Evidential Breath Analyzer

29-06-2024

12:26 PM

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1 min read
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Overview:

Recently, the Legal Metrology Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has unveiled new draft rules for Evidential Breath Analysers under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011.

About Evidential Breath Analyzer:

  • It is an Instrument that measures and displays the breath alcohol mass concentration of exhaled human breath within specified error limits.
  • It provides a non-invasive way to measure blood alcohol content, offering quick and painless sample collection.
  • Working of Breath Analyser
    • In the case of alcohol detection, a precise amount of a person’s exhaled breath is passed through a solution of potassium dichromate and sulfuric acid in the analyzer.
    • The change in the colour of the solution is proportional to the amount of alcohol in the air sample, which in turn is directly related to the alcohol content of the blood. 
  • Evidential Breath Analysers needs to be verified and stamped according to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, to ensure their accuracy.
  • The rapid analysis capabilities allow law enforcement officers to make swift, informed decisions, enhancing the effectiveness of roadside checks.
  • This verification protects individuals from wrongful penalties due to faulty equipment and helps maintain the integrity of legal and workplace policies.
    • The availability of stamped and verified Evidential Breath Analysers to the public can raise awareness about the effects of alcohol on impairment and the legal limits for safe operation of vehicles and machinery. This encourages responsible behavior and informed decision-making.
    • The rules are applicable to those types of Evidential Breath Analysers that use mouthpieces for sampling the breath.

Q1: What is Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)?

Sulfuric acid is a corrosive substance, destructive to the skin, eyes, teeth, and lungs. Severe exposure can result in death.

Source: Department of Consumer Affairs introduces draft rules for Evidential Breath Analyzer for measurement and display of breath alcohol mass concentration under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011