Worldwide polls show that 1 in 10 people show up for work drunk. And in most cases, employers have no way of verifying it. It’s an especially concerning problem for workplaces where employees drive planes, trains, and other vehicles, perform intricate job tasks, or are liable for the well-being of others, such as medical personnel and teachers. With the development and affordability of workplace breathalyzers, it makes smart business sense to have employee alcohol testing devices on the worksite for pre-employment screenings and random employee alcohol testing.

There are numerous models of portable workplace breathalyzers on the market today that can perform alcohol tests. But in comparing them for effectiveness in detecting alcohol, there is one breath test that stood out on several fronts. In comparing worksite breathalyzers, the devices were rated for accuracy, ease of use and price.

In terms of accuracy, the Andatech Precision proved to have the highest rate of accuracy, giving a blood alcohol content reading within 0.005% each time. The preciseness of the BAC reading is equal to breathalyzers used by law enforcement agencies. The device also received the Australian Standard AS3547, which is one of the toughest quality assurance tests that a product can pass. Fuel cell technology was the key factor in obtaining accuracy because these types of breathalyzers are most sensitive to ethyl alcohol and can distinguish between acetone and other breath substances. The alcohol monitoring device is also equipped with advanced SONIX micro controller technology for accurate readings all the time.

When evaluating ease of use, it was determined that workplace breathalyzers with mouthpieces were a bit cumbersome to use and required extra work in having to sanitize them between tests. Breathalyzers where the employee could speak into or breathe through a slot were easier to use in a workplace setting. Again, the Andatech Precision met these requirements and was given additional high marks for being portable and lightweight.

In conducting the blood alcohol test, workplace breathalyzers that utilized digital technology were the easiest to use and the fastest. Reviewers liked the size of the Andatech Precision hand-held device and its bright blue LED display for reading BAC test results.

In terms of price, consideration was given to a workplace breathalyzer that any size business could afford, from a small limousine company to a large trucking company. The breathalyzer also had to be affordable for workplace settings that would require several devices, such as airlines, hospitals, schools, police departments, construction firms and transportation agencies. While it’s difficult to put a price on workplace safety, a breathalyzer priced no higher than $500 would be a reasonable investment for businesses. Considering the high quality and features of the Andatech Precision, it came in under $500 and would pay for itself after a few uses.

Since employers are responsible for their workers on the job site, investing in a workplace breathalyzer provides added security in reducing their liabilities. Technology now makes it possible for the development of accurate breathalyzers that are portable and conducive to all types of workplace settings. The key factor is knowing which workplace breathalyzer is the best value for accurately detecting alcohol.

view Guide ID: 10000000011740846Guide created: 04/26/09 (updated 04/27/09)