Atomic energy panel urges background checks for nuke plant workers

An atomic energy panel is calling for background checks on workers at nuclear power plants to guard against possible terrorist attacks at such facilities.

The step, proposed by a committee of the Japan Atomic Energy Commission at the Cabinet Office on Feb. 10, was first considered in 2005. But the government shelved the original proposal by a council at the industry ministry, which oversees the nuclear power industry, citing the protection of privacy.

Among the major economies that operate nuclear power facilities, Japan is the only country that has yet to introduce the process.

A new nuclear power regulator, to be established in April by consolidating relevant government functions, is expected to discuss the introduction of background checks.

Generally, employees work in pairs at nuclear plants and other nuclear facilities, an arrangement designed to prevent wrongdoing.

But it is left to each nuclear power operator to decide whether or not to conduct background checks and other work rules.

The crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant exposed the vulnerability of nuclear facilities after a power blackout and the failure of emergency power sources due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

Critics said a similar catastrophe could happen again if terrorists strike nuclear facilities to exploit their vulnerability.

A need for more stringent checks also became apparent when the whereabouts of 10 workers with a Tokyo Electric Power Co. subcontractor in recovery operations after the accident have been unknown.

The committee has proposed background checks for employees of utilities and workers with subcontractors for electric companies who work in important facilities.

In the United States and Europe, background checks include criminal records, personal credit data, drug use and other information.

But the atomic energy committee did not mention specific categories.