BAT Breath Alcohol Technician Equipment Calibration & Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of breath alcohol testing device is approved for use in DOT workplace testing programs to confirm positive screening results?
- Any portable breathalyzer approved by the state police
- Only an Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device listed on NHTSA's CPL (Correct answer)
- A saliva-based oral fluid device
- A non-evidential screening device (NEST)
Correct answer: Only an Evidential Breath Testing (EBT) device listed on NHTSA's CPL
Only EBTs on NHTSA's Conforming Products List may be used for DOT confirmation tests in workplace programs.
Question 2: When a BAT opens a new cylinder of compressed dry gas standard, what must be verified before using it for calibration?
- That the cylinder pressure is above 500 psi
- That the lot number, certified concentration, and expiration date are documented (Correct answer)
- That the cylinder was manufactured in the United States
- That it was stored at room temperature for at least 48 hours
Correct answer: That the lot number, certified concentration, and expiration date are documented
Before use, the BAT must verify and document the lot number, certified alcohol concentration, and expiration date to ensure traceability and accuracy.
Question 3: An EBT fails a calibration check. The BAT completes two more checks; both fail as well. What is the correct next step?
- Continue using the device but flag all subsequent results
- Remove the device from service and arrange for inspection and repair (Correct answer)
- Replace the mouthpiece and repeat the calibration checks
- Notify the subject's employer that all previous tests are invalid
Correct answer: Remove the device from service and arrange for inspection and repair
After consecutive failed calibration checks, the EBT must be removed from service for inspection and repair before any further testing.
Question 4: What is the significance of the serial number on an EBT during calibration documentation?
- It indicates the year the device was manufactured
- It uniquely identifies the specific device, ensuring calibration records are linked to that unit (Correct answer)
- It specifies the maximum breath volume the device can measure
- It shows which state approved the device
Correct answer: It uniquely identifies the specific device, ensuring calibration records are linked to that unit
The serial number uniquely identifies each EBT so that calibration records are traceable to the exact device used for employee testing.
Question 5: Under DOT Part 40, what is the maximum allowable difference between a confirmation test result and a screening test result before the confirmation is considered valid?
- There is no comparison requirement — the confirmation result stands alone (Correct answer)
- The confirmation result must be within 0.002 of the screening result
- The confirmation result must be within 0.010 of the screening result
- The confirmation must be lower than the screening result
Correct answer: There is no comparison requirement — the confirmation result stands alone
DOT Part 40 treats the confirmation test result as the final result without requiring it to match the screening result within any specific margin.
Question 6: How should a BAT store an open cylinder of dry gas standard to maintain its integrity?
- Upright in a refrigerator at 35°F
- At room temperature away from direct sunlight, per manufacturer instructions (Correct answer)
- Submerged in water to prevent pressure buildup
- Inverted to allow the gas to settle
Correct answer: At room temperature away from direct sunlight, per manufacturer instructions
Dry gas cylinders should be stored at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and heat sources as specified by the manufacturer to preserve concentration accuracy.
Question 7: Which of the following would NOT be a reason to remove an EBT from service?
- The device displays an error code during a subject test
- A calibration check result exceeds the ±0.005 tolerance
- The device's printer runs out of paper during a test (Correct answer)
- The device fails to produce a printed result for the confirmation test
Correct answer: The device's printer runs out of paper during a test
Running out of printer paper is an operational inconvenience but is resolved by reloading paper; it does not indicate a device malfunction requiring removal from service.
BAT Breath Alcohol Technician Equipment Calibration & Maintenance 3
Which type of breath alcohol testing device is approved for use in DOT workplace testing programs to confirm positive screening results?