Calum Steele

The Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said in a letter to the HSE that it was concerned for officers’ safety while conducting drink drive tests.

It suggested testing urine samples as an alternative.

Police Scotland said, however, that it is “meeting, and often exceeding the relevant guidelines” on coronavirus testing.

It said it was adhering to the advice and direction of bodies including the HSE as well as Health Protection Scotland (HPS).

Officers must wear masks and gloves while conducting breath tests, with the option to use tougher equipment if they have worries the person may have coronavirus.

In a letter to SPF members, Calum Steele, the body’s general secretary, said: “Police Scotland operational guidance in respect of breath test procedures neither reflects best risk management practices, or properly mitigates risk to officers.

“Colleagues will know from their own experiences that suspects often take several attempts to generate enough lung capacity and technique to be able to successfully comply.

“We are clear that alternative approaches in no way hinder the ability of the police to respond to and detect those who drink and drive, or introduce greater risk to the system of work.”

Deputy chief Constable Fiona Taylor said: “We follow the advice and direction of HPS, the HSE and the National Police Chief’s Council and apply a comprehensive operational policing risk assessment when developing guidance for officers and staff.

“Police Scotland is meeting, and often exceeding, the relevant guidelines.”