Does Ace Hardware Drug Test?

Does Ace Hardware drug test? Seems like a simple enough question, doesn’t it? A question that should have a straightforward yes or no answer. Unfortunately, the only answer we can give you is, that it depends.

Let’s find out why.

Ace Hardware Is A Retail Cooperative

The vast majority of Ace Hardware stores are individually owned. Store owners operating under the Ace Hardware brand benefit from group purchasing power, the Ace Hardware distribution network, and the marketing advantages that come with big brand recognition.

It’s easier to be part of the Ace Hardware cooperative and benefit from their systems than it is to go it alone as a Mom and Pop style business, or small regional chain.

Because Ace Hardware stores are independently owned, the owners of the stores set certain policies, and one of those policies is the drug and alcohol testing policy.

While all employees at Ace Hardware stores must follow the drug-free workplace policy, the drug testing requirements at different locations vary because of the cooperative business structure.

Does Ace Hardware Carry Out Pre-Employment Drug Testing?

Some Ace Hardware stores will ask you to take a pre-employment drug test, while others don’t make passing a drug test a condition of employment.

Store owners can also make passing a drug test a hiring requirement for some positions and not for others. For example, a store may not require a drug test for a cashier position but would require a test for a job operating cutting machinery in the lumber department.

The only way to know for sure is to contact the store and ask about their hiring process or have a friend visit the store and ask a few employees about their experience.

To be certain of passing a pre-employment drug test, you’ll need to stop using drugs before you apply for the job and leave enough time for drugs to clear your system.

You can check to make sure you’re clean by using a DIY drug test.

Do Ace Hardware Stores Do Pre-Employment Drug Tests?

Some Ace Hardware stores carry out drug testing during the hiring process, it all depends on the store’s policy. Being asked to take a drug test is more likely if you’re applying for a position that involves using dangerous equipment like forklift trucks and power saws.

If you are asked to take a drug test, it will take place after you receive a job offer.

To be on the safe side, stop using drugs while you’re searching for a new job and use a home drug testing kit to make sure drugs are out of your system.

When you find an employer willing to hire you in spite of your criminal record, you don’t want to miss out on the employment opportunity because of a failed drug test.

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Do Ace Hardware Stores Run Background Checks?

Ace Hardware stores run background checks on candidates they want to hire. After a successful interview, you’ll receive a job offer. When you accept the job offer, the company will carry out a background check.

Like all retailers, Ace Hardware stores will be particularly concerned about felony offenses involving theft, fraud, violence, and sexual assaults.

Bringing up your offense during your interview will give you the opportunity to reassure the hiring manager that your felony offense is something you regret and are determined to put behind you.

You need to create a positive impression to balance out your criminal background, so give the hiring manager as much proof of your good character as you can.

• Character references from previous or current employers and coworkers.
• References from volunteer groups, tutors, and faith leaders.
• Proof you’ve completed a treatment/education program for substance abuse (if applicable).
• A Certificate of Rehabilitation.

Depending on the state you live in, your background check may be limited to searching the last 7 years of your criminal history. These states have 7 year limits:

• California
• Colorado
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• Texas
• Washington

What Type Of Drug Test Do Ace Hardware Stores Use?

The type of drug test used at Ace Hardware stores will once again depend on the policy set by the store owner.

Some stores use a saliva test, others use a urine test.

A saliva test can only detect very recent drug use, while a urine test has a longer detection window.

Whatever method of drug testing a store chooses to use, the drugs tested for will usually be those included on a 5-panel drug screen. But, with over 5,000 independently owned locations, there’s a remote possibility that some stores may opt for a more thorough 10-panel screen.

A 5-panel drug screen looks for:

• Opiates
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Amphetamines and methamphetamine
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

A saliva test can usually detect these substances for up to 48 hours since last use, however, morphine (an opiate) can be present in saliva for as long as 72 hours, and marijuana could also show up for a little longer than 48 hours if you’re a heavy user.

