Following the major updates from Australian Standard AS3547:2019 for breathalysers, you might have some questions concerning the certification of your breathalysers used on-site and at workplace. This article lays out some frequently asked questions to address your concerns. Do reach out to your breathalyser supplier for more specific questions.
1. Why was Australian Standard AS3547:2019 introduced to replace the previous Standard?
The first edition of Australian Standard AS3547 for breathalysers was published back in 1988. The latest AS3547:2019 published in June 2019 is the 4th edition of the Standard. Standards Australia regularly reviews and improves the Standard to ensure that the requirements for breathalysers laid out meet users' needs.
2. When will Australian Standard AS3547:2019 come into effect?
While Australian Standard AS3547:2019 was supposed to supersede AS3547:1997 18 months after its publication, the deadline has been extended to June 2022 due to the pandemic to allow suppliers and laboratories extra time to make necessary adjustments.
3. Is it mandatory for breathalysers to be certified under Australian Standard AS3547:2019?
No. To date, there is no regulation in Australia that mandates breathalysers sold in the market to be certified.
4. Do I have to get new breathalysers that are certified under Australian Standard AS3547:2019?
Not necessarily. As long as the existing breathalysers that you are using meet your breath alcohol testing requirements and are in compliance with your alcohol and drug testing policy, you can continue using them since it is not a requirement for breathalysers sold in Australia to be certified under the Standard.
However, if you seek breathalysers with quality assurance in terms of accuracy and reliability, breathalysers certified under Australian Standard AS3547:2019 are your best bet.
5. What are the differences between Australian Standard AS3547:1997 and AS3547:2019?
Besides excluding disposable single-use breathalysers from the Standard, Australian Standard AS3547:2019 heightened the requirements for the accuracy and reliability of the breathalysers operating under various physical and environmental conditions. Read more on the updates of Australian Standard AS3547:2019.
6. Are breathalysers certified under Australian Standard AS3547:2019 better than other breathalysers?
While it is not possible to conclude that breathalysers with Australian Standard AS3547:2019 are better without looking at other factors, their accuracy and reliability have been proven through stringent auditing and certification processes. You can read more about the quality assurance of Australian Standard AS3547:2019 here.
7. Can we continue to use breathalysers that are certified under Australian Standard AS3547:1997?
While you are recommended to purchase breathalysers certified under the latest Australian Standard, existing breathalysers that are certified under Australian Standard AS3547:1997 can still be used unless your company has a legislated requirement to comply with AS3547:2019.
8. Are Andatech's breathalysers certified under Australian Standard AS3547:2019?
Andatech Soberlive FRX, Andatech Prodigy S and Andatech Surety have been certified under the new Standard. Other breathalyser models are currently undergoing certification in laboratories in Germany for Australian Standard AS3547:2019.
