Police Scotland reported to HSE over breath tests

Police Scotland has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) over the use of breath tests on suspected drink-drivers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-file officers, said it was concerned that officers could be exposed to COVID-19 while conducting roadside breath tests.

In a letter to SPF members, General Secretary Calum Steele said: 'At the heart of this particular issue is the safety of whether asking any member of the public to empty their lungs in the immediate proximity of a police officer, through a narrow tube which accelerates expelled breath, is a safe procedure to be performed at all, or if performed what PPE is required.'

Steele pointed out that coronavirus is known to be transmitted through respiratory droplets and that in the majority of cases the carrier may present no, or mild symptoms. He added that suspects often take several attempts to complete a breath test successfully.

The letter highlighted safer alternatives, such as testing urine samples, and recommended that if a breath test is considered necessary officers should wear full protective equipment, including face mask, goggles and gloves.

The report to the Health and Safety Executive comes after the SPF served Police Scotland with a health and safety improvement notice on 30 April, followed by a further letter and then a meeting with the force in May to discuss concerns about coronavirus and breath tests.

Steele accused Police Scotland of not properly engaging with these concerns and said that at the meeting on 15 May it rejected scientific evidence without 'proper examination'.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor said in response: 'We follow the advice and direction of Health Protection Scotland (HPS), the HSE and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and apply a comprehensive operational policing risk assessment when developing guidance for officers and staff.

'Police Scotland is meeting, and often exceeding, the relevant guidelines.'

She added that the force recognises its 'moral, ethical and legal duty to the safety and welfare of our officers and staff'.

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