We encourage clients to come to a classroom training if at all possible. But we also believe that, when classroom training just isn’t possible, a quality and thorough online training program from a reputable vendor is your next best bet.
The Rise of Electronic Alcohol Testing Forms and Paperless Testing Although an electronic ATF form has not been approved yet for DOT breath alcohol testing, there is much agreement that this advancement is in the near future, due in large part to the approval of e-CCF systems by the DOT. A recent study showed that 83% of testing facilities questioned would implement an e-ATF if one was available and if the DOT regulations for it were set.1 Many questions surround this
certainly one factor, but when you consider what is on the line if a BAT team is poorly trained, cost concerns should be trumped by quality, quality, and quality!
Some best practices to follow: • Make sure that the vendor that produced the online training has a long track record of providing quality training.
• Ask peer companies for references if you are not sure.
• Make sure that the program that you choose has an instrument proficiency module. As mentioned above, we have found vendors that teach rules and regulations, and then skip right to the mock tests. How is this helpful to a student?
• Finally, make sure that if you do DOT testing (and most of us do!), that your online testing program adheres to the regulations as set out by DOT.
48 datia focus
technology, as have surrounded other new technologies in the breath testing field. As with any new technology, there are many advantages to an e-ATF, including streamlining the collection process, saving paper, and automatic test result data collection and dissemination. With any new technology, it becomes important to preserve the integrity of the collection process and this should be a primary goal of the e-ATF advancement. Proper training on the new technology will also be critical to a quality testing program. While the eATF technology is still in its infancy, and therefore choices are limited, we believe again that a platform should be evaluated solely on value it provides to supporting a quality breath testing program (there’s that word again… quality). For instance, will the platform allow you to send the eATF to the DER in a proper manner? Will it support a mobile testing program? Will it work in conjunction with a tried and true breath testing instrument? Does it adhere to the rules set out by DOT? How will training be accomplished?
Conclusion Emerging technologies are certainly exciting and welcomed by most testing facilities and training entities; however, we do need to be vigilant in our processes and training to ensure that the breath testing process is as flawless
as possible. New advancements should enhance this goal, rather than restrain it. Training is still key to a defensible program,
and that nothing is quite as thorough and high-quality as in-person, classroom training. We encourage clients to come to a classroom training if at all possible. But we also believe that, when classroom training just isn’t possible, a quality and thorough online training program from a reputable vendor is your next best bet. Don’t setle for just “quick, cheap, or
convenient” when choosing your training program and testing technology options. Tese are the backbone of your testing program, and as such deserve to be given the utmost consideration.
References 1 2 2015 Survey by Intoximeters
Source: Breath Alcohol Technician Training: DOT Model Course, 4/6/2011, page 5
Betye Bailey is the Corpo- rate Training Manager for Intoximeters, an industry leader in the design, devel- opment and manufacturing of evidential breath alcohol
testing devices. Betye prepares and main- tains course curriculums and conducts training for both the law enforcement and workplace/industrial markets as well as functioning as the regulatory compliance support contact for Intoximeters DOT, NRC and USCG customers.
Phil Simmons is the Direc- tor of Sales and Marketing, North America, for Intoxim- eters Inc., an industry leader in the design, develop- ment and manufacturing of
evidential breath alcohol testing devices. In this role, Phil manages the Sales, Market- ing, Customer Service, and Customer Training functions, as well as develops customer-focused specifications for New Product Development.
Spring 2016
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80