Accident Toxicological Testing (49 CFR Part 219), 

describing the testing event and identifying the employees whose 

specimens are to be deposited in the shipping box.

    2. As necessary to verify the identity of individual employees, 

affirm the identity of each employee to the medical facility personnel.

    3. Consistent with the policy of the collection facility, monitor 

the progress of the collection procedure.

    Warning: Monitor but do not directly observe urination or otherwise 

disturb the privacy of urine or blood collection. Do not handle specimen 

containers, bottles or tubes (empty or full). Do not become part of the 

collection process.

    2.1.2 Employee Responsibility.

    a. An employee who is identified for post-accident toxicological 

testing shall cooperate in testing as required by the railroad and 

personnel of the independent medical facility. Such cooperation will 

normally consist of the following, to be performed as requested:

    1. Provide a blood specimen, which a qualified medical professional 

or technician will draw using a single-use sterile syringe. The employee 

should be seated for this procedure.

    2. Provide, in the privacy of an enclosure, a urine specimen into a 

plastic collection cup. Deliver the cup to the collector.

    3. Do not let the blood and urine specimens that you provided leave 

your sight until they have been properly sealed and initialed by you.

    4. Certify the statement in Step 4 of the Post-Accident Testing 

Blood/Urine Custody and Control Form (49 CFR 219) (Form FRA F 6180.74 

(revised)).

    5. If required by the medical facility, complete a separate consent 

form for taking of the specimens and their release to FRA for analysis 

under the FRA rule.

    Note: The employee may not be required to complete any form that 

contains any waiver of rights the employee may have in the employment 

relationship or that releases or holds harmless the medical facility 

with respect to negligence in the collection.

    2.2 The Collection.

    Exhibit C-1 contains instructions for collection of specimens for 

post-accident toxicology from surviving employees. These instructions 

shall be observed for each collection. Instructions are also contained 

in each post-accident shipping box and shall be provided to collection 

facility personnel involved in the collection and/or packaging of 

specimens for shipment.

(Post Mortem Collection)



    3.0 Fatality.

    This unit provides procedures for collecting post-accident body 

fluid/tissue specimens from the remains of employees killed in train 

accidents and train incidents, as required by Subpart C of this part. 

Subpart C specifies qualifying events and employees required to be 

tested.

    3.1 Collection.

    In the event of a fatality for which testing is required under 

Subpart C of this part, the railroad shall promptly make available to 

the custodian of the remains a post-accident shipping box. The railroad 

representative shall request the custodian to review the instructions 

contained in the shipping box and, through qualified medical personnel, 

to provide the specimens as indicated.



(Surviving Employees and Fatalities)



    4.0 Shipment.

    a. The railroad is responsible for arranging overnight 

transportation of the sealed shipping box containing the specimens. When 

possible without incurring delay, the box should be delivered directly 

from the collection personnel providing the specimens to an overnight 

express service courier. If it becomes necessary for the railroad to 

transport the box from point of collection to point of shipment, then--

    1. Individual kits and the shipping box shall be sealed by 

collection personnel before



[[Page 245]]



the box is turned over to the railroad representative;

    2. The railroad shall limit the number of persons handling the 

shipping box to the minimum necessary to provide for transportation;

    3. If the shipping box cannot immediately be delivered to the 

express carrier for transportation, it shall be maintained in secure 

temporary storage; and

    4. The railroad representatives handling the box shall document 

chain of custody of the shipping box and shall make available such 

documentation to FRA on request.



 Exhibit C-1--Instructions for Collection of Blood and Urine Specimens: 

              Mandatory Post-Accident Toxicological Testing



                               A. Purpose



    These instructions are for the use of personnel of collection 

facilities conducting collection of blood and urine specimens from 

surviving railroad employees following railroad accidents and casualties 

that qualify for mandatory alcohol/drug testing. The Federal Railroad 

Administration appreciates the participation of medical facilities in 

this important public safety program.



