Substance misuse is a prevalent issue that can also affect company performance and safety. It can cause low efficiency and high risks of dangerous accidents. Initial testing using breathalysers and screening kits are effective tools for monitoring compliance and deterring misuse. This article will present the reasons for testing, the industries that utilise kits and breathalysers, and the factors to consider when looking for the ideal device. 

Reasons for Using Workplace Breathalysers and Drug Testing Kits

There are several reasons why companies in Australia utilise breathalysers and test kits for their testing procedures. Safety is paramount, especially for industries involving heavy machinery and hazardous substances. For efficiency, many companies use testing devices for initial screenings.

Although there are no specific mandates that require Australian companies to conduct testing, many laws do support the implementation of substance use screening. It has become an essential measure to combat increasing substance abuse issues. Moreover, there are several benefits for companies in both the long and short term.

Reasons for Testing

Pre-employment

Pre-employment testing is a standard procedure in the hiring procedure of many Australian companies. It is a crucial step for employers to find applicants who suit safety-sensitive tasks. Moreover, it allows them to disqualify candidates who may pose harm to the workplace. It is not a mandatory requirement for all jobs. However, it is commonplace in many industries, such as transportation, construction, and mining.

Random

Random testing is an effective method of deterring substance abuse in the workplace. It is an unannounced test that occurs without suspicion or cause. It discourages workers from drug or alcohol misuse and promotes workplace safety. Moreover, it helps build healthy and responsible habits that benefit the workers. However, it is crucial for employers to ensure there is no bias or prejudice during implementation.

Blanket

Many know blanket testing as an annual or periodical test. During this, all employees undergo medical testing regardless of position. It can be a mandatory requirement in the industry. Nevertheless, companies must announce their testing schedule accordingly. Commonly, employers inform applicants of this annual requirement during the hiring process.

Reasonable Suspicion

Employers implement reasonable suspicion or for-cause testing when there is evidence to believe an employee is under the influence during working hours. It is a valid reason for testing as it prevents individuals from harming others and identifies workers breaking the company policy. Signs of impairment may include impaired coordination, noticeable odours, and erratic behaviours.

Post-accident

Post-accident tests are vital for companies with strict safety policies. They allow employers to identify if drugs or alcohol are contributing factors to the incident. This type of testing can also occur during near-misses to enable employers to prevent accidents from occurring. Furthermore, employers conduct the tests a few hours after the incident and ensure proper documentation of all procedures.

Accessibility

Many employers use portable breathalysers and testing kits for their accessibility. Unlike laboratory equipment, employers can buy these testing tools from various sources. Moreover, they are easy to use by following the set instructions. As such, it allows for quick testing during emergencies. However, employers must note that laboratory testing is still necessary to confirm the results of the initial test.

Costs and Availability

Drug testing kits and breathalysers are significantly cheaper than traditional lab testing. Moreover, testing devices are available in physical stores and online retailers nationwide. With proper storage, companies can store sufficient amounts for their testing needs. They also reduce reliance on third-party testing providers and improve the testing efficiency of small businesses.

Quality and Reliability

Buying from well-known and reputable brands can help ensure the quality and reliability of the testing device. Moreover, buyers can look for products that meet the Australian Standards for testing. These standards ensure that kits provide consistent and accurate results within the acceptable level. Also, they reduce the likelihood of false positives. Overall, testing devices are dependable tools for drug and alcohol screening.

Industries in Australia That Use Workplace Breathalysers and Drug Testing Kits

Several industries in Australia implement substance use testing using breathalysers and test kits. For some, it is a safety requirement of their regulatory body. Meanwhile, some companies utilise these tools to enforce their company’s drug and alcohol policy. Testing is a crucial procedure to ensure adherence to these rules.

Although there are many testing providers offer laboratory testing services, it is not practical for most companies to have employees sent to testing facilities for routine testing. This is where portable testing devices, such as workplace breathalysers and drug testing kits, fill the need for efficient testing.

