Alcohol Test Compliance Guide

Workplace Breathalyser Compliance Guide

Governing Standard: AS3547:2019

1. Purpose

This guide sets out the requirements for conducting workplace breath alcohol testing in line with AS3547:2019. It applies to anyone responsible for procuring devices, conducting tests, maintaining equipment, or managing results.

2. The AS3547:2019 Standard

AS3547 is Australia’s National Standard for breath testing devices and is certified by SAI Global, an independent body, to ensure quality and compliance before issuing certification. It defines performance requirements for breathalysers used in the workplace testing, medical testing, and personal testing. The 2019 revision removed single-use disposable devices from approved equipment and standardised measurement units to g/210L.

While certification is not legally required, it is strongly recommended and increasingly expected by regulators.

Device types covered under AS3547:2019
•        Type 2 — Portable handheld devices for on-site workplace screening
•        Type 3 — Fixed or wall-mounted devices at permanent testing stations
•        Type 4 — Interlock devices that control access to vehicles or machinery

3. Accuracy Requirements

Devices must read to three decimal places (0.000 g/210L). Maximum Permissible Error (MPE):
•        0.000 to 0.050 g/210L: MPE of ±0.005 g/210L
•        Above 0.050 g/210L: MPE of ±10% of the measured value

Results must be produced within 1 minute unless the reading exceeds 0.100 g/210L, in which case up to 3 minutes is allowed for the device to recycle.

4. Testing Procedure

Before the test
•        Confirm the device is within its valid calibration period
•        Record the device serial number and calibration due date
•        Allow at least 15 minutes since the person last ate, drank, smoked, or used any oral product
•        Conduct the test away from strong fumes or airborne substances
•        Ensure there is no alcohol in the testing environment

During the test
•        Passive screening alone is never sufficient — always follow with an active mouthpiece test
•        Use a single-use mouthpiece
•        Instruct the donor to exhale steadily until the device signals completion
•        Record the result immediately

Handling results
•        Alcohol not detected: no action required — record and retain
•        Alcohol detected: conduct a second confirmatory test after a minimum 15-minute wait
•        Confirmed alcohol detected: remove from safety-sensitive duties, arrange safe transport, and follow the workplace policy response process

No disciplinary action should be taken on a single test result alone. A confirmed second test is required.

5. Calibration and Maintenance

•        Minimum calibration interval: every 6 months (mandatory under AS3547)
•        General recommendation: annually or per manufacturer specification
•        The device must pass a pre-use check before every test session
•        Service must be carried out by an accredited calibration provider
•        Devices that fail calibration must be taken out of use immediately

Maintain a calibration log for each device recording: serial number, calibration date, next due date, and service provider.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Employer / PCBU
•        Procure AS3547-certified devices and maintain calibration schedules
•        Designate trained and competent testers
•        Retain all test and calibration records for a minimum of 7 years
•        Maintain a current drug and alcohol policy that references AS3547

Tester
•        Confirm device calibration status before each session
•        Follow the testing procedure as documented
•        Record all results accurately and handle alcohol detected results per the escalation process

Employee
•        Comply with the workplace drug and alcohol policy
•        The right to have a support person present during testing
•        The right to declare relevant medications following an alcohol-detected result
•        The right to request a retest through the defined grievance process

7. Record Keeping and Privacy

•        Test log: date, time, tester ID, device ID, BAC result, and outcome
•        Calibration log: serial number, calibration date, next due date, service provider
•        Incident log: alcohol detected / alcohol not detected, retests, actions taken, and referral outcomes
•        Minimum retention period: 7 years (aligned with WHS Act)

All results are health information protected under the Privacy Act 1988. Results are accessible only to authorised personnel and must be stored securely, separate from general employment records.

8. Regulatory References

•        AS3547:2019 — Breath testing devices, Australian national standard
•        Privacy Act 1988
•        SAI Global Certification Register: saiglobal.com

This information serves as a guide only. Please seek your own independent advice when forming decisions.