Protecting People and the EnvironmentUNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
SSINS No.: 6835
Accession No.:
8202040112
IN 82-07
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555
March 16, 1982
Information Notice No. 82-07: INADEQUATE SECURITY SCREENING PROGRAMS
Description of Circumstances:
In recent months, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC's)
inspection program has determined that some contractors and subcontractors
at operating nuclear power plants are not meeting all of the screening
requirements set forth in the contracting licensee's facility security plan.
In some cases, individuals were certified as meeting the minimum screening
requirements when, in fact, employment records had not been properly
screened. Licensees who did not have effective audit programs did not
discover the inadequate screening conducted by their contractors or
subcontractors. This has resulted in uncleared individuals being granted
unescorted access to vital areas. Because inadequate screening programs
could undermine other safeguards features at a facility, this practice may
pose a threat to public health and safety.
Contractors and subcontractors should be made aware that they are required
to screen their employees according to the requirements specified in the
licensee's approved security plan. Clear specification of these screening
requirements in the work contract is one method of ensuring this awareness.
Licensee audits of contractor and subcontractor procedures for granting
unescorted access to protected and vital areas could be another safeguard
against inadequate screening programs. These audits would provide
reasonable confidence that the security plan commitments were being met.
In summary, establishment of proper screening is essential because of the
large number of contractor and subcontractor employees granted unescorted
access to protected and vital areas during certain periods of plant
operation. This information notice highlights the licensee's responsibility
to ensure adequate screening. This notice is provided as early notification
of a potentially significant matter. It is expected that recipients will
review the information for possible applicability to their facilities and
take appropriate action as necessary.
No written response to this information notice is required. For additional
information regarding this subject, contact the Regional Administrator of
the appropriate NRC Regional Office.
Attachment:
Recently issued IE Information Notices