Transportation and Logistics

Alcohol and drug screenings are crucial for companies in the transportation and logistics industry. In particular, the Department of Transportation mandates testing to prevent roadside accidents. They provide guidelines to ensure proper implementation of these rules. Moreover, employers must ensure their employed drivers are sober to avoid accidents or getting caught under the influence during random traffic stops. Screening is crucial in maintaining road safety.

Construction

Construction companies are inherently high-risk environments due to the presence of heavy machinery. As such, businesses must make sure their operators are attentive and not impaired by substances. Otherwise, accidents may cause significant damage, injuries, and even fatalities. In this industry, testing is typically required on-site, which is why the convenience and portability of testing kits are essential.

Educational Institutions

Educational institutions may use testing devices to conduct testing of their staff and students. They are handy tools that can help discourage drinking during events. They may also have these devices to teach students how to properly use them for safety purposes. There are also several safety courses that offer training for professionals to effectively use these devices for their companies. One example is the HLTPAT005 Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Drug and alcohol testing providers also employ testing kits and breathalysers when conducting initial screenings. In particular, many use them for on-site screenings due to their convenience. Some also offer their preferred kits for sale along with training and reference materials for their clients.

Healthcare and Medical Institutions

Healthcare and medical institutions regularly use screening kits to test their staff, particularly those in safety-sensitive positions. This helps avoid conflict and accidents within the clinic or hospital, resulting in severe consequences. Moreover, they may also use kits to quickly screen patients when needed.

Drug and Alcohol Recovery Programs

Testing kits are crucial for substance abuse rehabilitation centres to monitor the progress of their patients. They promote accountability as patients know they can undergo testing as needed. Moreover, it can help these programs swiftly detect relapse at the early stages. Moreover, by promoting the use of devices such as breathalysers, they can encourage patients to control their intake to a safe amount.

Mining

Mining is one of the most hazardous industries due to the challenging work environment and abundance of safety-sensitive tasks. As such, Australian companies must implement rigorous safety measures to avoid incidents. One of these measures is drug and alcohol testing. Testing kits are often present for initial screening. If the initial test result is non-negative, they are then sent for confirmatory testing.

Plumbing and Gas

The plumbing and gas industries are essential services for Australian homes. However, due to the presence of hazardous substances and equipment, companies regularly use testing kits to enforce their safety protocols. By ensuring their sobriety, companies and customers can have more confidence in the skills of the workers. It also reduces the risks of accidents and promotes good service.

Security

Security is a high-stakes industry that requires attentiveness, quick thinking, and swift reaction times for staff. Otherwise, they would not be able to protect the people, assets, or company they are part of. Conducting quick screenings for security staff is a standard procedure for many companies. Hence, drug testing kits and breathalysers are crucial tools for this.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement routinely conducts random and for-cause drug and alcohol tests in Australia. To implement these roadside tests, they use handheld breathalysers for alcohol screenings and oral fluid test kits for drug testing. These tools are essential in maintaining road safety and providing efficiency in the process. The awareness that police officers utilise these portable devices also keeps drivers aware of the additional risks of driving while under the influence.

Warehousing and Storage

Warehousing and storage companies are another example of industries wherein safety and efficiency are crucial. Due to their utilisation of heavy equipment and need for organisation, employees must be alert and able to do their tasks. To ensure company safety, regular and random screening procedures employ testing devices to identify misuse.

Waste Management

Waste management is an essential industry in Australia. Businesses in these industries are crucial for maintaining public health and safety. Moreover, the nature of the work in these companies involves exposure to potentially harmful materials. Hence, employers must avoid accidents by all means possible. This includes using breathalysers and testing kits on their workers.

What Is the Ideal Workplace Breathalyser?

Breath testing is one of the most common methods of determining alcohol misuse. As such, there are many workplace breathalyser models available in the market. Products from various companies offer different features that meet the needs of employers. Besides costs, employers must consider several factors before purchasing a breathalyser.

Effective breath testing enables employers to prevent intoxicated individuals from endangering the workplace. Moreover, it enables them to identify individuals breaching their workplace alcohol policy. It is an efficient and effective method of deterring alcohol misuse during working hours.

