CASA media release - Friday 3 October 2008
Newcastle - Aviation Alcohol and Drug Program
Newcastle’s pilots and aviation workers are being urged to take part in a special workshop this week on Australia’s new alcohol and drug regulations for the aviation industry.
Random testing of aviation people for alcohol and drugs will start soon under the new regulations.
In addition, aviation organisations must now develop comprehensive drug and alcohol management plans for their employees.
A workshop is being held at Newcastle on Tuesday 7 October to give everyone involved in local aviation a detailed briefing on the new rules.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will explain the safety benefits of the alcohol and drug program, how the new rules were developed and what the rules mean for people working in aviation, as well as private pilots.
The aviation alcohol and drug regulations came into effect earlier last week, covering more than 120,000 people who work or operate in aviation across Australia.
Anyone who is in a safety-sensitive aviation position is covered by the new program. This includes pilots, engineers, cabin crew, flight instructors, ground refuelers, dispatchers, load controllers, baggage handlers and air traffic controllers.
The random testing will be carried out by a professional contractor on behalf of CASA and can happen where ever safety-sensitive aviation activities happen – day or night, seven days a week.
There is a blood alcohol limit of less than 0.02 per cent - a level considered to be akin to zero and the same as for P-plate car drivers - and drug limits set according to the Australian standard for oral fluid testing.
Everyone involved in aviation in Newcastle should take part in this week’s alcohol and drug workshop.
The workshop is being held at the Quality Hotel Noah’s On the Beach on Tuesday 7 October from 8am to 11am.
Media contact:
Michelle Harris
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR12308