MODULE 1 OVERVIEW Flashcards
Hartenbaum’s Rule On Commercial Driver’s Med Eval
With the exception of the absolute regulated criteria, there is often NO absolute answer for a given diagnosis.
This Applies to all drivers with that diagnosis.
FMCSA Regulation 390.3 (d)
Relates to “ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS”.
The FMCSA can’t prohibit employers from requiring/enforcing more stringent criteria relating to safety of operation and employee safety & health.
Regulation 391.41
Physical Qualifications for Drivers
What Regulation Number Covers Physical Qualifications for Drivers
391.41
Regulation 391.46
Physical Qualification Standards for an individual with diabetes mellitus treated with insulin for control.
What Kind of Drivers (Intra- OR Inter- State) Require FMCSA Medical Examination
Interstate, PLUS:
- Vehicle weight of 10,001 lbs or more
- Transports 9 to 15 passengers for payment (including driver)
- Transports 16 or more passengers w/ or w/o payment (including driver)
- Transports hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding under hazardous material regs
At what vehicle weight is drug testing required for CDL?
26,001 lbs or more
Are all intra-state drivers exempt from FMCSA medical standards?
No. Some states may require intrastate drivers to meet FMCSA medical criteria.
Interstate Commerce Definition
Refers to property (not operator)
Tools and Vehicle may be considered property.
What Regulation Discusses “Who Must Be Examined”
391.45
Who Must Be Examined
Any person who has not been medically examined and certified as physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
Any driver who has not been certified during the preceding 24 months, OR sooner if required.
What Drivers Require Med Examination q12 Months?
1) Exempt intra-city zone drivers
2) Drivers in waiver programs
3) Drivers on Insulin
4) Any Driver whose ability to perform has been impaired by a physical or mental injury or disease.
Must a Driver who is returning from an illness or injury undergo a medical examination even if his current medical certificate has not expired?
FMCSRs do NOT require examination unless the injury/illness has impaired the driver’s ability to perform normal duties.
HOWEVER, the employer/motor carrier may require one… and either way, it’s up to the MC to determine necessity of exam.
Responsibility of Employer vs Examiner
Employer’s responsibility to make sure employee is medically qualified by having them examined by examiner on the national registry.
Examiner’s responsibility to determine the employee’s medical qualification status.
Stress Factors Affecting Drivers
Environment (Ice, Snow, Rain, Altitude), Schedules (hours), Routes (terrain/traffic), Types of Cargo (bread, gasoline, electronics)
Driver’s Duties
Coupling and Uncoupling Trailers
Loading/Unloading (50-75lbs)
- Need to properly secure objects from flying off, need to evenly distribute weight
Vehicle/Trailer Inspection
Lifting, Installing, and Removing Chains/Tarps
Bending, Stooping, Crouching, Climbing
What Kind of Restrictions Can an Examiner Write on CDL?
VERY LIMITED (No MSK, No Hours, etc).
When Examining for CDL, does it only apply to the driver’s current position?
NO! This is important to keep in mind. CDL can be used at other positions requiring other duties. Just because a job may seem light and easy, doesn’t mean the next one will be. Standards must be universal
Purpose of CDME
“Medical Fitness for Duty”
Examiner must determine if driver has any condition that would result in unacceptable risk of sudden incapacitation and endanger public
Acceptable Risk
1% annual risk of sudden incapacitation / impairment is often used
Certification Reminders
Examiner must be certified / have their own registry number AND be licensed in the state where you are examining drivers. Drivers can be from out of state.
