Do Breath Alcohol Screening Devices Need Calibration Checks?

Under 49 CFR 40.235(e), an employer applies the EBT use and care requirements of 49 CFR 40.233 to breath alcohol screening devices (ASDs), and those requirements include external calibration checks at the intervals the manufacturer's instructions specify. The ASD rules in 40.235 apply as well.

Applied to breath ASDs, the requirements of 40.233(c) cover:

• Following the manufacturer's instructions, including external calibration checks at the specified intervals
• Using only calibration devices on NHTSA's CPL for Calibrating Units for Breath Alcohol Tests
• Taking a device that fails an external calibration check out of service until it is repaired and passes a check
• Keeping records of inspection, maintenance and calibration
• Having inspection, maintenance and calibration performed by the manufacturer or a maintenance representative certified by the manufacturer or by a state health agency or other appropriate state agency

Some devices on ODAPC's ASD list work differently. According to ODAPC footnotes, certain models use replaceable semiconductor detectors, and instead of re-calibrating the device, a new calibrated detector can be installed. Another listed system uses a single-use disposable breath tube with an electronic analyzer. The analyzer and tubes are lot specific and manufactured to remain calibrated throughout the shelf life of the device, and the device cannot be used after the expiration date.

Under 49 CFR 40.267, a breath tube ASD test is cancelled if the analyzer has not been pre-calibrated for that device's specific lot, as covered in When Is a DOT Alcohol Test Cancelled?. Calibrating units are covered in What Are Calibrating Units for Breath Alcohol Testers?, and the QAP for ASDs is covered in What Quality Assurance Rules Apply to Alcohol Screening Devices?.

Learn Laws® offers DOT Alcohol Screening Test Technician Training (STT), with qualification training, screening device training and five live mock tests under 49 CFR 40.213.

Suppliers listed in the MyDrugTesting.com directory include companies located in Ontario, Canada.