Prohibited Articles

Man in hazmat suit with biohazard material

Prohibited Articles are any item administratively restricted from being introduced onto Sandia-controlled premises. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Explosives.
  • Dangerous weapons ( for more information, see section below).
  • Instruments or material likely to produce substantial injury to persons or damage to persons or property.
  • Hazardous materials, which include, but are not limited to:
    • Radiological substances or chemicals in a form or quantity that would create an event or release a footprint greater than 30m. ( Note: This does not include radiological sources monitored or controlled under the MC&A Program)
    • Safety Level 3 and 4 Biological materials. (Note: BioSafety [BSL] 3 and BSL-4 materials are not approved in the Sandia Authorization Basis.)
  • Alcohol.
  • Any other item prohibited by law (e.g., illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia).

Some common articles that would otherwise be prohibited are allowed on Sandia-controlled premises if they meet specific criteria (essentially pre-approved exceptions), including the following:

  • Alcoholic beverages may be temporarily stored in unopened, sealed containers in a locked personally owned vehicle.
  • Personal pocket or utility knives, such as Leatherman tools and Swiss Army knives, are allowed on Sandia-controlled premises if blades are less than 2.5 inches (per 18 U.S. Code 930). Knives intended for food preparation are also allowed, regardless of blade length. However, personally owned bladed weapons that are likely “to produce substantial injury to persons” (e.g., switchblade and hunting knives) are prohibited.
Note: Personal chemical protection sprays (e.g., pepper spray) are prohibited.

Dangerous Weapons

DOE/NNSA requirements prohibit the possession and use of dangerous weapons, including personally owned firearms, on Sandia-controlled premises

In addition to firearms, dangerous weapons include martial arts weapons (e.g., nunchaku, ninja stars), switchblade knives, and (per 18 U.S. Code § 930) knives with blade lengths of 2.5 inches or more. (Exception: Knives intended for food preparation are excluded from the blade-length regulations/rules referenced above.)

Members of the Workforce who access Sandia/NM facilities on Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) are affected by separate rules regarding firearms and weapons. If you choose to follow KAFB rules for introducing a firearm to base premises, do not park on or otherwise introduce the firearm to Sandia premises.

Firearms on Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB)

Possessing an unauthorized privately owned firearm while on KAFB is a federal offense punishable by law. Make sure you verify with KAFB their rules on firearms prior to entering any KAFB gate. For more information on KAFB firearms policy, you can review this article on the firearms policy explained.