NRC: Pilgrim operator fails drug test
Nuclear Regulatory Commission requests follow-up from Entergy-owned plant
- See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2015/07/31/225650-NRC-Pilgrim-operator-fails-drug-test#sthash.CjQJ6SPM.dpuf
A licensed operator at the Pilgrim Nuclear Plant in Plymouth failed a drug test on Monday. According to a letter from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to Entergy, the company that owns Pilgrim, the operator tested positive following a fitness-for-duty test. The results of the test were reported to the NRC on Tuesday. In an email, Lauren Burm, a spokesperson for Entergy, confirmed that a plant operator tested positive for a controlled substance during a random fitness-for-duty-test. That operator has had their access denied for 14 days per site procedure, according to Burm.
"Keeping Pilgrim secure is the primary focus of our daily operations," Burm said.
In the letter, NRC acknowledged the receipt of the preliminary report and requested more information. Entergy has 30 days to answer questions related to the fitness-for-duty test and to provide any other pertinent details regarding the operator.
Entergy must also determine if the unnamed operator is fit to continue in his/her current capacity. The NRC must be notified if Entergy deems the operator unfit. Should that be the case, the NRC will review the information provided by NRC and determine what action should be taken. The information provided by Entergy to the NRC will be subject to the Privacy Act, the letter said. A review of the operator's work history and Entergy's intentions regarding the operator's return to duties must also be included.
Within 30 days, Entergy must provide NRC with the operator's name, docket number and responsibilities. The operator's entire fitness-for-duty testing history must also be included. The circumstances surrounding the test--whether it was for-cause, random or a follow-up--must also be included in the response. Entergy must also indicate whether the operator used, sold or possessed illegal drugs or consumed alcohol in a protected area. NRC also wants to know if the operator was either at the controls or supervising licensed activities while under the influence. Entergy must also indicate whether the operator made procedural errors while under the influence as well as the consequences of those errors if any.
Burm said on average, Entergy tests 11-22 employees per week. The selection is random via a computerized system. A first offense results in a minimum of 14 days denied access plus mandatory referral to Entergy's employee assistance program. A second offense results in a permanent denial of unescorted access at Pilgrim. "Unfortunately these issues affect all industries and workforces. What goes on here is not unique. The difference is our rigorous testing program is identifying those employees who don't follow the rules," Burm said.
- See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2015/07/31/225650-NRC-Pilgrim-operator-fails-drug-test#sthash.CjQJ6SPM.dpuf
No comments:
Post a Comment