Introduction to Security
Chapter 8
Preventing Losses from Accidents,
Emergencies and Natural Disasters
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.”
4
General Guidelines for Dealing With
Emergencies:
 Follow the 3 “R”s of emergency
management:
1. Readiness
2. Response
3. Recovery
5
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.
6
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
7
8
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
9
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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.
13
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.
14
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.
15
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.
16
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.
17
Hazardous Material Transport






Flammable – red
Corrosive – black and white
Explosive – orange
Poison – black and white
Nonflammable gas – green
Oxidizer – yellow
18
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
19
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.
20
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.
21
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.
22
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.
23
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.
24
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.
25
Fire Prevention & Protection

Be aware of the fire triangle, and
take steps to prevent it when
possible.
Oxygen
Fuel
Heat
26
Fire Prevention & Protection

Make sure each area has the
appropriate fire extinguishers/
system, based on the National Fire
Protection Association’s classification
system:




Class
Class
Class
Class
A – Ordinary combustibles
B – Flammable liquids
C – Electrical fires
D – Combustible metals
27
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
28
Examples of Natural Disasters:




Floods
Earthquakes
Tornadoes
Hurricanes
29
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
30