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CASE # 8 TESTING PROCEDURES FOR NO-SMOKING POLICY FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS AT THE CITY OF RAMSEY BY: Kay McAIoney, Personnel Coordinator Background: On July 12, 1988 the Ramsey City Council adopted a no-smoking policy for all members of the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department. The Policy states that only applicants who are non- smokers will be considered for membership. The Policy further states that a nicotine screen (urine test) will be included in all pre- and post-employment physical examinations to consistently enforce this policy. A non-smoker, for purposes of this policy, is an individual who does not use and/or smoke tobacco or tobacco products at any time while a member of the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department. At the July 26, 1989 Volunteer Fire Department meeting, Chief Hoeke notified the Fire Department that 10% of the Fire Fighters will be tested for tobacco every 18 months. He further noted that a policy stating such would be brought before the Fire Board for final approval. On August 9, 1989 at the joint City Council and Fire Board Meeting a case was presented and approved with some of the specifics on the tobacco testing including: Percent - Interval- Type - Notification - Failure - Type Test - 10% Every 18 months Urine test Random Test - an unannounced 2 to 3 days notification of appointment at Ramsey Clinic Retest is positive Urine and blood test Dismissal if second test is positive Recommendation: Chief Hoeke recommends that the testing procedure be detailed step by step. This procedure will pertain to the original roster of Fire Fighters. Step 1: Random testing will be done on 10% of the Fire Fighters. The random sample will be chosen with complete confidentiality. The chosen Fire Fighters will go to the Ramsey Clinic and submit a urine sample within two days of the random testing drawing. Step 2: If during step I the nicotine screen tests positive, a blood test will be done to verify the results.