Unescorted access issues

[shehane]

Working for TVA last year and IT and I had an interpretation disagreement over the cyber security policies. I was eventually denied access to TVA for 5 years. I am going to be able to get in anywhere else? Commercial, DOE.....? Any suggestions?

[Rennhack]

I'm not an expert, but I would say that your best bet would be to spend 5 years in DOE/DOD.

[shehane]

That's what i was thinking but hoped for backup. Thanks

[fourteener]

Care to share any details on the cyber security issue?

[radbrat]

Yeah, was it the amount of time or inappropriate websites?

[radrat]

I have had people work for me that have had their access flagged in PADS and denied access. Rennhack has a point in that your best bet with your years of experience would and could be used at a DOE facility.

If you were to try to get into another nuclear power facility they would access PADS and see to call TVA for explanation of the red flag. This could go either way however, if the plant your trying to access also flags you as a denial , then it will look that much worse on you record that you were denied twice in the industry.

I know that this has happened to some people in the industry and they found gainful employment in DOE.

Good luck ! and keep on bowling!

[Rennhack]

There are a lot of great DOE sites with unique radiological challenges.  Who knows, you may just learn something new.  I've worked at Particle Accelerators (Brookhaven) and learned about subatomic particles like Quarks and Gluons as well as a lot of short lived activation products in air. (more than a power plant).  I've worked at Fusion Reactors which allowed me first hand experience with hundreds of millions of curies of Tritium in water.  I've worked at waste disposal sites which reinforced my DOT shipping knowledge.  At Los Alamos I got to play with Plutonium and untold millions of alpha.  Depleted Uranium in Minnesota, Tc-99 in Oak Ridge.  Not to mention my visit to the craters in Nevada Test site.  I honestly believe that my best learning experiences were at non commercial nuclear reactors.  However, I also love the experience of a high reliability industry like commercial nuclear power.  They all have their great attributes and learning opportunities.

Think of it as a great learning opportunity that you might not have otherwise had.  Also, most of the DOE jobs are for over a year, so you can enjoy a stable job working 40 hours a week, every week.

[radrat]

Think of it as a great learning opportunity that you might not have otherwise had.  Also, most of the DOE jobs are for over a year, so you can enjoy a stable job working 40 hours a week, every week.

Totally agree Mike, The industry is a vast learning experience. There is a lot of other opportunities you could find very satisfying and as previously stated, lucrative.

[shehane]

Thanks to everyone for the info. I had several things working against me and as a manager felt it was best to resign and work elsewhere. TVA nuclear security decided to suspend my access and wouldn't budge on my appeal. Lesson learned for me was not to make assumption as to policy interpretation.

[shehane]

Update.  I am currently a Regulatory Core Instructor at a DOE sight with the main focus on radiological safety stuff.  Still looking to return to commercial power but have enjoyed the detour.  Thanks again for all the advice and encouragement. 

[TVA]

They will NOT call TVA for an explanation nor will TVA give one

[Dinerp]

It's good to hear you found employment. I worked for you for one outage at TVA.

[shehane]

Good to hear from coworkers from the past.  "TVA" above was correct in that when questioned by Fluor security, TVA security would not elaborate with any details.  I was required to fill out an explanation of my side of the issue for the record to ensure my DOE access.