[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 19, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19538-19542]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-9554]
[[Page 19538]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
49 CFR Part 219
[Docket No. RSOR-6; Notice No. 42]
RIN 2130-AA63
Post-Accident Toxicological Testing; Amended Procedures
AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: FRA's new ``post-accident shipping boxes'' (formerly
designated ``post-accident testing toxicology kits'') are now available
for distribution to railroads. Each shipping box contains supplies,
instructions, and custody and control forms that have been modified to
incorporate mandatory urine split sample testing, optional breath
alcohol testing, and other technical amendments. In this rule, FRA
conforms the post-accident testing procedures contained in Appendix C
to its alcohol and drug regulations (49 CFR part 219) to these changes.
For ease of understanding, FRA here reprints the entire appendix C to
part 219, as amended.
DATES: Effective date. This final rule is effective April 19, 1995.
This rule is being made effective in less than the 30 days from
publication otherwise required by law so that FRA can immediately
implement post-accident testing amendments that had been delayed
pending availablity of the new shipping boxes. FRA has therefore
determined that good cause exists under the provisions of 5 U.S.C.
553(d)(3) to warrant an expedited effective date.
Compliance date: Compliance is authorized upon receipt of new FRA
post-accident shipping boxes, but in no case later than April 17, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Any petition for reconsideration should be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Clerk, Docket No. RSOR-6, Office of the Chief
Counsel, Federal Railroad Administration, 400 7th Street, S.W., Room
8201, Washington, D.C., 20590. Questions or comments regarding
replacement of post-accident shipping boxes should be submitted to
Lamar Allen, FRA Alcohol and Drug Program Manager, Office of Safety
Enforcement, Operating Practices Division, Federal Railroad
Administration, 400 7th Street, S.W., Room 8314, Washington, D.C.
20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lamar Allen, Alcohol and Drug Program
Manager, Office of Safety Enforcement, Operating Practices Division,
Federal Railroad Administration, 400 7th Street SW., room 8314,
Washington, DC 20590, (Telephone: (202) 366-0127) or James T. Schultz,
Chief, Operating Practices Division, Office of Safety Enforcement,
Federal Railroad Administration, 400 7th Street SW., room 8314,
Washington, DC 20590, (Telephone: (202) 366-9178).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a December 30, 1994 Notice [59 FR 67641],
FRA announced that interim post-accident testing procedures would
remain in effect until new post-accident shipping boxes became
available. To anticipate this changeover, however, FRA asked railroads
to submit the number of boxes needed for each location, so that FRA
could replace outdated boxes on a one-for-one basis without charge.
Box replacement will begin shortly since FRA now has sufficient new
post-accident shipping boxes to supply railroads. In this rule, FRA
amends its post-accident testing procedures in appendix C to part 219
to incorporate mandatory urine split sample testing, optional breath
alcohol testing, and other technical amendments.
As referred to above, FRA now calls the large box that contains
forms, instructions and supplies, the ``post-accident shipping box''
(instead of ``post-accident testing kit''). FRA has marked ``FRA Post-
Accident Shipping Box'' on each new box. Within the post-accident
shipping box, the individual employee sample boxes are redesignated and
marked ``FRA Post-Accident Kits.'' Each shipping box now contains three
post-accident kits, instead of the previous five. The only post-
accident kit modification is the addition of a second urine sample
bottle to accommodate split sample urine testing.
Form F6180.73 includes the revised railroad property damage
thresholds for major train accidents and impact accidents. (The
criteria for fatal train incidents and passenger train accidents listed
on form F6180.73 remain the same.) Forms F6180.73 and F6180.74 are
revised to allow for railroad reporting of evidential breath test
results by adding a check off box for the railroad representative to
indicate whether one or more employees have been breath tested. If a
railroad conducts breath alcohol tests, the railroad representative may
either attach a copy of the standard DOT (49 CFR part 40) breath
alcohol testing form to the FRA forms to be shipped with the post-
accident kit, or send a copy of each part 40 form directly to FRA
within 10 days of the tests.
