Key Issues
Nuclear Power Plant Security
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Protecting Against An Insider Threat
All nuclear power plants have programs that reduce the potential for threats from plant personnel, or “insiders.” These include authorization criteria for those allowed unescorted access to the plant’s protected area and “fitness-for-duty” programs to deter drug and alcohol abuse.
Strong behavioral observation programs are in place requiring personnel to be trained to observe and report behavior that may be a potential threat to the normal operation of a nuclear power plant. In addition, many companies provide teamwork development programs that promote commitment and accountability in the work force.
Access Authorization
Before new nuclear plant employees or contractor employees are allowed unescorted access to the protected area, they must pass several evaluations and background checks to determine whether they are trustworthy and reliable. These include drug and alcohol screenings, psychological evaluations, a check with former employers, education records, criminal histories (through the FBI), and credit histories.
Fitness-for-Duty Programs
Companies that operate nuclear power plants demand and ensure that personnel perform their duties in a safe, reliable and trustworthy manner, and are not under the influence of legal or illegal substances, or mentally or physically impaired from other causes, that would adversely hinder their ability to competently perform their duties. Employees who have unescorted access to the plant’s protected area must maintain their fitness-for-duty. The NRC requires companies to conduct random drug and alcohol testing on their employees. At least half of all employees are tested annually.
Behavioral Observation
Employees with unescorted plant access are subject to continual behavioral observation programs. This observation is conducted by personnel who have been trained to do so. The purpose is to detect individual behavioral changes that, if left unattended, could lead to acts detrimental to public safety. Employees are offered counseling if they have job performance problems or exhibit unusual behavior. Similarly, anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol immediately is removed from the work area for evaluation.
Protecting Against An Insider Threat
All nuclear power plants have programs that reduce the potential for threats from plant personnel, or “insiders.” These include authorization criteria for those allowed unescorted access to the plant’s protected area and “fitness-for-duty” programs to deter drug and alcohol abuse.
Strong behavioral observation programs are in place requiring personnel to be trained to observe and report behavior that may be a potential threat to the normal operation of a nuclear power plant. In addition, many companies provide teamwork development programs that promote commitment and accountability in the work force.
Access Authorization
Before new nuclear plant employees or contractor employees are allowed unescorted access to the protected area, they must pass several evaluations and background checks to determine whether they are trustworthy and reliable. These include drug and alcohol screenings, psychological evaluations, a check with former employers, education records, criminal histories (through the FBI), and credit histories.
Fitness-for-Duty Programs
Companies that operate nuclear power plants demand and ensure that personnel perform their duties in a safe, reliable and trustworthy manner, and are not under the influence of legal or illegal substances, or mentally or physically impaired from other causes, that would adversely hinder their ability to competently perform their duties. Employees who have unescorted access to the plant’s protected area must maintain their fitness-for-duty. The NRC requires companies to conduct random drug and alcohol testing on their employees. At least half of all employees are tested annually.
Behavioral Observation
Employees with unescorted plant access are subject to continual behavioral observation programs. This observation is conducted by personnel who have been trained to do so. The purpose is to detect individual behavioral changes that, if left unattended, could lead to acts detrimental to public safety. Employees are offered counseling if they have job performance problems or exhibit unusual behavior. Similarly, anyone who appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol immediately is removed from the work area for evaluation.
