The Nation - News from June 9, 1989

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it now requires random drug and alcohol tests of workers at all U.S. nuclear power plants. The rule takes effect July 7 and applies to all plants, whether operating or under construction. Many utilities already conduct random tests for drug and alcohol use by their plant workers, but the commission said it wanted to ensure that such testing is uniform. The new regulation also requires plant owners to find ways to contain the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and to address other health problems such as fatigue. The rule requires drug testing of all workers who have security clearances for unescorted access to nuclear plants, as well as random follow-up testing.