Each new post-accident shipping box contains the following:
One plastic zip-lock bag that includes:
One set of collection instructions apiece for the railroad
representative, three (3) railroad employees, the collection facility,
blood/urine collector(s), and medical examiner (if required);
One Form FRA F 6180.73, Accident Information Required for
Post-Accident Toxicological Testing;
Three Forms FRA F 6180.74, Post-Accident Testing Blood/
Urine Custody and Control Form. Each form also has sealing labels for
the urine bottles, the blood tubes, and the individual post-accident
kits.
One shipping box seal;
Three packets of blue dye tablets (for the toilet or other
standing water);
One shipping box mailing label addressed to the FRA
designated laboratory.
Three individual employee sample kits (marked ``FRA Post-Accident
Kit.'') Each kit contains:
Two 90 ml urine sample bottles with caps and one biohazard
bag (with absorbent) enclosed in a heat-seal bag;
One urine collection cup with temperature device affixed
also enclosed in a heat-seal bag;
Two 10 ml gray-top evacuated blood tubes (containing
potassium oxylate and sodium fluoride as a preservative) in a sponge
holder.
As stated above, FRA expects to have completed distribution of new
post-accident shipping boxes by the time this rule is published, and
authorizes compliance with this rule immediately upon receipt. However,
to allow railroads time to train supervisors on these new procedures,
compliance does not become mandatory until April 17, 1995.
Executive Order 12866 and DOT Regulatory Policy and Procedures
FRA has determined that this rule is nonsignificant under Executive
Order 12866 and under the Department of Transportation's Regulatory
Policy and Procedures.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 was enacted by Congress to
ensure that small entities are not unnecessarily and disproportionately
burdened by Government regulations. FRA certifies that this rule will
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
Federalism Implications
This rule does not have substantial direct effects on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and [[Page 19539]] responsibilities among
the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with
Executive Order 12612, FRA has determined that this rule does not have
sufficient federalism implications to warrant preparation of a
Federalism assessment.
Paperwork Reduction Act
FRA has determined that this rule does not significantly change any
previously approved information collection requirements.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 219
Alcohol and drug abuse, Railroad safety, Reporting and record
keeping requirements.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated above, FRA amends 49 CFR part
219 as follows:
PART 219--CONTROL OF ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
1. The authority citation for part 219 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 45 U.S.C. 431, 437, and 438, as amended; Pub. L. 100-
342; Pub. L. 102-143; and 49 CFR 1.49(m).
2. Appendix C to part 219 is revised to read as follows:
Appendix C to Part 219--Post-Accident Testing Sample Collection
1.0 General.
This appendix prescribes procedures for collection of samples
for mandatory post-accident testing pursuant to subpart C of this
part. Collection of blood and urine samples is required to be
conducted at an independent medical facility.
(Surviving Employees)
2.0 Surviving Employees.
This unit provides detailed procedures for collecting post-
accident toxicological samples from surviving employees involved in
train accidents and train incidents, as required by 49 CFR part 219,
subpart C. Subpart C specifies qualifying events and employees
required to be tested.
2.1 Collection Procedures; General.
All forms and supplies necessary for collection and transfer of
blood and urine samples for three surviving employees can be found
in the FRA post-accident shipping box, which is made available to
the collection site by the railroad representative.
Each shipping box contains supplies for blood/urine collections
from three individuals, including instructions and necessary forms.
The railroad is responsible for ensuring that materials are fresh,
complete and meet FRA requirements.
2.11 Responsibility of the Railroad Representative.
In the event of an accident/incident for which testing is
required under subpart C of this part, the railroad representative
shall follow the designated set of instructions, and, upon arrival
at the independent medical facility, promptly present to the
collection facility representative a post-accident shipping box or
boxes with all remaining sets of instructions. (Each box contains
supplies to collect samples from three employees.) The railroad
representative shall request the collection facility representative
to review the instructions provided and, through qualified
personnel, provide for collection of the samples according to the
procedures set out.
