Author : Dr Kate Garside
Understanding evidential breathalysers for workplace alcohol testing
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or employment advice. Product details and approval statuses are correct at the time of writing (October 2026); always check the latest product listing before purchasing.
An evidential breathalyser is a professional alcohol testing device designed to provide a reliable, documented measurement of alcohol in a person's breath. Unlike a standard screening breathalyser, an evidential system is intended to support formal decision-making where the result may have employment, disciplinary or legal implications.
For employers responsible for workplace safety, particularly in transport, logistics, construction, manufacturing and other safety-critical industries, choosing the right alcohol testing equipment is an important part of an effective drug and alcohol testing policy.
In this guide, we explain what an evidential breathalyser is, how it works, how it differs from a standard breathalyser and what to consider when choosing one for workplace alcohol testing.
What does evidential breathalyser mean?
An evidential breathalyser measures the concentration of alcohol in exhaled breath, providing a numerical result that can be recorded and used as part of a formal testing process.
The term evidential refers to the use of the test result as evidence. The equipment, testing procedure, documentation and applicable standards all matter when determining whether a result is suitable for a particular purpose.
It is important to distinguish between a professional breathalyser used for workplace decision-making and an instrument specifically approved for legal evidential use. In Great Britain, police evidential breath-testing instruments are subject to Home Office type-approval requirements or the equivalent European certification (EN). Not every professional breathalyser automatically has this approval.
For workplace testing, an evidential breathalyser may be used to support an employer's alcohol policy, provided the equipment and procedures are appropriate for the intended purpose.
If you, as an employer, operate a zero tolerance alcohol policy, then you should have an evidential grade breathalyser to confirm all positive alcohol tests from screening tests before enforcement or action.
How does an evidential breathalyser work?
An evidential breathalyser analyses a breath sample to measure breath alcohol concentration, often abbreviated to BrAC.
The process generally involves the following steps:
- Preparation: The operator checks the equipment and follows the manufacturer's instructions and the organisation's testing procedure.
- Breath sample collection: The individual provides a breath sample through the device's mouthpiece.
- Alcohol measurement: The instrument analyses the sample and calculates a breath alcohol reading.
- Recording the result: Depending on the device and configuration, the reading can be stored electronically or printed.
- Follow-up action: The employer follows the procedures set out in its alcohol testing policy, including any required confirmation, review or disciplinary process.
Accurate testing depends on using the instrument correctly, maintaining appropriate calibration and following a consistent testing protocol.
What is the difference between an evidential and a standard breathalyser?
Although both types of breathalyser measure alcohol in breath, they are designed for different purposes.
| Feature | Standard screening breathalyser | Evidential breathalyser system |
| Main purpose | Initial alcohol screening | More formal measurement and documentation |
| Typical use | Preliminary workplace checks | Confirmatory or formal workplace testing |
| Results | May provide a screening indication or numerical reading | Designed to provide a recorded, traceable measurement |
| Documentation | May offer limited record-keeping | May offer electronic storage or printed results |
| Best suited to | Routine initial checks | Situations where documented results are important |
The precise capabilities depend on the model. A digital display alone does not make a breathalyser evidential, and a printer does not automatically confer legal evidential status.
For organisations operating a workplace drug and alcohol testing programme, screening and evidential testing can form two stages of the same process. A screening test can identify a potential concern, while an appropriate evidential system can provide a more robust record for subsequent decision-making.
Why do UK employers need an evidential breathalyser?
Employers have a responsibility to manage workplace risks and take reasonable steps to protect employees, contractors and members of the public.
Alcohol can impair judgement, reaction times, coordination and decision-making. These effects can create serious risks in environments where employees drive vehicles, operate machinery, work at height or undertake other safety-critical activities.
An evidential breathalyser can help employers implement their alcohol policies consistently and maintain records of test results.
Common applications include:
- Transport and logistics: Testing drivers and other employees in safety-critical roles.
- Construction and manufacturing: Supporting alcohol policies where machinery and hazardous equipment are used.
- Warehousing and distribution: Helping manage risks associated with vehicles and material-handling equipment.
- Industrial and engineering environments: Supporting workplace safety procedures.
- Healthcare and other regulated environments: Providing documented alcohol measurements where required by an appropriate policy.
A breathalyser is only one part of a comprehensive workplace alcohol testing programme. Employers should also establish clear testing procedures, train operators, protect confidential information and ensure that testing is fair, proportionate and consistent with applicable employment and data protection requirements.
Why choose a Dräger evidential breathalyser?
Dräger is an established manufacturer of professional alcohol detection equipment. Its Alcotest range includes devices designed for workplace and professional alcohol testing.
The Dräger Alcotest 7000 is a professional evidential breathalyser with certified EN accreditation, designed for demanding testing environments. Its features include a choice of mouthpiece or funnel-based measurement, a clear colour display, electronic connectivity options and a stated calibration interval of 12 months, and must be current for EN use.
For employers who need to record workplace alcohol test results, the available accessories and connectivity options may also be important when selecting a suitable configuration.
Before purchasing, check the exact model, accessories, software and approvals required for your intended use. The Dräger Alcotest 7000 listed on UK Drug Testing has its own stated approval status, which should be checked against your specific requirements rather than assumed to be equivalent to a Home Office-approved police evidential instrument.
Explore the Dräger Alcotest 7000 Workplace Breathalyser
UK Drug Testing supplies the Dräger Alcotest 7000 Workplace Breathalyser, alongside compatible mouthpieces and accessories.