                        B. Prepare for Collection



    a. Railroad employees have consented to provision of specimens for 

analysis by the Federal Railroad Administration as a condition of 

employment (49 CFR 219.11). A private, controlled area should be 

designated for collection of specimens and completion of paperwork.

    b. Only one specimen should be collected at a time, with each 

employee's blood draw or urine collection having the complete attention 

of the collector until the specific specimen has been labeled, sealed 

and documented.

    c. Please remember two critical rules for the collections:

    d. All labeling and sealing must be done in the sight of the donor, 

with the specimen never having left the donor's presence until the 

specimen has been labeled, sealed and initialed by the donor.

    e. Continuous custody and control of blood and urine specimens must 

be maintained and documented on the forms provided. In order to do this, 

it is important for the paperwork and the specimens to stay together.

    f. To the extent practical, blood collection should take priority 

over urine collection. To limit steps in the chain of custody, it is 

best if a single collector handles both collections from a given 

employee.

    g. You will use a single Post-Accident Testing Blood/Urine Custody 

and Control Form (FRA Form 6108.74 (revised)), consisting of six Steps 

to complete the collection for each employee. We will refer to it as the 

Control Form.



                          C. Identify the Donor



    a. The employee donor must provide photo identification to each 

collector, or lacking this, be identified by the railroad 

representative.

    b. The donor should remove all unnecessary outer garments such as 

coats or jackets, but may retain valuables, including a wallet. Donors 

should not be asked to disrobe, unless necessary for a separate physical 

examination required by the attending physician.



                              D. Draw Blood



    a. Assemble the materials for collecting blood from each employee: 

two 10 ml grey-stoppered blood tubes and the Control Form.

    b. Ask the donor to complete STEP 1 on the Control Form.

    c. With the donor seated, draw two (2) 10 ml tubes of blood using 

standard medical procedures (sterile, single-use syringe into evacuated 

gray-top tubes provided). CAUTION: Do not use alcohol or an alcohol-

based swab to cleanse the venipuncture site.

    d. Once both tubes are filled and the site of venipuncture is 

protected, immediately--

    1. Seal and label each tube by placing a numbered blood specimen 

label from the label set on the Control Form over the top of the tube 

and securing it down the sides.

    2. Ask the donor to initial each label. Please check to see that the 

initials match the employee's name and note any discrepancies in the 

``Remarks'' block of the Control Form.

    3. As collector, sign and date each blood tube label at the place 

provided.

    4. Skip to STEP 5 and initiate chain of custody for the blood tubes 

by filling out the first line of the block to show receipt of the blood 

specimens from the donor.

    5. Complete STEP 2 on the form.

    6. Return the blood tubes into the individual kit. Keep the 

paperwork and specimens together. If another collector will be 

collecting the urine specimen from this employee, transfer both the form 

and the individual kit with blood tubes to that person, showing the 

transfer of the blood tubes on the second line of STEP 5 (the chain of 

custody block).



                            E. Collect Urine



    a. The urine collector should assemble at his/her station the 

materials for collecting urine from each employee: one plastic 

collection cup with temperature device affixed enclosed in a heat-seal 

bag (with protective seal intact), two 90 ml urine specimen bottles with 

caps and one biohazard bag (with absorbent) also enclosed in a heat-seal 

bag (with protective seal intact), and the Control



[[Page 246]]



Form. Blood specimens already collected must remain in the collector's 

custody and control during this procedure.

    b. After requiring the employee to wash his/her hands, the collector 

should escort the employee directly to the urine collection area. To the 

extent practical, all sources of water in the collection area should be 

secured and a bluing agent (provided in the box) placed in any toilet 

bowl, tank, or other standing water.

    c. The employee will be provided a private place in which to void. 

Urination will not be directly observed. If the enclosure contains a 

source of running water that cannot be secured or any material (soap, 

etc.) that could be used to adulterate the specimen, the collector 

should monitor the provision of the specimen from outside the enclosure. 

Any unusual behavior or appearance should be noted in the remarks 

section of the Control Form or on the back of that form.

    d. The collector should then proceed as follows:

    e. Unwrap the collection cup in the employee's presence and hand it 

to the employee (or allow the employee to unwrap it).

    f. Ask the employee to void at least 60 ml into the collection cup 

(at least to the line marked).

    g. Leave the private enclosure.



IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH URINATION OR Specimen QUANTITY, SEE THE 

``TROUBLE BOX'' AT THE BACK OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.



    h. Once the void is complete, the employee should exit the private 

enclosure and deliver the specimen to the collector. Both the collector 

and the employee must proceed immediately to the labeling/sealing area, 

with the specimen never leaving the sight of the employee before being 

sealed and labeled.

    i. Upon receipt of the specimen, proceed as follows:

    1. In the full view of the employee, remove the wrapper from the two 

urine specimen bottles. Transfer the urine from the collection cup into 

the specimen bottles (at least 30 ml in bottle A and at least 15 ml in 

bottle B).

    2. As you pour the specimen into the specimen bottles, please 

inspect for any unusual signs indicating possible adulteration or 

dilution. Carefully secure the tops. Note any unusual signs under 

``Remarks'' at STEP 3 of the Control Form.

    3. Within 4 minutes after the void, measure the temperature of the 

urine by reading the strip on the bottle. Mark the result at STEP 3 of 

the Control Form.



IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE URINE Specimen, SEE THE ``TROUBLE BOX'' 

AT THE BACK OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.



    4. Remove the urine bottle labels from the Control Form. The labels 

are marked ``A'' and ``B.'' Place each label as marked over the top of 

its corresponding bottle, and secure the label to the sides of the 

bottle.

    5. Ask the donor to initial each label. Please check to see that the 

initials match the employee name and note any discrepancy in the 

``Remarks'' block of STEP 3.

    6. As collector, sign and date each urine label.

    7. Skip to STEP 5 and initiate chain-of-custody by showing receipt 

of the urine specimens from the donor. (If you collected the blood, a 

check under ``urine'' will suffice. If someone else collected the blood, 

first make sure transfer of the blood to you is documented. Then, using 

the next available line, show ``Provide specimens'' under purpose, 

``Donor'' under ``released by,'' check under ``urine'' and place your 

name, signature and date in the space provided.)

    8. Complete the remainder of STEP 3 on the Control Form.

    9. Have the employee complete STEP 4 on the Control Form.

    10. Place the filled urine bottles in the individual employee kit. 

Keep the paperwork and specimens together. If another collector will be 

collecting the blood specimen from this employee, transfer both the form 

and the kit to that person, showing the transfer of the urine specimens 

on the next available line of STEP 5 (the chain of custody block).



                   F. Seal the Individual Employee Kit



    a. The blood and urine specimens have now been collected for this 

employee. The blood/urine specimens will now be sealed into the 

individual employee kit, while all paperwork will be retained for 

further completion. After rechecking to see that each specimen is 

properly labeled and initialed, close the plastic bag to contain any 

leakage in transportation, and apply the kit security seal to the small 

individual kit. As collector, sign and date the kit seal.

    b. Before collecting specimens from the next employee, complete the 

next line on the chain-of-custody block showing release of the blood and 

urine by yourself for the purpose of ``Shipment'' and receipt by the 

courier service or railroad representative that will provide 

transportation of the box, together with the date.



                    G. Complete Treatment Information



    Complete STEP 6 of the Control Form. Mark the box if a breath 

alcohol test was conducted under FRA authority.



                     H. Prepare the Box for Shipment



    a. Sealed individual employee kits should be retained in secure 

storage if there will be a delay in preparation of the shipping box. The 

shipping box shall be prepared and sealed by a collection facility 

representative as follows:



[[Page 247]]



    1. Inspect STEP 5 of each Control Form to ensure chain-of-custody is 

continuous and complete for each fluid (showing specimens released for 

shipment). Retain the medical facility copy of each Control Form and the 

Accident Information form for your records.

    2. Place sealed individual employee kits in the shipping box. Place 

all forms in zip-lock bag and seal securely. Place bag with forms and 

unused supplies in shipping box.

    3. Affix the mailing label provided to the outside of the shipping 

box.



                             I. Ship the Box



    a. The railroad must arrange to have the box shipped overnight air 

express or (if express service is unavailable) by air freight, prepaid, 

to FRA's designated laboratory. Whenever possible without incurring 

delay, the collector should deliver the box directly into the hands of 

the express courier or air freight representative.

    b. Where courier pickup is not immediately available at the 

collection facility where the specimens are taken, the railroad is 

required to transport the shipping box for expeditious shipment by air 

express, air freight or equivalent means.

    c. If the railroad is given custody of the box to arrange shipment, 

please record the name of the railroad official taking custody on the 

copy of Form 6180.73 retained by the collection site.



