A best practice of the Construction Owners Association of Alberta (COAA)

The COAA Canadian Model closely follows the standards specified by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for alcohol and drug testing standards and procedures.

On October 1, 2010, the US DOT implemented a revised urine drug-testing panel. The new drug panel includes lower cut-off limits for amphetamines and cocaine.

The COAA Canadian Model Best Practice Review Committee reviewed the 2005 version of the Canadian Model, recommended several important changes to follow the DOT revisions and issued an Addendum to the 2005 version of the Model, effective 1 October 2010.

Key changes in the 2010 Addendum include:

• Section 3.1 - Updated urine drug panel and concentrations
• Section 3.1 - Included an oral fluid drug panel and concentrations as currently recommended by the DOT and currently in use with the Rapid Site Access program (RSAP)
• Section 6.1 - Definition of Laboratory broadened to allow for oral fluid testing by a laboratory that adheres to sound forensic procedural practices and which includes quality controls and audits.
• Appendix A - Alcohol and Drug testing procedures - Included an updated procedure for collection of oral fluids samples

Download Version 2 of the Canadian Model.

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The COAA Model and the Addendum represent a collaborative approach to the development and implementation of a standardized Alcohol and Drug Policy for construction industry stakeholders. COAA assumes no liability associated with the implementation or application of this model policy and guidelines. As always, employers should seek independent legal advice with respect the application to their individual alcohol and drug policies.