Alcohol, Medication and Drug Abuse
During on job, AME shall not be under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to impair his capacity to exercise such privileges.”
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, dulling the senses and
increasing mental and physical reaction times.
Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, dulling the senses and
increasing mental and physical reaction times.
Medication - Any medication can possibly have direct effects or side effects that may impair performance in the workplace.
Medication can be regarded as any over-the-counter or prescribed drug used for therapeutic purposes.
Analgesics are used for pain relief and to counter the symptoms of colds and ‘flu.
Paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen are the most common, and are generally considered safe if used as directed.
Analgesics are used for pain relief and to counter the symptoms of colds and ‘flu.
Paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen are the most common, and are generally considered safe if used as directed.
Antibiotics ( Penicillin, mycins and cyclines) may have short term or delayed effects which affect work performance.
Their use indicates that a fairly severe infection may well be present and apart from the effects of these substances themselves, the side-effects of the infection will almost always render an individual unfit for work.
Anti-histamines are used widely in ‘cold cures’ and in the treatment of allergies (e.g. hay fever).
Anti-histamines are used widely in ‘cold cures’ and in the treatment of allergies (e.g. hay fever).
Most of this group of medicines tend to make the user feel drowsy, meaning that the use of medicines containing anti-histamines is likely to be unacceptable when working as an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Cough suppressants are generally safe in normal use, but if an over-the-counter. product contains anti-histamine, decongestant, etc., the engineer should exercise caution about its use when working.
Decongestants (i.e. treatments for nasal congestion) may contain chemicals such as pseudo-ephedrine hydrochloride (e.g. ‘Sudafed’) and phenylphrine. Side-effects reported, are anxiety, tremor, rapid pulse and headache.
‘Pep’ pills are used to maintain wakefulness. They often contain caffeine, dexedrine or benzedrine. Their use is often habit forming. Over-dosage may cause headaches, dizziness and mental disturbances.
Sleeping tablets tend to slow reaction times and generally dull the senses. The duration of effect is variable from person to person. Individuals should obtain expert medical advice before taking them.
Melatonin (a natural hormone) It has been claimed to be effective as a sleep aid, and to help promote the synchronization of disturbed circadian rhythms. Its effectiveness and safety are still yet to be proven and current best advice is to avoid this product.
Drugs - Illicit drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine and heroin all affect the central nervous system and impair mental function. They are known to have significant effects upon performance.
Smoking cannabis can subtly impair performance for up to 24 hours. it affects the ability to concentrate, retain information and make reasoned judgements, especially on difficult tasks.
Cough suppressants are generally safe in normal use, but if an over-the-counter. product contains anti-histamine, decongestant, etc., the engineer should exercise caution about its use when working.
Decongestants (i.e. treatments for nasal congestion) may contain chemicals such as pseudo-ephedrine hydrochloride (e.g. ‘Sudafed’) and phenylphrine. Side-effects reported, are anxiety, tremor, rapid pulse and headache.
‘Pep’ pills are used to maintain wakefulness. They often contain caffeine, dexedrine or benzedrine. Their use is often habit forming. Over-dosage may cause headaches, dizziness and mental disturbances.
Sleeping tablets tend to slow reaction times and generally dull the senses. The duration of effect is variable from person to person. Individuals should obtain expert medical advice before taking them.
Melatonin (a natural hormone) It has been claimed to be effective as a sleep aid, and to help promote the synchronization of disturbed circadian rhythms. Its effectiveness and safety are still yet to be proven and current best advice is to avoid this product.
Drugs - Illicit drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine and heroin all affect the central nervous system and impair mental function. They are known to have significant effects upon performance.
Smoking cannabis can subtly impair performance for up to 24 hours. it affects the ability to concentrate, retain information and make reasoned judgements, especially on difficult tasks.