Breath Alcohol Instrument Maintenance

Let’s face it.  Your breath alcohol testing instrument requires proper care and preventative maintenance in order to ensure its effectiveness, reliability and long life.  Every day I receive Alco-Sensor instruments in need of repairs, which could have been avoided if the operators would have performed regular system maintenance and checks. Here are my top recommendations for keeping your breath alcohol testing instrument running at optimal performance for years to come:

1. It is essential that you perform periodic accuracy checks of your breath alcohol testing instrument and calibrate it if it fails the accuracy check.  This recommendation is both a proactive step in maintaining optimal performance, and a requirement if you are to successfully defend test results in a court of law.  It is imperative to keep accurate and up-to-date records of accuracy checks and calibrations for DOT regulation purposes. Performing systematic accuracy checks and calibrations helps to remove doubt as to the accuracy of the instrument.
2.  Even though Alco Sensors are built to withstand serious weather conditions, they will lose their performance edge when left in extreme weather conditions for long periods of time.  When not in use, it is important to keep your Alco-Sensor stored in the carrying case with the “set” button depressed (this is not applicable for the FST model).  Avoid storing the instrument in extreme humid or very dry conditions for prolonged periods of time, as this will deteriorate the fuel cell’s effectiveness and will increase the time necessary to bring the instrument up to proper operating temperature(proper instrument operating temperature ranges vary from between 32°F to 122°F, depending on the particular model.  Consult the owner’s manual).
3.  To keep your system running accurately, it is important to avoid introducing liquids and raw  tobacco smoke into the Alco-Sensor.  Tobacco smoke or liquids will quickly and permanently damage the fuel cell, which will lead to inaccurate readings and also increase maintenance costs.  If a subject has been smoking just prior to a test, it is recommended to wait about 15 minutes to allow any remaining smoke to dissipate.

If you perform these three basic preventative maintenance steps, your Alco-Sensor will perform as intended for a longer period of time.  When you need repair and maintenance services, AlcoPro offers system repairs and preventative maintenance services, including calibration of all Alco-Sensors. Please contact one of our knowledgeable repair technicians with questions or to arrange for services by calling 800.227.9890 or at repairs@alcopro.com.