What is tailgating in the context of nuclear plant security?

• A. Following a worker through a security door without using the card reader.
• B. Entering a door by presenting your own badge.
• C. Being escorted by authorized staff.
• D. Completing a security briefing prior to entry.

Answer: (A)

Tailgating in nuclear plant security means someone slips through a secured door by closely following a worker and using no card reader themselves. This is a bypass of access controls, where each person should present their own credential to enter a restricted area. In a plant, badge readers and controlled doors exist specifically to verify who is allowed in, so entering behind someone without presenting your own badge undermines that protection. The described behavior—following another person through without using the credential—best captures this breach of procedure. Using your own badge, being escorted by authorized staff, and completing a briefing are all proper, authorized ways to gain entry, not ways to bypass security. If you observe tailgating, report it and avoid letting doors close behind you without verification.