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Vulnerability Assessments
Workplace security has gained increased priority, especially since 9/11. The necessary first step for designing security enhancements to a facility is to conduct a vulnerability assessment.
The purpose of the vulnerability assessment is to observe and analyze areas of potential vulnerability, to define causes, and to make improvements. Many organizations are striving for responsible yet reasonable steps and programs to help safeguard their facilities and employees.
Three important steps to be taken when conducting a vulnerability assessment are as follows:
STEP 1: Identifying Key Hazards
Criteria Include:- Impact
- Accessibility
- Hysteria Value
- Usefulness as a Weapon
- Essential Supply
STEP 2: Analyzing Control Measures
Analyze the current control measures and their effectiveness:
Can the current control measures effectively
control the priority hazards identified in
step 1?
If not, what changes in procedures are
needed in order to control the key hazards?
STEP 3: Controlling the Hazards
Ways of increasing security for example:-
Improve fencing
- Install lights in areas where it's dark
- Add remote cameras or detectors
- Restrict access to the area
Overall, selecting the key members of your team may be the most important step toward developing an improved security program. Also, a continuous improvement review and cycle should be considered to assure that the vulnerability assessments and control mechanisms are kept up to date. Outside consultants can also bring expertise and analytical capabilities to support your team.
On June 12, 2002 President Bush signed into law the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act". This Act sets deadlines for completion of Vulnerability Assessments by public water supply systems. Each community water system serving a population greater than 3,300 people is required to prepare or revise existing Emergency Response Plans and to incorporate Vulnerability Assessments.
In response to the Chemical Security Act of 2001, over 15,000 chemical and industrial plants may need to evaluate vulnerability to an attack and to improve countermeasures at facilities. Most facilities have already increased security through greater plant surveillance, more guards, and more intense vehicle inspections.
Need Help With Emergency Preparedness & Response?
Please Contact OMNI at 800-951-7625 or visit us at our website at
www.environmentalengineers.com |
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