New hire questions

[technhp]

I recently accepted a job offer for an IT position at a nuclear power plant, and am very confused about what to expect after everything I have read on this site and elsewhere online. As is the case with most jobs, the offer was contingent upon successful background check and drug and alcohol screening. I completed all off the necessary paperwork for the background check, and was sent to LabCorp for a drug and alcohol screen. A week or two later I received my start date and my hiring manager informed me that my first week will consist off training and receiving my badge?
What exactly does this mean? As an IT person am I required to have unescorted access? Do I have to undergo more background testing during this first week? I am a recent college graduate and I turned down two other offers to take this job, and I am currently employed. All of this uncertainty has me afraid to quit my current job for fear of something not working out. Can anyone help enlighten me on what to expect?

[Higgs]

To get your badge, you'll have to have general site access and rad worker training. Nothing major, and nothing too tough. However, you're entering the world of nuclear power, which special and unique, on top of the huge industrial facility you'll be working at.

So, to get in, you need to understand the basics of site safety, radiation safety, fitness for duty, etc.

That's what they meant by training. The background check is done at this point, but there is still the training to do. Don't sweat it, it isn't difficult..., but DO pay attention, it could save your life.

Good luck and welcome to the industry!

Justin

[technhp]

Thank you for the response! That certainly makes me feel better as safety and the possibility of an emergency are two major areas that concern me about working in such an environment. I will definitely pay attention and honestly am excited to learn this information. I read some training information online (for another company) and there was a section for new hires that basically sounded like I was going to be searched, x-rayed, asked for a urine sample, breathalyzed, finger printed, given a 500 question physiological test, and asked to fill out a phq? Obviously that sounds like a pretty intimidating first day. Now that I think about it I'm thinking the background check paperwork was the phq and the test at the lab was my pre access drug and alcohol test, and the search and xray is probably the security checkpoint entering the plant where they searched my vehicle and belongings. Does this sound about right?

[Higgs]

Yes, to get in the plant you'll send your things through an xray, you'll go through an explosives detector, metal detector, and provide a biometric hand print..., everytime you enter.

Justin

[technhp]

I visited the plant and took a tour of the facility during the interview process, however my person or belongings were never x-rayed or subject to a metal detector. My only experience with security was at the vehicle entrance to the facility. Guys with mirrors looked under my car, checked under the hood, and opened all doors and compartments in the vehicle. I also had to fill out some paperwork with my information and provide my SSN for some sort of check that took about 10 minutes. The building in which I will be working was a separate building than the reactors I believe. Will the procedure be the same as an employee? From what I could see employees simply stopped and showed their badge and were then allowed to proceed, where as visitors were sent through a separate line.

[Higgs]

I don't know. You'll just have to see.

But to get into the protected area, you will do what I said above. If you didn't do that on your tour, then you didn't tour the actual power plant.

You may not be working in the protected area, but that doesn't mean you won't ever go in.

Justin

[technhp]

Thanks for all your help! I guess I will find out very soon. What is the deal with alcohol screening? Who in their right mind would show up to work drunk? I have been subject to random drug screenings for as long as I can remember but I can't say I've ever been breathalyzed on the job. I had to travel to a lab for a urine screening within 48 hours of accepting the offer. Was that my pre-access or pre-employment drug/alcohol screen? Or will I be subjected to another on-site? Two drug tests in two weeks sounds a bit extreme, but maybe that is just something I will have to get used to?

[HydroDave63]

Two drug tests in two weeks sounds a bit extreme, but maybe that is just something I will have to get used to?

if you are clean, why worry if you have to test every day onsite? It is part of the privilege, honor and enhanced paycheck of being in nuclear. Yes, they can "randomly" test at short intervals, seen it happen before...

[Higgs]

Thanks for all your help! I guess I will find out very soon. What is the deal with alcohol screening? Who in their right mind would show up to work drunk? I have been subject to random drug screenings for as long as I can remember but I can't say I've ever been breathalyzed on the job. I had to travel to a lab for a urine screening within 48 hours of accepting the offer. Was that my pre-access or pre-employment drug/alcohol screen? Or will I be subjected to another on-site? Two drug tests in two weeks sounds a bit extreme, but maybe that is just something I will have to get used to?

You would be surprised. You'll get tested the day you show up, then randomly thereafter. Get used to it.

Justin

[Ksheed]

What is the deal with alcohol screening? Who in their right mind would show up to work drunk? I have been subject to random drug screenings for as long as I can remember but I can't say I've ever been breathalyzed on the job.

It actually happens quite often.