FRA Addendum-Specific Responsibilities for the Designated Employer Representative (DER)

Upon completion of this course, supervisors working in the railroad industry, regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration, will have the skills to take on the role of Designated Employer Representative, with specialized knowledge about the drug and alcohol testing practices and processes required by the FRA. The individual in this critical position is responsible for ensuring employer compliance with federally mandated drug and alcohol testing regulations and FRA-specific requirements. This addendum is an enhancement to the self-guided Designated Employee Representative (DER) training. The course details the protocols and processes required by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) under 49 CFR Part 219 for certain employees in the railroad industry where they differ from or expand on the drug and alcohol testing procedures outlined in 49 CFR Part 40. It is critical for the DER to understand and follow the particular requirements of the transportation mode that regulates their industry. The employer risks non-compliance when following DOT protocols, but not those of their modal agency. DERs working with railroad employees must be knowledgeable about the guidelines presented in 49 CFR Part 219 in addition to those covered in 49 CFR Part 40.