The type of alcohol people drink in alcoholic beverages is called Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol. This liquid is created by using distillation or yeast to ferment sugars or starches.
Even though it is legal for adults over the age of 18 to consume alcohol, it can still have a dangerous effect on you or the people around you. Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain activity. After consuming it, you may feel overconfident and less inhibited that you would when you are sober. When you are under its influence, you may do things you will regret later. Alcohol also slows down your nervous system. Your reflexes and reaction times are slower because it takes longer for messages to get from your brain to the other parts of your body.
How Is It Used?
Alcohol is a liquid beverage. Wine, beer and distilled spirits are all types of alcohol. Alcohol is often present at parties or celebrations because it can be relaxing and fun when used in moderation. Alcohol is not dangerous for many people as long as it is used responsibly. There are other people who cannot drink any alcohol at all safely.
What Are Its Effects?
After someone consumes alcohol, their stomach absorbs it and sends it into the bloodstream. From the bloodstream, the alcohol then goes into the body’s tissues. The individual’s weight, age and other factors all affect how strong the effects of alcohol will be. The effects are also dependent on the amount of food in the person’s system at the time and how much alcohol is consumed.
A small amount of alcohol may cause an individual to feel less inhibited and more social. The person’s sensory and motor functions begin to slow down as well. As more alcohol is consumed, the person may begin to exhibit slurred speech and an unsteady gait. At the same time, response time slows down and a loss of memory of perception may occur. In the worst cases, heavy consumption of alcohol can cause shallow breathing, coma or death.
People who use alcohol heavily over a long period of time can become addicted to it. Attempting to stop the consumption of alcohol suddenly can cause symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms can include anxiety, hallucinations and involuntary shaking of the muscles. Over time, vital organs like the liver can suffer permanent damage from the consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol.
Why The Need For Alcohol Drug Testing?
The need for alcohol drug testing is a necessity in the workplace. Two thirds of workplace complaints about substance are related to alcohol abuse. Employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the problems caused by alcohol abuse at work, especially when the person who is intoxicated is in charge of operation heavy machinery or a vehicle. It is important to know that employees are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while they are working. This will help to ensure that they are safe and productive at work.
Drug testing is a way to make sure that employees are not using drugs while on the job. Alcohol testing can be done by breathalyser, saliva test, or urine test. These tests can be done randomly or when there is suspicion of drug use.
The Impact Of Alcohol On Workplace Safety
Alcohol consumption can significantly affect workplace safety, especially in industries involving heavy machinery or transportation. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce coordination. This puts not only the impaired worker at risk but also their colleagues and the public.
Some key workplace safety concerns related to alcohol use include:
- Increased risk of accidents and injuries
- Poor decision-making in critical situations
- Reduced productivity and quality of work
- Higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness
- Potential for conflicts with coworkers
Many companies now implement comprehensive alcohol policies, including random testing, to create safer work environments. These policies often include:
- Clear rules on alcohol use before and during work hours
- Employee education on alcohol’s effects
- Support programmes for workers struggling with alcohol issues
- Procedures for dealing with suspected alcohol use on the job
By addressing alcohol use proactively, employers can significantly reduce risks and create a culture of safety and responsibility.
Alcohol Drug Testing By Urine
Alcohol test strips are a quick and easy way to test for alcohol in the body. They are also known as ETG (Ethyl Glucuronide) tests. The strips work by detecting the presence of alcohol in urine, which is then indicated by a change in colour on the strip. The colour change is usually from purple to yellow or green. The strips can be used at home or at work, They are not invasive or uncomfortable to use.
Alcohol Drug Testing By Saliva
A Rapid Saliva Alcohol Screen comes in strip form and is a test that can detect alcohol in saliva. It is a portable, non-invasive, and easy to use solution. These strips can also be used by employers or concerned parents for screening individuals who are suspected of being intoxicated.
Alcohol Drug Testing By Breath
The alcohol breathalyser is a device that measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath. It is used to determine whether or not someone has been drinking alcohol.
The device works by measuring the amount of alcohol in the person’s breath and converting it into a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level. This is done by using an infrared light beam that shines through the person’s mouth and onto a sensor, which then measures how much light is absorbed by the alcohol molecules in their breath.
Two of the most popular breathalysers on the market are the Alcoscan AL6000 Breathalyser and the Alcoscan AL7000 Breathalyser. Both can be purchased from Zoom Testing. We also supply replacement mouthpieces and sensors for both models.
Test & Drive is a disposable Alcohol Breath Test that can be used to detect alcohol in the breath. It is a small, portable device that can be used by anyone. The device is activated by placing your mouth over the opening. The device tests the breath and will provide a result in seconds.
Photo Credit: “Pouring a glass of red wine” (CC BY 2.0) by Rawpixel Ltd
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
This post was originally published in November 2013. It was update in August 2024.