Sensor Accuracy

Breathalysers can have different types of sensors depending on the type. For workplace testing, companies must ensure they use devices with fuel cell sensors to ensure accuracy. This is the same type of sensor law enforcement officers use during roadside tests. This technology accurately identifies ethanol from the breath sample. Moreover, it is less prone to environmental factors compared to semiconductor sensors.

Testing Volume

The breathalyser must meet the testing volume needed by the employers. Otherwise, employers may face issues when conducting tests. As such, they must carefully consider this before buying their device. With some devices, 500 may be the hard limit for tests. Meanwhile, more heavy-duty devices can allow up to 3,000 tests. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturers to avoid incorrect results.

Available Testing Methods (Passive and Active)

Many companies benefit from having the choice between passive and active testing. Although most breathalysers utilise active testing, passive screening enables swift testing of groups. It does not require direct contact with a mouthpiece. However, if the individual fails a passive test, they should take an active test to ensure the accuracy of the test result. With active testing, users must blow into the mouthpiece of the breathalyser for a set amount of time.

Recalibration

Breathalyser recalibration is a crucial process that can increase the accuracy and life span of the device. It is a common occurrence for breathalyser sensors to drift over time. As such, employers must regularly maintain accuracy through recalibration. To ease this process, employers should consider the availability of recalibration services from their suppliers.

Power Source

Most handheld breathalysers use batteries as a power source. However, some devices also have rechargeable battery packs. Companies may also look for devices that utilise both for convenience. Ideally, the workplace device should be able to run thousands of tests before needing battery changes.

Reliability

Reliability is crucial for any workplace testing device. As such, it is crucial to buy from trusted sources with many positive reviews. Moreover, the buyer should ensure the device meets the AS:3547 standards to ensure the validity and accuracy of the test results.

What Is the Ideal Drug Testing Kit?

Companies and individuals utilise testing kits to identify illicit drug use. Common testing kits include urine and saliva drug screening kits due to their convenience. Meanwhile, hair testing kits are also available for longer detection windows. These screening kits can identify a wide range of substances and can be used whenever needed.

Several brands also offer different products for drug screening. Hence, companies must identify which devices would suit them best. This enables them to promote workplace safety and reinforce a culture of accountability among employees. Furthermore, selecting the best kit enables them to ensure their procedures are efficient.

Type of Test

The type of testing kit is a crucial consideration for companies as there are several differences among the different procedures. This includes the detection window and detectable substances. Moreover, the level of invasiveness and process can vary greatly. As such, the type of test must meet the requirements of the company. In general, urine test kits are valued for their long detection window and wide range of detectable substances.

Accuracy

Drug testing kits must be accurate and provide reliable results. Otherwise, they would be counter-productive to the goals of the company. To ensure the accuracy of the kits, companies must select products that follow the relevant AS standards for the testing procedure. This allows their initial testing to be in line with even laboratory initial testing.

Available Panels for Testing

Drug screening kits can have testing panels ranging from one to twelve. These panels represent the substances the kit can detect. Many companies use single-panel kits for testing a particular drug. Several also use kits with panels for commonly abused drugs, such as amphetamines, opioids, benzodiazepines, marijuana, and cocaine. It is worth noting that the number of panels contributes to the cost of the kit.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is vital for any testing kit as it can help ensure the reliability and efficiency of the test. Products should have clear and concise instructions on how to conduct the test. Moreover, kits with advanced features can also help contribute to a better user experience. An example of this is the split-key system of the SureStep urine drug kits.

Conclusion

Overall, workplace breathalysers and drug testing kits are crucial tools for ensuring workplace safety. Companies can use them in various circumstances, such as pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, blanket, and post-accident screenings. Moreover, they are accessible, affordable, and reliable for initial testing needs. Businesses in the construction, transportation, mining, security, and healthcare industries commonly use these devices for their screening procedures.

Companies must consider several factors when looking for reliable testing devices. They must look at the sensor accuracy, testing volume, and testing modes available for breathalysers. Moreover, they should purchase a brand from a reliable manufacturer with recalibration services. Meanwhile, they must factor in the type of testing kit, available panels, accuracy, and ease of use when buying a drug test kit. They must account for their specific needs and ensure the testing tools meet the relevant standards.