ALCO-Safe breathalyser test goes wireless

The Lion Alcoblow Rapid Test breathalyser from ALCO-Safe has received a technology upgrade in the form of a built-in wireless transmitter.

The breathalyser works exactly the same as the non-wireless Lion Alcoblow Rapid Test; a security official manually holds the device up for a person to blow into the mouthpiece and a reading is generated and made visible on a small screen on the device.

The upgraded Rapid Test, however, also wirelessly communicates a positive or negative test to the receiver, which then activates the gate based on this result.

Director at ALCO-Safe, Rhys Evans, says: “Typically, the non-wireless Lion Alcoblow Rapid Test breathalyser is wielded by a security guard or similar official, who tests individuals as they enter a site. The wireless device effectively removes the responsibility from a security official to grant or deny site access, thereby reducing the risk of bribery or coercion.

“The security official is still present, though, to ensure that the test is carried out properly and that additional protocols are followed after a positive test,” he adds.

Thanks to its wireless gate activation, time is also saved as the security official no longer needs to manually open the gate.

The device is exceedingly simple to set up and use; only needing the wireless receiver to be installed on the boom gate, turnstile or other electronically controlled entryway.

The new device also features an optional wireless indicator light, which can be installed in a security surveillance or monitoring room. The light indicates positive or negative tests, and security managers are able to view results remotely, in real time.

The wireless Lion Alcoblow Rapid Test breathalyser is particularly suitable for those industries with zero tolerance policies towards alcohol, such as mining, engineering, logistics and other industrial environments.

“The addition of wireless capability not only moves breathalysers forward in terms of technology, it also suits a world that is growing more and more automated. The use of a security official to conduct the test now moves from a risk for potential fraud, to an added security measure that ensures protocols are fully adhered to,” concludes Evans.