Breath Alcohol Testing integrated with Access Control System

Problems at work associated with alcohol consumption are becoming increasingly relevant
and, consequently, more attention is being directed to the detection of breath alcohol and
the restriction of access to the workplace of those with detectable alcohol levels.
The Alcolizer Wall Mounted Testers are made in Australia to Australian Standard AS 3547
and have been available for a number of years in South Africa from RunRite Electronics in
KZN.

The installation of an Alcolizer offers staff a self-test system enabling them to test
themselves before entry to the plant should they feel they are at risk. A positive voluntary
test would not normally attract punitive measures from the employer, other than the
possible deduction of the associated waiting time until the worker is able to give a ‘zero’
test. If, however, a worker is caught inside the plant with a positive reading, having not
availed himself of the entry test, then clearly he would be in deep trouble.
The underlying principle in this system is that the workforce becomes self-regulatory
because the staff understand the safety risks associated with the effects of alcohol, as
well as the unpleasantness of possible anti-social behaviour that often goes hand in hand
with alcohol consumption.

The latest data-logging models of the Alcolizer also incorporate relays which can be
preset to activate at various alcohol levels and can be used in conjunction with access
control systems. RunRite Electronics are currently exploring the possibilities of integrating
the Alcolizer with a biometric terminal for access control and time management. This
system, if used with random number generation, will give a time history of test results and
deny access to those tested who exceed the preset alcohol limits.

While the basic principle of self testing still applies, the enhanced system will enable
management to institute either full automatic alcohol related access control or automatic
random testing if and when such controls are considered necessary.
The Alcolizer, with it’s bright and easy to read scrolling message, has proved popular in
the mining industry where a number of units have been operating well for some years
under quite harsh environmental conditions.

The Alcolizer uses an internal cylinder of certified gas to calibrate itself daily. This gas
supply is sufficient for at lease 12 months of operation and gives ongoing credibility to the
test results. RunRite technicians will service and re-fill the machine annually to insure
accuracy and the correct operational standards are met.

The Alcolizer is easy to use and the results are displayed in % BAC (Blood Alcohol
Concentrate) to three decimal places.