What is required for a virtual inspection of my DOT/FAA-mandated drug and alcohol testing program by the FAA?
A virtual inspection is not much different than an onsite inspection (see our related Frequently Asked Question), except that it is conducted using phone or video conferencing (e.g., Zoom or Microsoft Teams) and you would provide your records to the inspection lead prior to the scheduled date and time. This method of inspecting is typically used for small employers that employ approximately 10 or fewer safety-sensitive employees. Like an onsite inspection, you will be notified of your scheduled inspection and provided a list of documents to make available for review. Prior to your virtual inspection, it is important for the Designated Employer Representative (DER) to provide the records via a secure email to the FAA’s Drug and Alcohol Compliance and Enforcement Inspector or through FAA’s secure Huddle web portal. To access the secure web portal, we will send you an invitation via email to join your Huddle Workspace at aam.huddle.com. Please refer to our Huddle user guide for assistance.
Please keep in mind that whether we conduct an onsite or virtual inspection, an employer is obligated under 49 CFR § 40.331 to release all written, printed, and computer-based records and reports, files, materials, data, documents/documentation, agreements, contracts, policies, and statements related to your drug and alcohol program. Cooperation with providing records before and during an inspection is paramount to the process and our ability to verify your compliance with 49 CFR part 40 and 14 CFR part 120.
Unlike an onsite inspection, a virtual inspection may take anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days to complete depending on our review of the records and your cooperation.
If you have any further questions about our inspection process, please contact your FAA Inspector or write to the FAA Drug Abatement Division at (202) 267-8442 or drugabatement@faa.gov.
Please visit our website to learn more about our program.