New Rules for Breath Analysers in India to Ensure Safety and Accuracy

The Indian government has introduced new draft rules for Evidential Breath Analysers, aiming to ensure their accuracy and reliability. These devices are used by law enforcement and workplaces to measure blood alcohol levels from breath samples, helping to identify drunk drivers and prevent accidents.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated that the new rules will enhance public safety and trust. Verified and standardised breathalysers will provide quick and painless sample collection, allowing law enforcement officers to make swift, informed decisions during roadside checks.

Once the new rules are in effect, breath analysers must follow standardised testing procedures to ensure consistent and reliable results. This standardisation will foster public confidence in the fairness and accuracy of enforcement actions.

According to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, Evidential Breath Analysers need to be verified and stamped to ensure their accuracy. This verification protects individuals from wrongful penalties due to faulty equipment and helps maintain the integrity of legal and workplace policies.

The department added that the availability of stamped and verified breath analysers can raise awareness about the effects of alcohol on impairment and the legal limits for safe operation of vehicles and machinery, encouraging responsible behavior and informed decision-making.

The draft rules specify that Evidential Breath Analysers measure and display the breath alcohol mass concentration of exhaled human breath within specified error limits. These rules also provide for various types of tests to ensure the correctness of the instrument, with yearly verification needed to maintain accuracy.