Modern Mining April 2019

COMPANIES

detecting marijuana use but cannot pinpoint the specific time of use, as the active compound in marijuana – THC – can linger in a person’s system for weeks, or even months. “The dilemma for employers is that with pri- vate use of marijuana now legalised, they need to prove that the user is under the influence of the drug when he arrives at work before they can institute disciplinary procedures. Merely testing for consumption is no longer suffi- cient. Fortunately, we have a saliva test that solves this problem as it only shows a positive result for THC about six hours post-use. The test is becoming extremely popular with mine owners and with many other organisations.” Evans stresses that tests

using ALCO-Safe’s products will stand up in disciplinary and CCMA cases, provided they are supported by valid substance abuse poli-

Above: The AlcoBlow Rapid Test breathalyser is ALCO‑Safe’s biggest seller.

cies as well as legally acceptable testing procedures. “If employers are not clear on these issues, we can assist with the development of substance abuse policies and control programmes and with any training that might be required,” he concludes. Photos courtesy of ALCO-Safe

Left: The Oratect disposable saliva test.

April 2019  MODERN MINING  43