Introduction to Security

Introduction to Security Chapter 8 Preventing Losses from Accidents, Emergencies and Natural Disasters

The Occupational Safety and Health Act • The passage of this act created OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. • This act applies to every employer engaged in interstate commerce or whose business affects this commerce and has at least one employee. • It does not apply to employees of certain branches of federal, state or local governments.

Accident Prevention • According to OSHA, thousands of workplace accidents occur every day in the U.S. • Security managers are often responsible for accident prevention programs as part of their overall job of making the workplace as safe as possible.

Accidents – who’s to blame? • The National safety Council states: “Ninety-five percent of all accidents (on or off the job) are caused by human error, especially lack of safety consciousness.”

General Guidelines for Dealing With Emergencies: • Follow the 3 “R”s of emergency management: • Readiness • Response • Recovery

1. Readiness - Before • The first step – anticipate and be proactive. Have or know the people you will need to deal with an anticipated emergency. • Have written plans in place. Be sure to specify who does what, how and when. • Identify the equipment and resources needed and make sure they are either available or readily available.

1. Readiness • Identify the equipment and resources required • Know how to use the emergency equipment • Inspect emergency equipment at least monthly – check batteries in flashlights • Practice when possible • Perform a risk assessment

2. Response – During • Your response should address the following issues, in the order of priority: • Save lives and reduce further injuries • Protect assets • Restore critical business processes • Reduce interruption of services length • Protect reputation damage • Control media coverage • Maintain customer relations

2. Response – other issues • Another critical response issue is communication. • It is often identified as the most critical technology to have access to in an emergency. • There are both internal and external audiences that need to be kept informed; make sure you have the ability to do so.

3. Recovery - after • Get back to normal as soon as possible. • Document everything that happened and what was done. Accurate records are critical! • Evaluate the response after things have returned to normal. • Modify any identified risks remaining and modify emergency plans as needed.

Medical Emergencies • Security personnel should have, as a minimum, basic first aid training. • Any security personnel who have the proper training, such as first aid or CPR, should render aid. • They MUST NOT, however, do more than they are trained for. • Facilities should have basic aid equipment on hand.

Medical Emergencies Pandemic: • a disease occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population • An Avian Flu pandemic is considered a serious threat by many organizations.

Medical Emergencies AIDS & Hepatitis B: • Special care should be taken with accident victims, since blood is often present. • Security Personnel should be familiar with universal precautions, as they apply to infection control techniques.

Medical Emergencies Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: • Often called the silent killer because it is almost impossible to detect. • Can be caused by areas with insufficient ventilation where internal-combustion or propane fueled equipment operates.

Hazardous Materials Incidents • HAZMAT incidents are an increasing concern. • There are over 800,000 HAZMAT shipments each day in the U.S. • The potential for catastrophe is staggering; in 2000 alone, there were over 17,000 HAZMAT incidents resulting in 13 deaths, 246 injuries and more than $72 million in damages.

Hazardous Material Transport • Federal law requires the hauler of HAZMAT to carry a manifest detailing what they are carrying, how much and its destination. • Haulers must display a colored placard on the sides and back of the trailer or shipping container which identifies their shipment.

Hazardous Material Transport • Flammable – red • Corrosive – black and white • Explosive – orange • Poison – black and white • Nonflammable gas – green • Oxidizer – yellow

Crowds, Civil Disturbances, Demonstrations, Riots and Strikes 4 basic types of crowds: • Casual • Specific Purpose (e.g., accident, fire, etc.) • Expressive (a political or religious cause) • Aggressive – highly emotional, out to accomplish something

Crowds, Civil Disturbances, Demonstrations, Riots and Strikes • Any type of crowd can turn into a mob under the right circumstances. • Mob mentality is dangerous – it is important to observe any gathering of people near your establishment. • Any actual act of violence is law enforcement’s responsibility - our job is to protect lives and assets and provide support to law enforcement if needed.

Bombs and Bomb Threats • Many people, not just terrorists, will use or threaten to use bombs. • A bomb threat is a major security concern as well as a federal offense. • Most bomb threats are received by phone, and 98% are hoaxes. • There are a variety of sources, especially on the Internet, that provide instructions on how to build a bomb.

Bombs and Bomb Threats Preventing bombings: • Keep areas neat, so out of place items are more easily recognized. • Incoming shipments should be checked promptly. • Control access to the facility. • Trash should be stored outside in metal containers. • Fire doors should be kept shut.

Bombs and Bomb Threats Responding to bomb threats: • Follow previously established guidelines • If phoned in, keep the caller talking as long as possible. • If phoned in, try to learn as much info as possible about the bomb and the caller. • Immediately notify appropriate authorities.

Bombs and Bomb Threats The bomb search: • Check areas that are usually unlocked and unwatched (e.g., elevators, stairwells, restrooms, etc.). • Establish a command post • A method of communication should be established, but MUST NOT involve portable radios. • Basic safety precautions should be followed, such as not turning on lights, listening for strange sounds, watching for trip wires and booby traps.

Fire Prevention & Protection • Fire is probably the single greatest threat security must deal with. • In 2005, fire departments responded to over 1.6 million fires. • Security personnel should be continuously alert to the possibility of fire and fire prevention.

Fire Prevention & Protection • Be aware of the fire triangle, and take steps to prevent it when possible. Oxygen Fuel Heat

Fire Prevention & Protection • Make sure each area has the appropriate fire extinguishers/ system, based on the National Fire Protection Association’s classification system: • Class A – Ordinary combustibles • Class B – Flammable liquids • Class C – Electrical fires • Class D – Combustible metals

Natural Disasters • Obviously, we cannot prevent natural disasters, but we can minimize losses due to them. • Generally, all natural disasters have 4 stages: • Warning Period • Impact Period • Immediate Reaction Period • Delayed Response Period

Examples of Natural Disasters: • Floods • Earthquakes • Tornadoes • Hurricanes

Risk Analysis for Extreme Events • What are interdependence associated with the risks and their impact • Risk assessment and risk knowledge-develop risk management options • Economic incentives and cost effective mitigation measures

Introduction to Security