Random Breathalyzer Tests in LHR
Join Date: Jan 1999
Location: north of barlu
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A bit of clarity
I can't see the problem with random testing as long as it is carried out in a properly controlled way we had ths in a part 121 operator that I worked for.
The big problem is with the attitude of some of the security screeners in the UK who are so bored with the job that they turn to using their limited powers to bait airport employees and of course the more senior the victim the better the amusement factor.
From a leagal point of view I would think that if the security screener tryed to detain you the best thing would be to let them keep your security pass and return to landside and report the facts to your company. I would also think that at this point bringing in the police would be a good idea as a negative alcohol test would reinforce any malpractice from the security screeners.
At this point I should say that on the whole most of the security screeners in the UK are just enforcing a bunch of over restrictive rules mandated by the DfT and most of them do it as well as they can, the problem is with the small minority who have so poisoned the security screening atmosphere that all airport staff are deeply distrustful of airport security staff.
In my opinion the DfT security system is to blame for most of the problems by insisting that airport staff who have already been security checked to get a security pass are imposed to the same rules as passengers when going airside. This attitude shows a basic lack of respect to staff or is an admission that their security checks on staff are inadequate.
The big problem is with the attitude of some of the security screeners in the UK who are so bored with the job that they turn to using their limited powers to bait airport employees and of course the more senior the victim the better the amusement factor.
From a leagal point of view I would think that if the security screener tryed to detain you the best thing would be to let them keep your security pass and return to landside and report the facts to your company. I would also think that at this point bringing in the police would be a good idea as a negative alcohol test would reinforce any malpractice from the security screeners.
At this point I should say that on the whole most of the security screeners in the UK are just enforcing a bunch of over restrictive rules mandated by the DfT and most of them do it as well as they can, the problem is with the small minority who have so poisoned the security screening atmosphere that all airport staff are deeply distrustful of airport security staff.
In my opinion the DfT security system is to blame for most of the problems by insisting that airport staff who have already been security checked to get a security pass are imposed to the same rules as passengers when going airside. This attitude shows a basic lack of respect to staff or is an admission that their security checks on staff are inadequate.
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Gatwick
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One assumes that security staff are not subjected to the same 8-12 hour alcohol ban that people carrying out an aviation related function, ditto baggage handlers. I frequently night stop at various airports through out Europe and the most annal in terms of security by a long mile are in the Uk & LHR in particular, I agree that some of the staff try their best, but they have no discretion or are allowed to apply common sense, last month i night stopped in 10 different locations, not one crew screening station even mentioned my antiperspirant, London Heathrow did!! next time through, i shan't shower and will leave a mobile phone in my pocket and they can have the pleasure of patting down my sweaty arm pits.
Said alcoholic should have been fired on the spot.
Alcoholism is a disease and should be treated accordingly as otherwise you will have people hiding it refusing to get treatment.
Frankly it would have been better had his colleagues supported him by keeping him off interaction with people and handling it internally.
