Breathalysers are essential tools for ensuring safety and compliance, whether in workplaces or for personal use. With a variety of models and features available, choosing the right type of breathalyser depends on your specific needs.
This blog explores the different types of breathalysers, their technologies, and their best uses, helping you make an informed buying decision.
Workplace breathalysers
Workplace breathalysers are designed for high-traffic environments and professional settings where accuracy and reliability are critical.
These breathalysers are exclusively powered by fuel cell sensors, which provide highly accurate and consistent readings, even at low blood alcohol content (BAC) readings.
Fuel cell technology is essential in workplace settings, as it minimises false positives and ensures reliable results.
Workplace breathalysers are available in two main forms: wall-mounted and handheld devices.
Wall-mounted breathalysers
Wall-mounted breathalysers are fixed units ideal for workplaces with high-volume testing needs. These devices are user-friendly, allowing employees or visitors to conduct self-tests quickly and efficiently.
Wall-mounted breathalysers are commonly found in industries such as mining, transportation, and construction, where safety is paramount.
Key features of wall-mounted breathalysers:
- Contactless alcohol breath testing.
- High durability for long-term use.
- Reliable results powered by fuel cell technology.
Best used for: High-volume testing environments such as mining, transportation, or construction industries where safety and compliance are critical. Also good for everyday alcohol screening before employees enter the workplace
The Andatech Soberlive FRX wall-mounted breathalyser comes with added safety features including door access control, facial recognition, RFID card access, and more.
Handheld breathalysers
Handheld workplace breathalysers are portable devices designed for on-the-go testing. These are perfect for supervisors, managers, or safety officers who need to conduct random tests in various locations. Handheld breathalysers offer the same level of accuracy as their wall-mounted counterparts while being compact and easy to carry.
Key features of handheld breathalysers:
- Portability for flexible use.
- Fuel cell technology for precise readings.
- Fast testing capabilities for efficient operations.
Best used for: On-the-go testing by supervisors, safety officers, law enforcement officers, or in workplaces that require mobile solutions for random breath testing.
The Andatech Prodigy S handheld alcohol breath tester provides fast and accurate results to ensure safety at the workplace at all times. The unit also comes with an optional printer for documentation.
Personal breathalysers
Personal breathalysers are compact and user-friendly devices designed for individuals to monitor their BAC levels.
These breathalysers are ideal for personal safety, ensuring that you can make informed decisions about driving or other activities after consuming alcohol. Personal breathalysers come in two main types: semiconductor and fuel cell.
Semiconductor breathalysers
Semiconductor breathalysers are budget-friendly devices suitable for casual use. They utilise a semiconductor oxide sensor to measure BAC levels. While these devices are generally accurate, they may be less reliable at detecting low BAC levels or frequent testing compared to fuel cell models.
Key features of semiconductor breathalysers:
- Affordable and accessible for personal use.
- Suitable for occasional testing.
- Compact and portable design.
Best used for: Casual users looking for an economical option to check their BAC results before driving or social activities.
Fuel cell breathalysers
Fuel cell breathalysers are the gold standard for personal use, offering professional-grade accuracy. These devices are more reliable and precise than semiconductor models, making them ideal for individuals who require consistent and accurate results.
Fuel cell breathalysers are particularly effective at detecting low BAC levels and are less prone to false positives.
Key features of fuel cell breathalysers:
- High accuracy and reliability.
- Long-lasting sensor life.
- Suitable for frequent and low BAC testing.
Best used for: Individuals who require consistent and professional-grade accuracy, such as frequent drinkers or those who need precise readings for legal or personal reasons.
LEARN MORE: How do breathalysers work?
Choosing the right breathalyser
Choosing the right breathalyser depends on your specific needs, whether for workplace compliance or personal safety.
Workplace breathalysers, available in wall-mounted and handheld models, are all powered by fuel cell technology to ensure accuracy and reliability.
For personal use, semiconductor models offer affordability, while fuel cell breathalysers provide professional-grade precision.
By understanding the types of breathalysers and their uses, you can make an informed decision to enhance safety and compliance in any setting.
Explore Andatech’s range of Australian Standards approved industrial grade breathalysers today to find the right unit to suit your needs.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page on breathalysers and BAC.
