This may take the thread away from DAMP for pilots, but it does indicate that the whole system is flawed.
The DAMP system is based around pilots and assumes that everyone including pilots is in perfect health.We all know that is not the case and even pilots are on regular (legally supplied and DAME approved) medications.But there are many duties in aviation that do not require perfect health.When all this started one CASA example was "the person washing the airport refuelling truck".Can anyone explain why that person can't be on a serious painkiller for say arthritis which will test positive for an opiate?
When I put that to CASA they said they were only doing what other industries are doing.However it appears that there are levels of health in railways with operational staff on a different level. In our industry we tacitly accept this as indicated by the fact that the only license medicals required by CASA, is for pilots. We even acccept different levels for pilots.Why do we then accept one industry standard for DAMP?
Under DAMP you could be on a prescribed medication and working as a LAME. If you are tested and found positive you go through the whole process of being stood down, medical review and reinstated. You then can be tested on your first day back and have to go through the whole process ad infinitum.
The system for anyone who has a medical condition which requires a medication that might test positive is a nightmare which CASA seems to have no interest in sorting out.
As a DAMP supervisor I find the whole system to be ill conceived and a paperwork war that in the end fails to acheive a great deal.
Wunwing
Last edited by Wunwing; 25th Nov 2012 at 20:18.