scope:

This policy:

a. sets out the drugs and alcohol principles for all employees and contractors working on Network Rail infrastructure;

b. includes requirements and guidance for drug and alcohol testing and breaches of the policy.

Suppliers of domestic services (such as office cleaning) are exempt from the policy, but are encouraged to apply similar standards in respect of their employees.

Purpose

Drugs and alcohol affect people's ability to work safely, which is a risk to individuals as well as to the organisation.

Implementation of this policy contributes to controlling the risk of Network Rail employees and contractors working while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

It also helps achieve compliance with the requirements of the Transport and Works Act 1992, Network Rail's Health and Safety Management System, and Railway Group Standard GE/RT8070, Drugs and Alcohol.