The railroad representative shall undertake the following
additional responsibilities--
Complete FRA Form 6180.73 (revised), Accident
Information Required for Post-Accident Toxicological Testing,
describing the testing event and identifying the employees whose
samples are to be deposited in the shipping box.
As necessary to verify the identity of individual
employees, affirm the identity of each employee to the medical
facility personnel.
Consistent with the policy of the collection facility,
monitor the progress of the collection procedure.
Warning: Monitor but do not directly observe urination or
otherwise disturb the privacy of urine or blood collection. Do not
handle sample containers, bottles or tubes (empty or full). Do not
become part of the collection process.
2.12 Employee Responsibility.
An employee who is identified for post-accident toxicological
testing shall cooperate in testing as required by the railroad and
personnel of the independent medical facility. Such cooperation will
normally consist of the following, to be performed as requested:
Provide a blood sample, which a qualified medical
professional or technician will draw using a single-use sterile
syringe. The employee should be seated for this procedure.
Provide, in the privacy of an enclosure, a urine sample
into a plastic collection cup. Deliver the cup to the collector.
Do not let the blood and urine samples that you
provided leave your sight until they have been properly sealed and
initialed by you.
Certify the statement in Step 4 of the Blood/Urine
Custody and Control Form (FRA Form 6180.74 (revised)).
If required by the medical facility, complete a
separate consent form for taking of the samples and their release to
FRA for analysis under the FRA rule.
Note: The employee may not be required to complete any form that
contains any waiver of rights the employee may have in the
employment relationship or that releases or holds harmless the
medical facility with respect to negligence in the collection.
2.2 The Collection.
Exhibit C-1 contains instructions for collection of samples for
post-accident toxicology from surviving employees. These
instructions shall be observed for each collection. Instructions are
also contained in each post-accident shipping box and shall be
provided to collection facility personnel involved in the collection
and/or packaging of samples for shipment.
(Post Mortem Collection)
3.0 Fatality.
This unit provides procedures for collecting post-accident body
fluid/tissue samples from the remains of employees killed in train
accidents and train incidents, as required by 49 CFR part 219,
subpart C. Subpart C specifies qualifying events and employees
required to be tested.
3.1 Collection.
In the event of a fatality for which testing is required under
subpart C, the railroad shall promptly make available to the
custodian of the remains a post-accident shipping box. The railroad
representative shall request the custodian to review the
instructions contained in the shipping box and, through qualified
medical personnel, to provide the samples as indicated.
(Surviving Employees and Fatalities)
4.0 Shipment.
The railroad is responsible for arranging overnight
transportation of the sealed shipping box containing the samples.
When possible without incurring delay, the box should be delivered
directly from the collection personnel providing the samples to an
overnight express service courier. If it becomes necessary for the
railroad to transport the box from point of collection to point of
shipment, then--
1. Individual kits and the shipping box shall be sealed by
collection personnel before the box is turned over to the railroad
representative;
2. The railroad shall limit the number of persons handling the
shipping box to the minimum necessary to provide for transportation;
3. If the shipping box cannot immediately be delivered to the
express carrier for transportation, it shall be maintained in secure
temporary storage; and
4. The railroad representatives handling the box shall document
chain of custody of the shipping box and shall make available such
documentation to FRA on request.
Exhibit C-1--Instructions for Collection of Blood and Urine Samples:
Mandatory Post-Accident Toxicological Testing
A. Purpose
These instructions are for the use of personnel of collection
facilities conducting collection of blood and urine samples from
surviving railroad employees following railroad accidents and
casualties that qualify for mandatory alcohol/drug testing. The
Federal Railroad Administration appreciates the participation of
medical facilities in this important public safety program.
B. Prepare for Collection
Railroad employees have consented to provision of samples for
analysis by the Federal Railroad Administration as a condition of
employment (49 CFR 219.11). A private, controlled area should be
designated for collection of samples and completion of paperwork.