                             ``TROUBLE BOX''



    1. Problem: The employee claims an inability to urinate, either 

because he/she has recently voided or because of anxiety concerning the 

collection.

    Action: The employee may be offered moderate quantities of liquid to 

assist urination. If the employee continues to claim inability after 4 

hours, the urine collection should be discontinued, but the blood 

specimens should be forwarded and all other procedures followed. Please 

note in area provided for remarks what explanation was provided by the 

employee.

    2. Problem: The employee cannot provide approximately 60 ml. of 

specimen.

    Action: The employee should remain at the collection facility until 

as much as possible of the required amount can be given (up to 4 hours). 

The employee should be offered moderate quantities of liquids to aid 

urination. The first bottle, if it contains any quantity of urine, 

should be sealed and securely stored with the blood tubes and Control 

Form pending shipment. A second bottle should then be used for the 

subsequent void (using a second Control Form with the words ``SECOND 

VOID--FIRST Specimen INSUFFICIENT'' in the remarks block and labels from 

that form). However, if after 4 hours the donor's second void is also 

insufficient or contains no more than the first insufficient void, 

discard the second void and send the first void to the laboratory.

    3. Problem: The urine temperature is outside the normal range of 32 

deg.-38 deg.C/90 deg.-100 deg.F, and a suitable medical explanation 

cannot be provided by an oral temperature or other means; or

    4. Problem: The collector observes conduct clearly and unequivocally 

indicating an attempt to substitute or adulterate the specimen (e.g., 

substitute urine in plain view, blue dye in specimen presented, etc.) 

and a collection site supervisor or the railroad representative agrees 

that the circumstances indicate an attempt to tamper with the specimen.

    Action (for either Problem No. 3 or Problem No. 4): Document the 

problem on the Control Form.

    i. If the collection site supervisor or railroad representative 

concurs that the temperature of the specimen, or other clear and 

unequivocal evidence, indicates a possible attempt to substitute or 

alter the specimen, another void must be taken under direct observation 

by a collector of the same gender.

    ii. If a collector of the same sex is not available, do NOT proceed 

with this step.

    iii. If a collector of the same gender is available, proceed as 

follows: A new Control Form must be initiated for the second void. The 

original suspect specimen should be marked ``Void'' and the follow-up 

void should be marked ``Void 2,'' with both voids being sent to the 

laboratory and the incident clearly detailed on the Control Form.



   Exhibit C-2--Instructions for Collection of Post Mortem Specimens: 

             Employee Killed in a Railroad Accident/Incident



    To the Medical Examiner, Coroner, or Pathologist:

    a. In compliance with Federal safety regulations (49 CFR Part 219), 

a railroad representative has requested that you obtain specimens for 

toxicology from the remains of a railroad employee who was killed in a 

railroad accident or incident. The deceased consented to the taking of 

such specimens, as a matter of Federal law, by performing service on the 

railroad (49 CFR 219.11(f)).

    b. Your assistance is requested in carrying out this program of 

testing, which is important to the protection of the public safety and 

the safety of those who work on the railroads.



                              A. Materials:



    The railroad will provide you a post-accident shipping box that 

contains necessary supplies. If the box is not immediately available, 

please proceed using supplies available to you that are suitable for 

forensic toxicology.



[[Page 248]]



             B. Specimens requested, in order of preference:



    a. Blood--20 milliliters or more. Preferred sites: intact femoral 

vein or artery or peripheral vessels (up to 10 ml, as available) and 

intact heart (20 ml). Deposit blood in gray-stopper tubes individually 

by site and shake to mix specimen and preservative.

    Note: If uncontaminated blood is not available, bloody fluid or 

clots from body cavity may be useful for qualitative purposes; but do 

not label as blood. Please indicate source and identity of specimen on 

label of tube.

    b. Urine--as much as 100 milliliters, if available. Deposit into 

plastic bottles provided.

    c. Vitreous fluid--all available, deposited into smallest available 

tube (e.g., 3 ml) with 1% sodium fluoride, or gray-stopper tube 

(provided). Shake to mix specimen and preservative.

    d. If available at autopsy, organs--50 to 100 grams each of two or 

more of the following in order preference, as available: liver, bile, 

brain, kidney, spleen, and/or lung. Specimens should be individually 

deposited into zip-lock bags or other clean, single use containers 

suitable for forensic specimens.

    e. If vitreous or urine is not available, please provide--

    1. Spinal fluid--all available, in 8 ml container (if available) 

with sodium fluoride or in gray-stopper tube; or, if spinal fluid cannot 

be obtained,

    2. Gastric content--up to 100 milliliters, as available, into 

plastic bottle.



