I have been employed in an industry for the last 16yrs which for the large part has had random drug and alcohol testing. In fact I believe its the same industry as BRL, albeit a different area.
I have been tested several times under the process, which allows for testing either 1) randomly, 2) due to new assignment/promotion and 3) 'due cause'. I have also been tested under all 3, the first two, several times as a matter of course and the final when someone else was involed in an incident that led to all staff being tested. I have never tested positive I may add!
Limits we use are, I believe, same as drink drive limits the police use. Drugs wise, the limit is none at all in your systems without good cause (i.e. medication).
I have never found the process stressful, has not really affected my social life and is now accepted throughout our industry as a matter of course. Everyone I know still has a drink but thinks about before going on a bender - if you are then a days leave next day may be in order. The most noticable change has been the pub lunches that used to go on, especially on a Friday, has now ceased.
Does it work? Yes I know of several cases where staff have been suspended for both alcohol and drugs in their system. Do I support its use in our industry? Yes, whilst a lot of grumbling at first was heard I would say overall it has had a positive effect.
Under the DnA policy a staff member with a problem (drugs or alcohol) can declare it to management and recieve assistance and will not be suspended. If they have a problem and dont declare it and get caught then its suspension and usally dismissal.
DnA testing (thats Drugs and Alcohol not any complex sprial strings of proteins
) is undertaken on anyone in our industry that is in a 'Safety Critical' position. This does not only include staff such as BRL but filters right through to staff such as design, installation, test and commissioning staff, etc - anyone who can have an effect on the safety of a system not only during it final intended purpose but also in the implementation, operation and maintenance of that system.
I guess in this vain, I would ask if , as a pilot, you saw your role as P1/P2 of an aircraft as 'Safety Critical'?
Just my view as someone who already operates under a DnA procedure already.
J.