[[Page 19540]]
Only one sample should be collected at a time, with each
employee's blood draw or urine collection having the complete
attention of the collector until the specific sample has been
labeled, sealed and documented.
Please remember two critical rules for the collections:
All labeling and sealing must be done in the sight of the donor,
with the sample never having left the donor's presence until the
sample has been labeled, sealed and initialled by the donor.
Continuous custody and control of blood and urine samples must
be maintained and documented on the forms provided. In order to do
this it is important for the paperwork and the samples to stay
together.
To the extent practical, blood collection should take priority
over urine collection. To limit steps in the chain of custody, it is
best if a single collector handles both collections from a given
employee.
You will use a single Post-Accident Testing Blood/Urine Custody
and Control Form (FRA Form 6108.74 (revised)), consisting of six
Steps to complete the collection for each employee. We will refer to
it as the Control Form.
C. Identify the Donor
The employee donor must provide photo identification to each
collector, or lacking this, be identified by the railroad
representative.
The donor should remove all unnecessary outer garments such as
coats or jackets, but may retain valuables, including wallet. Donors
should not be asked to disrobe, unless necessary for a separate
physical examination required by the attending physician.
D. Draw Blood
Assemble the materials for collecting blood from each employee:
two 10 ml grey-stoppered blood tubes and the Control Form.
Ask the donor to complete STEP 1 on the Control Form.
With the donor seated, draw two (2) 10 ml tubes of blood using
standard medical procedures (sterile, single-use syringe into
evacuated gray-top tubes provided). CAUTION: Do not use alcohol or
an alcohol-based swab to cleanse the venipuncture site.
Once both tubes are filled and the site of venipuncture is
protected, immediately--
Seal and label each tube by placing a numbered blood
sample label from the label set on the Control Form over the top of
the tube and securing it down the sides.
Ask the donor to initial each label. Please check to
see that the initials match the employee's name and note any
discrepancies in the ``Remarks'' block of the Control Form.
As collector, sign and date each blood tube label at
the place provided.
Skip to STEP 5 and initiate chain of custody for the
blood tubes by filling out the first line of the block to show
receipt of the blood samples from the donor.
Complete STEP 2 on the form.
Return the blood tubes into the individual kit. Keep
the paperwork and samples together. If another collector will be
collecting the urine sample from this employee, transfer both the
form and the individual kit with blood tubes to that person, showing
the transfer of the blood tubes on the second line of STEP 5 (the
chain of custody block).
E. Collect Urine
The urine collector should assemble at his/her station the
materials for collecting urine from each employee: one plastic
collection cup with temperature device affixed enclosed in a heat-
seal bag (with protective seal intact), two 90 ml urine sample
bottles with caps and one biohazard bag (with absorbent) also
enclosed in a heat-seal bag (with protective seal intact), and the
Control Form. Blood samples already collected must remain in the
collector's custody and control during this procedure.
After requiring the employee to wash his/her hands, the
collector should escort the employee directly to the urine
collection area. To the extent practical, all sources of water in
the collection area should be secured and a bluing agent (provided
in the box) placed in any toilet bowl, tank, or other standing
water.
The employee will be provided a private place in which to void.
Urination will not be directly observed. If the enclosure contains a
source of running water that cannot be secured or any material
(soap, etc.) that could be used to adulterate the sample, the
collector should monitor the provision of the sample from outside
the enclosure. Any unusual behavior or appearance should be noted in
the remarks section of the Control Form or on the back of that form.
The collector should then proceed as follows:
Unwrap the collection cup in the employee's presence and hand it
to the employee (or allow the employee to unwrap it).
Ask the employee to void at least 60 ml into the collection cup
(at least to the line marked). Leave the private enclosure.
IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH URINATION OR SAMPLE QUANTITY, SEE THE
``TROUBLE BOX'' AT THE BACK OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Once the void is complete, the employee should exit the private
enclosure and deliver the sample to the collector. Both the
collector and the employee must proceed immediately to the labeling/
sealing area, with the sample never leaving the sight of the
employee before being sealed and labeled.
