Safer Skies Begin on the Ground

Safer Skies begin on the Ground

At Randox Testing Services we provide complete drug and alcohol testing solutions to a wide range of companies all over the world. One of the key sectors we operate in is the aviation industry.

The aviation industry is huge, with 30 – 40 million flights taking place each year worldwide, transporting over 3 billion people. Statistics like this mean that safety is of paramount importance. Aviation companies must do all they can to ensure the safety of their staff, passengers and cargo.

Drugs, alcohol and psychoactive substances can have hugely negative effects on a consumer, especially if they are required to perform a safety critical role.

When alcohol is consumed it is absorbed quickly by the blood, but takes longer to leave the body. Common methods of trying to speed up this process, like sleeping or drinking coffee do not actually work. Depending on the consumer’s weight, it takes around one hour for the body to process one unit of alcohol. When alcohol is present in the blood it interferes with the normal absorption of oxygen. This is heightened at high altitudes during flight as the reduced cabin pressure also reduces the rate of absorption. This makes the effects of alcohol during flight a lot more prominent, magnifying them by 2 or 3 times.

The use of psychoactive substances can have hugely negative effects. The use of illicit drugs can impair reaction times, awareness and mobility as well as decrease perception and co-ordination. All key functionality needed when working on board an aircraft can be effected – so many airlines would have a zero tolerance policy. Even prescription and over the counter medications can cause side effects which contribute to pilot error. These types of medicines can cause drowsiness and suppress mental alertness so care needs to be taken when consuming.

About Randox Testing Services

At Randox Testing Services we recommend regular testing. Due to the nature of the industry there is a need for a proactive approach to workplace drug and alcohol testing. Legislation is already being put together which will require airlines to implement testing as part of aircrew medical fitness.

In light of the Germanwings Flight 9525 incident, the EASA are proposing changes to how airline staff are tested. At Randox Testing Services our flexible testing methods, quality point of care products and highly accredited laboratory testing services make us the perfect fit for working alongside aviation companies. Within aviation, testing providers must be flexible enough to provide with-cause, random and pre-employment testing all over the world. Our services are customisable, so we have the ability to tailor a service to meet our customer’s exact needs.

Our global network of trained collection specialists mean we can collect samples when and where you need us. All of our point of care products are CE marked for quality and guarantee the highest possible level of accuracy.

As well as offering testing services, our complete solution also includes a host of training, educational and consultancy services to equip our customers in tackling drug and alcohol misuse. These include comprehensive chain of custody training programs, enabling employers to conduct on-site collections to the same standards as a Randox Testing Services collection specialist. This gives workplaces the power to take safety in to their own hands.

At Randox Testing Services we are committed to using our recognised, world-class expertise to improve safety in the aviation industry, helping passengers, cargo and staff arrive at their destinations safely. For more information contact us today at testingservices@randox.com