                         C. Specimen collection:



    a. Sampling at time of autopsy is preferred so that percutaneous 

needle puncturing is not necessary. However, if autopsy will not be 

conducted or is delayed, please proceed with sampling.

    b. Blood specimens should be taken by sterile syringe and deposited 

directly into evacuated tube, if possible, to avoid contamination of 

specimen or dissipation of volatiles (ethyl alcohol).

    Note: If only cavity fluid is available, please open cavity to 

collect specimen. Note condition of cavity.

    c. Please use smallest tubes available to accommodate available 

quantity of fluid specimen (with 1% sodium fluoride).



                  D. Specimen identification, sealing:



    a. As each specimen is collected, seal each blood tube and each 

urine bottle using the respective blood tube or urine bottle using the 

identifier labels from the set provided with the Post-Accident Testing 

Blood/Urine Custody and Control Form (49 CFR part 219) (Form FRA F 

6180.74 (revised)). Make sure the unique identification number on the 

labels match the pre-printed number on the Control Form. Please label 

other specimens with name and specimen set identification numbers. You 

may use labels and seals from any of the extra forms, but annotate them 

accordingly.

    b. Annotate each label with specimen description and source (as 

appropriate) (e.g., blood, femoral vein).

    c. Please provide copy of any written documentation regarding 

condition of body and/or sampling procedure that is available at the 

time specimens are shipped.



                              E. Handling:



    a. If specimens cannot be shipped immediately as provided below, 

specimens other than blood may be immediately frozen. Blood specimens 

should be refrigerated, but not frozen.

    b. All specimens and documentation should be secured from 

unauthorized access pending delivery for transportation.



                             F. Information:



    a. If the railroad has not already done so, please place the name of 

the subject at the top of the Control Form (STEP 1). You are requested 

to complete STEP 2 of the form, annotating it by writing the word 

``FATALITY,'' listing the specimens provided, providing any further 

information under ``Remarks'' or at the bottom of the form. If it is 

necessary to transfer custody of the specimens from the person taking 

the specimens prior to preparing the box for shipment, please use the 

blocks provided in STEP 5 to document transfer of custody.

    b. The railroad representative will also provide Accident 

Information Required for Post-Accident Toxicological Testing (49 CFR 

Part 219), Form FRA 6180.73 (revised). Both forms should be placed in 

the shipping box when completed; but you may retain the designated 

medical facility copy of each form for your records.



                      G. Packing the shipping box:



    a. Place urine bottles and blood tubes in the sponge liner in the 

individual kit, close the biohazard bag zipper, close the kit and apply 

the kit custody seal to the kit. You may use additional kits for each 

tissue specimen, being careful to identify specimen by tissue, name of 

deceased, and specimen set identification number. Apply kit security 

seals to individual kits and initial across all seals. Place all forms 

in the zip-lock bag and seal securely.

    b. Place the bag in the shipping box. Do not put forms in with the 

specimens. Seal the shipping box with the seal provided and initial and 

date across the seal.

    c. Affix the mailing label to the outside of the box.



[[Page 249]]



                          H. Shipping the box:



    a. The railroad must arrange to have the box shipped overnight air 

express or (if express service is unavailable) by air freight, prepaid, 

to FRA's designated laboratory. When possible, but without incurring 

delay, deliver the sealed shipping box directly to the express courier 

or the air freight representative.

    b. If courier pickup is not immediately available at your facility, 

the railroad is required to transport the sealed shipping box to the 

nearest point of shipment via air express, air freight or equivalent 

means.

    c. If the railroad receives the sealed shipping box to arrange 

shipment, please record under ``Supplemental Information'' on the 

Control Form, the name of the railroad official taking custody.



                                I. Other:



    FRA requests that the person taking the specimens annotate the 

Control Form under ``Supplemental Information'' if additional 

toxicological analysis will be undertaken with respect to the fatality. 

FRA reports are available to the coroner or medical examiner on request.