All contractors working for Western Australian electrical supplier Western Power now need to comply with the power company’s drug and alcohol testing policy.
The requirement follows an amendment to Western Power’s Service Apparatus Connection Scheme (SACS). The SACS amendment means that electrical contractors must demonstrate and participate in fitness for work processes and procedures that include conducting drug and alcohol testing.
Contractor requirements include:
- Having a drug and alcohol management procedure.
- Conducting random drug testing and cause testing. The testing must be compatible with Australian Standards AS/NZS 4308 and carried out by qualified people. This includes the need to test all workers at least twice each year.
- Having a stand-down process for non-negative and positive results.
- Management of people who provide a positive drug or alcohol test.
Failing to provide evidence of a drug and alcohol testing program will mean an electrical contractor doesn’t comply with requirements of Western Power’s SACS. And, as Western Power states, they then reserve the right to review and potentially revoke the electrical contractor’s accreditation, meaning the contractor won’t be able to work for Western Power in the future.
To read the amendments in full, go to this pdf document on Western Power’s website and scroll down to page 17.
Drug and alcohol testing in Western Australia
So, if you are an electrical contractor working for Western Power, or wish to work for Western Power in the future, how can you ensure you comply with the power company’s drug and alcohol testing policy? Integrity Sampling can help. Our seven branches in Western Australia can provide fully compliant drug and alcohol testing for all Western Power contractors. We can also assist with developing a drug and alcohol policy and procedures, as well as education for your employees.
Contact Integrity Sampling by phoning 1300 SALIVA or via our Contact page.
Integrity Sampling has drug and alcohol testing branches in Western Australian at Busselton, Dampier, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Perth and Port Hedland.
