DAMP Testing
 

With all aviation employers now requiring a Drug and Alcohol test prior to employment, Why is this not done as part of the Class 1 Medical Renewal?

Any opinions would be welcomed.

Thanks

Biggles

I assume one reason is that a lot of people who are obtaining an initial or are renewing class 1 medicals are not actually working for an organisation covered by a DAMP. So there is a cost saving for the individual there.

Hey

Cynical - I know what you are saying about guilty unless you can prove yourself innocent but I have been asked to provide a test certificate prior to me being employed - this seems to be becoming standard practice.

I do not have an opinion either way - but like everyone else I am trying to save us a bit of hassle and expense.

On the basis that this is a urine test I just thought it could be done at a very minimal additional cost (just like an ECG or Audiogram) whilst you are attending for your renewal rather than getting slugged $100 bucks for a specific appointment.

Maybe the DAME would do it at a discounted rate if you asked for it to be done at the same time as your medical renewal. Would have thought in any case that a Drugs and Alcohol test in the context of pre-employment would be of interest to the DAME in his assessment of medical fitness for the medical renewal in any case

Biggles

Biggles...I work for 2 operators and have had to be tested on separate occasions for each operation. Apparently the results cannot be carried over to the other operator because the test needs to be done on commencement of employement (in my case there were only a few months in between) I think this is because the test is meant to be done circumstantially...just incase you decide to acquire a drug habit in the interim! ;) On both occasions my employer has paid for it so no skin off my nose!

From what i understand you need to have had a test within 90 days of the start of employment.

If you have an incident/accident you are supposed to be tested within 2 hours of the event, which is great if you are out in the middle of no where. What your supposed to do is carry a test kit and test yourself!

Interesting note is you dont need to be tested to get your SPL, first place to start i would of thought of.

Pilotette

Thanks for giving us the benefit of your experience.

I was not aware that seperate tests were required for each employer.....Does anyone know what the actual rules are? or is it down to an individual company's DAMP policy?

I have been told I have to pay for my own....which incidently I think is a crock of sh1t when you are only getting casual work

Biggles

Yak Slapper....you beat me to it!!!

I heard something about a 90 day validity....but I assume this in transportable to any employer within that period.

If the test is done for a specific employer surely they have to pay for it!!!!

Biggles

We had a DAMP audit about 4-5 months ago and had a stack of questions not able to be answered.
Still waiting, no wonder there is so much confusion.

I've just recently been for a Class 2 avmed for initial issue of ASIC. Also did the drug and alcohol screen and was billed by the DAME for that test (on top of the avmed examination). Also copped a bill for the same test from the mob who actually processed it. That is, I paid twice for the one test. I'd hate to be having to fork out like that each time someone wanted me to prove I'm clean. Not sure how often it will happen since I'm seeking work anywhere in the aviation industry and so far all potential employers want to know my status; ie want CURRENT test results. I wonder how often I will be subjected to this test and associated costs?

It is a total rackett.

If job seeking pilots have to get 4 of these a year just to keep 'current' then this is totally wrong.

CASA need to amend the CASR so that these things are only needed once a year.

If you refer to the CASR the obligation to test prospective 'sensitive' employees lies with the company that holds the AoC. They are only exempt if the person has had one in the last 90 days and it is negative.

So another example of 'pay to fly' by the charter companies.

Biggles

Going back to the original question

"With all aviation employers now requiring a Drug and Alcohol test prior to employment, Why is this not done as part of the Class 1 Medical Renewal?"

Why don't employers simply report to CASA that they have a new employee and 'hint' that a 'visit' by the testing people is in order ?

I ask this because, by my limited understanding of this issue, any test done as part of a 'random check' cannot be billed to the person being tested - it's paid for by CASA (or whoever) as part of the ongoing 'services' to the industry. I don't see why workers in the aviation industry should have to pay up-front for "proof of innocence" tests which are not required in any other industry sector that I can think of (don't mention ASIC !).

I can understand why an employer would want to see the test result before hiring someone - it indemnifies them to a degree in the event of an unfortunate incident, but I can't believe the legislation actually requires employers to demand this. Am I wrong ?

Surely the intent of the legislation is to apprehend evildoers on the job, not to impose unreasonable and expensive burdens on people trying to earn a living.

Am I completely wrong ? How wrong ?????

Go and read the regs.

Back Pressure, I think you may be mistaken on this point.

The CASR place the obligation for testing new employees clearly on the Company holding the AoC, the legislation does not require employers to demand this. More they are passing the obligation to have this done onto the individual so that they can obtain a relaxation on their obligations under CASR.

Biggles

Go to your employer and ask to see the DAMP. As an employee / contractor etc with an SSAA you are required to read it. All will be revealed.

A lot of DAMPs (mine included) only calls for pre employment and post incident / accident / reasonable suspicion testing. CASA can do all the random testing they like.

One important thing to remember also is that ALL acohol testing under a DAMP must be by approved breathalyser. Urinalysis is only acceptable for the other goodies.