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Chemical Accident Prevention: Site Security

NCJ Number
189898
Date Published
February 2000
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This document is intended to assist facilities that routinely handle chemical substances in their efforts to have secure and accident-free operations.
Abstract
Because of today’s increased concern about terrorism and sabotage, companies are also paying increased attention to the physical security of facility sites, chemical storage areas, and chemical processes. Threats may come in different forms and from different sources. Threats from the outside could affect people and the facility itself, and may involve trespassing, unauthorized entry, theft, burglary, vandalism, bomb threats, or terrorism. Threats from the inside may arise from inadequate designs, management systems, staffing or training, or other internal problems, such as theft and workplace violence. Both facility outsiders and employees or contractors could pose threats to data storage and data transmission of confidential information or privacy data. Most security measures are intended to prevent intruders from gaining access to the site or to limit damage. These measures may include fences, walls, locked doors, or alarm systems. In addition to security lighting, some facilities use intrusion-detecting systems such as video surveillance and explosive detectors. In addition to protecting a facility from intruders, it is important to limit the damage that an intruder or an employee could do. A well-designed facility, by its layout, limits the possibility that equipment will be damaged and, by its process design, limits the quantity of chemical that could be released. The facility’s policies and procedures can also limit the damage caused by a release. Maintaining good labor relations may protect the facility from actions by either employees or contractors. The steps taken to operate safely will often serve to address security concerns as well.