scope:

This standard, and the associated policy apply to all Network Rail employees, including temporary staff. They also apply to contractor, agency and other staff working for, or on behalf of Network Rail. This includes all holders of SENTINEL Competence Cards.

Contractors providing services to Network Rail shall comply with the policy and shall have procedures in place to do so which are equivalent to or better than those specified within this procedure.

Suppliers of equipment, materials and domestic services (e.g. office cleaning) are exempt from the policy, but are encouraged to apply similar standards in respect of their employees.

Sections 6 to 11 of this procedure relate to Network Rail's own management arrangements to discharge the policy in respect of its staff. Whilst they are not mandatory on other companies, Network Rail requires its contractors to have their own management arrangements in place which are equivalent to or better than those described.

The extent to which these obligations apply to the above are detailed further in the Policy Document, which is attached as Appendix A to this standard.

Purpose

The purpose of this standard is to set out Network Rail's policy and related implementation arrangements to control the risks of employees or contractors being under the influence of alcohol and drugs at work. It is designed to deliver compliance with the requirements of the Transport and Works Act 1992, Network Rail's Railway Safety Case and Railway Group Standard GE/RT8070 - Alcohol and Drugs.

It lays down the processes and procedures to control the risks of alcohol and drug abuse in the work place and defines when the policy shall be applied.

It further ensures that employees and contractors remain within the limits set by the Transport and Works Act to minimise the risks to all persons from the abuse of alcohol or drugs.

It is essential that this policy is understood and adhered to by all employees of Network Rail and staff of contractors working for Network Rail. It is the personal responsibility of all employees to comply with this policy and to report any suspected breach.