BA workers to face random drugs tests

By Georgina Littlejohn, Metro

Last updated at 08:32 02 August 2004


British Airways staff face random drink and drugs tests under a new policy which began yesterday. Workers can be tested if they are suspected of being under the influence on duty or if drugs or alcohol are linked to workplace accidents.

The airline's staff - in Britain only - also face random testing in the first six months of employment. Anyone returning to work after drug or alcohol rehabilitation is likely to be tested as well.

The move follows the introduction of safety legislation earlier this year that gives police the power to breathalyse onduty flight and cabin crew and aircraft engineers if they suspect they have exceeded legal alcohol limits.

Testing comes on top of the airline's existing policy that staff must not be impaired by drugs or alcohol when they are at work.

The issue came to a head four years ago when a TV documentary showed BA crews drinking before a flight. Later, a pilot was dismissed by the airline.

Last year, two BA cockpit crew members resigned over an alleged breach of alcohol regulations.

Geoff Want, BA's director of safety, security and risk management, said in June: 'Testing is common in many other safety-critical industries, such as the rail, chemical and nuclear sectors. Testing reinforces our absolute commitment to safety, which is our No.1 priority.' The policy has been agreed by the four trade unions representing BA's British staff.

The alcohol limit for ground staff will be the drink-drive limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

But flying staff are restricted to 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - virtually zero. A breathalyser will be used to test for alcohol and a urine sample for drugs.

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