Objectives:

To describe the technical requirements in order to achieve type approval for new Breath Alcohol Screening Devices for police use in theUK.

Methodology:

The document summarises the procedure which must be followed by equipment manufacturers.

Key Findings:

• Breath alcohol testing was introduced into the UK in October 1967 with the Road Safety Act 1967. This has been replaced by the Road Traffic Act 1988.

• Similar provisions covering other modes of transport are included in the Transport and Works Act 1992 and the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003.

• All three acts require Breath Alcohol Screening Devices to be type approved by the Secretary of State.

• This document contains a description of the technical requirements to be met for consideration for type approval for new Breath Alcohol Screening Devices for police use in the UK.

• It is intended to be a reference for manufacturers wishing to develop new devices.

• The document contains details concerning the construction of Breath Alcohol Screening Devices, their operation and methods of testing prior to submission to the Secretary of State for type approval consideration.

• Any appropriate technology capable of providing the functionality required in this guide may be suitable.

• The document contains information on the requirements relating to the following aspects of operation:

• General Considerations in the design of the product (e.g. safety of device etc)

• Technical specifications (e.g. required accuracy, measuring range and the type of display)

• Meteorological characteristics (accuracy of results at different operating temperatures)

• The document appendices cover the detailed tests/trials that the equipment must pass before type approval can be given.

Themes:

Type approval, Breath Alcohol Screening

Comments:

Performance and procedural requirements rather than a research document.

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