AMC1 ARO.RAMP.106 Alcohol testing

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 35

GENERAL — ALCOHOL TESTING METHODOLOGY

(a) When alcohol testing is carried out by RAMP inspectors under the RAMP inspection programme, the following alcohol testing methodology should be used to ensure accurate testing results:

(1) the alcohol test should be carried out with an appropriate and approved testing device in accordance with national requirements on alcohol testing of individuals;

(2) the ramp inspector that carries out the alcohol test should be adequately trained and qualified; and

(3) after an initial positive alcohol test, a confirmation test should be carried out

(b) Testing procedures should specify the following:

(1) handling of test results, in order to determine a true positive test; and

(2) the process to be followed in case of a confirmed positive test result, including how to inform the crew member concerned about the actual test result.

(1) the alcohol tests should be carried out using a breath alcohol analyser to ensure that initial alcohol testing is non-invasive;

(2) the breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), measured by a breath alcohol analyser during the initial alcohol test, should not exceed the prescribed limit of alcohol; and

(3) if the initial test result is in excess of the prescribed limit of alcohol, a confirmation alcohol test should be conducted.

(4) The written information provided to the crew member concerned following a positive alcohol test that exceeds the prescribed limit, should contain the time, date and result, including specific readings, of the alcohol test as well as the type of equipment used.

(5) A confirmation test should be carried out at least 15 minutes, but not more than 30 minutes, after the completion of the initial positive test. The inspector should observe that the crew member does not eat, drink or ingest anything which may interfere with the results of the confirmation test.

(d) When a confirmation alcohol test produces a reading in excess of the prescribed limit of alcohol, the CAA will inform the crew member concerned, as well as the competent authority and the operator responsible for that person.

(e) A refusal by a crew member to have an alcohol test should be regarded as a positive test and considered as a refusal to grant access in accordance with ORO.GEN.140 Access in the case of a UK operator or in accordance with TCO.115 of UK Regulation (EU) No 452/2014 in the case of a third-country operator.

(f) The CAA has published guidance on the procedures and quality standards for alcohol testing on the UK Ramp inspection programme page of the CAA website: https://www.caa.co.uk/commercial-industry/airlines/uk-ramp-inspection-programme/