Access
This section gives a broad overview of the requirements to access the TA-53 area. Even though you will see a PTLA guard at the main gate when it is open, TA-53 is not access controlled for classified information or material. It is controlled for property protection and is not a public access site. For further details on access requirements at TA-53 refer to 53FIR 406-300-02.02 Facility Access Control.

Entering and exiting TA-53 when the gates are open

Every time you enter TA-53 during normal work hours (usually weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.), there will be a guard at the guard station.

  • Stop at the guard station at the gate entrance.
  • Show your official Laboratory or DOE security badge to the Security Officer.
  • If lose your badge, go to the LANL Badge Office (located at TA-3, Building 261) for a temporary badge before entering TA-53.
  • If you forget your badge and you are able to retrieve it in a reasonable amount of time, do so. Otherwise, go to the LANL Badge office for a temporary badge before entering TA-53.
  • If one person in the vehicle has a Laboratory or DOE security badge, that person can vouch for any other occupants in the vehicle. All unescorted people on site are required to have and display a Laboratory or DOE security badge.
You do not have to show your badge when leaving LANSCE.
  • When the gates are open, drive slowly past the guard gate as you leave.
  • Do not stop unless the guard signals you or the main gate radiation detector alarm sounds.
  • If the alarm sounds:
o Pull into the parking area on the south side of the road, across from the guard station
o Use the phone to contact HRS-1.
  • Note: Following another vehicle too closely may set off the gate alarm. You should leave at least one vehicle length between you and the previous vehicle when exiting the gate.

If you host a non-badge-holder visitor
to TA-53

  • Notify the security officers at the guard gate. They maintain a list of scheduled visitors.
  • Instruct your visitor to show photo identification when they arrives at the guard station.
  • If you have not made prior arrangements and if your visitor is a U.S. citizen, they may phone you from the parking lot south of the guard station and wait for you to escort them on-site.
  • Non-badge holder foreign nationals are not allowed access to TA-53