While workplace drug and alcohol testing is routine for providers like Integrity Sampling, we understand that for most people and businesses, the steps forward can be confusing. As well as questions about policies and procedures, there are aspects such as testing methods to consider, as well as which equipment or kits should be used.
So, what do we recommend? What methods does Integrity Sampling use for its workplace drug and alcohol testing and what equipment do we employ?
Workplace alcohol testing
Conducting workplace alcohol testing is perhaps a bit easier for most businesses to understand. Most of us have undertaken alcohol testing on the roads and the methods and processes are similar in the workplace.
It involves the use of a breathalyser, with each person being tested blowing into a mouthpiece to provide a blood alcohol content. The result is shown on the breathalyser within seconds. A new mouthpiece is inserted into the breathalyser and the next person is tested.
With our exclusive partnership with Dräger, Integrity Sampling uses their breathalysers for all workplace alcohol testing. Mostly, we use the Alcotest 6000, a professional breathalyser that makes workplace alcohol testing quick, easy, convenient and accurate.
Importantly, if your business undertakes workplace alcohol testing, ensure you use only quality breathalysers and the units are well maintained and regularly calibrated.
Workplace drug testing
When it comes to workplace drug testing, businesses have two main options when it comes to methods. Specifically, testing can be undertaken using urine or saliva. The equipment used for each method is different.
For Integrity Sampling, saliva drug testing is what we recommend clients. This is for several reasons, including the intrusiveness of urine testing and the fact that saliva testing is a more accurate way of determining a person’s ability to safely be at work. Another advantage of saliva testing is that it can be completed virtually anywhere, while urine testing requires restroom facilities.
Again, Integrity Sampling relies on Dräger as our equipment provider to conduct workplace drug testing. We use the Drager Drug Test 5000 for several reasons. This includes its compliance with the new Australian and New Zealand Standards, ease of use, accuracy and reliability.
Like workplace alcohol testing, it’s important the equipment is chosen for your business. Relying on cheap equipment or drug testing kits can create issues that you simply don’t need.
Can I conduct my own workplace drug and alcohol testing?
While you theoretically can conduct your own workplace drug and alcohol testing, Integrity Sampling recommends that you use professionals for the job. For example, our technicians are fully trained and accredited. It’s a cost-effective process that ensures all testing is conducted with compliance to Australian Standards using the best technology and practices.
In some circumstances, for example if your business is remote, in-house workplace drug and alcohol testing may be your only option. In these cases we can help by providing the equipment, training and support you require.
Find out more
To find out more about workplace drug and alcohol testing and how to employ it in your business, contact Integrity Sampling.
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Find out how Integrity Sampling carries out its workplace drug and alcohol testing.
