What is your testing volume and frequency?
Consider how many employees you will be testing and how often. Lower-volume or random testing programs may be well served by a single hand-held device. High-throughput environments, such as large sites or shift changes involving many workers, benefit from a device with faster testing modes and greater daily capacity. For remote or mobile workforces such as drivers on the road, consider whether the device supports remote self-testing, where a subject can administer their own test from any location, capture a photo for identity verification, and submit the result via a companion app upon request.
Is Australian Standards certification a requirement for your workplace?
AS3547 Certified devices meet the national standard for workplace alcohol testing and are required in many industries and legal contexts. It is essential to review your drug and alcohol policy and ensure that the certification requirements correspond with the device you intend to acquire. For instance, this may be “AS3547” or “AS3547: 2019.”
Do you need to verify the identity of the person being tested?
In environments where accountability is critical, such as high-risk industries or legal and law enforcement applications, photo identification capability ensures that test results are irrefutably linked to the individual. Some devices support this natively through a companion app.
How important is testing speed?
Conventional breathalysers require the subject to actively blow into the device, which can slow down testing across larger groups. Devices with passive testing modes can screen a subject simply by capturing ambient breath, substantially reducing per-test time and minimising disruption to operations. Passive testing units are also less intrusive to the person being tested.
Will you need to store and manage test records?
Some workplace breathalysers store test records internally and allow data to be downloaded and managed via a PC or mobile app. This can be important for compliance reporting, audits, or managing an ongoing testing program across multiple sites or supervisors.
Does the brand have a proven track record in workplace testing?
Workplace breathalysers are safety-critical instruments. Look for a brand with a history of supplying devices to law enforcement, emergency services, and regulated industries. An internationally recognised brand is more likely to offer genuine recalibration services, a meaningful warranty, and ongoing technical support, all of which matter when your testing program depends on accuracy over time.
What are the ongoing costs beyond the initial purchase?
All breathalysers require periodic recalibration to maintain accuracy. Check the recommended recalibration interval and cost for any device you are considering, as this can affect the total cost of ownership. Also consider the cost and availability of replacement mouthpieces for your expected testing volume. Passive devices will use significantly fewer mouthpieces.
