Workplace alcohol testing is an essential control measure for many Australian businesses, particularly those operating in safety-critical industries such as mining, maritime, logistics, construction, energy, and utilities. In some sectors, like maritime, drug and alcohol testing is not just recommended but mandated under national safety management requirements (AMSA Marine Order 504).
A well-designed alcohol testing program can prevent incidents, protect workers, and ensure compliance with WHS and industry-specific obligations.
Choosing the right type of breathalyser is just as important as having a policy. The two main options are fixed (wall-mounted) breathalysers and portable (handheld) breathalysers. Each has its strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases.
Why Workplace Breath Testing Matters
Alcohol impairment is still a significant contributor to workplace accidents, and even low levels of BAC can affect coordination and decision-making. Australian WHS law expects businesses to eliminate or minimise these risks, and in many industries a 0.00% BAC policy is the standard.
Breathalysers provide a quick and reliable way to check compliance. To meet regulatory and legal standards, companies should invest in AS 3547:2019-certified devices, which guarantee a consistent level of accuracy and reliability suitable for workplace and law-enforcement use.
Fixed (Wall-Mounted) Breathalysers - High-Volume, Automated Testing
Fixed breathalysers are permanently installed units placed at site entry points, in lunchrooms, or near clock-on areas. They are typically self-service: employees approach the machine, blow into a disposable straw or nozzle, and get a clear pass/fail result.
Because they are stationary, fixed units are designed to handle large volumes of tests quickly. They are perfect for businesses that need to test every employee at the start of a shift. The process is streamlined — no need to have a supervisor manually operate a device for each worker.
Many modern units, like the Andatech Soberlive FRX, offer connectivity and automation features that make compliance even easier. Results are logged digitally, time-stamped, and can be sent to the cloud or a central dashboard for record-keeping. Some models include facial recognition to verify the identity of the person being tested, reducing the risk of proxy testing.
A major benefit of fixed units is their ability to integrate with access control systems. Workers can be required to return a negative test before they can swipe in or gain entry to restricted areas, closing the loop on compliance. This approach not only deters risky behaviour but also improves productivity by reducing supervisor time spent on manual testing.
Use cases for fixed units:
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High-volume industrial sites with shift-based workforces
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Mining site entry gates or crib rooms
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Warehouses and logistics depots testing all drivers at start of shift
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Utilities or energy plants with critical infrastructure access controls
Portable (Handheld) Breathalysers - Flexible and Mobile
Portable breathalysers are handheld devices that can be used anywhere, anytime, by supervisors, OH&S officers, or security personnel. They are battery-powered and easy to carry between sites, making them the go-to solution for random or targeted testing.
These devices are particularly useful for for-cause testing, for example, if a supervisor suspects a worker is impaired or for post-incident investigations after an accident or near-miss. They are also indispensable for companies with remote operations or mobile workforces (e.g. construction crews, maintenance teams, field technicians) where installing a fixed unit isn’t practical.
Andatech offers professional-grade portable units such as the Prodigy S, which stores up to 10,000 test results and provides on-screen digital records that can be downloaded for compliance reporting. For rugged environments, the Surety Professional Breathalyser offers a smaller form factor but with reliable fuel-cell sensor accuracy.
Because they can be taken directly to an employee’s location, portable breathalysers minimise disruption and allow testing to be done discreetly if needed. This flexibility makes them a crucial part of any workplace alcohol testing toolkit.
Use cases for portable units:
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Random spot checks across different areas of a site
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Testing drivers before dispatch in road transport
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Remote or temporary work sites without fixed infrastructure
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After-hours or emergency incident investigations
Factors to Consider When Choosing
When deciding between fixed and portable solutions, think about:
- Testing Volume: High-volume sites benefit from fixed units that can process many workers quickly, while smaller teams or occasional testing may only need a portable device.
- Compliance Requirements: If you need detailed reporting and audit trails, choose devices with data logging, cloud integration, and the ability to export results.
- Operational Setup: Fixed units need a dedicated installation point and power source, while portable units require calibration and charging but offer mobility.
- Budget and ROI: A fixed system is a higher upfront investment but saves labour costs and streamlines compliance. Portable devices are more affordable but require supervisors to be present to administer tests.
Combining Both for Best Results
For many organisations, the most effective solution is a mix of fixed and portable breathalysers. A fixed wall-mounted unit handles routine, high-volume testing, for example, every worker at the start of shift while portable devices are kept on hand for targeted spot checks, post-incident testing, or remote sites.
This hybrid approach gives you full coverage and ensures that your testing program remains flexible and responsive, without sacrificing compliance.
Real-World Example
A traffic management company that relied solely on handheld devices was facing compliance challenges and delays at shift change. Supervisors were manually testing dozens of workers each morning, creating bottlenecks and losing valuable time. After installing Andatech Soberlive FRX wall-mounted breathalysers at each depot, the process became automated. Employees tested themselves on arrival, results were instantly logged, and start-of-shift delays were virtually eliminated. Compliance rates improved, and supervisors were freed to focus on safety inspections and operational tasks.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a fixed, wall-mounted unit or a portable handheld device, the right breathalyser can make all the difference to your workplace alcohol policy.
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Fixed breathalysers offer speed, automation, and seamless integration with site systems, perfect for high-volume environments.
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Portable breathalysers deliver flexibility, mobility, and rapid response capability, essential for random or incident-based testing.
Both solutions should be AS 3547:2019-certified, regularly calibrated, and supported by a clear workplace alcohol policy.
Explore Andatech’s full range of certified breathalysers including wall-mounted and portable options, or contact our team for expert advice on selecting the ideal solution for your site.
