Network Rail’s updated Drug & Alcohol Policy FAQs
When does the policy come in?
The new standard will be in effect on 4th March.
What are the main changes?
1. Network Rail suppliers will now need to randomly test 20% of their ‘safety critical’ staff (compared to 5% on the old standard)
2. The testing panel must now include tramadol and ketamine.
3. The use of urine POCTs (point of care tests) will now be permitted.
Why are ketamine and tramadol included?
These are drugs that can cause significant impairment when working safety critical roles. Tramadol is a strong, prescription-only pain medication that can cause drowsiness and affect cognitive function, and ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic that may cause hallucinations and disorientation. These drugs have become more and more prevalent in society, and we’ve observed companies in other industries widening their drug testing panels to include them.
How do I know what drugs my testing provider are screening for?
Express Medicals are now testing all Network Rail samples for these two additional substances, as well as the previously included Amphetamines, Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, Cocaine, MDMA, Methadone, Propoxyphene and Opiates. If you specify Network Rail when booking any laboratory test or POCT, you can be assured the test will be compliant with Network Rail’s standards.
If you’re using another provider, we recommend asking them before booking what is included in their panel.
Do we need to increase random unannounced testing for safety critical staff fourfold immediately?
This will be assessed within your RISQS audit, so we recommend contacting RISQS for accurate advice on how soon to implement your new policy.
Are POCTs accurate?
Yes, the new generation of POCTs are highly accurate. The POCTs used by Express Medicals have an accuracy of at least 98% (or better). Each batch of POCT’s are independently certified by Imperial College London. You can learn more about the science behind POCTs by checking out our previous webinar on the subject.
Can we use saliva/oral fluid POCTs?
No, Network Rail’s standard requires the use of urine POCTs.
Can we purchase POCT kits and test ourselves?
No, your POCTs will need to be administered by a trained professional, to ensure accuracy of the results and to avoid the potential for collusion. A certified provider will be required to input the pass/fail data into Sentinel.
In all circumstances, you should be aware of poor quality, cheap POCTS administered by disreputable providers. POCT devices used by Express Medicals clinicians have been validated by Imperial College London.
How will this affect Sentinel?
Sentinel is due to be updated to allow POCT results to be input and registered on the platform, in the same way that laboratory tests have previously.
If a POCT shows a negative result, that can be uploaded immediately to Sentinel. A non-negative POCT will require a confirmatory laboratory test for a result to be determined and uploaded.
Do I need to do anything differently when booking?
No, you just need to make clear when booking by phone, email or portal, that the procedure you require is either “Network Rail DOA (back to laboratory)” or “Network Rail POCT”.
Do I need to update our own Drug & Alcohol Policy?
Yes, if you have a drug & alcohol policy that relates to Network Rail, you should update it in readiness for the 4th March.
