Heavy vehicle operation is a high-risk industry, and with so many professional drivers travelling alongside other staff and members of the public, safety is of paramount importance in fleet management. Employers must take every reasonable step to protect their employees, but they also have an obligation to ensure the safety of other road users that may interact with their vehicles. We trust our drivers to be fit for work on the roads and on our sites, but time and time again we find exceptions to the rule. Alcohol abuse is still a serious problem, even among professional drivers who have a high level of personal responsibility to be fit for duty, to be clear headed and mature minded. Impaired drivers are a hazard, and when it comes to heavy vehicles, it’s necessary to take a zero-tolerance approach to the risk of Impairment under the influence.
It’s important to recognise that substance abuse is still a serious problem on our roads and in our workplaces, even amongst professional drivers. While random and systematic testing is a positive step forward, elimination of the hazard/risk is even better.
Integrated safety technologies are taking their place in the digital landscape of fleet management systems, setting safety benchmarks that can improve an employer’s image, reduce their risk of liability, and protect the bottom line, with the bonus of real productivity improvements.
Introducing the Dräger Interlock®
The Dräger Interlock® is a breath alcohol measuring device with an automatic vehicle immobiliser that prevents drivers under the influence of alcohol from starting their vehicle. This is achieved by reliably measuring the alcohol concentration in the breath of the driver and only allowing the engine to start if the breath test is below the pre-set limit.
So how does an Interlock work?
The Dräger Interlock® consists of two components: the handset and the control unit. The breath sample is analysed in the handset. The control unit releases or blocks the starter relay of the vehicle. If the device detects an alcohol value above the set limit, it prevents the engine from being started. The extremely quick start up start-up time is one of the major benefits of the device. With an approved temperature range of -45 °C and 85 °C, it ensures that the device works reliably under all kinds of environments.
Where would this device be used?
Alcohol Interlocks can be installed in various vehicle types to safeguard against alcohol impaired operation. This includes but is not limited to, passenger and freight transportation, special purpose vehicles like machinery, forklifts, cranes, and other mine vehicles. The device allows companies the option to monitor the individual driver and their compliance with existing alcohol policies as well as preventing any driver from starting the vehicle above a pre-set blood alcohol limit.
German-engineered and manufactured, the Dräger Interlock® is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing fleet management system. Optional camera functionality is available for visual identification of the driver, discouraging any attempts to interfere with the system. Due to this technology, fleet managers can be confident that their employees are sober, that fellow road users are not put at risk, and that the company assets and the associated liability risk is better protected.
www.draeger.com
1300 780 689
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