As recently as 2003 owners of most industrial sites have initiated mandatory Pre-Access and Post-Incident alcohol and drug testing within Local 92's jurisdiction.

To get more information about the Rapid Site Access Program (RSAP), visit our RSAP page, or proceed to www.rsap.ca.

Pre-Access Testing: A required test to gain access to a worksite.

Post-Incident Testing: You may be subject to a test after the result of or involvement in an incident. 

For Cause Testing: You may be subject to a test for, but not limited to, excessive absenteeism or tardiness, slurred speech, alcohol smell, and erratic behavior such as noticeable imbalance, incoherence, and disorientation.

What is a "Drug Free" jobsite?

A "Drug Free" jobsite has drug testing requirements written in the specification, which require the contractor to test the workforce on that job.

How do I participate in the program? 

You must get an initial program test by receiving a dispatch slip from your local union hall, and going to an approved collection facility.

How do I schedule an appointment with a collection facility for a test? 

You will receive information at dispatch with a phone number or contact name if tests are scheduled by the contractor.

What happens if I refuse a test? 

If you refuse a Pre-Access test at the testing facility, or leave without completing the test, this will also be considered a fail. You will not be able to work on a jobsite requiring Pre-Access testing. Allow three hours for a test, in case it has to be redone. If you refuse a Post-Incident test, you will be deemed to have a positive test (i.e. to have failed the test).

What happens if I fail a test? 

If you fail a Pre-Access test, consult your union representative, as different companies have different return to work policies, ranging from next day to six months. Some contractors may have specific consequences compliant to the Canadian Model. If you fail a Post-Incident test, possible consequences are listed in the Canadian Model policy section; however, you should consult your union representative to discuss your situation.

1. Health and Welfare Referral: You must contact Human Solutions, which is our CEFAP program, or AADAC when you cannot be covered by CEFAP.

2. Evaluation by Substance Counselor: You must complete the substance abuse evaluation prior to returning to work, in compliance to the Canadian Model. 

3. Rehabilitation Program: You must complete the rehabilitation program, which will be outlined in your assessment. You must also contact your union representative before returning to work. 

4. Return to Duty: You must submit a non-negative Return to Duty drug screen.

Drug detection times in urine are expressed below in terms of lower and upper boundaries. The amount of time that a drug metabolite remains detectable in urine can vary, depending in the following factors:

Amount and Frequency of Use: Single, isolated, small doses are generally detectable at the lower boundary. Chronic and long term use typically result in detection periods near or at the upper boundary.

Metabolic Rate: individuals with slower body metabolism are prone to longer drug detection periods. 

Body Mass: In general, human metabolism slows with increased body mass, resulting in longer drug detection periods. In addition, THC (marijuana's active ingredient) and PCP are known to accumulate in fatty lipid tissue. Chronic users, physically inactive users, and individuals with a high percentage of body fat in relation to total body mass are prone to longer drug detection periods for THC and PCP. 

Age: In general, human metabolism slows with age, resulting in longer drug detection periods. 

Overall Health: In general, human metabolism slows during periods of deteriorating health, resulting in longer drug detection periods. 

Drug Tolerance: Users typically metabolize a drug faster once a tolerance to the drug is established. 

Urine pH: Urine pH can impact drug detection periods. Typically, highly acidic urine results in shorter drug detection periods.

In a small percentage of cases, users may test positive longer than normal. This is shown most notably in cases of long term chronic abuse, in individuals with significant body mass and/or body fat, and in individuals with health-related issues resulting in abnormally slow body metabolism. These detection times are based on urine analysis. Detection times for hair follicle, blood, and saliva tests are much higher.

THC, marijuana's primary active ingredient, and PCP are stored by the body in fatty lipid tissue. From there, it is slowly released into the bloodstream for up to several weeks, depending on the amount and frequency of use, and the user's level of physical activity. In chronic and physically inactive users, THC/PCP may accumulate in fatty tissues faster than it can be eliminated. This accumulation leads to longer detection periods for these individuals. Also, users with a high percentage of body fat in relation to total body mass are prone to longer drug detection periods for marijuana and PCP. 

You must allow yourself a minimum of three hours for an Alcohol and Drug test. Do not make an appointment if you cannot stay for at least three hours. No exceptions. 

You may be asked to stay longer in the case of unusual findings (e.g. temperature, smell, color, size of sample). Such conditions may warrant another test to be done, which would then be an observed test by someone of the same gender as yourself in the room with you. 

Refusal to test again or leaving the testing site for any reason will be considered a failure to comply with the Canadian Model. This will result in a fail for the contractor you have been dispatched for, which will have further consequences. 

Unless documentation is provided, no exceptions or excuses will be tolerated by the union regarding this matter. 

Please ensure that you abide by all rules and regulations pertaining to the collection site at which you take your Alcohol and Drug test. Not all labs have the same policies, and you must take into consideration the differences among collection sites, and do what you are asked to make your visit go smoothly. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Amanda Stefanizyn, Alcohol and Drug Coordinator for Local 92.