Drugs test

[Steam Man]

I was just wondering have Railway staff failed drugs tests from smoking normal cigarettes or Vaping.
I’ve just quit cigarettes and started Vaping to help me give up smoking I was just wondering what would be the chances of me failing a drugs test if I went for a job on the mainline

 

[Karl]

I took one puff of my friend's e-cig six years ago. I've not had a fag since. Congrats on the switch (It's cheaper too!)

 

[C J Snarzell]

I'm an ex-cigarette user who made the transition to e-cigs a while ago. Like the other forum member has said, the benefits of vaping far out weigh the traditional way of having a 'bifter'. I was smoking Marlboro lights and they are now over £13 a pack at the local filling station near me! I also prefer the taste of the vape and others around you notice it because cigarette smokers usually smell of nicotine (despite the fact you might be the most hygienic person ever) and I certainly don't miss that nauseating feeling you get after you've had a cigarette.

To answer your question - cigarette's and e-cigs have absolutely no impact on the medicals. Clearly the doctors/nurses are looking for evidence of drugs that fall under tbe category of controlled substances that can stay in your system for months after. For example, cocaine can still be detected in hair follicles three months later.

Alcohol is probably the biggest stumbling block for a lot of people. The powers that be in the railway industry don't want their employees to be tee total but there has to be a degree of self discipline if you enjoy a drink. Again, if you are a heavy drinker or someone hovering around the alcoholic zone then your liver functions in the medical test would show evidence of alcohol abuse. Like me, if you just enjoy drinks at the weekend or the odd one on a week night, my advice would be to abstain from any alcohol for at least a week prior to a medical.

C J

 

[Steam Man]

I'm an ex-cigarette user who made the transition to e-cigs a while ago. Like the other forum member has said, the benefits of vaping far out weigh the traditional way of having a 'bifter'. I was smoking Marlboro lights and they are now over £13 a pack at the local filling station near me! I also prefer the taste of the vape and others around you notice it because cigarette smokers usually smell of nicotine (despite the fact you might be the most hygienic person ever) and I certainly don't miss that nauseating feeling you get after you've had a cigarette.

To answer your question - cigarette's and e-cigs have absolutely no impact on the medicals. Clearly the doctors/nurses are looking for evidence of drugs that fall under tbe category of controlled substances that can stay in your system for months after. For example, cocaine can still be detected in hair follicles three months later.

Alcohol is probably the biggest stumbling block for a lot of people. The powers that be in the railway industry don't want their employees to be tee total but there has to be a degree of self discipline if you enjoy a drink. Again, if you are a heavy drinker or someone hovering around the alcoholic zone then your liver functions in the medical test would show evidence of alcohol abuse. Like me, if you just enjoy drinks at the weekend or the odd one on a week night, my advice would be to abstain from any alcohol for at least a week prior to a medical.

C J

I like a drink but only on social occasions like birthdays weddings funerals Christmas and so on I do sometimes have a drink when I go out with my dad for a meal when he comes down to see me I don’t go out and get smashed no of course not

 

[GJL9916]

Can’t see why any would make you fail a drugs test unless of course you’re smoking drugs in them?

 

[Teddyward]

No issue don’t worry about it
If you’re asked to declare tobacco use just declare it.

 

[The One]

Smoking and vaping are totally ok all they will look for is your either been naughty boy with drugs or you turn up with alcohol in your system.As long you have no illegal in your system and declare all prescribed medication etc you be fine.

 

[henke7]

I nearly failed a drugs tests for coke, stupidly had full fat instead of sugar free.

 

[Jamie Price]

When I turned up early for my medical I had just had a cigarette, and the letter said do not smoke for 20 minutes prior to the test. He told me to wait the 20 mins before doing the alcohol breath test and it was fine.

 

[Horny Harry Jr]

If you refuse to take the test and then get sacked, would you ever be able to work on the railway again?

 

[GB]

If you refuse to take the test and then get sacked, would you ever be able to work on the railway again?

I believe you are black listed for a number of years, however you have to think who would really employ you (on the railway) with that on your record.

 

[Horny Harry Jr]

Thanks for writing back so quick GB. I thought that was illegal? Even in a non safety role?

 

[C J Snarzell]

I know that refusing to take a drug/alcohol test is treated as the same as failing one. It's just the same as drink driving - someone who refuses to provide is potentially going to be dealt with more severely than someone who gives a positive reading for alcohol. When I was in the police, I always tried to pursuade awkward 'customers' to provide as they may only get a standard 12 month ban at court where as a person who refuses to co-operate may be hit with two years or more.

In terms of employment procedures - discipline procedures vary in different industries. For example, one company I did some work for recently didn't leg people for failing a drug/alcohol test. If the workers tested positive for cocaine/cannabis use, they would be sent home and the company director would offer them help with referrals to drug counselling services. The employee would then be put on a six week probation period upon returning to work, but if they failed the test again they would automatically be looking at misconduct and ultimately dismissal.

Each organisation operates differently - I would assume the railway industry are very robust about testing and do not give people second chances like the company I referred to.

C J