Upon receipt of the sample, proceed as follows:
In the full view of the employee, remove the wrapper
from the two urine sample bottles. Transfer the urine from the
collection cup into the sample bottles (at least 30 ml in bottle A
and at least 15 ml in bottle B).
As you pour the sample into the sample bottles, please
inspect for any unusual signs indicating possible adulteration or
dilution. Carefully secure the tops. Note any unusual signs under
``remarks'' at STEP 3 of the Control Form.
Within 4 minutes after the void, measure the
temperature of the urine by reading the strip on the bottle. Mark
the result at STEP 3 of the Control Form.
IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE URINE SAMPLE, SEE THE TROUBLE BOX AT THE
BACK OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Remove the urine bottle labels from the Control Form.
The labels are marked A and B. Place each label as marked over the
top of its corresponding bottle, and secure the label to the sides
of the bottle.
Ask the donor to initial each label. Please check to
see that the initials match the employee name and note any
discrepancy in the ``Remarks'' block of STEP 3.
As collector, sign and date each urine label.
Skip to STEP 5 and initiate chain-of-custody by showing
receipt of the urine samples from the donor. (If you collected the
blood, a check under ``urine'' will suffice. If someone else
collected the blood, first make sure transfer of the blood to you is
documented. Then, using the next available line, show ``Provide
samples'' under purpose, ``Donor'' under ``released by,'' check
under ``urine'' and place your name, signature and date in the space
provided.)
Complete the remainder of STEP 3 on the Control Form.
Have the employee complete STEP 4 on the Control Form.
Place the filled urine bottles in the individual
employee kit. Keep the paperwork and samples together. If another
collector will be collecting the blood sample from this employee,
transfer both the form and the kit to that person, showing the
transfer of the urine samples on the next available line of STEP 5
(the chain of custody block).
F. Seal the Individual Employee Kit
The blood and urine samples have now been collected for this
employee. The blood/urine samples will now be sealed into the
individual employee kit, while all paperwork will be retained for
further completion. After rechecking to see that each sample is
properly labeled and initialled, close the plastic bag to contain
any leakage in transportation, and apply the kit security seal to
the small individual kit. As collector, sign and date the kit seal.
Before collecting samples from the next employee, complete the
next line on the chain-of-custody block showing release of the blood
and urine by yourself for the purpose of ``Shipment'' and receipt by
the courier service or railroad representative that will provide
transportation of the box, together with the date.
G. Complete Treatment Information
Complete STEP 6 of the Control Form. Mark the box if a breath
alcohol test was conducted under FRA authority.
H. Prepare the Box for Shipment
Sealed individual employee kits should be retained in secure
storage if there will be a delay in preparation of the shipping box.
The shipping box shall be prepared and sealed by a collection
facility representative as follows:
Inspect STEP 5 of each Control Form to ensure chain-of-
custody is continuous and complete for each fluid (showing samples
released for shipment). Retain the medical facility copy of each
Control Form and the Accident Information form for your records.
[[Page 19541]]
Place sealed individual employee kits in the shipping
box. Place all forms in zip-lock bag and seal securely. Place bag
with forms and unused supplies in shipping box.
Affix the mailing label provided to the outside of the
shipping box.
I. Ship the Box
The railroad must arrange to have the box shipped overnight air
express or (if express service is unavailable) by air freight,
prepaid, to FRA's designated laboratory. Whenever possible without
incurring delay, the collector should deliver the box directly into
the hands of the express courier or air freight representative.
Where courier pickup is not immediately available at the
collection facility where the samples are taken, the railroad is
required to transport the shipping box for expeditious shipment by
air express, air freight or equivalent means.
If the railroad is given custody of the box to arrange shipment,
please record the name of the railroad official taking custody on
the copy of Form 6180.73 retained by the collection site.
