Security Talk Blog

If your business has either private or public spaces that are utilized for business then you need to formalize your master “Workplace Security Plan.” These security plans are so essential that both state and federal agencies have published dozens of documents that help your business in addressing this topic.

A good security plan always starts with an assessment of the physical space and how access is controlled for both authorized and unauthorized individuals. Here is a simple check list to start with:

• Exterior Doors: Are they substantial enough to deny entry by force? Can they easily be opened in an emergency?
• Windows: Should not open far enough for a person to reach through to the latch.
• Locks and Keys: The major problems with lock/key security are the unaccounted for issuance of keys and unauthorized key copying.
• Interior Doors: The most common problems are unlocked office doors or doors left open.
• Areas that have restricted access: Designated areas of the workplace which have restricted access make it easier for employees to identify suspicious persons who should not be there.
• Architectural features to separate the public from service providers: Such features can help define restricted access areas.
• Alarms: Intrusion Alarms detect unauthorized entry during non-business hours. Duress alarms enable employees to call for help without being obvious to the person causing the problem.

Once you have assessed your physical space you need to address your security communication processes: How do you communicate a building lockdown? Can each section of your facility communicate with its adjacent sections? Can each section communicate with the main office? Do you have assigned roles for an security breach?

Finally: Is your plan integrated with your Health and Safety Plan, Emergency Evacuation Plan, and have you tested it?

December 2011 is ‘Critical Infrastructure Protection Month’.  Here is the national proclamation for this event: “From irrigation to the Internet, our Nation’s critical infrastructure supports an incredible array of services and industries that are essential to our continued success and prosperity.  Critical infrastructure includes all systems and assets, both physical and virtual, that make vital contributions to our security, economic stability, public health, or safety.  This month, we affirm the fundamental importance of our critical infrastructure and recommit to preparing for, responding to, and recovering from hazardous events and emergencies efficiently and effectively.“

At Allied Fire And Security we are dedicated to protecting and securing your infrastructure. Whether your business is retail, community services, government, or business we understand the latest in security products. If your commitment is the security and safety of your enterprise, then you need to evaluate how you would respond to a wide range of disasters.

A large portion of this initiative is aimed at protection of critical public and private sector resources such as the power grid, the Internet, and the distribution of water, and other essential services, but there are many branches of this initiative that extend to almost every business. At a national and local level we are beginning to see that protecting our infrastructure is essential and it is important that we share and exchange our knowledge towards this goal.

Come in and talk to us about your security concerns and let us help you become informed about new options and products.

At Allied Fire & Security we have clients that range from home security to manufacturing security.   It is important to understand the the concepts of security reach outside of building and fire security all the way to community and national security.    Part of our community and state security efforts focus on the  comprehensive set of regulations applied to companies that manufacture and handle chemicals.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks one of most important regulatory programs, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), was enacted by Congress with strong bipartisan support.   This landmark security program effectively addresses the need to protect chemical facilities while at the same time preserves the chemical industry’s ability to provide essential jobs and products.

Facilities that are required to comply with at least some provisions of the CFATS regulation will largely fall into the following categories:
• chemical manufacturing, storage, and distribution
• energy and utilities
• agriculture and food
• paints and coatings
• explosives
• mining
• electronics
• plastics
• universities and research institutions

Clearly, the complexities of CFATS regulations require the assistance of an expert in this field.  When you are ready to discuss CFATS regulations and appropriate solutions please come to talk to us.