Hi All,

I am currently reviewing our Substance Abuse Policy and have doubts as to the validity of a 'Zero Tolerance' position towards alcohol, the policy enforcement and this position in H&S.

All the studies I have read so far show that there are no adverse affects from alcohol if they are below 0.029milligrammes/100 millilitres of breathe.

Therefore, by introducing a zero limit are we not enforcing the 'Killjoy' approach that the H&S industry is tagged with at present.

Surely, it would be better to take a sensible approach and use the appropriate information to set a reasonable level to reduce the risk to all concerned without placing employees under a curfew at night?

Intresting to know your thoughts on this!

Brough

I am sure I have seen somewhere that metabolic processes can produce some alcohol in the body; zero alcohol in blood may not, therefore, be attainable.

Zero tolerance of the adverse effects at work is, of course, a laudable objective.

LB

If you are just talking about BAC then most companies in my experience use the european drink drive limit as a first action level and depending on thier risk assessment actions move from there.

Over the past year I have tested around 120 people (voluntarily by the way!!) and only 2 have shown levels above 0.04 but below 0.06 BAC (UK Drink Drive Limit 0.08) Which can result in your behavior becoming exaggerated and emotions intensified (Good emotions are better, bad emotions are worse) commonly known as beer goggles...!!

I have found there is always a zero tolerance on positive drugs test.