Not a risk worth taking; drugs & alcohol
7th August 2018
Network Rail has a zero-tolerance approach to individuals attending work whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most companies will have the same approach.
Network Rail have now brought in random drugs and alcohol testing which will take place on site and in the office at any time without prior notice.
Here are the alcohol limits within Network Rail:
29 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood
13 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath
39 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of urine
These limits are set by the Railway Group Standard GE/RT8070 and are considerably lower than the government driving guidelines.
Failure to consent to testing or leaving the site before testing is completed will be regarded as a refusal to submit to testing. A positive result would then be recorded and dealt with in the same way as someone who had tested over the limit.
The possible consequences of a positive test result could be:
- PTS certificate revoked for five years
- Disciplinary procedure
- Sentinel card cancelled
If you report a drugs or alcohol problem voluntarily to your line manager, HR department or supervisor and this is not reported as a consequence of expecting a positive test result, you will be able to receive support and assistance and begin a programme of rehabilitation.
You can go to further support with the following:
Validium – Employee assistance provider
0800 3584858 OR
03303329980 (24-hour phone line)
OH Assist – Occupational health support
0845 6080656 OR
Here are some more Drugs & Alcohol Panels cut off levels:
Source: Express Medicals Limited
Other ways to get help
There are a wide range of advice, treatment and support services for addiction in the UK. Anyone with a substance related problem can have access to such services.
Your GP might offer to treat you or might refer you to your local specialist drug service. Most local community drug units also run drop-in centres which don’t require a referral from a doctor. You should be able to find information about these on the internet or ask at your doctors’ surgery.
Don’t forget you can call Frank to discuss any issues you have confidentially on:
0800 776600
