The problem of drunk driving is increasingly becoming worse, as the streets of Australia continue to be traversed by alcohol-impaired drivers. In NSW alone, about 20 per cent of fatal accidents include drunk driving as a factor. Such tragedies could have been avoided if the drivers involved actually had to undergo a breath test before getting behind the wheel.
Personal breathalysers
While it’s heartening to know that some responsible drivers actually purchase their own breathalysers so they can measure the alcohol level in their blood and see if their blood alcohol reading hasn’t breached the legal limit, they may not be purchasing the right kind of breathalyser, if a recent study conducted by Choice.com.au is to be believed.
According to the study, all that personal breathalysers can provide its users are estimates on their blood alcohol concentration or BAC. If you need a more accurate reading of your BAC, these personal breathalysers just won’t do.
When you think about it, the findings of the study suggest a chilling idea: some of the drunk-driving accidents might have been caused by people who used a personal breathalyser and learned they were sober enough to drive, but were actually well over the legal driving limit. In other words, some of these personal breathalysers gave them a sense of security that is as false as the readings or estimates that they give. With these inaccurate readings, users are being put in danger not only on the road, but also in the workplace. This simply is not acceptable, and that is why workplaces should not use cheap or low-quality breathalysers if they want one that will ensure the safety of their work force.
The right workplace breathalyser
If you’re an employer, an HR manager, or someone concerned with workplace safety, and you plan to purchase a workplace breathalyser, there are certain criteria to consider. For one, it must have a fuel cell sensor. It also must be capable of sampling deep lung air and monitor pressure. You should also consider calibration requirements, its frequency, and who will do the calibration before buying a workplace breathalyser. Of course, you also need to take its cost into consideration, and make sure that it complies with Australian Standard AS 3547-1997, a certificate of which should be provided by your supplier.
One breathalyser that fulfills all those requirements is the AlcoQuant 6020 plus. It offers unlimited tests, requires calibration every six months, and most importantly, compliant with AS 3547. For any enquiries about this product, just contact Frontline Diagnostics directly at 1800 888 852, and we’ll help you with your efforts in making your workplace drug and alcohol safe.
