What is alcohol Screening

There is a difference between screening and testing. Screening is used to indicate to the employer that an employee may possibly be under the influence of alcohol which may or may not form the basis for further action. Testing is used by an employer using equipment that is more advanced than screening equipment 

What are the limits?

 This can cause lots of confusion because there are different methods of measuring the alcohol in a breath sample.

In the UK the current drink driving limit is:

• 0.35mg/l = 0.08%BAC = 0.80 mg/ml (Promille) = 0.8g/l

• There is no 'safe' alcohol limit. If people have consumed any alcohol they should not attempt to DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY. 

Employers have a general duty under the Health And Safety At Work Act to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of their employees

1. It is an offence for employees to carry out, and for employers to allow employees to carry out, safety critical work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (Transport & Works Act 1992 section 27)

2. The Employer has a defence to prosecution if they can show ‘due diligence to prevent an employee from committing an offence (Transport & Works Act 1992 section 28)

3. HSE guidance: ‘due diligence’ requirement can be satisfied by a robust drugs and alcohol policy, including education and training, support for those seeking rehabilitation and most importantly - screening procedures in place for all employees.

4. If the employer knowingly allows an employee under the influence of alcohol or drugs to continue working and his/her behaviour places himself/herself or other employees at risk, then the employer could be prosecuted.