ABSTRACT
The private nuclear power generating industry in the U.S. is highly regulated. The primary federal regulator is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NRC has a great deal of oversight, inspection responsibilities, safety analysis, and involvement in every aspect of the operation of a nuclear generating facility. The nuclear industry has been highly sensitive to the public safety aspect of its operations and recognizes that in addition to the fundamental engineering issues involved in maintaining the safe operation and security of a reactor and its fuel, a great deal of attention must be paid to the basic human performance issues as well. In this industry careful consideration is given to who has access to the facility, their background, their health, and their behavior — particularly in respect to illegal drug use and alcohol abuse.
