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News Release from: RRC | Subject: Safety and security, or safety vs security
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 February 2007
Safety and security, or safety vs
security
Roger Bentley, tutor with RRC Training, discusses why meeting requirements of both safety and security can be a difficult balancing act, but it is by no means impossible.
The terms safety and security often go hand-in-hand, but when it comes to site security in sectors such as the oil industry and other hazardous operations that proliferate in the Gulf region, the two issues are in many ways diametrically opposed Preventing physical intrusion onto sites is a major security issue, but it is one which can often be at direct odds with the other crucial issue of safety - in the very broadest terms, security requires that sites be locked and guarded, whilst safety often demands the exact opposite, that sites are left open for ease of escape
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 2 Feb 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Meeting the requirements of both safety and security can be a difficult balancing act, but it is by no means impossible.
To establish requirements for physical security and guarding, the initial step is an analysis of potential threats.
What reasons require that access to sites must be restricted, or who are the persons who might attempt to gain unlawful access?.
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The most obvious risk is fire and explosion, which might be deliberate or accidental, criminal or terrorism.
Arson is a common cause of industrial fires, sometimes by persons who merely 'get kicks' from creating a fire, or alternatively by someone with a grudge (dismissed employees figuring highly in this category).
A fire is often started as a way of concealing evidence of some other crime.
However risk is assessed not only on likelihood of occurrence, but also on the potential severity - in this respect, sectors like the oil industry undoubtedly scores highly as a target.
When protecting sites by walls or fences, adequate provision must be made for emergency escape routes.
Approved fastenings openable only from inside can be used, or interlocks with the alarm system.
Access by the emergency services should also be considered.
Good access control is therefore a point to consider, ensuring that nobody unwanted simply walks in the gate.
Swipe cards are extensively used for access control.
Security officers controlling access to the site can also undertake other tasks relating to site safety, e.g induction of contractors and reminding persons entering the site about the risks of carrying potential incendiary devices e.g matches, lighters, mobile phones.
Proper training of security officers also leads to more competent front line staff who can improve both safety and security.
With careful consideration, safety need not compromise site security and security need not compromise safety.
Biographical Information on Author:.
Roger Bentley was an industrial chemist whose career led him into loss prevention management.
He is a tutor for RRC Training, the UK's leading health and safety training company.
He is also an independent safety consultant and expert witness.
He founded Astley Security Limited in 1994 and is a non-executive director of the company.
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