Changes to requirements for authorisation and training of testing officers
Changes to requirements for authorisation and training of testing officers
Authorisation of drug and alcohol testing officers
What were the requirements for authorising testing officers before these changes came into effect?
Railway operators had to apply to ITSRR for approval of authorised drug and alcohol testing officers and changes to authorised drug and alcohol testing officers.
What has changed?
There are three main changes:
- the term “testing officer” has been adopted, replacing the term “authorised officer”;
- the requirement for ITSRR approval has been removed, enabling accredited railway operators to authorise their own D&A testing officers; and
- ITSRR has the power to revoke authorisations.
Section 7.4 of the Guidelines requires accredited railway operators to authorise testing officers in accordance with clause 4 of the Regulations. Consistent with earlier provisions, clause 4 enables railway operators to authorise persons by name, or holders of specified position titles, as testing officers.
The following people may be authorised as testing officers:
- people who notify railway employees that they are required to undergo testing and then conduct the testing; or
- people (usually the railway operator’s representatives) who notify railway employees that they are required to undergo testing by a representative of a drug and alcohol testing company.
In the second case, the representative of the drug and alcohol testing company does not need to be authorised as a testing officer.
People authorised by ITSRR as an authorised officer under the Regulations prior to 4 August 2006 will be taken to have been authorised as a testing officer under clause 4 of the Regulations, and will have until 1 January 2007 in which to undertake training in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Guidelines.
Why has it changed?
‘’Authorised officers” is a term which is used in other Rail Safety Act provisions to indicate ITSRR inspectors. The change now ensures that drug and alcohol testing officers are clearly identified from ITSRR’s authorised officers.
Removal of the requirement for ITSRR approval of authorisations has streamlined administrative processes.
What do accredited railway operators need to do?
Accredited railway operators must authorise their own testing officers and provide each testing officer with a certificate of authorisation.
Training of drug and alcohol testing officers
What were the training requirements before these changes came into effect?
There were no specific training requirements in the Guidelines.
What has changed?
Section 7.4 of the Guidelines requires accredited railway operators to train their testing officers in accordance with Schedule 1 of the Guidelines.
Why has it changed?
The new training requirements will ensure that testing officers are provided with an adequate level of training in the testing equipment and procedures used in the railway operator’s drug and alcohol program.
What do accredited railway operators need to do?
Accredited railway operators must ensure that:
- all testing officers undergo training as outlined in Schedule 1 by 31 March 2007; and
- the content of testing officer training courses is revised and updated as necessary, to ensure it accurately reflects any changes to legislation, the railway operator’s drug and alcohol program and testing equipment and/or services.