View the Dräger Alcotest 7000 Workplace Breathalyser
Review the product details to check the available configuration, calibration requirements and accessories before purchasing.
Does an evidential breathalyser need to be calibrated?
Yes. Professional breathalysers require periodic calibration and servicing in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Calibration ensures that the instrument continues to measure alcohol accurately. Over time, sensor performance and measurement accuracy can change, so regular maintenance is an important part of a reliable testing programme.
When choosing a device, consider:
- The manufacturer's recommended calibration interval.
- The availability and cost of calibration services.
- The records supplied with the instrument.
- The availability of replacement mouthpieces and other consumables.
- The consequences of taking the instrument out of service for maintenance.
The Dräger Alcotest 7000 product listing specifies a 12-month calibration interval. Always follow the requirements for the particular instrument and its actual usage.
Is an evidential breathalyser legally enforceable in the workplace?
An evidential breathalyser can help provide documented alcohol test results for workplace decision-making, but the equipment alone does not determine whether an employer's decision will be legally defensible.
The circumstances of the test, the organisation's alcohol policy, the reliability and maintenance of the instrument, the testing procedure and the way the result is handled may all be relevant.
Employers should ensure that their policies explain when testing may take place, how results are interpreted, what happens following a non-negative result and what review or appeal arrangements are available.
Where a test result could lead to disciplinary action or dismissal, it is particularly important to follow a fair and documented process. Employers should obtain appropriate professional advice where necessary.
For police drink-driving investigations, separate statutory requirements and Home Office type-approval rules apply. A workplace breathalyser should not be assumed to be suitable for police evidential use simply because it is described as professional or evidential.
Can an evidential breathalyser be used alongside workplace drug testing?
Yes. Alcohol and drug testing are often combined within a workplace testing programme, particularly in industries where impairment could create significant safety risks.
A typical programme might use:
- A breathalyser for alcohol testing.
- A urine or saliva drug test for initial drug screening.
- A combined saliva multi-drug and alcohol screening test.
- An appropriate laboratory confirmation process for non-negative drug screening results, where required.
- An evidential breathalyser confirmation of all non-negative alcohol screens.
Breath alcohol testing and drug testing serve different purposes and use different analytical methods. A breathalyser does not identify drugs, and a drug screening kit does not measure breath alcohol concentration.
Employers should choose equipment and testing procedures that match their policy, risk assessment and operational requirements.
If you are establishing a workplace programme, explore our range of workplace drug testing products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Evidential Breathalysers
What is the most accurate type of breathalyser?
Professional fuel-cell breathalysers are commonly chosen for their performance in alcohol testing. However, accuracy depends on the specific instrument, its condition, calibration and how it is used. If you require an evidential system, check that the model and configuration meet the requirements of your intended application.
Do evidential breathalysers print results?
Some systems can produce printed results, while others store readings electronically or offer connectivity options. Check the product specification to determine whether a printer is included or must be purchased separately. As a rule, you do not need a printer, and the electronically recorded results are evidential without being physically printed.
How often should an evidential breathalyser be calibrated?
This depends on the manufacturer and model. The Dräger Alcotest 7000 listed by UK Drug Testing specifies a 12-month calibration interval. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and any applicable requirements for your use case.
Can employers use breathalyser results for disciplinary action?
Breathalyser results may contribute to workplace disciplinary decisions, but employers should follow a clear and fair alcohol policy. They should also ensure that the equipment and testing procedure are suitable, the result is properly documented and the employee is treated in accordance with applicable employment requirements.
Is a Dräger workplace breathalyser the same as a police breathalyser?
Not necessarily. The UK Police use a range of devices. Dräger manufactures a range of alcohol testing devices for different applications. Police evidential instruments must meet the relevant approval requirements. Always check the specific model's approval status and intended use.
What should I look for when buying an evidential breathalyser?
Consider measurement performance, calibration and servicing, result storage, printer compatibility, ease of use, consumable costs and the intended application. Most importantly, establish what level of evidential capability and approval your organisation actually requires before selecting a device.
Choose the right breathalyser for your organisation
Selecting the right alcohol testing equipment can help employers support workplace safety, apply their policies consistently and maintain appropriate records.
For organisations that need a professional workplace breathalyser, the Dräger Alcotest 7000 offers a range of features worth considering, including flexible sampling options, electronic connectivity and a stated 12-month calibration interval.
Explore the Dräger Alcotest 7000 Workplace Breathalyser at UK Drug Testing
If you are unsure which breathalyser is most suitable for your organisation, UK Drug Testing can help you assess your requirements and identify an appropriate alcohol testing solution.
Need Help Choosing the Right Breathalyser?
Not sure which breathalyser is right for your workplace or professional testing requirements? Our team at UK Drug Testing is here to help.
Contact our customer support team for advice on choosing the right equipment for your needs, including calibration, accessories and workplace testing requirements.
The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, employment or medical advice. Employers should seek appropriate professional advice before relying on test results for disciplinary decisions.
Single-use breathalysers, saliva alcohol test strips and other point-of-care alcohol tests are screening tests only. Any non-negative screening result should be confirmed using an appropriate evidential method before any decisions or actions are taken.
Approval and certification status varies between breathalyser models and can change over time. A workplace breathalyser is not a substitute for official police roadside or evidential testing equipment, and breath alcohol readings should never be used to decide whether it is safe or legal to drive.
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's alcohol use, please speak to a healthcare professional.