Re-think next drink

Volume 49, No. 10, June 15, 2006

The RAN has reiterated it is serious about its Safe Spirit alcohol testing program.

Navy personnel who are caught via the Blood Alcohol Level (BAL) testing scheme face formal censure and even discharge from the Navy.

The bottom-line is that intoxication in the workplace is an unacceptable risk.

LCDR Morag Ferguson of the RAN Alcohol and Drug Program said all Navy personnel should embrace Safe Spirit as a valuable program because it promotes and supports a safe working environment.

LCDR Ferguson said in the interests of safe work environments, breath testing may be either random or targeted, which means that any RAN member can be tested at any time in a safety critical area.

“In addition, Safe Spirit can provide early detection of members experiencing alcohol related issues who can then be provided with appropriate intervention,” she said.

LCDR Ferguson said members experiencing alcohol related issues are more likely to respond to early intervention.
“Often if the alcohol issues are ignored the drinking behaviour becomes more entrenched, which is why the Safe Spirit Program assists Navy in early identification of those members with alcohol related issues,” she said.

LCDR Ferguson said she is impressed by the amount of support in the RAN for the Safe Spirit program.
Navy implemented the Safe Spirit alcohol-testing program in January 2004.

Although the policy is for all personnel on duty to have a zero Blood Alcohol Level, for practical purposes a BAL of less than 0.02 is considered a negative test.

BAL testing is designed as a deterrent and positive tests are dealt with as an administrative issue rather than under the DFDA (although personnel may still be subject to DFDA action when they are unable to perform their duties due to the influence of alcohol).

RAN personnel who test positive to alcohol in the workplace will be referred to Navy Alcohol and other Drug Program (RANADP) staff for assessment and intervention. However, repeat offenders face a formal warning, a formal censure for a third offence, and termination of service for a fourth or subsequent positive test or other alcohol related incident following intervention.

 Further help can be obtained from the Defence Health Services web site (see http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dhs), the area Alcohol and Drug Program Coordinator and all ADF Health facilities.

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