With a urine test, substances on a 5-panel drug screen have the following detection times:

• Opiates – up to 4 days
• Cocaine – up to 4 days
• Amphetamines and methamphetamine – up to 4 days
• Marijuana – up to 30 days (or up to 90 days with heavy use)
• Phencyclidine (PCP) – up to 14 days

A 10-panel drug screen tests for these additional substances:

• Benzodiazepines
• Barbiturates
• Methadone
• Methaqualone (Quaaludes)
• Propoxyphene

These drugs can be detected for up to 72 hours on a saliva test, except for benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which can be dejected for up to 48 hours since last use.

A urine screen will detect benzodiazepines and barbiturates for up to 7 days, methadone and propoxyphene for up to 72 hours, and methaqualone for up to 4 days.

If you’re suspected of being drunk at work, the normal way employers test for alcohol is with a breathalyzer test.

Does Ace Hardware Drug Test For Distribution Center Jobs?

Unlike Ace Hardware stores, the distribution centers are owned by Ace Hardware, and they operate under a corporate drug and alcohol testing policy.

When you apply for a job at an Ace Hardware distribution center, you will need to pass a drug test.

It’s rare to find a distribution center that doesn’t require a pre-employment drug test because warehouse work can be very dangerous.

By drug testing candidates, employers can reduce the likelihood that an employee will come to work under the influence and cause an accident.

Ace Hardware distribution centers also employ truck drivers, and any truck driver operating a vehicle that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) has to follow Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules.

For regular warehouse workers, the drug test used is a saliva drug test. For truck drivers, the drug test is a DOT urine drug test.

Does Ace Hardware Do Random Drug Testing Or Any Other Drug Testing?

Random drug testing is possible, given a large number of independent owners set their own drug testing policies.

However, employees sharing feedback indicate that you’re usually only going to be tested if there’s reasonable cause, or if you have an accident.

Ace Hardware distribution centers do have a random drug testing policy for CDL drivers, though, and that is made clear on their job listings.

Once you’re hired, your employee handbook will detail the drug and alcohol policy in effect at your location. If the policy doesn’t mention random testing, then you won’t have to worry about a surprise drug test.

But if you turn up for work and you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you’ll probably be asked to take a reasonable cause drug test.

What type of appearance or behavior could trigger a reasonable cause drug test?

• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Slurred speech
• Being drowsy or falling asleep
• Being unable to follow instructions or carry out your duties
• Uncharacteristic rude or aggressive behavior
• Smelling of drugs or alcohol
• Declining personal hygiene
• Repeated tardiness or unauthorized absences

The other reason you’ll be asked to take a drug test is after an accident.

Post Accident Drug Testing At Ace Hardware

Employers use post-accident drug testing to protect themselves from lawsuits and to comply with the requirements of their insurance company.

In 2020, there were 2.7 million non-fatal workplace accidents and 2,700 fatal workplace accidents. Accidents generate direct costs like medical expenses, sick pay, and legal fees, and indirect costs include lost productivity, hiring and training replacement workers, property damage, and OSHA penalties.

In 2019, the National Safety Council estimated the total cost of workplace accidents to be $171 billion, with an average cost per non-fatal accident of $42,000.

If an employer can show that an injured employee was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, they can save themselves a lot of money. And that’s why post-accident drug testing is so common.

At Ace Hardware, a post-accident drug test will be carried out within 24 hours of the accident taking place.

Failing a drug test is grounds for termination.

Is Medical Marijuana Allowed At Ace Hardware?

You’ll need to check what the policy is at the location you plan to work at. But in general, employers don’t allow medical marijuana, even though many states have legalized its use.

Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, where it’s a Class 1 illegal substance, and the FDA does not recognize any medical benefits associated with marijuana use.

Employers tend to follow the federal classification regardless of state laws.

If you use marijuana to get through your day, you’ll be at risk of a reasonable cause drug test if you show signs of drug use. And if you have an accident and test positive, you’ll lose your job and have a fight on your hands to get any of your medical expenses covered through workers’ comp insurance.

Summing Up

Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, and store owners set their own drug testing policies. Whether you need to take a drug test during the hiring process will depend on the policy of the store you apply to.

Ace Hardware distribution centers, on the other hand, are corporate owned and they ask candidates to pass a saliva drug test as a condition of employment. Applicants for CDL driver positions will have to take the standard DOT urine drug test.

All employees are subject to a drug-free workplace policy and can be asked to take a drug test for reasonable cause and after a workplace accident.

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