South Africa-based electronic breath alcohol detectors supplier Alco-Safe has launched the improved Lion AlcoBlow Rapid Test breathalyser, which is more sensitive and provides quicker readings than previous iterations of the AlcoBlow.

The Rapid Test breathalyser was adopted at diversified mining group Exxaro’s Arnot colliery, in Mpumalanga, in March.

Alco-Safe director Rhys Evans tells Mining Weekly that the Lion AlcoBlow Rapid Test 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 Rapid Test will sample the air and provide the results,” he says.

Evans emphasises the user-friendliness of the product. “There are no screens or writing, which can pose a problem, owing to language barriers. A shining red light will indicate the presence of alcohol in the sample and a green light that there is no alcohol in the sample.”

The simple design and improved response time of the Lion AlcoBlow Rapid Test enables mines to limit the amount of time taken to conduct compulsory breathalyser tests, which Evans explains happens at most South African mines where sobriety is a prerequisite for entry.

“Mines are extremely strict with regard to drug and alcohol testing – they are the leaders in compulsory testing,” he says, adding that about 80% of South African mines conduct compulsory breathalyser tests at the entrance gates, which is the best way to mitigate the issue of alcohol abuse at mines.

Evans points out that while some mines conduct random alcohol tests, this is 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 solved. However, people do sneak alcohol in on site, so mining companies should also conduct random testing at exits,” he concludes.