South Africa-based electronic breath alcohol and drug detectors supplier Alco-Safe launched its portable DBS2 drug-detection system at the Occupational Health and Safety Expo Africa A-OSH, held in Midrand, Gauteng, earlier this month.

Alco-Safe director Rhys Evans explained at A-OSH that the system uses a saliva sample that is placed in a portable cartridge and immediately tested for illegal narcotics.

“It takes five minutes to determine either a positive or negative outcome, with the result displayed on a portable screen. The result can then be printed out immediately and be used as evidence of drug use,” he said.

He added that the drug-testing kit was supplied in a carry case for on-site testing, eliminating the need for toilets, as urine tsamples are more commonly used to carry out drug tests,

which is the more common way of carrying out tests. It also ensures that excuses, such as an empty or ‘shy’ bladder, cannot be used.

Another product that was launched at the expo is the improved Lion AlcoBlow Rapid Test breathalyser, which is more sensitive and provides quicker readings than previous versions of the Lion AlcoBlow.

The breathalyser was used at diversified mining group Exxaro’s Arnot colliery, in Mpumalanga, in March and requires only a small amount of air to conduct accurate breathalyser tests.

“The Rapid Test registers pressure on the nose cone of the instrument so it does not need any input from an operator to conduct a test. The product is held in front of a mine employee, who is asked to blow at the cone and, as soon as the air comes into contact with the cone, the breathalyser will sample the air and provide the results,” Evans explained.

He noted that a shining red light indicated the presence of alcohol in the sample and a green light that there was no alcohol in the sample.

“The simple design and improved response time of the Lion AlcoBlow Rapid Test enable mines to limit the time taken to conduct compulsory breathalyser tests,” Evans said, explaining that this happened at most South African mines where sobriety is a prerequisite for entry.

He cited that mines were extremely strict with regard to drug and alcohol testing and are also the leaders in compulsory testing.

About 80% of South African mines conducted compulsory breathalyser tests at entrance gates, which was the best way to mitigate alcohol abuse at mines, he added.

Evans pointed out that, while some mines conducted random alcohol tests, this was not as effective as daily on-site testing.

“All mines need to convert to compulsory testing. If they test everyone at the entrance gate, the issue will be resolved. However, people do sneak alcohol in on site, so mining companies should also conduct random testing at exits,” he said.

Drug Abuse

Evans stated that the company started drug and alcohol testing for mining companies around five years ago and noticed that drug testing had more than doubled every year since then. This was because companies were becoming more aware of drug use in mines and drugs were also more readily available and a lot cheaper, he added.

“In the past, marijuana was the most commonly used drug, but now it is being mixed with a low-grade heroin called ‘nyaope’, which is very addictive and dangerous,” he commented.

He said that side effects of the combination drug included bad judgment, mood swings and aggression.

“Cocaine and crystal methamphetamine are also drugs that are being tested positively for more frequently at mining and construction sites.”

Evans said that increased drug use, particu-larly at mining operations in Africa, had become a matter of growing concern because drugs were often far cheaper than alcohol.

He explained that, although mining companies were not obliged by law to send mineworkers who were struggling with addiction for rehabilitation, many mining houses issued written warnings for first-time offenders and assisted them in getting help.

“The purpose of alcohol and drug testing is not to dismiss staff, but rather to ensure a safe work environment for all,” he concluded.