``TROUBLE BOX''
1. Problem: The employee claims an inability to urinate, either
because he/she has recently voided or because of anxiety concerning
the collection.
Action: The employee may be offered moderate quantities of
liquid to assist urination. If the employee continues to claim
inability after 4 hours, the urine collection should be
discontinued, but the blood samples should be forwarded and all
other procedures followed. Please note in area provided for remarks
what explanation was provided by the employee.
2. Problem: The employee cannot provide approximately 60 ml. of
sample.
Action: The employee should remain at the collection facility
until as much as possible of the required amount can be given (up to
4 hours). The employee should be offered moderate quantities of
liquids to aid urination. The first bottle, if it contains any
quantity of urine, should be sealed and securely stored with the
blood tubes and Control Form pending shipment. A second bottle
should then be used for the subsequent void (using a second Control
Form with the words ``SECOND VOID--FIRST SAMPLE INSUFFICIENT'' in
the remarks block and labels from that form). However, if after 4
hours the donor's second void is also insufficient or contains no
more than the first insufficient void, discard the second void and
send the first void to the laboratory.
3. Problem: The urine temperature is outside the normal range of
32 deg.-38 deg.C/90 deg.-100 deg.F, and a suitable medical
explanation cannot be provided by an oral temperature or other
means; or
4. Problem: The collector observes conduct clearly and
unequivocally indicating an attempt to substitute or adulterate the
sample (e.g., substitute urine in plain view, blue dye in sample
presented, etc.) and a collection site supervisor or the railroad
representative agrees that the circumstances indicate an attempt to
tamper with the sample.
Action (for either Problem No. 3 or Problem No. 4): Document the
problem on the Control Form. If the collection site supervisor or
railroad representative concur that the temperature of the sample,
or other clear and unequivocal evidence, indicates a possible
attempt to substitute or alter the sample, another void must be
taken under direct observation by a collector of the same gender.
If a collector of the same sex is not available, do NOT proceed
with this step.
If a collector of the same gender is available, proceed as
follows: A new Control Form must be initiated for the second void.
The original suspect sample should be marked ``Void 1'' and the
follow-up void should be marked ``Void 2,'' with both voids being
sent to the laboratory and the incident clearly detailed on the
Control Form.
Exhibit C-2--Instructions for Collection of Post Mortem Samples:
Employee Killed in a Railroad Accident/Incident
To the Medical Examiner, Coroner, or Pathologist:
In compliance with Federal safety regulations (49 CFR part 219),
a railroad representative has requested that you obtain samples for
toxicology from the remains of a railroad employee who was killed in
a railroad accident or incident. The deceased consented to the
taking of such samples, as a matter of Federal law, by performing
service on the railroad (49 CFR 219.11(f)).
Your assistance is requested in carrying out this program of
testing, which is important to the protection of the public safety
and the safety of those who work on the railroads.
Materials:
The railroad will provide you a post-accident shipping box that
contains necessary supplies. If the box is not immediately
available, please proceed using supplies available to you that are
suitable for forensic toxicology.
Samples requested, in order of preference:
(1) Blood--20 milliliters or more. Preferred sites: intact
femoral vein or artery or peripheral vessels (up to 10 ml, as
available) and intact heart (20 ml). Deposit blood in gray-stopper
tubes individually by site and shake to mix sample and preservative.
Note: If uncontaminated blood is not available, bloody fluid or
clots from body cavity may be useful for qualitative purposes; but
do not label as blood. Please indicate source and identity of sample
on label of tube.
(2) Urine--as much as 100 milliliters, if available. Deposit
into plastic bottles provided.
(3) Vitreous fluid--all available, deposited into smallest
available tube (e.g., 3 ml) with 1% sodium fluoride, or gray-stopper
tube (provided). Shake to mix sample and preservative.
(4) If available at autopsy, organs--50 to 100 grams each of two
or more of the following in order preference, as available: liver,
bile, brain, kidney, spleen, and/or lung. Samples should be
individually deposited into zip-lock bags or other clean, single use
containers suitable for forensic samples.
