Chapter 7 Preventing Losses from Accidents and Emergencies

1. Chapter 7Preventing Losses from Accidents and Emergencies

2. Accident Responsibility • Security managers are often responsible for accident prevention programs as one means to prevent losses and protect assets.

3. OSHA • Since the passage of OSHA, the security function has gradually expanded to include specific safety responsibilities. • OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, was established to administer the Occupational Safety and Health Act. • The Act seeks to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for every employee in the nation.

4. OSHA Record Requirements • Employers covered by the Acts are required to: • (1) keep a log of all occupational injuries, accidents and illnesses. • (2) compile an annual summary of the log’s information.

5. Accident Causes and Preventions • 95% of all accidents (on or off the job) are caused by human error, especially lack of safety consciousness. • Accidents can be prevented by: • (1) removing hazards. • (2) using protective equipment. • (3) making employees aware of hazards that cannot be removed. • (4) following good housekeeping practices.

6. Civil Disturbances, Riots and Strikes • In the event of civil disturbances, riots or strikes, the security manager is responsible for maintaining order and protecting lives and assets.

7. Bomb Defense • Access control. • Orderliness. • Regular inspections.

8. Bomb Threats • To be prepared for a bomb threat: • (1) teach personnel how to talk to person making threat and whom to notify. • (2) determine who makes decision on whether to evacuate and, if evacuation is necessary, how personnel are to be informed and what they are to do. • (3) have a plan that specifies how to search for bomb and what to do if one is found.

9. Bomb Threats • The receiver of a bomb threat should: • Keep the caller talking as long as possible. • Try to learn as much as possible about bomb, especially when it will go off and where it is located. • Try to determine caller’s sex, age, accent and speech pattern, and whether the person is drugged or drunk. • Listen for background noises. • Immediately notify appropriate person(s) of call.

10. Fire Elements • The fire triangle consists of 3 elements necessary for burning: • (1) heat. • (2) fuel. • (3) oxygen.

11. Fire Classification • The National Fire Protection Association has established 4 classifications of fires: • Class A--ordinary combustible materials such as paper, packing boxes, wood and cloth. • Class B--flammable liquids such as gasoline or oil. • Class C--energized electrical installations, appliances and wiring. • Class D--combustible materials such as magnesium, sodium and potassium (exotic metal fires).

12. Fire Prevention • Fires can be prevented by: • (1) reducing fire-loading. • (2) properly storing and handling flammable materials. • (3) enforcing no-smoking regulations. • (4) using proper wiring. • (5) following good housekeeping practices. • Access controls can lesson the chance of arson.

13. Fire Equipment • Protection from fires is provided by: • (1) detectors and alarms. • (2) properly marked and sufficient exits, fire doors and fire escapes. • (3) fire-resistive safes and vaults. • (4) fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and an adequate, accessible water supply.

14. Fire Detectors • Ionization detectors respond to invisible particles of combustion. • Photoelectric detectors respond to smoke. • Infrared detectors respond to flame. • Thermal detectors respond to heat, usually temperatures in excess of 125 degrees F.

15. Water and Class A Fire Extinguishers • These should never be used: • (1) on energized electric equipment (Class C fires), because the electric charge can follow the water stream to the holder, causing instant electrocution. • (2) on a Class B fire, because it can splatter the burning oil or gasoline, spreading the fire to a larger area instead of extinguishing it.

16. Fire Loss Protections • Always call for help before attempting to extinguish a fire. • Teach employees what to do in case of a fire. • Have and practice a plan for evacuation, shutting doors and windows and using stairs rather than elevators.

17. Responsibilities with a Fire • Security manager responsibilities with a fire: • Have a plan, take charge and stay calm. • Take immediate action to protect lives first, assets second. • Sound the alarm; alert fire department. • Attempt to control blaze if not out of hand. • Turn central air and machinery off, leave lights on.

18. More Fire Responsibilities • Close all doors and elevators. • Ground all elevators. • Provide traffic control. • Direct fire fighters to location of fire. • Time permitting, remove highly combustible stock and valuables. • Cover expensive merchandise or equipment, such as computers, with a tarp to prevent water damage. • Move company cars and other vehicles away. • Administer first aid.

19. Natural Disaster Plans • Papi’s 4-step approach: • (1) Risk assessment. • (2) Prioritize risks. • (3) Prepare for various scenarios. • (4) Prepare a recovery plan. • Natural disasters necessitating a contingency plan might include floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and/or earthquakes.

20. Summary Questions • Why is accident prevention a security responsibility? • What is OSHA and how does it relate to private security? What record does OSHA require? • What causes the vast majority of accidents? How can they be prevented or reduced?

21. Summary Questions • What is security’s role during civil disturbances, riots and strikes? • What are the primary defenses against bombs? • How can a bomb threat be prepared for? Received? Acted on? • What 3 elements are required for a fire to occur?

22. Summary Questions • How are fires classified? • How can fires be prevented? • What equipment can help protect lives and assets from fire? • What types of fire detectors are available? • When should water and a Class A fire extinguisher not be used? • What procedures help protect against loss by fire? • What are the security manager’s responsibilities in the event of a fire? • What natural disaster plans should be formulated?