Question on DOT physical

Things are getting tougher quickly . There is big money to be made testing for sleep apnea and selling CPAP machines . The ones that would profit from it are lobbying hard for testing for sleep apnea .
Those drivers you are talking about in questionable physical condition may have problems with their next physical . Some drivers may have been able to get their physicals done by their personal physician . FMCSA is going to limit physicals being done to be done by qualified physicians only . Some family doctors may choose not to go through the qualification process .
One test not on the DOT physical that some hazmat carriers require is the Pulmonary Function Test . This is required of drivers that may have to use respirators . The test requires filling your lungs with air then blowing into a tube while emptying your lungs . People with any type of breathing problem won't pass .
http://www.asihealthservices.com/Services/respmedclear.htm

 

6string, you did not mention how you took a blood pressure test. Let me give you a couple of tips on this.

First off, if you were in a doctor's office, your blood pressure may have been up a bit, just due to the nervousness of BEING in a doctor's office. I would suggest that if you have this problem, you ask the doctor to do a "retest" after you have been there for a bit.

In my experience, one of the first things that happens when you walk in, is that a nurse, or assistant or whatever takes your blood pressure. A lot of times, the high pressure reflects a nervousness that will settle down after you have been there for a bit. This, by the way, is from my own personal experience.

And then, if you took your blood pressure at one of those automated machines at your local Wallyworld or other pharmacy, you need to know that those are not necessarily accurate. After all, they are subject to use, without supervision by the general public, and are probably not checked for accuracy on a regular basis.

 

Excellent advice Allow Me! He could do what some have recommended: Buy a digital home cuff and take it to his doc's office and compare readings.

 

Horsefeathers!!! I am a hazmat hauler and I use respirators constantly and I smoke. So do a good majority of the hazmat guys I see out there. Not even to mention all the van and flat guys who have to be haz qualified.

This is more yuppie BS. Disqualfy most of the truckers in the US and who ya gots left to haul dangerous cargo???? The newbies???? It is to laugh!!!! Watch and see what happens when y'all 6 week wonders start showing up at the chemical plants. Obummy and his crew of misfits will get their ears pinned back to their backsides.

Should be fun to watch!!!

 

You won't be permanently disqualified if you have sleep apnea but you will have to be tested , maybe buy a CPAP , then be tested again .
Yes , it is just a money making scheme with no data on accidents caused by sleep apnea to justify it .

 

If you smoke, drink coffee, a lot of other caffeine, do not do it for at least one full day before the test.. I have high bp, and beat it every time, by following this simple rule..

 

You forgot one part didn't ya....

 

Doubledragon5 I drink soda and smoke right to the door of the test site. I have always pass and I'm 50. So thats not entirely correct. The time of day is a factor as well on BP.

 

What's that? Well I didn't say bend down and touch my toes, which I had to do.