(5) If vitreous or urine is not available, please provide--
a. Spinal fluid--all available, in 8 ml container (if available)
with sodium fluoride or in gray-stopper tube; or, if spinal fluid
cannot be obtained,
b. Gastric content--up to 100 milliliters, as available, into
plastic bottle.
Sample collection:
Sampling at time of autopsy is preferred so that percutaneous
needle puncturing is not necessary. However, if autopsy will not be
conducted or is delayed, please proceed with sampling.
Blood samples should be taken by sterile syringe and deposited
directly into evacuated tube, if possible, to avoid contamination of
sample or dissipation of volatiles (ethyl alcohol).
Note: If only cavity fluid is available, please open cavity to
collect sample. Note condition of cavity.
Please use smallest tubes available to accommodate available
quantity of fluid sample (with 1% sodium fluoride).
Sample identification, sealing:
As each sample is collected, seal each blood tube and each urine
bottle using the respective blood tube or urine bottle using the
identifier labels from the set provided with the Post Accident
Testing Blood/Urine Custody and Control Form (FRA Form 6180.74
(revised)). Make sure the unique identification number on the labels
match the pre-printed number on the Control Form. Please label other
samples with name and sample set identification numbers. You can use
labels and seals from any of the extra forms, but annotate them
accordingly.
Annotate each label with sample description and source (as
appropriate) (e.g., blood, femoral vein).
Please provide copy of any written documentation regarding
condition of body and/or sampling procedure that is available at the
time samples are shipped.
Handling:
If samples cannot be shipped immediately as provided below,
samples other than blood may be immediately frozen. Blood samples
should be refrigerated, but not frozen.
All samples and documentation should be secured from
unauthorized access pending delivery for transportation.
Information:
If the railroad has not already done so, please place the name
of the subject at the top of the Control Form (STEP 1). You are
requested to complete STEP 2 of the form, annotating it by writing
the word ``FATALITY,'' listing the samples provided, providing any
further information under ``Remarks'' or at the bottom of the form.
If it is necessary to transfer custody of the samples from the
person taking the samples prior to preparing the box for shipment,
please use the blocks provided in STEP 5 to document transfer of
custody.
The railroad representative will also provide Accident
Information Required for Post-Accident Toxicological Testing, FRA
Form 6180.73 (revised). Both forms should be placed in the shipping
box when completed; but you may retain the designated medical
facility copy of each form for your records. [[Page 19542]]
Packing the shipping box:
Place urine bottles and blood tubes in the sponge liner in the
individual kit, close the biohazard bag zipper, close the kit and
apply the kit custody seal to the kit. You may use additional kits
for each tissue sample, being careful to identify sample by tissue,
name of deceased, and specimen set identification number. Apply kit
security seals to individual kits and initial across all seals.
Place all forms in the zip-lock bag and seal securely. Place the
bag in the shipping box. Do not put forms in with the specimens.
Seal the shipping box with the seal provided and initial and
date across the seal.
Affix the mailing label to the outside of the box.
Shipping the box:
The railroad must arrange to have the box shipped overnight air
express or (if express service is unavailable) by air freight,
prepaid, to FRA's designated laboratory. When possible, but without
incurring delay, deliver the sealed shipping box directly to the
express courier or the air freight representative.
If courier pickup is not immediately available at your facility,
the railroad is required to transport the sealed shipping box to the
nearest point of shipment via air express, air freight or equivalent
means.
If the railroad receives the sealed shipping box to arrange
shipment, please record under ``Supplemental Information'' on the
Control Form, the name of the railroad official taking custody.
Other:
FRA requests that the person taking the samples annotate the
Control Form under ``Supplemental Information'' if additional
toxicological analysis will be undertaken with respect to the
fatality. FRA reports are available to the coroner or medical
examiner on request.
Issued in Washington, D.C. on April 11, 1995.
Donald M. Itzkoff,
Deputy Administrator, Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 95-9554 Filed 4-18-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
