Concerns about how to safely implement requisite intoxication checks without furthering the spread of Covid-19, are being addressed by a new breathalyser system.
For industries that require workers to pass a breathalyser test before entering the workplace, an enhanced safety procedure that makes provision for social distancing, while protecting both the test subject and the test operator, is now available.

ALCO-Safe, suppliers of alcohol and drug testing equipment and accessories, has developed a new holding station and breathalyser procedure designed specifically to prevent the spread of the virus and to bolster health and safety procedures for industries.  The system consists of a protective housing device for the breathalyser that can be mounted on a tripod stand or on a wall, at a factory entrance, or wherever is most convenient. 

The housing device removes the need for the operator to physically handle the breathalyser device while the test is being conducted and also prevents the dissemination of the subject’s breath, reducing the risk of exposure to the operator. An extendable arm allows the operator to maintain a physical distance of two metres from the test subject. The results of the test can be viewed through a side panel window on the device.

In addition, physical contact with the breathalyser is minimised by the use of disposable paper straws through which the subject blows. All additional Covid-19 precautions, such as the use of face masks and gloves, are also highly recommended to help ensure that testing is conducted safely.

According to recently published Mining Gazette regulations, safety protocols for breathalysers have been updated and the new housing device and enhanced safety protocols have been designed with these regulations in mind, explains the company.

ALCO-Safe further outlines that the regulations also state that the test subject should not be closer than five centimetres to the testing device and that there should be no physical contact. By making use of the disposable straw in the enclosure it is possible to ensure that the individual maintains a distance of 30 cm from the device, which is more than the minimum requirement for compliance.